At the end of the corridor, the passage opened into a vast chamber bathed in flickering orange light from our torches. In the center of the room stood a stone pedestal carved with runic patterns. And thrust into a slot at the top of the pedestal was a long, ornately decorated rod or staff. The item gleamed with the unmistakable luster of gold, and colorful jewels studded its length, glittering like captured starlight.
"There it is," Elfriede breathed. Her eyes lit up, reflecting the sparkle of the relic. "We've found it. The quest's relic… and it looks to be of at least Epic grade."
The others were staring as well, enraptured. I could practically see the coin signs dancing in their pupils. Their take from selling it would be considerable if that thing were as valuable as it appeared.
As for me, I was more interested in the room itself than the shiny bauble. I swept my torch around warily, half-expecting traps or guardians to reveal themselves. In my experience, ancient altars rarely sat unprotected. Yet the chamber was eerily silent. No golems, no curses raining from the ceiling. Just the lonely pedestal and its treasure.
After a moment, Elfriede wet her lips and turned to me. There was a familiar glint in her eye that sent my stomach sinking.
"Alright, Lucian," she said, flashing me a cold smile. She drew her sword and gave a meaningful nod toward the pedestal. "Go on. Retrieve the relic for us."
I stiffened. My instincts screamed in protest. No choice. The accursed Medusa's imprint around my neck pulsed, responding to her direct order. My feet were already moving me forward, even as every muscle in my body tensed in dread.
Elfriede and the others stepped back toward the walls, out of the direct path between me and the pedestal. I set down my enormous pack by the entrance—no sense lugging that to my possible doom—and forced myself to walk toward the golden rod. My legs felt like lead, and a chill sweat beaded on my skin.
Oh gods, please don't let anything kill me now… not when I'm so close. I silently prayed to any deity listening—Helior, Evernight, whoever cared—that I might survive this withering moment.
I stretched my arms and rolled my shoulders as I advanced, trying to stay loose. My heart was hammering painfully fast. If I had to dodge a sudden trap, I'd need every ounce of agility and luck. One misstep and I'd be a splatter on the floor.
"Hurry up!" Elfriede hissed from behind. I could feel her predatory gaze between my shoulder blades, urging me on.