Caspian led Richard through the shadowy back halls of the academy, deeper and deeper until they arrived at the rear wing of the old Astronomy Tower.
The air Inside the tower grew thick with dust and the scent of mildew.
The walls were lined with cracked stone, and the torches flickering weakly as if struggling to stay alive.
"This way," Caspian murmured.
Richard followed him closely, like a sheep being led to a slaughter house.
They reached a heavy wooden door, its surface marred by scratches and stains.
Caspian produced a rusted key from his pocket and turned it in the lock with a grating click.
The door groaned open, revealing a dimly lit chamber beyond.
Richard hesitated at the threshold, his nose wrinkling at the acrid stench of chemicals and something else—something metallic and foul.
The laboratory was cluttered with glass vials, bubbling flasks, and strange instruments he couldn't name.
