The Elder's Curse by Andrew Walbrown

Author:Andrew Walbrown [Walbrown, Andrew]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2021-03-17T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Ulam

“What do you think?”

After climbing a long flight of stairs, Ulam and Mazargo came to a hallway aligned with magic-infused torches. Before them were five massive blocks of black marble, each as large as any boulder and heavy enough to turn their bones to powder. Engraved into the surface of each was the same fire-red insignia of the common room, the light brighter than that of the torches on the wall. One by one they pounded the white marbled floor, shaking the ground, before floating unassisted back to the ceiling. Ulam and Mazargo watched over ten sets before proceeding, hoping they would be able to memorize the pattern. However, as they observed, they learned the sequences were completely randomized, and attempting to discover a common pattern was a fool’s errand. Luck will need to be on our side if we are to avoid being crushed to death.

“Do you think it is possible?” Mazargo continued.

“Yes, but we will need to be quick and time our run perfectly.” Quick is not something that I am, unfortunately. Luckily Amantius is not here, with his bum leg he certainly would not survive.

“Very well. Mazargo will go first. He thinks he sees a pattern. Yes, he sees a pattern indeed.”

Mazargo bolted underneath the first block, reaching the gap between the slabs as both the first and second marble blocks struck the floor. A quick jolt of fear spread through Ulam’s veins, until the first block returned to the ceiling and revealed an unscathed Mazargo. The second stone then receded, and Mazargo jumped into the next gap comfortably. Then suddenly all five blocks were hovering above the ground, giving him just enough room to squeeze past the last three as he hurried to safety. The fifth block slammed into the white marbled floor well after Mazargo had completed the course, but Ulam knew his partner was safe.

He made it look so easy. Alright, my turn. If any Gods are watching, please give me speed.

As he took a step the first enchanted block dropped, smashing the ground with enough power to cause Ulam to reassess the situation. Although he was still at least three long strides away, the tremors under his feet and the sudden blast of musty air forced him to retreat a few steps. As the blocks continued to strike the ground Ulam looked for Mazargo, mostly for support, but the mage was always obscured by at least one of the marble slabs. Being unable to see his new companion frustrated him, and for a moment Ulam thought about searching for Kona, thinking she would be better suited for this task. But as the rhythmic pounding of the enchanted stones synchronized with the beating of his heart, Ulam recovered his lost courage.

As the first block ascended Ulam dashed forward, passing underneath the first three slabs of black marble before the fourth came crashing down. He was forced to wait in the gap for only a brief moment before reaching the last of the safe havens, the final obstacle stubbornly hindering his progress.

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