Simon stood beside the Daemoness who had escorted him from the Council Hall.
Ahead of them, silver sand filled a tall archway and none of it fell.
The grains hung in a smooth sheet between two black stone pillars, shifting whenever an inscription passed through them. Beyond the entrance stood a round, windowless building that looked too small to contain much of a treasury.
Simon studied the sand without reaching toward it.
The guard stopped beside the left pillar.
She had ash-grey skin and dark hair. A deep-violet coat covered fitted black armour, its split hem leaving her legs free. Silver embroidery edged the collar, while a narrow sword hung at her waist.
"Before you enter, there are rules you need to understand."
Simon turned toward her.
"I'm listening."
"The council has authorised you to select five items. You have twenty-four hours to choose them and leave. Your time begins when you cross the entrance."
"What if I've not picked my five items in twenty four hours?"
