“The Induen House was one of the most powerful houses in Eldoria.” Ilya’s soft, solemn voice broke the charged silence as they walked through the gardens, on a winding stone path that led towards the mansion’s entrance. “Their members are in every legend. Our history book place them in every important event in the history of our empire.”
Midhir wasn’t sure whether she was talking to keep them calm, or to keep herself distracted.
“They were never at the forefront of the events though – not like the Orleins or the Cathains.” She stepped over the stem and dried leaves of a dead plant. “They were always in the role of supporters, strategists and guides. They had the respect of every noble house – as true nobles, and as researchers and scientists who furthered out knowledge on the Veil, the crystals that are harvested from the mines, and resonance casting as a whole.” She only paused to point at Arwen’s staff. “The design of crystal staves were one of their inventions. Some of them were honestly beyond their time.” She let out a sigh.
“What happened here?” Arwen asked, her eyes scouring their surroundings as they approached the gilded double winged doors that marked the entrance of the large, lavish mansion. “Why did you call it the house of ruin?” She glanced at Cait as she spoke.
The young enforcer stepped forward, pressing her palms against either wing of the door. “Because,” she breathed out as she pushed against the door, “It was them that sunk the district,” she stepped forward, heaving as the doors slowly creaked open. “It was them that killed everyone here,” she took another step forward. The doors were half open now, and the dust covered, dimly lit entrance was somewhat visible. With one final push, she swung the doors wide open. “It was them that caused all of this to happen. Whatever we find here,” she pointed inside. “It won’t be pretty. And if that so-called historian gets his hands on the same power, then I can’t imagine the fate of An’Larion.”
“If he survives holding such power.” Ilya corrected her. “But yes, he should be stopped.” She hesitated, shooting Midhir a glance.
He took a deep breath. “He must be stopped.” He corrected her, walking past them, into the dusty, dimply lit mansion that he didn’t remember at all.
The air was heavy, and it filled with dust with every step they took. The floors were hidden under a thick, white layer of dust. Their steps, however gentle hey tried to be, disturbed it, raising it into the air momentarily.
Had it not been for the green roots covering every visible surface, this place could have been mistaken for an abandoned, yet fairly ordinary building. Instead, it looked almost like a painting filled with beautiful, mysterious flowers that didn’t belong to this world. Bright blue flowers bloomed on the higher roots, their glowing petals shining a dim light that allowed them to see.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Willow drew a sharp breath as they stepped inside Her wide eyes scoured their surroundings, lingering on the flowers they slowly walked past. “It’s beautiful.” Her voice was but a whisper.
“None of this belongs here.” Cait scoffed. “It’s worse here than it was outside.” She pointed at the ceiling, then at the walls. The roots covered everything – every piece of furniture, every wall and every column. She turned to look at Ilya. “Where to?”
The princess pointed ahead. “If he’s after the source of power that caused all this… then he’s probably looking for the altar. I don’t know exactly where, but it should be down by the catacombs.”
“Catacombs?!” Willow exclaimed, tightly grasping the hilt of her rapier.
“Most noble houses have their own burial grounds – the Induen’s chose to bury their dead in the catacombs instead of a cathedral or church of their choosing.” Cait explained, somewhat amused. “Surely your family will choose soon as well.”
Like a deer in torchlight, Willow froze. “I- uh, no, we’re not like that…” she stammered.
They walked the winding hallways of the Induen mansion for what seemed like hours before finally arriving at large, stone doors etched with gold. The left wing of the door was slightly open – just enough for a single person to squeeze through.
Ilya drew her sword, and the others quickly followed. “Quiet now,” she whispered, then carefully passed through the narrow gap. Midhir followed her, and so did the others.
A narrow, round stairway led down into the darkness. It was difficult to balance on the root covered steps, so their descent was slow. Aside from their rustling clothes and shallow breaths, there was nothing but silence down here. Not even the gentle sound of the cold breeze outside reached in here. Illuminated by nothing but the blue flowers, they slowly descended, until the steps ended with a narrow and rather damaged hallway.
A faint sound reached him – familiar, yet one he couldn’t quite hear yet. He tilted his head and scowled. It was like a distant ring that felt like it was part of a melody – a greater whole. “Do you hear that? Like… a whistle, or a ring?” He whispered.
Seeing the confused and blank faces of the others, he quickly shook his head. “Never mind. Let’s go.”
The ceiling was low, and the walls lined with indents that were decorated with statues of his ancestors. The name plaques had been long erased, and their faces were eroded beyond recognition.
They walked down the hallway, weapons in hand and resonances ready to cast. Each step brought the faint sound he heard closer. He could now hear the faint melody it was a part of. It echoed in his mind. His racing heart began to calm, and his tense muscles relaxed a little.
Something brushed against the ground, like a parson dragging their feet. Someone stepped out of a narrow doorway out of many, dragging their feet oddly. It was a tall, thin woman who walked with a limp her upper body leaning sideways quite a bit as she dragged their feet towards them. Her matted hair covered most of her face, but despite that, Midhir caught a glance of her glowing blue eyes.
“She’s taken!” he hissed. Before he finished his words, Cait and Ilya lunged forward.
“Behind us too!” Willow exclaimed, readying her blade.
More silhouettes began to appear in the mist covered hallway. They weren’t getting out of here without a fight.