Seating himself atop the rock wall, Jarlon Nightshade watched as his companions followed suit.

He had no inkling whose labor had built this massive structure so far from anywhere and at the moment he did not care. The fact that it allowed him to take weight off his feet for a few flickers was all that mattered. Aside from what he was using it for now, he could see no purpose for such a wall on this side of the Land Bridge. To him, it was merely a logical place to rest before the time came to press onwards.

Jarlon could readily understand the reasoning behind his friends' relentless rush the past few days. Unless the tunnel under the Tohitocee Mountains was discovered soon, its entrance stood a good chance of not being found for months. Already, the ground was dusted with enough snow to make for slippery footing and each new day carried with it the threat of more to come. So far, they had been fortunate. Since their arrival in the foothills, the air had stayed warm enough to have the precipitation fall as rain and slush, but now a harsher wind swirled against their cloaks.

Turning to face Loren Sojourner and Robduc Strongarm, Jarlon started to make a comment before changing his mind. He lacked the inclination to begin any discussion concerning the lunacy as to what they were doing. Much too recently, the reformed Rebel had seen more than his share of conflict. Therefore, he was in no mood to initiate yet another argument.

How could he be so naive as to think a bloody revolution would resolve the contentious issues plaguing the Lowland? Even now, he could only laugh at his innocence. The longflicks spent listening to the fatuous bickering of the culled delegates sequestered with him had led Jarlon to deduce that he lacked the proper temperament to be a peacemaker. He might still be gnashing his teeth back in Middon, had it not been for Loren's father. Demonstrating a natural flair as a moderator, Fagen Sojourner had somehow coerced everyone into agreeing with his proposed compromise.

Thus, Jarlon was quite willing to leave the revolution behind him and try something new. He quickly agreed to join Loren and Rob in their search for the passageway that would lead them from the Valley. In hearing the details of the difficult task facing them, he could only shake his head and be grateful that he was not the one to climb the Leviathan first. For as much as he envisioned himself as a leader, Jarlon knew in his heart that Loren fitted the role better. There was something about his friend that made one want to follow, even if one's instincts spoke otherwise.

But at the moment, Jarlons most pressing concern was in believing this journey would lead somewhere other than back to where started. They had passed many canyon entrances since crossing the Land Bridge, only to have Loren reject each of them in turn, most times with but a shake of a head. The extended valley they were following had side branches that all looked the same to his friends. Higher and higher they had climbed until Loren finally steered them into one of the side canyons -- only to find this solid wall far removed from any trace of civilization. Still, it did provide a convenient place to watch the nights arrival.

"I am in favor of camping here," Rob stated, breaking into Jarlon's thoughts. "The Gloom is beginning and we must sleep somewhere."

Knowing the final decision rested with Loren, Jarlon waited for him to speak. A dubious expression framed his friend's face, reflecting a strong desire to move on while daylight still held. Every evening had ended the same way, with Loren wanting to go as far as possible before darkness forced a halt.

"I think not," Loren answered after a brief pause. "There is something about this place I do not like. Whoever raised this wall had a reason for doing so. They might not take kindly to our presence. I think we will be better served spending the night further on."

"We have not seen anyone for two days," Rob replied, unwilling to give in without first having his say. "I cannot believe we are in danger should we stay the night here. I am weary of walking from dawn to dusk. What I want most right now is a warm fire to dry my clothing. I believe Jarlon shares this feeling, is that not right?"

"Yes, I do agree, Rob," Jarlon answered. "For once I can see no reason to press on. This place offers some protection from the wind. I see no other locale we can reach before darkness settles that provides the same shelter. By the looks of things, it has been quite some time since anyone was here. Why should we expect anyone to visit tonight, Loren?"

"Granted, the wall looks to be collapsing, but someone is tending to its neglect. For not only is the ground cleared around its base, you can see where a few repairs have been made. I cannot say what possible use the wall has, but I do not want to find out its purpose in the middle of the night. Do you?"

Loren quit speaking and glanced at his friends.

He knew they were weary. So was he. They had walked and climbed many farlengths since crossing the Land Bridge, more distance in less time than he would have thought possible. Yet he knew the snows were quickly approaching. One blizzard would likely block the entrance they were seeking. Another longflick of haste this evening might not make a difference, but one never knew. He would hate to hurry this far only to turn back because the next snowfall would be their undoing. Still, a warming fire would feel good and the lost time could be made up with a quicker pace in the morning.