Soon, everyone had stopped to catch their breath in a large cavern that seemed to not be naturally made. Once Silver lit a torch, the light illuminated a large hall, the end of it distantly visible in the dim torchlight.

The gigantic hall must once have been splendid, but now it had fallen into such decay that its faded splendor seemed pathetic and horrible. Two rows of seven columns ran the length of the hall, though some lay shattered on the floor. Part of the far wall was caved in, probably from some large earthquake. At the very back of the room stood two double bronze doors.

Jing was more then a little angry to see the exit now blocked. But atleast that slug was gone now. Looking around in suprise at he hall she took a few steps forward. “Wow… What do you think all this is?” She asked before her eyes went to the bronze doors.

Lei was looking around as well, but was just trying to catch his breath more. Looking at his sword he had unfortunatly expected it to be wrecked from using it agenst the slug, but there was no damage at all. Not even a scratch. Blinking a couple times he looked at the sword closely before shaking his head and putting it in its sheith.

Lyuthi of course followed the others swiftly and once they were in the grand hall she immediately went to Veldahar. “Let me see your arm.” She said extending her hands towards his injured arm. She did take only a small moment to look around but it was brief and she wasn’t as interested in the room as she was with Veldahar and his injuries.

Suddenly one of the draiks that had moved on ahead into the front of the hall, gave a strangled cry. Silver hurried to shine his light where the draik pointed with a trembling hand.

Before them was a massive throne, ornately carved of granite. Two huge marble statues flanked the throne, their sightless eyes staring forward into the darkness. The throne they guarded was not empty. Upon it sat the skeletal remains of what had once been a male-probably a driak, as it had massive skeletal wings and a ridged tail. The figure was dressed in regal robes that, even though faded and decayed, still gave evidence of their richness. A cloak covered the gaunt shoulders. A crown gleamed on the fleshless skull. The bone hands, fingers lying gracefully in death, rested on a sheathed sword.

Galdrias fell to his knees. “Kitha-Karian,” he said in a whisper. “We stand in the Hall of the Ancients, his burial tomb. None have seen this sight since…” He cut himself off, and couldn’t help but glance at Lyuthi.

Veldahar stared at the throne until, slowly, overcome by feelings he did not understand, the draik sank to his knees. “Fealan thalos, Im murquanethi. Sai Kitha-Karianoth Mwtari Larion” he murmured in tribute to the greatest of the silvan draik kings.

“What a beautiful sword,” Silver said, his shrill voice breaking the reverent silence. Veldahar glared at him sternly. “I’m not going to take it!” the jerboa protested, looking wounded. “I just mentioned it, as an item of interest.”

Veldahar rose to his feet. “Don’t touch it,” he said sternly to the jerboa, then went to explore other parts of the room.

Jing looked at the figure for only a moment before shrugging and starting to look through the rest of the room. Obviously she wasn’t interested in someone who had died a long time ago.

Lei seemed more interested though, walking over to Galdrias “May I ask who exactly this draik once was? I can tell from your companions and your reaction that this was someone very great.”

Lyuthi followed their gaze to the large draik and she paled. Kitha-Karianoth…that was..her father. Hearing Veldahar she couldn’t help but smile as he payed homage to her late father. Gently gripping his noninjured arm she looked around at the others then leaned up to whisper to Veldahar. “That, is my father.” She said half frowning half smiling. She didn’t know if it’d be appropriate to grieve or rejoice seeing her father again.

Galdrias hesitated, turning to look at Lei. “He was the most valiant and strongest of the kings of our people, he lived over a thousand years ago. His lineage…” He hesitated, “Died out.” He looked away, back at the skeletal remains and bowing in respect.

Veldahar gave a start at Lyuthi’s words, and he turned to look at her in silence. He said nothing though, nodding once only, then sitting on a rock, finally deciding to inspect his arm. It burned from the acid, and he grabbed a piece of leather to attempt rubbing off the acid saliva. Instead, this only made it hurt worse, and he grimaced in pain.

As Silver walked closer to examine the sword, Grisfam went with him. The mage began to murmur, “Tsaran korilath ith hakon” and moved his thin hand swiftly above the sword in a prescribed pattern. The sword began to give off a faint red glow. Grisfam smiled and said softly, “It is enchanted.”

Silver gasped. “Good enchantment? Or bad?”

“I have no way of knowing” the mage whispered. “But since it has lain undisturbed for so long, I certainly would not venture to touch it!”

He turned away, leaving Silver to wonder if he dared disobey that gold draik and risk being turned into something icky.

While the jerboa was wrestling with temptation, the others searched the walls for secret entrances, and a few of the draiks tested the far bronze doors to see if they’d open.

“Wow… That really is amazing.” Lei said, looking at the remains. He couldn’t help but bow a little in respect before turning and going over to check on Dalit, Iris and Rena.

Jing listened to Grisfam and Silver, watching the old wizard for a minute in silence before shaking her head and walking over to Silver. “I hope your not crazy enough to go agenst serious warnings right?” She asked the jerboa with a small smirk.

Lyuthi smiled at him when he didn’t react loudly to her admitting what lineage she belonged to. She watched him with the leather and frowned. “Let me see.” She said sternly as she held out her hands, which were still faintly glowing. “Do you think the others know who I really am?”

Veldahar finally let Lyuthi see his arm, though he wasn’t sure what good she could do. “I think Galdrias knows…” He said quietly. “Maybe that healer girl can heal the burn.” He suggested. “It hurts, but not that much as long as I don’t touch it.” The scales had been corroded away by the saliva’s acid, leaving eposed skin that was red and blistering beneath.

Silver squeaked faintly at Jing’s words and he shook his head, “Of course not!” Those at the door were talking about it being locked, and Silver’s ears flicked. “Hey I can open them!” He said, trotting off to the doors, sword forgotten.

Rena was with Dalit to one side of the room, and Iris was healing those draiks that had been hurt by the saliva of the slug.

Another set of doors, these slightly ajar, were located to one side of the chamber. Silver paused as he passed by them, peering at the crack. “What’s that?” He asked, cocking his head.

Jing watched Silver, chuckling quietly and desiding to follow him, though it was just cause she wanted out of here and knew Silver could get the door open. “Whats what?” She asked, looking at him.

Lei smiled at the two, putting a hand on Dalit’s head. “Are you two doing alright?” He asked, wanting to make sure. He looked at Iris for a moment, smiling more before looking back at the kid.

“No I think I can help.” She said putting one hand above his arm and one below. As she did a shimmery barrier like before formed around his injure parts. A glittery substance fell on the wound and he could feel it instantly cooling and soothing the wound. “I don’t remember much but I get sensations and like…feelings..and suddenly I can do stuff like this.” She said brightly, excited to learn something else new about herself.

Veldahar watched in awe, “That’s… amazing!” He smiled at her.

“A scraping sound,” the jerboa said, puzzled. “It’s coming from those doors.” Foul-smelling air wafted into the room through the open door. Now everyone could hear the scraping sound and a soft, squishing noise.

“Shut the door!” Galdrias whispered urgently.

The draiks were already running for the door. All of them leaned against it, but they were flung backwards as the bronze doors flew open, banging against the walls with a hollow booming sound. A monster slithered into the hall.

“Help us, Merial!” Iris breathed the goddess’s name as she sank back against the wall. The thing entered the room swiftly despite its great bulk. The scraping sound they had heard was caused by its gigantic, bloated body sliding along the floor. This slug was almost twice the size of the first.

“Another slug!” Silver said, running up to examine it with interest. “But look at the size of that thing! How do you suppose it got so big? I wonder what it eats-“

Jing watched in shock, swearing quietly and grabbing Silver’s arm. “It’ll eat us if you don’t get away from it you idiot!” She said, quickly dragging him away from the slug more.

Lei looked at the slug, quickly bringing his sword out. “Rena, Dalit, get over to Iris quickly.” He said, looking at the two. He had to make sure they were protected.

“Always learning ne..” She began but sharply turned to look at the slug. Letting out a gasp she looked to Veldahar’s half healed arm then back at the slug. “But I’m not done yet!” She cried, worried that his wounds could get much worse if he were to be hit again.

The small girl nodded, and with Dalit they ran to Iris’s side, watching in horror as the saliva shot at Jing and Silver and barely missed. The others tried attacking the slug, but their swords couldn’t penetrate the thick, rubbery hide. One larger sword bit in, causing the slug to rear back in pain.

Veldahar got to his feet, pulling Lyuthi behind him. “Go with the kids, protect them!” He said, grabbed a rock, moving forward and throwing it at the slugs head. As it hit, the slug turned to the draik, and spat the corrosive liquid at him. It hit his arm, searing his flesh. Veldahar, screaming in agony, fell to his knees.

Jing yelped in suprise as the acid just missed them. “Thats it! I officially hate slugs!!!”

Lei moved forward quickly, using his sword to try and attack the slug, while also blowing a large cloud of freezing air right at it.

Lyuthi nodded and turned to do so but stopped as she heard Veldahar get hit. “No! Veldahar!” She cried racing to his side. “Stop it! You are hurt, you will just get worse if you fight it!” She said, knowing that he would probably still try anyway. “Let me protect you too!”

“No!” Veldahar tried to keep Lyuthi back as the slug, sensing success, slithered forward, dragging it’s pulsating gray body thrugh the door towards the fallen draik. “Get away!” Veldahar said through clenched teeth.

The others, including Bast and now Silver, were attacking the creature with renewed fury, attempting to distract it from Veldahar, but they might as well have been plunging their weapons into a thick, rubbery wall. Lei’s icy breath managed to distract the slug though, and it turned to him, spitting more of the corrosive liquid at the draik.

Jing kept back, watching the others before bringing up her hands. Luckly since the slug was so big this might work. She started to make the gravity around the slug increase, trying to crush it, or atleast slow it down.

Lei jumped back away from the attack, though some of the liquid his his one leg. Letting out a cry of pain he stumbled, falling back to the ground.

“You get away from it!” She cried grabbing him by the upper up. “You are being slow, get up and get to safety!” She said trying to drag him back and away from the slug. No barrier formed this time.

Veldahar staggered to his feet, flinching in pain, mind numbed by the pain in his arm, but he fumbled nontheless for his bow and arrows.

The others struck at the slug again and again, but even Jing’s magic only served to infuriate the monster further.

Suddenly it lunged straight forward, sensing victims at the end of the room where Veldahar sought to protect Lyuthi, and keep on his feet. Maddened by pain, driven wild by the smell of blood, the slug attacked with unbelievable speed. Veldahar’s arrow bounced off the leathery hide and the monster dove for him, its mouth gaping open. The draik dropped the useless bow and staggered backwards, nearly stumbling over the steps leading to the throne of Kitha-Karian.

“Behind the throne!” he yelled, preparing to hold the monster’s attention while Lyuthi ran for cover. His hand reached out, grabbing for a huge rock-anything to hurl at the creature!-when his fingers closed over the metal hilt of a sword.

Veldahar nearly dropped the weapon in amazement. The metal was so cold it burned his hand. The blade gleamed brightly in the wavering light of the torch, abandoned on the floor by Silver. There wasn’t time to question, however. Veldahar drove the point into the slug’s gaping maw just as the creature swooped in for the kill.

Lei watched in shock from where he sat on the ground, leg still burning from the pain.

Jing stood where she was, expecting Veldahar to get killed by the slug, and from where she was she couldn’t see he had gotten ahold of the sword.

Lyuthi let out a cry as it charged them, but she knew she was only getting in the way so she ran behind the throne for cover. She watched as Veldahar took her father’s sword and then she couldn’t see him as the slug lunged forward. “Veldahar!” She screamed covering her mouth getting ready to jump out and save him, or whatever was left.

Iris ran over to Lei, the two children in tow. Kneeling at his side, she invoked the goddess, and healed Lei’s wounds. “We need to get out of here!” She said desperately, looking up at the slug. “Door’s open!” Came Silver’s voice from the far side of the cave.
“Run!” Veldahar yelled, rolling out as the slug reared up in pain, he grasped Lyuthi’s hand, dragging her to the open doors. The others ran to the exit as well, as the draik turned around, prepared to keep the slug at bay while the others escaped.

But the slug’s appetite had died. Writhing in misery, it slowly turned and slithered back toward it’s lair. Clear, sticky liquid dribbled from it’s wounds.

Lei stood, thanking Iris quietly for the healing and ran beside her and the two kids.

Jing moved quickly to follow the others, not wanting to risk the chance of the slug coming back, or maybe even another one showing up!

Lyuthi was relieved to see Veldahar alive but had no time to rejoice as she was dragged towards the doors. “That was amazing! You used my father’s sword so effortlessly.” She said finally catching her footing. “Are you alright??”

Veldahar was breathing heavily as they got through the doors, and sank to the floor, grimacing in pain. He dropped the sword, arm pulsating with pain. He did not answer Lyuthi, unable to speak.

Lei looked around at everyone, before at his leg. “Thanks for the healing Iris.” He said, looking at her and smiling. “Looks like he might need your help.” He added, motioning to Veldahar.

Lyuthi sat beside him and moved the sword between them before anyone else could touch it. Then holding her hands above him a shimmery barrier formed around him and began to heal him. “…Just relax.” She said closing her eyes.

Veldahar nodded, sitting still as he felt the pain dim and recede. Iris smiled as she saw this, “I think he’s already got help enough.” She said softly.

Bast looked around as the last of the group piled out of the crypt, “Where’s Silver?” He asked in frustration. Whirling around to go back into the hall, he nearly fell over the jerboa.

The small rodent hopped over to Veldahar. “I brought you the scabbard.” He said, holding it up, “For the sword.”

Veldahar looked at the sword, finally recognizing it and Lyuthi’s words. Galdrias frowned, “How did you get it?” He demanded. Veldahar frowned, trying to remember. “I was near the body of the silvan king, searching for something to throw at the slug when, suddenly, the sword was in my hand. It had been taken out of the sheath and-” Veldahar paused, swallowing.

“Yes?” Galdrias pursued, his eyes angry, and confused.

“He gave it to me,” Veldahar said softly. “I remember, his hand touched mine. He pulled it from it’s sheath.”

“Who?” Asked Galdrias, “None of us were near there.”

“Kithas-Karian…” Veldahar looked to Lyuthi in amazement and awe.

Lei chuckled quietly “Seems your right Iris.” He said before listening to the draiks. “Seems you were seen as worthy to be given a great gift.” He said to Veldahar with a small nod as he put his own sword away.

Lyuthi smiled to Veldahar then looked to Galdrias. “It was my father’s sword, it only seems right that Veldahar has it.” She said smiling more as she continued to heal Veldahar. Guess she had his approval for choosing Veldahar. She couldn’t help but blush at the thought and thanked her father for helping her one last time. “He was a great man.” She said finally then focused on healing.

Galdrias looked shocked to hear Lyuthi say that it had been her father, and the others muttered and spoke between each other, staring at Lyuthi with mixed suspicion and awe. Bast shrugged, “Whatever, we need to keep moving before more of those things decide they’re hungry.”

“I agree with Bast.” Jing said, looking around the new area they were in.

Lei nodded, “If everyone is ready shall we continue on?”

Lyuthi winked at Galdrias then smiled to Veldahar. “How are you feeling?” She asked as the barrier fell. “Need help standing?” She looked to the sword then back up at Veldahar.

Veldahar smiled at her, “Thanks, I think I can manage.” He took the scabbard offered to him, and sheathed the sword, buckling it to his belt after discarding his old one. “Let’s move on then.” He nodded to the others.