"Y-Yes."
The disciple stammered and quickly stepped aside. He didn't want to lose his life just for pretending to be loyal.
Edward didn't spare him a second glance. He was in a hurry, and definitely not in the mood to entertain someone so far below him in the food chain. He turned his head slightly and spoke to Zereth beside him.
"Wait here."
Without another word, he strode through the gate and vanished into the darkness ahead.
Beyond the gate stretched a long, damp tunnel. At the end of it was a cave-like chamber. Rough and unpolished stone walls were enclosing this vast space which was dimly lit by flickering blue flames mounted on torches hanging in the walls. In the center of the room, there was a slab of black stone. And a man who appeared well over a hundred years old was sitting in lotus position on top of it.
