Chapter 253: Ancient Mural

Chapter 253: Ancient Mural

The sun settled below the horizon as night stretched across Glimmer Grove forest. Soft fluorescent lights glowed in hues of pinks, blues, and greens over the leaves of the canopy, casting an almost ethereal luminescence over Undergrowth. But there was no light over Shadow Lake, its black waters were as dark as the infamous shade wall.This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

It seemed eerie to the drows of Undergrowth that such a lake, only a league from the city, could hold an atmosphere of its own; a dark gloom that wrapped around itself and threatened to pull anyone into its cold depths.

The sunken temple that had risen from its black waters had only spurred more rumors of the lake. Common folk feared the temple was filled with the spirits of the dead, hungry to curse any who might cross their path. Merchants were eager to search the temples ancient rooms for lost treasure. And Aristocrats desired whatever powerful magical secrets of old the temple might hold. Yet none of them dared visit the half-submerged ruins in the waters of chaos.

Few dared wander near the black shores of Shadow Lake, fewer dared visit the lake at night. The elite guards of House Thorn preferred to stand watch on the shore at night, a healthy distance from the temple. Even the archeologists who spent their days studying the ancient ruins of the temple refused to stay past sunset.

Yet there was one drow who had gone inside the temple at night or more accurately he hadnt left the temple in over two days.

Lord Gregor Sientia stood alone in the deepest recess of the sunken temple. He was thirsty, hungry, and so tired. Yet he waited all the same

Gregor wrung his hand anxiously as he glanced back and forth between the old stone doorway behind and the dark hallway in front of him.

Suddenly, a burst of orange sparks scattered in the darkness, startling the tired scholar.

Gregor took a hesitant step back and licked his dry lips, W-whos there?

Relax, my friend, you are safe, said a powerful but gentle voice.

A cloaked figure emerged from the dark hall. She pulled back the hood and her hair fell across her back in a bundle of dark curls. Two dimples formed in her brown cheeks as her red lips smiled wide.

Gregor fell down on one knee and bowed his head low, Lady Holo, you made it!

Did you think Lady Thorns watchdogs would stop me from coming? Holo said, an amused glint in her eyes.

Never, Gregor smiled. The guards are just Lady Thorns way of displaying her power, but the real problem is she wants to know what lies inside the temple, and she always gets what she wants.

Perhaps, but not here. If Lady Thorn tries to exert her will over this temple or your family, she will only find bitter disappointment, you have my word.

Thank you, my lady! Gregor tried to stand, but stumbled.

Holo reached down, grabbed his shoulders, and lifted him up with ease. You look exhausted. What happened? she asked, genuine concern in her voice.

Gregor smiled weakly and adjusted his glasses, You need not worry for me, my lady. A good night of sleep and Ill be fine.

Thats good, Im glad to hear it. She glanced behind him, Is that?

The door to the innermost chamber, yes. My personal assistant found the entrance two days ago, but only Ive ever been inside.

Holo walked past the stone doorway with slow, careful steps, Does anyone else know about this place?

Gregor followed a few steps behind, Just my assistant, but she knows nothing about the chamber. No one else has even been down to this floor.

Very good, Holo mumbled as she looked around.

The chamber was shaped in a curving tunnel. Murals and strange sigils decorated the walls, ceiling, and floor. Depictions of giant monsters, powerful spells, and complex structures were the subject of many of the murals.

Holo surveyed each one carefully, searching for anything that might give her a sign of the knowledge she needed. Have you managed to decipher any of this?

Gregor nodded earnestly, Im quite proud to stay that I have, my lady. And truth be told, it was no small feat. I spent most of my time on a particular mural, one I think might be relevant to your inquiries.

Oh?

Gregor slowly walked in front of Holo, careful to not scrape his boots across the murals on the floor. This way, my lady.

Holo nodded and followed him down the winding tunnel all the way to the end of the chamber, where a large wall sat. Only a single mural was depicted on the wall, the artwork stretched from the floor all the way to the ceiling.

What is this? Holo muttered, wide-eyed.

The mural was composed of gem shards, faded paint, and cracked engravings that depicted a large open field of grass cloaked in a sky of dark storm-ridden clouds.

A lustrous golden dragon flew upwards into the sky with outstretched wings and a woman clad in black armor rode atop the dragons shoulders. Only the womans face was uncovered, revealing long jade hair billowing around. She had a narrow jaw and a long rigid nose, with dark lips outstretched in a warcry. Her bronze skin and silver eyes practically glowed in the torchlight.

Holo traced her fingers across the dragon and rider, I think Ive seen her before that woman.

You have? Gregor asked, surprised.

When I was young, I saw her in a very ancient painting. Queen Ananta

The last queen of the fabled Vesir queendom, Gregor nodded. And her dragon, Vismarya. Or so the mural says.

Im afraid not, my lady, Gregor admitted. All I know is that the sword helped kill the Dragonbane and defeat Unildyr.

Holo narrowed her eyes, You keep saying defeat Unildyr. Why?

Gregor wrinkled his brow, Im sorry, I dont understand the question.

You just said they killed the Dragonbane, but defeated Unildyr. Are you saying they didnt kill Unildyr? Are you saying Unildyr didnt die?"

Gregor shrugged, Im simply repeating the words I translated from the murals sigils. I suppose the mural never used the word kill when referring to Unildyr. But I think we can safely assume he is dead, yes? Yes? Lady Holo?

Holos face had grown pale, a faint tremble ran through her hands. ...Few things from the Age of Titans have survived the test of time. But someone like this someone who could spawn dragon killers? They could survive.

But that doesnt really make sense, right? Gregor laughed nervously. There are too many holes, too many questions. If this Unildyr being was still alive, why have we never heard of him before? Why are dragons still alive? Why arent there any of these Dragonbane monsters flying about terrorizing the land?

Holo swallowed hard, but said nothing.

Gregor cleared his throat, And if by some ridiculous chance Unildyr did survive all this time, perhaps he simply left the realms and went back to the Null?

Holos eyes widened in dawning horror, Or perhaps he was trapped under a mountain for the last three ages Until the mountain erupted and a stupid girl found him 900 years ago.

Im sorry, what? Gregor frowned.

Lord Sientia, are you there? a voice called out hesitantly.

Someone is coming! Holo whispered.

Gregor raised his hands, Wait, thats -!

But Holos form had already disappeared in a burst of orange sparks.

Shit! Gregor yelled.

He sprinted back up the chambers tunnel, wincing each time he stepped over a mural tile. He reached the chambers doorway in a matter of seconds, but he was too late. Holo held a young woman by the throat and had her pinned to the wall. The woman gasped for breath and kicked feebly, trying to escape to no avail.

Wait, please! Gregor screamed. Dont kill her! Shes my assistant!

Shes seen us, Holo said coldly.

Plums face darkened a shade of blue as she wheezed. With shaky hands she gripped Holos wrist and channeled purple mana. Slim mind tendrils of purple light emerged from her hands and attached themselves to Holos arm.

That wont work, kid, Holo smirked and tightened her grip.

Plums mouth gaped open like a fish, but there was no sound, no gasp of air left. The glasses slipped from her nose and fell with a crack. Her arms and legs went limp and her eyes rolled up.

Wait, my lady! Plum is loyal, she will not say anything! Gregor fell to his knees and bowed his head to the floor, Please, my lady. She has a bright future ahead of her, please dont take that from her! Please.

Holo looked at Gregor with a mixture of regret and pity. After a few tense moments she sighed, I hope youre right, and released her grip.

Plum collapsed to the floor with a hard thud. She wheezed weakly and tried her best to scramble away from Holo. Gregor ran to Plum and helped her up to a sitting position.

Its okay, youre okay, Gregor said in a soothing voice. What are you doing here? I told you to stay on the upper floors.

Plum rubbed her throat and glanced fearfully at Holo. ...Your wife was getting worried about you, my lord, she said in a raspy voice. Its been two days since anyone last saw you. Lady Sientia pleaded with me to come find you. I-I didnt know you were I wont tell anyone about your mistress

Mistress? Gregor asked.

Hah! Holo laughed, Gregor is a good man, but Im nobodys mistress.

Then why are you? Plum mumbled.

Dont ask anyone questions, child, Gregor said sternly. You saw nothing tonight. And as far as youre concerned, this chamber, no, this entire floor does not exist. Do you understand?

...I understand, Plum nodded slowly.

Good girl, Gregor smiled and handed Plum her broken glasses. Now go home and get some rest.

...Yes, my lord, Plum bowed her head and with a painful grimace she pushed herself to her feet. She glanced nervously at Holo, before she walked away with an unsteady gait.

I really hope youre right, Gregor, Holo said quietly.

Gregor sighed, Plum is a sensible, level-headed young woman. Shell be fine.