Evan could hear the crowd before he reached the entry hall.
The sound came from a viewing room beyond the courtyard, where an earlier attempt was playing. He could not make out words. Someone cheered, others joined, and then the sound faded as the official closed the door behind the next team.
Nella handed him a cup of water.
"Drink before we go."
He drank. Jory and Kelan were arguing quietly about whether the sling belonged at the top of the pack or tied outside it. Bram ended the discussion by putting it where either could reach it without opening the bag. Their registration receipt lay on the official's table, dry and slightly worn at the corners.
The official checked their names and asked whether they understood the withdrawal rule. Evan answered for himself, then waited while each companion did the same. He liked that more than being allowed to speak for all five. Everyone had chosen to stand here.
Beyond the gate, the ruined settlement waited.
