Erinnia found only normal rocks in the next group of stones but found a triangular stone in the twelfth rock pile. It emitted a purple glow when the elf touched it. It emitted an orange glow when Boomer touched it; it emitted a red glow when Knarra touched it. The stone produced a different color for each member that touched its surface. Knarra and Cara felt it was important that each person touch the stone.
When the last person, Big Jon Loxly, touched the stone, the closed door on the opposite wall of the room opened.
Cara and Knarra started toward the door.
“Wait! There is another pile of rocks,” Erinnia reminded them.
Cara recommended, “The object of our quest does not lie in this room. Our goal was to get beyond the closed door. I fear we may close the door if we disturb the last pile of stone or else the door will remain open for a finite time. Let’s make haste.”
“I think that you are probably correct. Please leave the last pile,” Knarra said.
The thirteenth rock pile remained undisturbed.
Nigel and Erinnia quickly studied the door. The only change other than the fact that the door was opened was the appearance of the elfish rune for the number two over the door. There was a rumbling sound. The fifteen rushed beyond the door just before it slammed shut. The stairwell would have been dark but for the Continual Light cast on the staves.
Back in the room of rocks the thirteen headed pyrohydra which had been trapped by Magick within a three and fourteen one hundredths inch diameter stone in the last pile of rocks remained undisturbed. Its imprisoning shell had not been touched. The massive dragon-like beast would have to wait…
benjamintowe 