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In ancient times, the local people believed that Dakinsalla was a meeting place of people and spirits who were traveling between worlds. The exact spot where water hit water was said to be where one could easily break through into the afterlife, while the water and mist that splashed away allowed for spirits from the other side to arrive in this one.

Vanderberk couldn't help thinking that there was an obvious kernel of truth to that. If some fool decided to jump in there, seeking to find the afterlife, then he would indeed probably find it as the waters crushed and drowned him. Maybe these ancient people had a cruel sense of humor.

A part of him had been hoping to find Lucanus here. The extra bit of backup wouldn't have hurt. Hell, maybe he was here and Vanderberk just couldn't sense him. The man could conceal himself quite well in the wilderness, and as Vanderberk recalled, Lucanus had a leafy shelter around here that blended in impossibly well.

It didn't take long for Vanderberk to begin growing impatient. A few more minutes transpired, and still no Rainlords had appeared. He checked back with his men at the prison, and there was still no word of their appearance there, either. He kept reaching out with Elinox's senses, too, but there was nothing.

Eventually, he turned to the Rainkid. "Are they en route?" he said.

An odd look crossed the kid's face, and his gaze went between Vanderberk's men, lingering on Croll for a moment who was watching the boy like a hawk. The kid gave a nod, though it seemed uncertain by Vanderberk's assessment.

Ugh. He hated this waiting. "Tell them if they don't get here soon, I'm leaving."

Another nod, this one with slightly less trepidation behind it.

A few more minutes transpired with no change.

And perhaps he was struggling with the boredom, too, because Croll decided to strike up a conversation with Vanderberk while they had a bit of distance from the others. "You sure it was wise to split us up like this?" he asked.

"Maybe not, but the enemy poses little threat to us, either way. And if we continued to do nothing, then they would, too. A stalemate would not have been of benefit to us."

"Why not? You afraid of what's happening elsewhere in this country? Or elsewhere in the war at large?"