After Jade prepared, Darius nodded.<br/><br/>"I can see why the Dynasts wrote it to be impenetrable; somehow this entrance was sealed with Celestial Essence.  Perhaps the Sidereals have taken over its use rather than the Empress... but no matter.  It is the best lead we have, and it will provide information if nothing else."<br/><br/>He stepped onto the stone slab, and the girls could see his caste symbol light briefly as he channeled essence into the lock.  The stone responded with a deep rumbling, then it began to sink downward into the darkness below.  Darius quickly grabbed the ladies and pulled them onto the slab with him, before it sank too deeply for them to join him safely.<br/><br/>As the stone descended, the manse began to light itself.  It was a large chamber, at least as large as the library where they had found Darius, and completely hollowed out.  Clearly it was an arena of some sort, at one time, but the look of things suggested it was not imhabited for some time.  Two passageways led deeper into the manse, in opposite directions.<br/><br/>Finally the slab settled into the floor, and the trio was able to step off.  As soon as they had, the stone flew upward and sealed the entrance again.<br/><br/>"Hmm, it seems it was a training ground after all."  Darius looked toward one hallway, then the other.  "Which way should we go?  I believe Jade said she would take the lead, so I will defer to her."