The thick smoke from the outer explosions drifted through the iron portcullis, carrying the sharp, acrid stench of burnt saltpeter and pulverized basalt into the central vault.
High above their heads, long cracks fractured the vaulted ceiling, dropping showers of fine stone dust onto the wide flagstones below.
CRACK!
The heavy iron portcullis on the eastern wall blew inward with a deafening bang as an explosive charge shattered the central locking pin.
Eight hulking mercenaries dressed in heavy iron plate armor pushed through the smoking breach, their boots stamping heavily into the ash that coated the floorboards.
They moved with disciplined, military precision, fanning out into a wide arc that blocked every avenue of approach to the exit.
Four of the men carried massive, four foot
