The tunnel stretching out before them appeared to be level, with solid wood coffins resting in the walls on either side. Each coffin had three inches of space between it and the top of the alcove in which it sat. Each alcove was also perfectly lined up with the one below it, stacked four high, from floor to ceiling.
It was amazing how thick the roots were, twisting around and between each other to form the perfect size alcove for each coffin. Looking at the floor they could see the roots of the trees make almost perfect turns to create a woven floor to the catacombs that was almost perfectly smooth.
Lyam and Rose looked at the top row and wondered how they had lifted such solid looking coffins to a height up over their heads.
After about an hour of walking in the dark corridor, the magic of their helms allowing them to see clearly, they came to a door on the left side of the passage. Shrugging, Lyam cautiously reached out a hand and opened the door. Inside was a room filled with coffins. A suit of armor and a shield lay on the top of coffin, looking as if a flattened warrior slept upon it.
“This must be the bodies of the men that invaded the forest.” Lyam said to Rose.
Nodding her head in agreement, she stepped backwards out of the room and said, “I wonder how they got them in here, since Shinae said no spirit could pass through the outer doors.”
Not having an answer, Lyam shrugged as he let the door close on its own. Taking out a scroll, he made a note on it, before they continued.
They soon found many more rooms filled with the coffins of the forests enemies. Always these rooms were on the left side of the passage.
After what felt like several hours of walking, they stopped and rested for a bit.
“I believe we are still on the top level.” Rose said.
“As do I.” Lyam answered, “I am making this map based on the number of steps we have gone, but am not sure how accurate it is.”
“At least we will be able to find our way back out.” She replied.
“Very true.” He said, as they stood up and continued down the corridor.
They came upon another room shortly thereafter, this one containing a circular stairway heading down. Looking at the ebony finish of the wooden steps, Lyam wondered how far down they went. He thought it strange that the air was not stale and there was no dust on the stairs.
Glancing at each other, Lyam marked the stairs on his map, and they started down them cautiously.
The stairs descended about twenty feet, before ending at a heavy wooden door without ornamentation. Turning the wooden knob, they found the door to be unlocked.
The door opened easily, as if the hinges had recently been oiled. They found themselves looking into a circular room with a half dozen other doors.
As soon as they stepped into the room, the door behind them slammed shut. Lyam and Rose both spun around at the noise, drawing their swords with practiced ease.
Checking the door, Lyam sheathed both of his swords, as he said, “It’s not locked, just closed.”
Rose started to sheath her swords, when a movement out of the corner of her eye caught her attention.
Turning, Lyam caught the movement as well, and drew his swords once again as he stepped away from the door. As he moved, he separated himself slightly from Rose in order to have plenty of room to fight if necessary.
Whatever it was stopped moving for a second before continuing towards them. About ten feet away from them, it started to slowly take shape. After about a minute, a shape resembled a man in green and silver hunting leathers began to form. Although, he was still mostly transparent.
“What is your purpose here?” The ghostly figure asked.
“We have come here to learn from the histories of The People.” Lyam answered back.
The figure nodded its head slowly and pointed towards a door across the room from them. “I shall let you pass,” it said, “but, cannot show you the way beyond this room. Neither, may I allow you to remove any of the histories from their resting place.”
“Are there others like you here? Rose asked.
“I do not know.” It replied, “The doors were designed to prevent spirits from passing through them. This is to prevent unrestful dead from escaping the catacombs.”
Lyam and Rose bowed to the spirit in respect, as Lyam said, “We thank you for your assistance.”
The two of them walked quickly to the door the spirit had pointed to. On the door they noticed an intricate carving of an open book, with a tree growing from its pages. Taking one last look at the spirit, Lyam opened the door and led the way through.
I hope you enjoy reading these little pieces as much as I enjoyed writing the books.
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