Dark and cold, drafty, I shiver,
A musty, moldy, and magical aroma of dusts and herbs fill the air,
The dirt under my feet seems and smells burnt,
A faint indentation of a circle lines the perimeter of the room.
Burning down to the last of the wick,
Candlelight has vanished, but I can still see the room.
Blocks of black, deathly stone are covered by cobwebs,
While strange creatures scurry and hide in the safety of the corners.
Shelves of broken jars and untouched books are sprinkled with dead petals.
How? Where is the…?
In midair, laughing and mocking, a light comes from beneath.
Faded gray paint is chipped to reveal its bloodstained oak.
Looming over the shelves, its face grins at me with its eyes closed.
Its hinges blend into the blackness, untouched by light.
A force pulls me closer as I here my master’s words,
“…for mine eyes only…one key…”
Transfixed by the light, ‘Why do you torment me so?
What hidden mysteries are in the passage that lay beyond?
Your secrets pain my curiosity.
It has been two weeks since my master’s death.
I am the mage now; I have fought dragons, knights, …all the same…
Open yourself to me, let me enter!
My answer was laughter filling the silence.
Strength and courage; I dealt with it.
Your handcrafted metal burns my hand, pricking my finger,
Invading my blood as my pick misses its target.
The poison dazes me my thoughts as I think…
What is the purpose of locking yourself? It defeats your purpose!
A scream rings through my ears.
What horrible, inane sage would not make sure that he left a key!
Walking through would be a glorious victory;
To reach the treasures of knowledge would rest my soul…
There will be no rest, for I hear the mocking laughter of a piece of wood!
Dead, and yet, alive, stubborn and strong.
It will not budge. I can not budge.
My knees give out as I curse the blockade itself.
I grow faint as the light from beneath gets brighter.
Before I close my eyes, its eyes are twinkling.
And its grin is large for it has prevented me from obtaining life.
The light blinds me as I fall into a dreamless death.