[A/N: This bonus chapter is thanks to Pilgrim_.]
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Deep beneath Vhal-Sar, the darkness smelled of smoke.
The tunnel ended in a vast cavern carved from pale stone. At its far end stood a gate taller than ten men, made of white jade and veined with gold. Thousands of runes covered its surface, glowing softly, layer upon layer, like scales on a fish.
Behind it lay the Soulmending Spring.
And in front of it, the cavern had been torn apart.
Craters scarred the floor. Black scorch marks streaked across the walls and ceiling. Broken weapons and the bodies of Daegrin guards lay scattered across the stone, some of them still smoking. The air reeked of burnt metal.
The gate itself still stood.
Its golden runes flickered weakly in a few places, and a long crack ran across its lower half. But it hadn't opened.
A man sat on a pile of rubble in front of it, tossing a small black pebble from one hand to the other.
