Henry kept his word. Before dawn the next day, a Scout Boat delivered Li Wei and the archaeological team to the Orlens Mountains.
"This is as far as I can take you, sir."
The pilot spoke to Li Wei.
"The terrain in the Orlens Mountains is complicated, and the weather conditions aren't very good either. I'm afraid you'll have to make the rest of the journey on foot."
"This is plenty. Thank you for your help."
Li Wei gave the pilot an encouraging smile.
"The next patrol is in three days?"
"Yes, sir. Officer Henry said we'd pick you all up then."
"Good. Remember our arrangement: when you arrive here, fire three blank cannon shots first. If I light a bonfire or launch a flare, find somewhere to land. If I don't respond, return immediately and report to Henry. Understood?"
"Yes, sir."
The pilot naturally had no idea what Li Wei had come here to do, but he knew better than to ask questions he shouldn't. He nodded, and Li Wei chuckled, pressing a gold coin into his hand.
"Sir, this..."
"A small token of appreciation. Please take it."
Li Wei patted the pilot's shoulder, then left the cockpit and entered the passenger cabin behind it, looking over the people there. They were all members of the archaeological team-or, strictly speaking, almost all of them were university students.
Aside from the elderly professor leading them, the archaeological team consisted of four people: two men and two women.
Annie needed no introduction. He had known her for some time.
The other woman was named Lavinia Goethe, also a first-year student at Miskatonic University, specializing in ancient ruins and architecture. Unlike the perpetually expressionless Annie, Lavinia was a blonde woman who seemed quite cheerful and lively. According to her introduction, she enjoyed