When we reach tunnel eleven, the one that leads down to the Cave of Spears, I stop. It is protected throughout the year because of flooding and the water wyrms as large as me. Luckily, it is hibernation season during the Festival of Endu, and the water drains away for a few weeks so we are free to find the gypsum formations.
"Open the gates," I command the two miners who have come to help us. The massive iron doors to the tunnels creak and groan as they swing open, revealing the labyrinthine network that stretches deep into the heart of the Enduar Mountains. The scent of damp earth and rock fills my nostrils, mingling with the subtle energy of the precious crystals hidden within.
"Your Majesty," says Eryx, his voice hushed and reverent as we enter the yawning maw of darkness. "It is a great honor to assist you with this but it is my duty to remind you to walk softly around the crystals.”
"Of course, Eryx," I say with a smile. It is just like a stone cutter to be more concerned with rocks than his king. We begin walking, my eyes adjusting to the dim light that filtered in from the entrance. With each step I take, the air smells different.
After a half hour of walking, I see the first long, sharp rod of opaque white crystal that savagely juts across the tunnel.
It almost looks like a spear, hence the name of the cave. The crystal's edges are jagged and rough, the result of centuries of growth and friction against the surrounding rock. I reach out to touch it, feeling the cool smoothness of the surface. Gypsum is used to help provide calm to those in distress, which is close to how I feel today.
One hundred and sixty-three men, both Enduar and human, are living in our halls, most unmated. Two have been stolen this week without finding a mate. There are still eleven women without mates. Seeing Estela sit on my throne did something to my insides. I want her to be strong, to unite and grow our people more. Luiz and Neela are happy—we will be happy as well.
As we continue on, I feel like I am walking through a forest of crystalline trees. The formations jut out from the walls and floors, forming intricate patterns and shapes that cross over each other like a battlefield. Eryx moves ahead of me, testing each crystal formation with his tools to see if it has the necessary properties to be used for the Endu and Grutabela’s song.
"Look here," Eryx gestures toward a narrow fissure in the tunnel wall. "The formation of these crystals is truly remarkable."
I join the stone cutter and peer into the darkness, my keen eyes scanning every nook and cranny for signs of instability or danger. The jagged edges of the crystals glisten like fangs in the shadows.
"Indeed," I reply, my voice tinged with awe. "Our ancestors were wise to recognize the power contained within these stones and leave this mine mostly untouched."
"Of course, Your Majesty," Eryx agrees. He’s quiet, but I enjoy his presence.
As we continue our descent into the depths of the mountain, the air grows more humid, and stale, wet sound assaults my nose.
We pass into a section where the crystals are broken and scattered. It looks like something that could have happened in the quake I caused during the giants’ visit. I quicken my pace as we approach a tunnel section that appears to have collapsed.
"Is this recent?" I ask.
Eryx joins me at my side. "I cannot be certain, Your Majesty," he admits. “But it is not unusual to have some breaks in a mine with water wyrms. Perhaps you have not noticed them in the past. I have heard other stone cutters speak about them in the past."
I am quiet as he guides me around the mine. When I find two crystals that appear to match closely in shape and size, I reach out to touch them. The power of the stones thrums beneath my fingertips, and I know that they will work perfectly for our purposes.
"Very well. These will suffice," I say.
Eryx nods in agreement. "I will bring my tools with Flova later today to help cut these out."
"How do you see Flova? Is he fully healed?" I ask.
He nods. "I believe so. He still has a cough, but I suspect it is more a cause of the years spent inhaling dust, not sickness. Ulla tells us that the humans have found a way to grow some of the leaves they use to heal him. I am not worried."
I smile, and we make our way out of the cave, heading toward the upper level of Enduvida.
"That is good to hear."
And it was—another pocket of light in the darkness. For the first time in days, I don't worry about giants or monsters. I think about how we will use these to reflect the sound of the night—Estela has never felt the power of Grutabela's song. I want the three stages of the ceremony to be beautiful. There are a few caves behind the palace, near the scrying grotto that have been untouched.
I could spend time cleaning one out. The waters there are warm, and it is private. She would be comfortable there.
Chapter34
Iolite
ESTELA
Ican't seem to escape the relentless pull of my thoughts, every single one of them returning to this morning. It's as if a fire has been ignited within me, raging and uncontrollable, fueled by the intensity of my desire for Teo. I oscillate between regret for not going further and gratitude that I let him be.
The eight hunters who fought the monsters are lined up in front of the station Liana and I have set up in front of the palace. Each of us has a small pile of crystals and a table with cushions for the men to lay on while we work.