Rythin reached into his satchel and drew out his families copy and spread it open on the table between them. With a whispered word, the map expanded until it was the size of the original and covered the entire table top.

“This here is Pendalin, which is actually a peninsula of a greater landmass called Weirran Vale – very different from our Weirran Vale. The entire continent is called Siamdoral’Mai.  What we call the Wastelands is actually a live volcano that completely blocks the peninsula from the mainland, and somehow interferes with our magic. I can’t be sure, but it’s possible that such a devastating natural catastrophe has rent a tear in the lands ley-lines. Naturally, no one to date has ever traversed it and lived. As you can see, this line here represents...” Rythin trailed off, his eyes bugging a little.

The red line had expanded. The ink had started squiggling itself along the last part of the Gordyan Canyon, then zig-zagged down something called Wolgot’s Stair.  As the map bearer travelled, the surrounding area became clearer and more detailed, complete with tiny labels.

“What? What does the red line represent?” Duncan craned his neck and avidly watched the squiggle.

“Faye.” Rythin whispered, then laughed in delight. “Faye must have found him! My great-great-grandfather had the other copy of this map! It’s designed so when the bearer of the other copy travels, his path magically appears on both maps! Faye must have found it! The last time I looked at it, it was still back here.”

Rythin pointed at a place in the Gordyan Canyon, where the straight line had abruptly ended. There, at that point, a tiny cross had appeared with the letters R.I.P neatly printed underneath.

“So, he never did make it through.” He said sadly, thinking of his great-great-grandmother, sitting at home and wondering.

“You think Faye found the remains of your ancestor and turned out his pockets, then took his map?” Duncan demanded indignantly, paused for a moment to reflect then grimaced. “Oh, I suppose you’re right, knowing Faye.”