Flash Fiction February 2024 Day 6: All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter (Valan)

 A/N: A very short one for today as I spent last night in the ER thanks to some oh so fun chest pain that wouldn't go away, but I hope you enjoy it. Bonus points if you know the reference regarding the pearl.

For tombs full of important dead people there really is a lack of decoration and important objects. Wandering through the old tomb in the darkness I find myself trailing a hand along the wall to guide myself, as not to disturb the rather lightly resting dead. Tapping a cane back and forth in what is essentially an echo-chamber can be remarkably loud. This was supposed to be a relatively easy job for the fighters guild, simply clear out some bandits who were hiding here, and return for a reward. I don’t think the fighters guild are all that familiar with how extensive some of these tombs can be. While sparsely decorated aside from paintings inlaid with gold leaf that has since lost its shine and sometimes crumbling statues they can go on for miles, depending on who it is that’s buried in the tomb. Eventually I come to a heavy wooden door and take a look inside the room that sits behind it to find four bandits, one which seems to be the leader, sitting atop a large rock surrounded by plundered treasure. The other three shouldn’t be much of a challenge, but the heavily armored leader makes me a bit nervous. Closing the door again silently I take a minute to form a plan before opening it again just enough to fit my hand through and cast a frenzy spell, making the four bandits attack each other while I remain undetected. By the time the spell has worn off only one of the lesser bandits remains and is easily taken care of from afar with a well aimed throwing knife. Entering the large room I take back my knife and clean it quickly before putting it away, and look through the hoard the leader had taken. The most significant item is a large black pearl, usually put in the mouth of an empress. I take it with me as I continue through the tomb with its walls of tarnished gold, looking for its original owner, to return what rightfully belongs to her.