After searching thoroughly through the ground floor of the temple. the group found nothing of particular attention.
There were skeletons decorating the space around the statue like macabre offerings. And behind the idol, concealed by shadow and deliberate architectural misdirection, they discovered a secret hiding place.
If one could call it that.
A pit covered with metal lid, its edges were corroded by centuries but the structure remained remarkably intact. And fortunately, it was filled with chopped wood.
Most had rotted to varying degrees, transformed by time and moisture into something between timber and compost.
But that didn't matter. They would burn it regardless.
They continued up to the first floor through the stairs, that creaked with each step. The sounds echoed through darkness with volume that made everyone wince.
So they decided to ascend in groups of two, spreading weight distribution. Each pair was holding sconces whose flames cast dancing shadows on walls.
