Ventessa remained perched on Marcus's head.
"You said North East," Ventessa said. "Where exactly?"
Marcus visualized the map he had studied in the library.
"The Aldridge Estate," Marcus said. "It is near the border of the Whispering Woods. Just north of the river ."
"I know the river," Ventessa said. "Silverwood Manor?"
Marcus blinked. "You know the name?"
"I know many things," Ventessa said simply. "I am old."
"Silverwood Manor," Marcus confirmed. "That is the place."
"Very well," Ventessa said.
The carpet hummed.
It rose higher into the air. It hovered at tree-top level.
"Hold on," Ventessa ordered.
Marcus sat down. He wrapped one arm around the dragon girl. He grabbed the edge of the carpet with the other.
"Ready," Marcus said.
The carpet shifted forward.
Then, Marcus froze.
A memory hit him. It was sharp and painful.
He remembered the dungeon.
He remembered the smell of rot and old fear.
He remembered the cage.
