“And,” said Niles, “it was said to have been lost long ago, yet here it stands.”

“It wasn’t just lost,” said Paris. “It was said to sunk into a lake. I believe it was built on an island in the lake’s center. That would be consistent with the illustration in Angorain.”

“It is built upon a hill,” said Niles. “I believe the crater was once filled with water, up to the castle walls. Somehow the water level must have risen, drowning the city. Morlock’s work, perhaps. Afterwards the waters receded, and Morlock took the city for his own.”

“If this is indeed the ancient city of Valerian,” said Paris, “then being an elvish city, it will have a hidden entrance. But where?”

“That is not difficult,” said Niles. “Think of Angorain, Minden, and Imlandon. The hidden entrance to each city is on the north side. I suspect that we are very close to it.”

“I will have the soldiers begin the search,” said Paris. “It should appear as a small stone archway at the base of a hill, concealed by shrubbery.”

“Tell your men to be cautious,” said Niles. “It will doubtless be guarded.”




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