Hinterland disappeared through a hole in the ceiling of the tunnel, and as they followed
after him they found themselves in a massive cavern, with the Vehru running up the wall towards
the ceiling, far, far above them. This probably goes all the way to the surface, thought Blackjack.
Suddenly, a burst of light exploded in the darkness, and the Zheron saw a large steel plate over
Hinterland's outstretched wrist begin to fold up on itself. A lantern shield, he thought in
recognition. And then