Page 156 of Empire of Shadows

Ellie was trappednear the back of the caravan when the trees parted before her, revealing a soaring gray cliff split by a twisting ribbon of black stone. The sight sent a wild thrill chasing through her.

The River of Smoke.

“I’m going up there,” Ellie announced.

“¡Ay, mierda!” Mendez groaned.

Ellie whirled in the saddle to pin him with a glare.

“Did Jacobs specifically order you not to allow me to approach the cliff?” she demanded.

“I do not believe he did,” Flowers helpfully replied.

Mendez glowered over his mustache.

“Then I am going.” Ellie declared, and neatly hopped down from the saddle. “Mr. Pacheco! Would you mind my mule, please?”

Pacheco flashed her a charming smile.

“Of course, cariño,” he replied.

“Thank you.” Ellie tossed him the reins. “That is most kind of you.”

She set off without waiting for any further debate, pushing her way through the brush at the edge of the caravan. The line was already disintegrating into a muddle as more men shuffled their way toward the base of the cliff.

At last, Ellie fought her way through a mess of palms to gaze up at the soaring wall of limestone. A narrow, shadowy crevice split the length of it right where the unusual line of black stone marred its surface.

The expedition’s leaders had gathered by the opening… along with Adam and his guard, Staines. Ellie slipped and apologized her way toward them through the uncertain men and mules. Mendez elbowed his way in her wake as Flowers followed more easily behind him.

The break in the cliff was perhaps six feet wide. Ellie could see into it a little way before her view was obscured by the shadows of the ravine.

She shouldered between some of the onlookers and popped out to Dawson’s left. The professor gave a little start of alarm as he realized that she was there. He took an uneasy step away from her.

“Shouldn’t you be under guard?” he demanded.

“Oh, they’re coming,” Ellie cheerfully assured him.

She caught Adam’s eye across the black gap of the opening. He looked uncharacteristically worried.

Velegas emerged from the gap.

“The way appears to be clear,” he announced. “I can scout the rest of it if you would like.”

The tracker took off his hat and wiped the sweat from his forehead with a careful handkerchief.

“Surely a few of us should go forward as well,” Dawson objected.

The professor was clearly itching with his eagerness to pass through the crevice and get his hands on whatever lay on the far side.

“Dawson, myself, Velegas,” Jacobs declared. He cast a sideways glance at Adam. “And I suppose we had best include Mr. Bates.”

“And me,” Ellie declared, stepping forward.

Dawson huffed with outrage.

“I should think not!” he exclaimed.

Jacobs shifted his cool, impenetrable gaze to her—and then back to Adam again.

---