The morning came, and Arad walked down a seemingly endless staircase. Merlin floated behind him, gliding down as she didn't want to exhaust herself with the ten-thousand stone steps to the depth of the earth, and her hips were still sore.
Soon they were facing a stupendous steel door, and Arad could already sense the one behind it. Merlin waved her fingers, and the stupidly large door creaked open. Inside, Arad could see Nina chained to the ground and walls.
Nina slowly opened her eyes and looked forward, spotting Arad and Merlin. ^So he is back?^ Her voice rang in Merlin's head.
^I'll give him the spell so just…^ But before Merlin could finish talking, Arad's voice interrupted them.
^No need. I can hear people's thoughts and project mine to them. It has several setbacks, but nothing I couldn't manage.^ Arad's eyes shifted between Merlin and Nina, and he quickly waved his hand.
