Chapter 63
Sharyn rushed forward as Archie and Duncan burst out of the tunnel and into the golden chamber.
The pair dragged Russo between them. Minutes ago, they had all heard a mountain-quaking blast, followed by a thunderous crash of stones.
She had feared the two defending the bunker had been killed.
Then, Duncan had hollered for help, calling down from the entrance into the vault.
Tears welled at the sight of him.
Alive . . .
But she knew that might not last long. Some of her tears were for them all, for what would be lost here, handed to others who would abuse the wonders hidden at the heart of this mountain.
Laurent remained stoic. He eyed the incoming group and immediately recognized the damage. “I’ve a med-kit in my bag. We need to stop the bleeding. Get her leg splinted.”
Clearly his training with the French armed forces had honed him for immediate action. He helped settle Russo to the floor, relieving Duncan, who weaved unsteadily on his legs. Blood covered half his face, flowing from a scalp cut. He was likely concussed, too.
She crossed and helped him sit on the closed lid of a chest.
He gaped around, blearily. “You found it.”
She nodded, wishing she hadn’t. She kept hold of his hand, feeling the tremoring, the clammy chill to his skin, signs of pending shock.
“I . . . I couldn’t stop them,” he mumbled.
She wanted to tell him they had been doomed from the start, fighting a faceless enemy with near-unlimited resources. Instead, she offered him hope, knowing he needed it, even if it was a lie.
“It’s not over yet,” she whispered.
Voices, full of sharp command, carried down to them, echoing from above.
Earlier, she had already tried stomping on the lowest step, to seal them back inside, to protect what was here.
Still, it had failed, which was likely for the best. As Laurent had said, the enemy would’ve eventually found a way to dig down here.
And I would’ve never had a chance for this reunion, brief though it may be.
Duncan looked toward the stairs. “I thought maybe destiny brought us all together. That there was some guiding hand beyond blind chance and cruel coincidence.” He shrugged heavily and turned back to her. “But it’s only us.”
“Maybe that’s enough.” She stared around the room, while clutching the book in her other hand. “Look at the miracle we uncovered.”
She told him about the Temple of Fire, of lead turning to gold, and the transformation they had witnessed. As she did, he smiled at her through the blood and strain. He had never looked more handsome.
Then from the tunnel, a small metallic egg bounced and rattled into the chamber.
Archie backed away, naming the threat. “Grenade.”
Before anyone could move, it exploded.