CHAPTER III
The Research TeamOnly one part of Serapion Abbey had survived the “improvements” of its former Victorian owner: the medieval crypt, a subterranean forest of ancient stone columns supporting the many arches of the vaulted ceiling. Its solemn, sepulchral atmosphere had been ruined, however, by some recent additions — heavy white partitions had been erected in several of the archways, dividing the cavernous chamber into an extensive network of rooms and corridors. Many of these compartments were of an uninteresting nature, having been converted for use as washrooms, storerooms, and offices. There were also several armouries in which Healers could supply themselves with rifles, Tommy-guns, swords, holy images, protective sprays, and all such tools of the trade as the occasion requ
