Solanus and Kai reach the curve. Kai hears faint noises and halts. Solanus turns to her. She moves a single lifted finger to her lips. Trying to decipher what it is, they momentarily remain. No sounds, but Solanus points to the purse on Kai’s waist. She pulls out from her purse a crystal she has been carrying. It is a brute stone of deep red, the same color as blood. The fit-size gem feels warm to the touch and emits a pulsating light.

“What is it?” Solanus whispers.

“Family heirloom.” Though she doesn’t say whose.

Another noise. They turn their heads to the origin.

With his head inclined, the summoner concentrates on the tone.

“It’s like a howling wind.”

“Right... Problem is there is no breeze down here.” The rogue has her hand by the dagger’s hilt.

But as nothing happens, Solanus steps to the noise’s direction to investigate. The light from his engraved stone illuminates felled bricks under a dark opening to the side of the corridor, revealing a vast, secret room. He walks in. At its center stands an ebony statue – the shape mostly human, except for the claws crossed over its chest and the sharp teeth covering its half-open mouth.

“The heck is this?” says the rogue, a few steps behind. Her crystal emits a stronger glow the closer she gets.

“If I had to guess, I would say it’s a dragon.” The summoner places his hand in front of the statue’s jaws. Air flows through its mouth, somehow feeling warm.

“Aren’t dragons more holy-looking?” says Kai, standing by Solanus. “And what are you doing?”

“This appears to be old. Maybe it’s how the past generations saw dragons.” He glances at her waist; it’s impossible she hasn’t yet noticed how intensely it shines. “Lend me that.”

“What?” Her hand shields her purse. “What for?”

“A test.” Says Solanus. Kai frowns in response. “I believe it could lead to a shortcut or something along those lines.”

“Or to a trap.” She growls. He holds out his hand. She sighs and shakes her head. “This is a really bad idea.” But she gives the gem away.

Between the claws on the statue’s chest is a space for a perfect fit. The moment the crystal touches the surface, the light extinguishes. Both hold their breath out of expectation. The dragon’s howling ceases. A minute passes and nothing else has changed.

The rogue huffs. “Seriously?!”

The summoner’s face grows long. He touches the statue’s heart: it has turned cold.

“I don’t understand,” he says. “At least a small thing should…”

The sound of footsteps interrupts him. They turn to the room’s entrance. The marching grows louder. Before they can run, a company of imperial soldiers arrives and blocks the only exit.

“Any chance you could call Undine again?” suggests Kai.

Solanus shakes his head. “Not enough water or anything else other than earth. And Gnome could crush us by accident.”

“Damn!” Kai curses, unsheathing her weapon.

Out of options, Solanus and Kai heel up for an unavoidable fight.