I showed JVB my little Bag of Tricks. It was almost big enough to hold the pommel of his sword. So, I just shrugged as if to say "I don't think it will fit."
DQueene led us through the labyrinth of tunnels. The floors got cleaner as we travelled, much to our relief. At one point it felt like we were turning back in the wrong direction, but we turned forward again and kept on walking. Except for a few insects and harmless mice, we had no more encounters until we found the long steep stairs that led up into darkness. A cold, dry, mildew smell wafted down from the lightless ascent, that sent shivers up my spine and back down again.
I listened carefully, but heard only the distant infrequent dripping of water on stone.
I whispered, "I don't hear anything. I think that's a good sign." Then, I turned to DQueene and asked, "Do you want me to lead the way?"
She shook her head "No", and pointed to Luc and Nero, indicating that they should be the first ones to climb the stairs. Then she pointed to the rest of us and gestured "Stay here."
Everybody else prepared themselves for the climb, then silently tiptoed up the stairs and out of sight. I listened as they climbed 142 stairs before reaching a door. They opened it with a quiet squeek, so I guess it was not locked, and I could see their distant silhouettes enter the torchlit room. Then they closed the door and we waited.
