The Unfated Wanderers Canto 14
The Unfated Wanderers dropped through the small, square door into what was once the tower’s second floor. For what reason this small hatch connected this floor to the ground floor, they knew not. This story had the remains of a staircase leading down. From outside, it was covered by a rockslide. Within the tower, they could see it, as well as more stairs leading to the next floor. These stairs were above them and could not be used. Their passageway was blocked by boulders from the hillside, puncturing through the tower wall. With no other options other than the story they occupied, they began to search for the earth sphere.
Shattered wood rotted in a pile upon the ceiling. The walls were decorated with bas reliefs. These detailed sculpts illustrated the story of Greedy Noble, leading their People from the Only Mountain, whither this tower was constructed. Billet and Vilerend were familiar with this story from life in Icebrunt amongst Weaverism practitioners.
Other reliefs told stories they did not know. Fierce warriors fought fervently in battles. Treasure was gathered. The enslaved were brought here in chains. The Child God ascended the tower, replaced by a queen. Having no context to further appreciate the bas reliefs, the explorers resumed their search.
Not deeply buried in the wooden rubble was a stone casket adorned with many markings. It rested on its lid. They tilted the long, stone box onto its side with great effort. A skeleton tumbled out of the casket. It was dressed in rich robes robbed of color by many years. Cradled in its hands, even after the fall, was a stone orb.
The Unfated Wanderers washed with water the filth freckled sphere. Rinsing revealed a glass ball encasing writhing ribbons of silver and gold. The earth sphere was in hand.