With a grunt from Ursel, the earth broke away from the other side where the women were able to dig a little deeper using Isobeau’s sword. Hands touched the great paws of the two bear women, holding them for a moment. Artio and Ursel panted, sweat drenching their hair and darkening their clothing on their backs and under their arms. Artio leaned her head against the wall, looking at the breakthrough hole they had just made.

“We must keep going, sister,” Artio said to Ursel, and the...