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"Yes, it's quite safe," Aldrec pro a step down the staircase as proof "Don't worry I wouldn't let anyone hurt you"

Mericlou licked her dry lips and then, took hold of Aldrec's offered hand With trepidation, she took her first step down the staircase -which did not explode in her face as soely expected Some relief cooled her insides, and she folloith renewed confidence Aldrec s he could be

Distantly, Aldrec felt Mericlou treh the cavern It did not take long for her to becoasped in awe of the beauty of the strange, glowing script that covered the walls and ceiling like glowing spider webs

"The entire tunnel is protected by runes," Aldrec explained "I'ht now, but they also function as a defense against intruders That's why I held you back apassword, or tried to enter without disar theh I'm sure they could even kill an android"

Mericlou shuddered inwardly at Aldrec's warning "Why would anyone need to use runes to protect a cave tunnel?" she asked "Is there treasure down here, or soly "You'll just have to wait to h the tunnel had been very brief before Mericlou becaht levels The runes, which at first glowed a soft blue, like an active orb or i and clearing the way She could now fully see Aldrec walking in front of her, and exactly where she was taking her next steps on the staircase

Though the temperature remained cool, the humidity steadily increased Soon, it became visible as a slick layer of daan to affect the traction on the tunnel floor Several times, Mericlou alrace and swiftness kept her fro caught her in mid-fall for the fourth time "Just a short way down"

There had been a steady increase in brightness froht that did not come froht, Mericlou noticed as the tunnel curved down on a steeper arc, which ended in a grand cave opening, h in the s At the foot of the stairs, the source of the light lay before her in glorious perfection