Page 77 of Savage Devotion
"Can you travel?" I ask, returning to practical concerns.
"With help."
"Good. Because the air currents suggest multiple passages, and I'd rather not test which ones lead to freedom versus deeper underground."
I help him to his feet, noting the way he favors his left side and the careful control he maintains over his movements. Injured, yes, but functional. Between his strength and my navigation skills, we can make it to the surface.
We explore the chamber systematically, mapping air currents and passage options with the methodical thoroughness of soldiers who understand that missed details kill. Three potential exits, two that feel like they lead deeper underground and one that carries the unmistakable scent of surface air.
"That one." Kaelgor points toward a passage that slopes upward, carved from natural stone but widened and reinforced with the same ember-stone that lights the chamber.
"Agreed." I shoulder my pack, checking weapon positions and supply levels. "But carefully. If this place is as significant as the legends suggest, it might have guardians."
"Guardians?"
"Protections. Wards. Things that don't want unauthorized visitors disturbing ancient sites."
We move through the passage together, his hand occasionally touching my shoulder for balance, my awareness extended for signs of danger or trap. The ember-stone provides steady light, growing brighter as we climb toward what I hope is freedom.
The passage opens onto a ledge carved into the mountainside, high enough that the valley spreads below us likea tactical map rendered in forest and shadow. Dawn light paints the peaks in shades of gold and crimson, and the air carries the clean bite of high altitude and new snow.
"We made it," I breathe.
But when I turn toward Kaelgor, expecting to share the relief of reaching safety, I find him staring back toward the passage we just emerged from. His expression carries wonder and something approaching reverence.
"What?"
"Look."
I follow his gaze and understand immediately. From outside, the passage entrance is invisible, hidden by natural rock formations and shadows that would fool casual observation. But from inside, the ember-stone creates a warm glow that turns the entrance into a beacon.
A beacon that would guide the lost to safety.
Heart of the Mountain.Not just a forge site or temple, but a refuge. A place where the desperate could find shelter and the lost could find direction.
"The legends," I murmur.
"More than legends."
He's right. Whatever power flows through that chamber, whatever ancient purpose shaped its creation, it's still active. Still offering protection to those who need it most.
Still bringing together souls that might otherwise never find common ground.
"We should report this," I say, but without conviction.
"To who? Your House? Mine?"
"Someone should know."
"Someone does." He turns toward me, rust-red eyes serious in the dawn light. "We know. And that's enough for now."
For now. The words acknowledge decisions made in crisis don't always survive the return to normal life. That whateverbond formed between us in desperate circumstances might not withstand the pressures of clan politics and House loyalties.
But they also acknowledge that what happened in the ember-stone chamber was real, significant, worth protecting even if we're not sure how to protect it.
I nod, understanding the unspoken agreement. The Heart of the Mountain remains our secret, at least until we understand what it means for both our peoples.
"The others," I realize. "My team, your warriors. They'll be looking for us."
