Bound By Madness

43. Finding Treasure

We had made our way cautiously through the tunnels of the ancient crypt, me disarming traps and unlocking whatever chests we came across that didn't open immediately to Destin's eager hands. With each new trinket discovered, we both grew more and more eager to seek out more. I couldn't deny that I had slipped a few items into my pouch without bothering to ask if he had any interest in them, but he never spoke a word about it, knowing that without my skills the items would be lost to him anyhow.

Besides, the latest item I placed carefully within my pouch wasn't something I felt the Initiate would appreciate properly. No, I knew exactly where it would be best admired for what it was.

The books were another matter entirely, him begrudgingly carrying the ones I wanted in exchange for me letting him have the majority of the coin and gems we came across. If he didn't know how rare some of those books were, and thus the value they held... well, I wasn't about to tell him that little secret.

It was only when we reached the last door that trouble struck, walking into a large cavernous room filled with the slabs that marked the lids of those stone coffins the Nords of old seemed so fond of. My eyes met Destin's momentarily before the sound of grinding had us both looking back to see the door shut behind us with a loud click.

Well, shit...

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I can still taste the ashes on my tongue... Why did I ever have the idea to use fire magic on that thing? I'm lucky I didn't burn my own hands off! Amicus, why didn't you stop me from using fire magic? You know I'm no good with combat spells!

"Because your dagger was knocked away from you and we both figured that since they are dried up old corpses, perhaps fire would burn them faster than ice would slow them down?" The sarcasm used to try and hide his worry was evident, even though he was whispering, hands trembling as he checked my back for any wounds I might need to have healed.

To be honest, after facing that many of the Not Dead, I was lucky to be alive. The last one to have risen up had been extra nasty, shouting magic at both Destin and myself with ease as we tried to get close enough to hit it with our blades. It had been after my dagger was too far away to reach and Destin had been knocked to the ground by one of the things shouts that I finally pulled myself together to try the spell Amicus suggested in an almost panicked voice.

I'm sorry Amicus. I'm just... I'm not used to trying to cast a spell in battle. Maybe it's time to start carrying more than just the one dagger with us. Maybe we should pick up a few of the ones we left behind when we leave.

"Or you could take that one over there," Amicus said softly as he turned my head to look at the shimmering dagger laying innocently upon the stone table just to the side of the strange-looking wall that Destin was staring at.

Oh... Yeah, the Initiate doesn't seem interested in it. He uses swords more often anyhow. And he's already picked up a couple of those. I bet he wouldn't mind if I took this.

I rambled as I walked slowly up to the table, my fingers twitching slightly as I reached for the dusty metal blade. My fingers tingled as they trailed across the side of the blade before wrapping around the leather grip of the handle.

Oh, yes. That's nice. That's very nice indeed. I like this one, Amicus. We could have fun with this one. This has a good enchantment on it. Fire is much safer in a dagger than in my bare hands.

"Faith, what is the boy doing?" I looked up when I heard Ellery ask the question, seeing him staring intently at the Initiate as he blinked a few times before mumbling something over and over, looking down at his hands.

I don't know.

Walking toward him, I watched as he shook his head and sighed, turning to glance at me before walking toward a sword leaning against one of the coffins.

"Let's grab what we want from here and go back to the Sanctuary. I don't think we should stay much longer. Who knows what might try and attack us next," he spoke before giving a chuckle, no actual humor in the sound.

Peering at the wall where he had stood and stared for so long, I saw nothing of any real interest, the words seeming only to blur before my eyes before skittering away from me. I shrugged and turned to Ellery.

You heard him. If there is anything you want from here, better let me know so I can make sure it doesn't get left behind.