Chapter NineThe lock came away easily, one blast with the Remington's solid rounds and it shattered. Crane took the steps first and pushed up and away at the hatch. It swung upwards and slammed onto the floor above, letting in more light. They climbed the wooden steps to the next level of the pagoda, their footsteps heavy after the horror of the attack on the previous level and they both knew combat fatigue was setting in.
The room was of a similar size, style and design as its predecessors on the lower levels, with heavy wood and traditionally-panelled windows and sliding doors. It was sparsely furnished, only a few simple vases on shelves and a curtain at the far end covered a small window which barely let in any light, giving this level an air of dark broodiness. There were wooden supp
