Hoshor Plains And I see fire, blood in the breeze,

Wherever had Esme gone?

The rain made any headway impossible. If Esme had ever existed, it seemed certain it was not here -- Riley coursed up and down exhaustively and never saw a single trace of Esme's passing.

His hip prevented much uphill climbing, and Riley realized once he descended the Sunspire that he would likely not ascend it again. Setting his sights on the plains, Riley strode through the late August grass slowly, savoring the breeze that carried summer grapes on the wind.

The wind carried a scent he recognized too -- it was then Riley slowed with ears cupped and eyes scanning the vicinity for Orlaith.