Thalric Deepcurrent's Arc

Chapter 4 of 11

The trench cut deeper than the map showed. Thalric pushed through the current, four arms pulling him forward against water that felt thicker here, heavier. His kinsman's belt pressed against his waist with each stroke. The crest dug into his side like a promise he couldn't break. Two figures blocked the passage ahead. They wore armor marked with council symbols, spears crossed between them. The taller one held up a stone seal carved with interlocking patterns. Light blazed from its center, turning the water bright as noon. Thalric slowed but didn't stop. His lower arms moved to his sides, ready. The sentinel with the seal spoke without lowering it. "This passage is sealed by council order. No one enters the eastern trenches." Thalric pulled the belt from his waist and held it out so the crest caught the seal's light. "I'm Deepcurrent. That means something here, or you wouldn't be guarding it." The sentinels went still. The one with the seal lowered it slightly, eyes fixed on the crest. "Where did you get that?" His voice had changed — not commanding now, but uncertain. Thalric pressed forward, closing the distance. "From family. From someone who knew what you're protecting." The shorter sentinel shifted his spear, but the other put a hand on his arm. They looked at each other, then back at Thalric. The seal dimmed. "One hour," the taller one said. "Then we report this. You understand?" Thalric moved between them before they could change their minds. The passage opened ahead, dark and waiting. He had an hour to find what three generations had been denied. The crest had bought him that much. Whether it would be enough, he'd know soon.