Quickly scurrying down the stairs, Lyra found Antello at the bottom with six packs of provisions already made up. “Where is Syman,” questioned Lyra. “Do we have horses?”

“They didn’t take anything but your father,” explained Antello. “Syman has the horses tied out front. He is . . . he is looting the bodies. I can’t believe he is stealing their belongings. It doesn’t seem right.”

Lyra reached down and hefted two of the provision packs, groaning under the additional weight. “What have you packed in here?” she quipped. “I hope it is all edible and not brass candlesticks.”

Turning to look Antello in the eyes she continued. “Don’t let it bother you, Antello. Syman is just doing the same thing you and I just did. My pack is loaded with my brother’s belongings and my father’s books. The packs you made up for us are filled with provisions that belong to the Academy. Syman is wise in gathering anything that can help us reach our destination. Alamar is hundreds of leagues from here and these provisions will not last a tenth of the way there. Any coins we can find will help ensure our arrival. Grab the rest of the packs and let’s get going.”

Antello hoisted the four remaining packs and nodded. “I guess you are right,” he admitted. “Do you even know where Alamar is? How will we know where to go?”

“Alamar is far to the Southeast,” explained Lyra as they started making their way to the front of the castle. “We will have to cross the Wytung Mountains or go around them at some point and then I guess we can follow the rivers to the coast. There is a map in the greeting room just off the entry foyer. Take a look if you are interested. I will help Syman get the horses packed.”