“I must be going,” I explained. “I have to look after my Mistress, but I thank you for your kindness in answering my questions.”

The priestess pulled her hood back over her head, shrouding her face in darkness. It suddenly seemed much colder in the room, and the scrimshawed bone statues cast eerie, alien shadows.

“Take care, Porter Stout,” she said. “Darkness awaits. Take care, lest it swallow you and your mistress both.”

“Yes, of course,” I said, backing away. I didn’t turn around until I had made it to the door, and I quickly retreated down the street, still unsettled about the priestess’s final words. I resolved to return to my Madame Fog immediately.

I found her impatiently awaiting my arrival. “Where have you been, Porter?” she said. “Have you secured for us a means of transportation?”

I hesitated, pondering my reply.

“We must bide our time, Madame.”
“I may have an idea, but it is likely to be risky.”