I hadn’t used the magic palanquin since my last visit to the squarefinder, but I was pleased to see it in good condition still. Charlie prepared the crystal dust while I lowered the contraption from the storage room at the top of the tree, taking great care not to bruise the canopy or mar the poles.

“Splendid,” I said when it was assembled at last on the porch. “Some fresh air will do us well.”

The gargoyle looked worried. “I fear the air grows less fresh with every passing moment, Anwell.”

“Then we mustn’t waste any time. Here, help me with these bags.”

The little stone creature was stout but strong. He took the three sacks I had packed and loaded them into the craft while I went inside to prepare our meals for the journey. We talked through the window as we worked.

“Tell me what you see,” I asked.

“I see a dark sky over Azuria. It is spreading. The heart of the people is slowly being drained.”

Charlie sprinkled a handful of dust on the palanquin and it lifted lightly off the deck.

“Shall we depart?”