The iron gate of the lower spirit spring swung shut with a heavy, hollow thud, cutting off the noise of the upper heavens.
The subterranean nexus beneath Moon Three smelled of cool mint and wet slate. Deep within the bedrock, massive roots of condensed emerald jade branched across the cavern ceiling, dripping glowing dew into a wide, glassy pool. The ambient temperature remained constant, completely shielded from the violent orbital solar winds.
Sera Thorne set the folding bamboo cot down beside the edge of the jade spring. She brushed a thin layer of stone dust from the slats with her sleeve, then glanced down at Kaelen.
“Are you sure you don’t want sentries stationed inside the cavern?” Sera asked.
“Sentries fidget,” Kaelen murmured, kicking off his black cloth shoes. “They clear their throats, shift their armor, and ask silly questions about destiny.”
He dipped his bare toes into the cool water of the spring, sighing with pure contentment as the mineral chill washed away the dust of the plaza.
“Besides,” Kaelen added, looking around the peaceful green cavern. “Rocks make wonderful neighbors. They never knock, they never ask for loans, and they understand the value of sitting still.”
He fluffed his goose-down pillow against the headboard, settled beneath the light wool blanket, and pulled his straw hat down over his eyes.
