Mercury found herself glancing after Kanda for a moment before she started to move. From the beginning, their guide had been aloof, distant, and bad-tempered. Not that these were qualities unknown among her particular priesthood, but they still put questions in her mind, such as: Why agree to come at all?

Still, to have someone who knew the territory was a definite blessing, another proof of her path, she thought. She didn't argue with him. If she were to tell the full truth, he intrigued her with that air of self-sufficiency and his obvious skill in combat.

The other two were much easier to understand. They were here to fulfill their duty, pull their weight among the group, and perform their tasks quickly and efficiently. She had never seen either of them do anything less. She gave them a nod as she noted they were already ready - a welcome state, but not surprising.

"Let's go," she said simply. "Even if it's not moving, our goal is waiting for us." So was the glory of achieving it, the recognition and fame.

"This area is said to be full of monsters," she said as an afterthought, "Don't let your guard down." She doubted any of the three needed the warning, but it was best to stay sharp.