The crew sat inside the bunker, surrounded by a small fire, the book holding the map of Arthalon open before them. The pages were filled with geometric symbols, intersecting lines, and words in an ancient language.
"This is no ordinary map," Linus said, examining the first page. "It's a riddle."
"Yes," Romulus replied calmly. "These maps are read not only with the eyes, but with the mind."
"So I'm of no use here?" Darius laughed.
"Finally," Callias snapped. "You've said something that makes sense."
*
"Look here," Nikos said, staring at the symbols. "There are three overlapping circles, each with a number."
"These represent three portals under the sea," Morir said. "Each one leads to a different passage."
"Which passage is correct?" Linus asked.
Morrer replied:
"No one knows. But there's a phrase at the bottom of the page: He who chooses with his mind… goes astray. He who chooses with his mind… arrives."
*
Romulus said, smiling:
"Precise words. We have to work out the order of entry, not choose randomly."
Nikos said:
"The first symbol is numbered 7, the second 3, the third 5… Are those order numbers?"
Kallias narrowed his eyes:
"Or trap numbers."
Darius said, laughing:
"I like traps… They make things interesting!"
Linus said:
"Darius, concentrate."
*
Morer said:
"My brother Elmar was studying these maps. He once told me that the number 3 is the symbol of balance on this island."
Romulus said:
"Then we start with Gate 3."
Nikos said:
"Then what?"
Linus said, "Then we watch. We don't move until we're sure."
*
Callias said, staring at the next page, "Here's a drawing of a huge aquatic creature... Is this the guardian of the jewel?"
Morir replied, "Yes. They say it only attacks those who approach the jewel directly."
Darius said, laughing, "So we can swim alongside it?"
Callias said sharply, "Try it yourself, and we'll inherit your sword."
*
Linus said, closing the book, "The plan is this: We prepare ourselves, dive through Gate 3, move carefully, and search for the Blue Jewel without provoking the guardian."
Romulus said, "But we need diving equipment and waterproof gear."
Nikos said, "Do we have any of that?"
Morir replied, "In a cave near here, used to store training tools. Maybe we'll find something."
*
Darius said, rising:
"Then off to the cave! No time to sit around!"
Callias said sarcastically:
"Finally, you say something useful."
Linus said, rising:
"We split up: I, Morir, and Darius go to the cave. Callias, Romulus, and Nicos stay here and check the map."
Romulus said:
"All right. We'll try to decipher some more codes."