NARRATOR

“Quickly, take this boat across the eastern stretch of the river, and you’ll reach the neighboring village. Look for Joaquín at the only inn there. He should be about to leave with his trade caravan. Tell him you come in my name…”

Aldo was giving hurried instructions as they untied the knots securing the boat and prepared to push the small vessel down the ramp and into the water.

Sheltered inside the old boathouse, Katherine watched them nervously, barely managing to slow her frantic b