Chapter 5 - Unearthing the Relics
The heavy obsidian doors groaned open another three feet, sliding back into the cavernous stone walls with a majestic finality. The blinding golden light inside stabilized, revealing a breathtaking panorama of wealth and history that humanity had not laid eyes upon for two decades. Mountains of ancient gold coins shimmered in the illumination, weapons forged from star-metal lined the racks, and scrolls containing lost magic floated gently in mid-air within containment spheres.
At the very center of the vault, resting upon a pillar of pure white crystal, hovered the ultimate prize: The Dragon King’s Crown.
It was a masterpiece of ancient smithing, crafted from interlocking scales of platinum and embedded with rubies that pulsed like a living pulse. According to prophecy, the crown would remain inert, weighing heavier than a mountain to anyone unworthy, but would adjust its size and bond seamlessly to the true heir of the First Bloodline.
Archmage Vaelor crawled forward, his hands trembling as he stared into the treasury. "It’s real... every legend, every myth is real. The protective spells have dissolved entirely for her."
The little girl stepped over the threshold, her bare, bruised feet crossing the sacred threshold that had claimed the lives of the realm's greatest scholars. The moment her foot touched the inner floor, the floating scrolls unfurled, whispering ancient secrets of healing, agriculture, and defense that had been buried by Aldric's tyrannical regime to keep the populace weak and dependent.
King Aldric struggled to his feet, his eyes darting toward a hidden side-exit behind the throne dais. Realizing his empire had evaporated in a matter of minutes, he decided to flee, lunging toward the exit corridor.
"Stop him," the girl said softly, not even turning around.
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Captain Roderic didn't hesitate. He vaulted across the marble floor, tackling Aldric just as the deposed king reached the heavy iron door. Roderic pinned him face-down to the stone, pressing his forearm against Aldric's neck. "You're not going anywhere, Your Majesty. You have an accounting to give."
Inside the vault, the girl walked slowly toward the crystal pillar. The Dragon King’s Crown pulsed brighter, sensing her approach. It detached itself from the pillar, floating gracefully through the air until it hovered inches above her soot-covered, matted hair.
