Chapter 15: Chapter 15 Gemore at last

It was after midday, and Nathan had joined everybody else in eating travel rations as they walked. The group seemed unwilling to stop and take a break when safety was near. They spoke as if they just had to push a little further and they’d reach safety.

People had told him before they’d arrive at Gemore later today - but that was confusing. They’d definitely arrive at the ruined city in the next half-hour or so. But the central hill with standing walls had to be at least twenty miles away. Unless they were willing to push far into the night, Nathan couldn't see this group making it today.

Also, it would have been faster and more direct to go straight down the shallow hill towards the enormous breaches in the outermost curtain wall. But instead, they were descending the hill diagonally towards a massive and ruined gatehouse. Nobody had discussed it, they’d just set out, following Eldred and the Vanguard. There hadn’t been much conversation in general - even the Adventurers seemed beaten down and on their last legs. So Nathan kept his mouth shut and paid attention.

His questions were answered as soon as they reached the road in front of the gatehouse. It was intact and in good condition - a broad expanse of wide paving stones. The group strung out as they stepped onto the road, and as he followed suit Nathan understood why. Each step on the road carried you farther than it should. It was bizarre.

Nathan did a few quick experiments, watching the ground nearby as he stepped forward. Each step covered a normal distance on the road but the terrain off the road blurred by. He picked up a rock and tossed it off the road diagonally. It didn’t speed or slow as it left the road area - but the angle of the throw changed.

It seems like there’s some sort of lensing effect on the edges for objects, but not for light. The space on the road is compressed? And things off the road look normal and the road isn’t blindingly bright? That’s either magical fiat or a truly impressive feat of magical engineering. I hope I don’t break this thing by walking on it.

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