Rumble— Rumble— Rumble—
A few minutes later, the heavy sound of footsteps echoed through the building— the march of armored boots pounding against stone, stirring old dust and silence.
Clad in full armor, a crowd of armed guards spilled into the Hall of Awakening.
"Huh? Where are they?"
"I don't know, Sir. The people outside said Aurum and his company entered the Ruins of Gold not even an hour ago."
The commander's brow furrowed beneath his helmet.
"Squad One and Two, check the upper floor. Squad Three, search the halls. Squad Four, sweep the corners and behind the statues. Leave no place untouched."
"Yes, Sir!"
The men split off quickly, their footsteps scattering in every direction, steel boots echoing against the stone floor.
On the first floor, one of the guards ran a gloved hand along a pillar's edge.
Upstairs, doors creaked open, old floorboards groaned, and more guards moved with purpose.
"No signs of magic up here!" A voice called down.
