Beyond the stone door lay an entirely different world.
The chamber opened up like the hollow of a massive cavern, yet its vaulted ceiling was built from perfectly aligned slabs of stone that shimmered with the pale blue light emanating from the room's center. Towering pillars of sea-glass supported the dome, and within each column flowed streams of water, glowing with floating runes that pulsed gently.
At the very heart of the chamber stood a circular stone dais. Resting atop it was a turquoise crystal, faintly beating like a living heart. Each pulse sent a subtle tremor through the air, carrying a deep resonance—like the sound of distant waves crashing on forgotten shores.
Carved into the stone walls surrounding the room were colossal images: horned sea serpents, enormous hands rising from ocean depths, and the Sea Lords themselves—eyes void of pupils, gazing outward with arrogance and hatred.
Karl paused, his eyes drawn to a carving in the far corner. It depicted a lone man standing before the Heart, one hand raised with a sword, the other drawing a circular symbol that enclosed the crystal—a barrier.
"That... was the old seal?" Karl asked, his voice low.
Varnhold nodded. "It weakens with every passing day. And only someone who has touched the primal force can forge a new one."
Karl slowly approached the stone dais. With each step closer to the Heart of the Sea, the air around him thickened. The light from the crystal reflected in his eyes, stirring something deep within him—a feeling both familiar and distant.
As Karl placed his hand upon the crystal, a chill surged through his spine. Visions flooded his mind: dark waves crashing, eerie songs echoing from ocean depths, and... enormous eyes opening in the abyss.
He quickly withdrew his hand, frowning."This thing… it's waking up," Karl murmured.
Molvar, who had been standing behind with an expression caught between awe and boredom, exhaled loudly."Waking up? Don't tell me it's going to start talking. If so, I'll handle the negotiation—I know a few decent sea shanties."
Sir Cedric frowned. "No jokes here, my friend. This is the soul of Solmere."
Varnhold placed a hand on Karl's shoulder, his voice heavy with meaning:"If you agree to forge the new seal, I'll grant you access to the Heart—and to what lies beneath the waves. But remember, those who touch it… are never quite the same again."
Karl met Varnhold's gaze and nodded."I haven't been the same for a long time."
The light in the chamber dimmed as the stone door behind them slowly closed. The air thickened, and only the soft pulsing sound of the crystal remained—like the heartbeat of the deep sea.
Karl turned to Molvar."What do you think?"
Molvar crossed his arms and shuddered slightly."I think… if that thing really is the Heart of the Sea, then the sea itself is far from normal. I could hear singing in my head—like an underwater concert I never bought a ticket for."
Sir Cedric gave a faint smile. "That's the echo of those who've guarded this place for centuries. The barrier is not merely a seal—it is a pact between Solmere and the ocean's depths."
Karl pondered for a moment before speaking:"We'll need to prepare. If I'm to create a new seal, I must understand how the old one works… and what has changed."
Varnhold nodded."I will take you to the Lower Archive. There lie the ancient carvings—records of how the first guardians bound the Heart."
Molvar muttered,"A secret library beneath a fortress... what a day we're having."
Varnhold turned, his deep black cloak trailing with each step."Follow me. Darkness stirs in the depths. And only those who understand the sea's memories can prevent it from consuming Solmere."