The Owner of the Shield

As Astra removed the shield, the light dimmed. Balischo had lowered it when he saw the corpse. Astra concentration lapsed as a result, and she had felt no fear or disgust. Balischo raised the light again, and the rest of the group gathered at the edge of the box.

Carduman asked, "What do you think all that blue dust over his body is?"

Gloria replied, "It is probably what is left of his burial clothing. He is well-preserved. His eye sockets are sunken and he looks very thin, but his skin is still whole, even after being buried for years, at least. Look at those scars on his thigh. I am amazed that there is this much left of him. He even has a little bit of his hair on his head."

Balischo said, "Do you think it is a good idea to stand around? I am afraid to disturb the spirit of the dead."

Gloria answered, "It is too late for that now. Anyway, we did not come to rob a tomb, and that is what is said to provoke ghosts. We came to get Princess Astra out of this place. The spirit of the dead should be able to judge intent. And I think that I can pay my respects by trying to find out a little more about him. What sort of man was he? And was this room part of a mausoleum, or an underground burial chamber? It looks as if he lived to a ripe age - his hair is white."

Astra had another question on her mind unrelated to the man behind the shield. She pointed up, and then pointed one finger outward and jabbed at the air, to indicate that she wanted to know how she was going to get out of this place.

Gloria answered,

1. "We have a lot of rope and people outside helping us. We may be able to find a way to pull you out."
2. "We took the stairs, of course." Astra was confused. Gloria explained, "When the pit opened up, it also exposed a tight, winding stairwell. This was once part of a tower, I think."
3. "That is a good question. We jumped in and used you as a sort of landing, and then dropped to the ground. Maybe we can pile enough boxes and debris to raise you high enough so that you can climb out of the pit yourself."

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