Chapter Twenty
Ristéard looked up at the tall entrance carved into the side of the mountain. The figure of the First Empress of Elpidios was carved above the doorway where she looked down on those that entered the mountain. A series of pillars rose up to support the roof of the entrance. He swallowed when he saw that the dozen huge supports were carved from Blood Stone. That much crystal would power the shields for a couple of years. A dozen steps led up to the twenty-foot tall entrance. Beyond it was inky darkness.
He staggered forward when the creature behind him pushed him in the back with the long staff he carried. His gaze swung to Sadao and Ajaska when they stumbled to a stop next to him. The three of them now stood side by side. Glancing briefly over his shoulder, he heard Walter
