SECTION 15
But Nichol’s line of questioning echoes in my mind, and I begin to doubt the wisdom of attack. Even without maps, traveling with, or alongside, this size army will help us pass for Amberites later, when we need it most.
Over the next three days we follow beside the army. Remaining concealed among the ever-sloping hills, we walk and crawl our way to the army’s destination. What that destination is, we don’t yet know, but with every passing day we grow a little closer to that knowledge.
In the end, after several tense sessions of spying and eavesdropping, we understand where the army is going. A conference of commanders, which Branko overhears, reveals that the march leads towards the Black Road, that mysterious path that runs the length of the First Shadow, from Amber to Chaos. Once they reach the Road, they will turn towards the west in an attempt to reach Chaos. Tom expresses disbelief and disgust at this plan.
Finally, though, the army comes near the Road. Less than two miles away from it, a short morning’s march. they camp for the night. This is the night, I realize, when we must decide where to go. The army has afforded us protection and escort thus far. From here we must go alone.
If Derek decides to head east towards Amber, turn to Section 32.
If he chooses to march west towards Chaos, turn to Section 13.