The next morning they all shared a breakfast of some kind of egg and mushroom dish with a tangy sauce that Michael found invigorating.“The Chief and I came to an agreement last night,” said Gabriel after swallowing some water. “I’ll start moving my men through the tunnels immediately to get them to Broan and Old Hume. Even if I begin right away, it will take some time to move so many troops though, not to mention supplies. Once I get things organized though, I myself will travel along with some of my best men. We should be able to arrive much sooner than the rest.” He paused for a moment. “Do you think we’ll make it in time?”Michael frowned. He didn’t need to extend his sense to feel the large rift gathering strength in Old Hume anymore. It was like a wound in the corner of his mind that his awareness could never fully free itself from. It was massive, easily equal to the one that the Emperor had encountered in his vision, and every moment he felt reality around it thinning.“I’m not sure,” replied Michael. “It seems to be speeding up. I thought we’d have four or five months, but now it may be as little as two or three.”“Do you still intend to travel through the caves? It may be faster to take my titled steeds. Even if they try to stop you, they likely wouldn’t be able to.”Michael took a bite of his food for a moment, thinking on it when a voice broke through his thoughts.~The caves~The stern voice Michael heard was that of Bruntus, the Lord of Diligence.“The caves,” he responded. “At least according to divine guidance.”Gabriel nodded. “Okay. At least that means I can use the titled steeds with my own men. I already got Chief Mardock to agree to provide you with a guide.” He paused for a moment. “I guess this is the last breakfast we’ll be sharing for some time.”Michael frowned. “I guess it is.”They ate the rest of their meal, and the others all said their quick goodbyes to Gabriel. (...)