Page 18 of Quest

“A treasure trove of ancient artifacts, none of which belong in the hands of anyone other than the temple guardians.” By its knowing tone it sensed my misgivings about the prince and shared them.

While I was eager to see what sorts of objects were hidden in away in the trove, such explorations would have to wait for a time when I wasn’t surrounded by people who hadn’t fully earned my trust. I reluctantly turned away and went down another corridor.

With the lantern's light leading us, the temple seemed to awaken—whispers of the past swirled around us, inviting us deeper to discover its sacred secrets and the hidden legends contained within. Though Lumis illuminated the way, it remained silent as I explored the temple’s nooks and crannies, leaving only the subtle magical undertones to nudge my footsteps in the right direction.

While navigation grew more difficult for the group the later the hour became as the day shining through the windows faded into night, the lantern’s light pulsed steadily, cutting through the thickening darkness more effectively than any natural light.

How is your light piercing this cursed fog?

“My spark comes not from fire and flame but the essence of clarity, bound by ancient magic to reveal truths hidden by time and deceit.”

Lumis’s cryptic answer wasn’t unexpected; magic not only spoke in an ancient language only accessible to the trained ear but often in riddles that required vast knowledge and experience to understand. I wondered if with some experimentation Lumis would eventually be able to uncover secrets just as easily as it could penetrate the darkness…possibly even the true purpose of the prince’s quest. It gave a flash as the thought passed through my mind, but I wasn’t sure whether to interpret that as affirmation or doubt…or perhaps a warning.

Nearly an hour of exploration passed before the lantern suddenly began to pulse with a brighter light, a sign that we were nearing something significant. Its glow intensified we approached a seemingly impassable wall covered in faded frescoes and etchings. The engravings, though worn by time, depicted various botanicals and herbs used in ancient medicine—a tapestry of herbalist knowledge that beckoned for attention. I sensed a hidden path awaited us beyond the wall that would lead to our destination.

Sir Jiang’s weary sigh penetrated the stillness. “Another dead end, as if walking in circles hasn’t been unproductive enough.”

To my surprise, the one who came to my defense was Prince Darcel. “If you’d been observing Ren carefully, you would see that we haven’t been wandering; he knows exactly where he is going.”

For some inexplicable reason his words caused my cheeks to warm in an uncharacteristic blush, leaving me grateful for the faded light. I forced myself to focus on the stones. I carefully ran my hands over each crevice, but I couldn’t locate any hidden knobs or switches.

How do I open it?I silently asked the lantern, conscious of the three expectant pairs of eyes on me.

Lumis focused its light on several symbols that seemed inconspicuous to the untrained eye. “Look closely: these stones whisper secrets of the old ways. Let them guide your steps.”

By which it likely meant that the wall contained ancient runes, an area in which my studies remained rudimentary at best. I traced a finger along a depiction of a rare mountain root known for its healing properties.Do these symbols mean something?

An almost conceited spark flickered in response. “Indeed. These are not merely decorative, but are a kind of key. I can illuminate the words, but the courage to follow them must be your own. Place me near the wall, directly at this cluster of symbols.”

I started to lift Lumis but hesitated, glancing towards the prince. I was eager to find the library but conflicted about bringing someone whose motives were still unclear to me. I glanced down at the lantern, deciding with lingering trepidation that it wouldn’t be eager to show me the way if Prince Darcel posed a threat to the ancient magic.

Taking a deep breath, I did as instructed, holding Lumis close to where the symbols formed a subtle, intricate pattern. With a faint hum, the lantern’s light seemed to seep into the cracks of the stonework, causing the air around us to thrum with energy. Suddenly, the ground beneath our feet vibrated as the wall began to shift. A section of the ancient stonework receded and silently slid away, revealing a narrow passage that led steeply downward.

I unconsciously exchanged a look of anticipation with the prince before venturing into the newly revealed passageway. As we descended, the air turned markedly cooler, the musty scent of undisturbed air mingling with the earthy aroma of old paper and wood. The passage was lined with torches that flared to life at our approach, likely triggered by the same magic that had opened the way.

At the end of the descending pathway, we emerged into a vast underground chamber that took my breath away—the hidden library. It was a cavernous space, the walls lined with towering shelves that reached nearly to the arched ceiling. Each shelf was laden with scrolls, leather-bound tomes, and delicate manuscripts, their spines embossed with gold and jewels that glittered in the torchlight.

Tables were strewn with all manner of artifacts: dried herbs sealed in glass containers, stone tablets inscribed with ancient scripts, and intricate celestial maps charting the stars as they were known to ancient herbalists. The room was a treasure trove of knowledge preserved through the ages, each scroll and book revealing part of the vast tapestry of historical and magical lore that had been hidden away in this sacred place, waiting in silence for those who could understand its secrets.

“We've found it,” I whispered in awe. “The heart of the temple's wisdom.”

My fingers tingled, eager to seize the scrolls and begin reading them one by one. “You possess the same curiosity for knowledge as your ancestors,” Lumis said with warm approval. “But be careful. Magical protections are in place—several forbidden tomes are covered in a thin layer of poison that will burn you upon contact. I will illuminate the texts that are free of these protective enchantments.”

I glanced towards the others, frowning at the eager glint filling Prince Darcel’s eyes as he took in the vast library. He stepped forward, running a hand along a shelf filled with scrolls, his face reflecting the reverent atmosphere of the chamber. “This is more than I hoped for,” he murmured.

“Careful, many of these are coated in a deadly poison.” I bit my lip to hold back my smirk in satisfaction when at my words he hastily yanked his hands away.

From my other side, Kael had been reaching for some of the maps but instantly froze in place, whereas Sir Jiang frowned skeptically, as if he believed I’d come up with the lie to gate-keep which information passed through their hands.

Prince Darcel scrutinized my expression in search of any deceit before nodding. “I understand.”

The thrill of power I felt was almost exhilarating. “If His Highness tells me what he’s looking for, then I can point you towards the scrolls that will be safe to handle.”

I awaited his answer with bated breath, feeling on the cusp of discovering the answer to one of the many mysteries that had surrounded this quest since embarking on it. His hesitation lasted only a moment before he met my eyes and nodded. “I wish to discover more about the cursed darkness that once afflicted the land. These texts could hold the key to understanding not just the past but ways to protect our future.”

I blinked in surprise. I’d imagined a myriad of sinister intentions, believing that he’d come to this temple in search of powerful artifacts or powerful magic for political gain…only to discover that his true goal was to secure knowledge to prevent the return of the cursed night. Should he prove sincere, it would confirm that my doubts about him had been sorely misplaced.

“The cursed darkness? But it is said that it was caused by an enchanted sorceress, whose daughter used her light magic to dispel it after she became our queen.”

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