Chapter 60: Sunfire’s Power
Liona clutched the sword-shaped key tightly as she descended the winding stone staircase. Four Imperial guards followed closely behind her, their expressions betraying unease.
"Princess," Captain Thorne said from just behind her right shoulder, "are you certain this is wise? These lower levels haven’t been accessed in years."
"My mother’s instructions were clear," Liona replied without breaking stride. Her voice echoed in the narrow passage, bouncing back at them. "The Ambrose vault is at the bottom of these stairs."
"The Ambrose vault?" Another guard whispered, his voice tense. "I thought that was just a story."
Liona didn’t bother correcting him. Let them think what they would. The truth, as her mother had explained in her hastily written instructions, was both simpler and complex than palace rumors suggested.
The staircase seemed to go on forever, spiraling down into darkness. The air grew colder with each step, carrying a musty scent. Finally, after what felt like an eternity of walking, they reached a small landing fronted by a massive door.
It was a spectacular piece of craftsmanship. Solid steel inlaid with intricate patterns of gold with the Ambrose Crest in the middle of the door. At its center was a small keyhole shaped exactly like the key Liona held.
"Stand back," she instructed the guards, stepping forward alone.
The key slid into the lock with surprising ease, as if welcoming her. She turned it, expecting resistance from mechanisms long unused, but it rotated smoothly. There was a series of soft clicks as ancient tumblers engaged, and then the door swung inward without a sound, revealing a chamber beyond.