<b>It wasn't an everyday occurrence to see statues come to life and speak, not even for someone so old as an elf. Allassiel gaped at them, while beside her Allasea's grip tightened on her staff, though her expression remained calm.<br/>
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Pegawen slid behind Lotharn and listened to them speak. How did they know all these things? Who had created them, that they could come to life and speak? Surely it wasn't these people, the horse people. She shook her head in confusion. It didn't matter how they'd come to be, only that they could help now. </b><br/><br/><b>After Lotharn proclaimed their intent, the group waited as silence filled the chamber. Would these statues, these guardians, agree to their right to retrieve the stone? Did the stone even exist here? They needed to know for outside the chambers she could hear the faint sounds of movement. Surely the orcs would find them soon. </b><br/><br/><b>Allassiel broke the silence first. “If it pleases your ancestors, we're going to have company soon, and not the kind that asks questions. Should Morgan get his hands on this stone --”</b><br/><br/>“<b>Impatience in an elf is rare.”</b><br/><br/>“<b>True, still she speaks rightly. There are those who would bring the stone to Morgan, enemy of all.” The statue stared at Lotharn, then reached up to open a small compartment built into his breastplate. He drew from it a small box, holding it out to the group. “Take this, and tend it wisely.”</b><br/><br/><b>Behind him, the others turned to face the throne and pointed towards the king's body. Around his neck was a simple but elegant necklace, the pendant glowing despite the dim light.</b><br/><br/><b>Even as they did, the sounds of movement below grew louder.</b>