[ She sounds worried. Whatever it was that happened to the rest of them, it can't be good, and the fact of that lodges soberly in Flynn's belly like a cold stone. He'll have to be prepared to hear about it, and to help everyone recover as best he can to make up for being away.

But that comes later. First they need to get out, and there, at least, he can take the lead and let Olympia lean on him after the month it sounds like she's had.

For the first time, Flynn squints at the sign over it just visible in the orange. He takes a few steps closer, mouthing the words first silently and then aloud for Olympia's benefit, ]

"Freedom is—" does that say "hot"? It must mean those torches, then, right? It's a good idea to get one down to light our way, anyway. Cecelia's lights would be useful.