The Solar Crucible was not the dark, underground cavern Vane had expected. It was a cathedral of white stone and reinforced bronze, located deep within the mountain's ribs. The ceiling was a dome of translucent quartz that allowed a filtered, amber light to spill over the training floor. Along the walls, massive pipes fueled by the volcano's thermal energy hummed with a low, rhythmic thrum. It felt less like a gym and more like the engine room of a great airship.
Vane stood in the center of the hall, his boots finding purchase on the smooth, heat resistant tiles. He had swapped his traveling suit for a set of dark grey training leathers that Valerica had left for him. The fit was perfect, designed for high speed movement without the friction of traditional fabrics.
