They arrived at the gap a short while after, the boys helping the girls to scramble over the loose pile of rubble as best they could. A few moments later and they were running down the long path that led to Caedmon's estate. They didn't get far, however, when Anice sensed her father's aura closing in on them at a rapid pace from the direction of their home, accompanied by Stason and Mr. Albeck. Judging by their speed, they were on horseback.
They came into sight about three hundred paces away from the bend in the pathway where it wound around the large hill that obscured the estate from view, healthy oak trees lining the dirt road on either side. All were dressed in clean white clothes, their hair slick with styling grease and their holy ovals dangling from their necks as they hurried down the path with purpose.
