The Sanctuary of the Elders was the place where the most knowledgeable and respected of the Council were taken after death. Immersed in the mana pools that naturally occurred in the caves, their bodies were naturally mummified while their minds remained free to wander. Initiates who wore a properly attuned crystal could hear the elders, even speak to them, and many had emerged from the caves during times of great travail with the solution that had ultimately saved the people.

Ulf, of course, was no initiate. But with the Council dead or missing in the wake of the Skyl attacks, it was the only option open to him. With Grol and Sheena at his side, they brushed past the single guard and into the sanctuary, where under threat of violence the initiate gave up their crystal.

Upon donning it, though, Ulf grimaced and immediately swept it from his brows. “What is this?” he said. “It’s just screaming. They didn’t even hear my question.”

“Yes,” sighed the initiate. “That’s all it has ever been. Screaming, endless screaming, from beyond the grave.”

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