As I walked accross the cobbled road, I felt something long absent in the sunken gaze of passers-by : a glimmer of hope.

The gloomy faces were a cold welcome to the uninvited guests yet these dark, twisted buildings, mixed with wringled trees, were making me feel even more uneasy. Whipped by a freezing breath, I could hear ropes swinging impatiently, much like a barking from the graves underneath. Light was nowhere to be found.

Except in a tavern whence echoed a token of entertainment. No yawp nor smirks aside from flowing alcohol ; only unfriendly peeping and rusltes rised over the map-laden tables, as schemes were being made up.

« Fully booked, newcomer. »

Though not unpleasent, the throaty voice was peremptory.

« But booked, I have. »

A sparkle flashed into his eyes as the waiter drew closer. His startle did not go unnoticed but not a single head swayed.

« Upstairs. »

He was not blushing, nor even trembling, in spite of everyone's attention focused on the both of us. Obviously, I had been recognized ! What man wouldn't have ? We slowly walked away from the silent hive.

Grim glances greeted me when I came level. The party was full, and full of themselves they were. All but one.

« Oh man, why do ya always hafta be late and ill-boding, carrying pressure along ? Gimme a smile, for once ! »

My ersatz of an attempt did not seem to convince her, which ironically made me laugh, inwardly. Avarosa was a cunning, nimble thief renowned for her ability to never get hurt ; nevermind the hardships, she would always get away with exultating eyes, since adrenalin was her drug.

By her side was a sleepy head, prone to resting whenever action was not involved. Hiw yawn appeared to be blaming my being tardy, even though Daceïa probably did not mind.

Furion's glare still was on me.

« Were it not for your lead, we would've been long gone already. »

His fingers were running along the stem of a runic sword. His voice was that of a lion, deep and authoritative, with no room for sympathy. Hardly any sense of diplomacy, unlike Viden.

« One does not simply crawl into those dungeons ; farewells aren't to be neglected if we intend to be free of any emotional hindrance.

- What's that supposed to mean ?

- Risks are at hand, my friend ! But fear not this night, we shall not go astray. We will fight as one and only through teamwork can our resolve prevail over the most shocking hazards. »

Despite his talents, Gulton was fidgetting because of nervousness. Death sure was a concern of his, but treasures beyond imagination eventually lured him into silencing his deepest frights. Thank goodness Viden would be here to build up cohesion.

Lux was the only one remaining serene. It most likely was no more than a mission to her, which is why she felt neither overjoyed nor thrilled enough to shudder. Her profound gaze would not betray any shade of a kindness, nevertheless her commitment was below unquestionable. The lance she bore had always been the quickest to defend any isolated comrade, in spite of her full scale armor.

As for me, the name is Morgalm, great-grandson of this place's rightful owners. I once could have ruled over this land, before rats and robbers made it their domain. Now, glory and wonders matter no more, for I know that much mightier secrets lie in the mansion and the area around. The caves, down there, not only serve as graves filled with valuables, but rather as occult mysteries scealed away with gold to indulge evil wraiths. As the heir of their masters, it is my duty to claim back the fallen powers of my ancestors !

« Let us move one. »

As he nodded, the waiter opened a way into the backdoor through a false bookcase. Merely a sneak peak of the treacherous devices that were waiting for our party.

Swiftly we were going to the mansion through a slopping rain and a quicksand-like mud. Venturing to an empire, full of frightful traps and sadistic temptations.

We were going... Home.