Maelina's voice suddenly came from behind them.
"You know I can hear you!"
Eliora let out a small laugh, even Zarek shook his head.
Then suddenly...the ground in front of them cracked open.
The earth split apart with a loud crack, and a huge hole appeared right in their path.
The horse shrieked and lifted its front legs in the air.
Zarek's sharp instincts reacted instantly. He pulled the reins hard and wrapped an arm around Eliora, pulling her back against him as the horse stopped just before falling in. Loose dirt slid into the dark hole below.
Behind them, Maelina's horse stopped abruptly too.
All three of them froze.
They looked around, trying to understand what was happening, and realizing The forest around them had gone too quiet.
" What is going..." Eliora began.
Then a thin mist began to rise from the ground. It curled around their legs, spreading unnaturally fast.
Smoke.
Maelina's voice came sharply. "Cover your nose! Don't inhale it!"
