"Yes, it's quite safe," Aldrec promised, taking a step down the staircase as proof. "Don't worry. I wouldn't let anyone hurt you."
Mericlou licked her dry lips and then, took hold of Aldrec's offered hand. With trepidation, she took her first step down the staircase -which did not explode in her face as some part of her had strangely expected. Some relief cooled her insides, and she followed with renewed confidence. Aldrec smiled and she was amazed at how disarming he could be.
Distantly, Aldrec felt Mericlou tremble through his hand as they began their descent through the cavern. It did not take long for her to become more at ease, and she gasped in awe of the beauty of the strange, glowing script that covered the walls and ceiling like glowing spider webs.
"The entire tunnel is protected by runes," Aldrec explained. "I'm using them as a light source right now, but they also function as a defense against intruders. That's why I held you back a moment ago. If you said the wrong password, or tried to enter without disarming them, you would've set off the death spells. They're very thorough. I'm sure they could even kill an android."
Mericlou shuddered inwardly at Aldrec's warning. "Why would anyone need to use runes to protect a cave tunnel?" she asked. "Is there treasure down here, or something?"
"Some might say it is," Aldrec replied teasingly. "You'll just have to wait to make your own conclusion."
Their trek through the tunnel had been very brief before Mericlou became aware of the increase in humidity, as well as light levels. The runes, which at first glowed a soft blue, like an active orb or imse ether, now began to shine bright white, brightening and clearing the way. She could now fully see Aldrec walking in front of her, and exactly where she was taking her next steps on the staircase.
Though the temperature remained cool, the humidity steadily increased. Soon, it became visible as a slick layer of dampness upon the rune-covered walls. Soon, it began to affect the traction on the tunnel floor. Several times, Mericlou almost slipped, but just as many times, Aldrec's elven grace and swiftness kept her from a nasty spill.
"It's not much further," he said, having caught her in mid-fall for the fourth time. "Just a short way down."
There had been a steady increase in brightness from a light that did not come from the runes. It was a brilliance that was almost like sunlight, Mericlou noticed as the tunnel curved down on a steeper arc, which ended in a grand cave opening, much bigger than the one they passed through in the small building. At the foot of the stairs, the source of the light lay before her in glorious perfection.