The chain moves again.
This time two links slide over the lid before stopping against the side of the case. The metallic sound crosses the empty plaza, and Veric takes his hand off the first lock.
Zhang Xi steps closer. "Did you do that?"
"No," Veric answers.
I look at the case.
Something repositions inside it. The platform creaks, though nobody has touched it.
"Is that the warning?" I ask.
Veric keeps his eyes on the chain. "Seems so. The sword won't accept being wielded."
"How many attempts?"
"More than the records describe. My family received the Relic two generations ago, when Thirstfall was discovered. Kings, guards, sword masters, and guests of the court have all tried to claim it."
"And nobody managed?"
"Some managed to lift it."
The way he answers makes it clear that wasn't the problem.
Veric touches one of the runic marks on the side of the case. A sequence of names rises over the metal, followed by short records of injuries, damages, and interrupted tests.
