The walk across Biskanta had taken time, but if one were cautious and knew the zone, many of the threats that lurked in the ice could be avoided.

The Grey Keep itself was deserted, however. It was a week away from the earliest stirrings of regeneration after the British Scouts' last raid, and no animated armour patrolled its battlements and courts yet. No guardian stood its watch in the corners. No Keeper kept its post in the last courtyard.

He could have told Cowen. But she had not seen what needed to be seen first. And she would still insist on coming. Deep down, in her mind, he was the same one as the day she entered the Labyrinth to fulfil a promise to search and save him, even no Professional ever needed saving. This was to be done alone, by necessity. He could remember the requirements, over the last years.

...

You have completed Biskanta Keep of the Grey Gate Lair.

You have completed Biskanta Nexus of Endless Ice Lair.

Fifteen steps from the door at the end of the inner Courtyard, it opened smoothly, without a noise. Fifteen steps and the truth was shown.

It wasn’t the last courtyard. There was an innermost, smaller courtyard behind the last door, like a small garden full of promise. One with a proper Gate in the middle. Where the ornate fantastic stretched bodies, whorls and creature heads of the Gates were replaced by blocs, cubes, and abstract lifeless geometric figures.

Fifty steps and the ramp to the Gate’s lighted disc was underfoot. The Gate awaited.

There had been many strange sights in the Labyrinth, in 18 years. In its way, this one was as unique as any in Habborlain’s life. It was an expanse of water, as vast as any ocean could be. And across it, large square slabs of smooth green stone rose.

Location

Zone: Zabarkal (tier 5 trunk)

Locale: Gate to Biskanta

Recall: Todrastea, Gate to Biskanta

Recall: ∞ until available

Gates: 6/6

Tier 1: Grailburg

Tier 2: Machelenso

Tier 3: Quanchal

Tier 4: Davelsano

Tier 5: Sarmasios

Tier 6: Caernastur

Fast travel: 5 charges, ∞ until next

Habborlain examined the border of the square on which the Gate stood. The depths were invisible, too distant even in the transparent waters to be seen. There was a stone pathway, greenstone like the squares themselves, linking this square to the next, just an inch under the surface of the water.

Habborlain contemplated for a minute the momentous blob of… well, call it jelly that was in the middle of the next square.

Grey Cube

Level 679

Health: 33994

Mind: 3708

Endurance: 33394

Aether: 0

The Labyrinth isn’t made to be explored alone.

Habborlain turned toward the Gate. Then shrugged and headed back, back toward Grailburg and the ones who could stride the Labyrinth. The Gate's light surface swallowed his shape without a sound.

The Grey Cube on its platform still shivered slightly despite the lack of wind.