The room I enter is vast, with pillars rising up at intervals and stone benches beside them. It’s hushed in here. A place of reflection.
My vision didn’t show me the details of how I get to the tombs beneath the temple, and I’m forced to slow down, looking for an alcove that might enclose a stairwell…
There appear to be two.
One in each far corner, and I’m not sure which to choose.
Taking a chance, I head left, hoping my instincts have steered me correctly. Reaching the little alcove, I descend the spiraling steps as quickly as I can.
The stairs lead out into a room with three arched openings.
While the openings directly ahead and on my right are brightly lit, the one to my left is dark, and the scent of iron coming from it is intense.
That smell…
Stronger even than the scent of iron in the air when the village burned…
The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and I back away from that opening, unable to stop my quiet groan, my hands pressing to my upper right rib. Even the Lethian silver seems to react, a shiver through the threads rippling my armor around my body.
I tell myself: If I fear a thing, I should confront it.
Often, I would.
But the brightly lit doorway straight ahead of me is the only opening with the Vividari insignia etched above it, and I don’t want to delay.
Facing darkness will have to wait.
Hurrying to the bright opening, I step into the corridor.
It’s exactly like my vision, but what I foresaw is pale in comparison to this beautiful place.
A wide walkway extends into the distance, the walls on either side sparkling with starlight…possibly actual starlight…infused into the stone. Silvery, glittering, calming. A mass of twinkles as I run my fingertips along the carved etchings that run at shoulder-height along the wall.
The air is clear, not a hint of iron, and my silver armor settles as I let out a full exhalation, expelling the sour air I inhaled moments ago.
I don’t know how many Vividari might be buried in this corridor. Antony said they were entombed in individual chambers in the walls.
I know I should be looking for the next symbol, but it’s difficult to focus beyond the peace that has filled my heart, not because I’m mesmerized, but because peace is such a rare and precious thing in my life.
Always, I’m on alert. Always ready to run.
Back at the family temple, I felt the quiet, but I was still ready for an attack.
In these brief few heartbeats right now, I have a sense of safety.
Even if it’s most likely false.
Exhaling once more, I draw on the memory of my vision, following the etchings on the wall, retracing steps I haven’t yet taken.
Halfway along, just as my vision showed me, I reach the Vividari insignia etched at eye-height.
This is where the hammer is hidden.
Only a full-blooded Vividari should be able to open this tomb, but I saw myself do it.
With my heart in my throat, I press my fingertips to the small indent beneath the symbol.
For a moment, nothing happens.
