The passage was colder than the tunnel above, the air carrying the smell of damp stone and ancient dust. Lysander stood just inside the hidden door, letting his eyes adjust to the deeper darkness. His lamp flickered, its flame guttering in the still air, and he cupped his hand around it until it steadied.
He was alone.
He set the leather bag down against the wall and drew out the folded square of parchment. The writing was faded, but clear enough in the lamplight. He read slowly, carefully, aware that a single misstep could mean death.
The first trap is a falling stone. It is triggered by a pressure plate in the center of the floor. Walk along the left wall. The stones there are solid. The first key is behind the first door, in a niche on the right. Pull the lever of bronze. The trap will deactivate.
He read it twice. Then he folded the parchment and tucked it back into his tunic. He picked up the bag, adjusted the lamp, and began to walk.
