Pamplaxia had certainly been a trial- much more than we ever expected when we set off there to train for the Games, though the run and our exertions against the Minotaurs of Sydons cult seem to have adequately stood in for more traditional methods.
On the journey back we practised those skills we thought needed sharpening before the games, supporting each other in learning sailing, handling carts and animals and our overall athletic prowess. After the stresses of the past few days, it was pleasant to have this time to spend with the people that have become my closest and dearest friends. Though I do hope poor Alke didn't take it too personally when I used my connection to the fae to enable her to speak to some of the plants and herbs we'd gathered and came face to face with a surly and abusive sprig of belladonna.
Our return to the city brought us the latest gossip. Some competitors had been injured and some had gone missing. The oath that binds competitors is as mutable as we'd feared. There was only one person who might have the answers as to what had truly happened.
We needed to see the Lady of Coins.