That One Time I Went on a Quest

Catacomb of Giants (3/4)

We spend an indeterminable amount of time walking down this corridor, then the next, then the next. Down here in the armpit of the earth, the passage of time is measured only by the burning of our torches, and after they've burnt out, by how far I can walk on my own at each attempt. I lose count of how many times Killisan has looked back at me with all his teeth bared in a horse-faced grin – was funny and cute the first time. Now, just annoying.

There's no way for Kathanhiel and I to communicate complicated ideas to Oon'Shei, not with these insensitive ears, but he seems to know these passages intimately, never hesitating whenever branching corridors appear...and there are many. It's like a spider's web down here, gouged into the heart of the Endless Ranges.

However, there are no tombs in sight. No coffins or murals or anything. Just endless corridors with plain wall, plain ceiling, and a triangular alcoves now and then. It is amazing how such a lofty space has remained intact under the weight of the mountain, yet equally amazing is how boring it is. The little giants don't seem to have an artistic side at all. Sure, the coach runners had those colourful veins, but that was for interacting with humans. Here, in the throes of their creation, there is nothing but barren efficiency.

Ah, here is another measure of time: how crazy this monotony is driving me.

Kathanhiel hasn't said much since we got here. Every time I look her face seems to get a little gloomier, her eyebrows frozen deeper into a frown. Most of the time she holds onto Kaishen unsheathed; the blade glows only with residue brightness – in this total darkness, it glows even when left alone – but it's enough for us to see and not trip over nothing. Not that there is even a pebble on this spotless floor.

I don't think she's holding it out just for a light though. My throat is mending fast – whatever Kaishen injected into my blood, it's healing me just like it did with the broken arm – and when I can talk properly again I'll have to...have to...

What? Do what? Apologize? Say "sorry for letting the person you hate the most get away, let me make it up to you by boiling tea?" Stupid.

But I can't leave it like this.