Under the Temple

For Spooktober 2024, word "depth"

The treasures room was set below the main level of the temple, with a stair spiraling downward into it. Abbot Alyak unlocked the gates at top and bottom and gestured them in.

Most of the temple’s treasures were treasures of scholarship, rather than of monetary value. Books, scrolls, and picture tablets were stacked and shelved around the circular room, a well of knowledge into which temple visitors could dip their curiosity and desire to learn.

There were also small statuettes, a few coffers which might contain more precious books or scrolls, and a narrow display of golden jewelry. In the center of this lay an amulet upon a fabric backing.

It was very like Galen’s, though he resisted the urge to draw his out to compare them side by side. This one had a deep violet eye, not blue—though the eye was just as iridescent and brilliant, with a sense of depth unlike any of the semi-precious stones found at a common market. What stones had been used to create such an effect?

The eye stared unseeing at the ceiling.

“What boon does it confer upon the wearer?” asked Galen. “To aid in battle?”

“According to what I’ve read, it enhances a sorcerer’s magical skill. Of course, no one in living memory has worn it, and there are not so many sorcerers around to try it.” He looked between them, curious but polite. “Is there something in particular you wish to know about it?”

Lisveth reached out to rub her finger across the vertical pupil. “How long has it been here, in your keeping?” “Oh, about three hundred years, I think,” he answered. “I’d have to check the records to give you an exact figure.”

She looked at him. “You have a record of its commitment to the temple?”

“Of course.”

“May we see it?”

“The original is in poor condition, but I have a copy I can let you read.”

“We would be obliged. And, if you please, could we have the name of the student who broke into this place?”