As soon as we make our way into the gazebo I see the crack in the center of the floor. I kneel down and try to slide the merged key into it, and it fits perfectly. As soon as I do, without turning it, a rumble starts and I can feel the floor beneath me vibrating.

Just to be safe I stand up and step back, then watch as a circular section of the floor starts moving. After another rumble there is a clunk and a burst of dust as the circle of stone drops down. What is reveals is a very narrow spiral staircase going down.

Mercy says "Sorry, Ash, it doesn't look like you will fit down there."

'That's what you think! Shapeshift: black bunny!'

Even before I have fully finished shape shifting Mercy squeals and screams "Fluffy!!". Then she snatches me up in her arms and starts petting me and rubbing her face in my fur. I was just thinking about fitting down the stairs and didn't think of the other consequences.

Zamart says "Ash, that is a very interesting ability! Haha!"

Mercy says "He's so soft and warm!!"

Despite my strength I quickly realize I cannot escape Mercy's grasp without hurting her. Not only can I not escape, Mercy seems to have forgotten about everything but how soft I am. Zamart, meanwhile, is struggling very hard not to laugh as he watches.

Zamart says "Ash, I don't think you thought things through properly."

"Yeah, yeah. Mercy! Secret. Stairs. Go!"

Mercy says "Oh, right."

Finally she starts carefully walking down the stairs, but she still doesn't let me go. In fact the further down the stairs she goes the faster and harder she pets me. It doesn't take a genius to figure out she is scared and nervous, she is petting me as a distraction.

The stairs end in a small ten by ten room that is brightly lit, in the center of the room is a device. That device is the origin of the light and as I look at it I can see a massive amount of magic contained within it. What worries me is that while the energy is contained it is not in any way calm.

"Zamart, don't touch it!"

Zamart says "What? Why?"

"Because, unless I'm wrong, that is a bomb!"

Mercy says "A bomb? What do you mean?"

"I mean if that thing detonates then the capital will become a crater."

Zamart says "What makes you think that?"

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"For one, there is far too much energy contained inside it. For two, the energy is far too wild, it has no purpose."

Zamart says "Hm, I see what you mean."

Mercy says "But why would the first queen leave this here?"

"It is probably meant as a final measure. Keep in mind she was fleeing the empire when she founded the kingdom. Probably, her biggest fear was the empire coming after her and her people. With this, even if you can't win, you can take your enemy with you."

Zamart says "You mean when all else fails, you use this to kill yourself and your enemy?"

"Yes, from what I can see this requires a life to activate."

Mercy says "Meaning you have to kill yourself in order to use this bomb?"

"Exactly."

Zamart says "That would stop anyone from using it carelessly."

Mercy says "You would have to be insane to use this!"

"Really? If the empire was overrunning your kingdom and everything you did to stop them failed, would you just accept death?"

Mercy says "Well..."

Zamart says "I certainly wouldn't! In such a circumstance I would use this bomb."

"That is exactly the reason it is here and so well hidden. In truth I would hide down here until the enemy commanders had moved into the palace and then kill them all at once."

Mercy says "Zamart, this place has to absolutely remain a complete secret."

Zamart says "I agree completely! I will take this secret to my grave, Your Majesty."

Mercy says "Ash?"

"Don't worry, I will keep it a secret. I'm just glad the king and the shadow demon didn't know about it!"

Zamart says "You think one of them would have used it?"

"Probably not the king, he would never sacrifice himself. The shadow demon probably would have used it, if he could."

Mercy says "What do you mean if he could?"

"While I can't detect them, I am sure there are safeguards placed on this thing. Speaking of, being this close to it is giving me a headache. Can we leave now?"

Zamart says "Yes, we should leave before someone comes looking for you, Mercy."

Mercy says "Alright, let's go."

Mercy turns and quickly heads up the stairs, Zamart, being an old man, has more trouble. When he finally reaches the top, huffing and puffing, Mercy pulls the key out of the lock. There is a rumble as the staircase closes again, sealing off the secret.

Mercy says "What should we do about the keys?"

Zamart says "Should we lock them back where we found them?"

"Won't you need them to relock the rooms once you are done with them?"

Mercy says "That is true. Then for now we should split them up, each of us will keep one."

Zamart says "That is wise."

"No, I won't take one. Instead you should give it to Mericel. You should also tell her everything we discovered."

Mercy says "Why?"

"Because, until you have a daughter, Mericel is next in line for the throne."

Zamart says "He has a point, Mercy."

Mercy says "Very well."

"Mercy, can you put me down now?"

Mercy says "No! As soon as I put you down you are going to run off and do something stupid again!"

Zamart laughs and says "She has you there, Ash!"

"Actually, next I plan to return to the pit to consecrate a grave."

Mercy says "Oh." and gently puts me down.

"Thank you."

Before she can change her mind I quickly cancel my shapeshift and return to normal. Mercy has a very disappointed look on her face when she sees me change shape. We force our way through all the roses one last time and enter the palace.

Once in the throne room I say goodbye to the both of them and then walk over to the well. Ripping the cover off is easy and once it is out of the way I jump in. As I fall I slightly flare my wings to keep my speed under control, but I still have flashbacks.

This time it is a completely different situation, but I still find myself terrified like I was back then. This time there is no goblin rummaging through the bone pile, which is now black and burnt. With a flap of my wings I land beside the bone pile, I have once again entered the pit.