The three Mage leaders begin to argue, Aerka is the first, blaming one another for why the artifact failed to activate and the others reciprocate. Maeka tries to calm them down, but they aren't listening.

"This petty conflict must cease," Tharah says loudly to the room, exasperated. "You're upsetting your sprites."

You look around. The Mages' sprites are moving erratically, flitting from one place to another.

"They reflecting your energy," Kiva says. "Mage power has always been linked with the sprites. We won't be able to use the artifact if you aren't in harmony with one another."

The Mage leaders quiet down, but they still mutter the occasional complaint under their breath.

"Maybe I can help calm the sprites." Tharah moves toward them, closing her eyes and reaching out her hands.

After a few moments, the sprites relax, and the tension you felt before dissipates. Everyone stands in awe of Tharah. Even Kiva is impressed by how quickly she allayed the sprites.

"Let's try again," Maeka says.

Caska, the Water Mage, steps forward was sensing something amiss. She kneels by the edge of the platform, her hands glowing with a cool, blue light. "There are gears beneath us," she says, her voice thoughtful. "Ancient and dry. They need lubrication."

She directs a gentle stream of water into the small openings around the parapet, letting it seep into the hidden wooden gears which creak with the added water. The room fills with the sound of water trickling and the faint groan of wood expanding as it absorbs the moisture. Slowly, the gears begin to move, creaking and groaning after years of inactivity.

The old wooden gears, now lubricated, start to turn. Their movement is laboured at first, stiff and jerky, but gradually they gain momentum, settling into a rhythmic pattern. Each cog fits perfectly into the next, a testament to the craftsmanship of the ancients.

The Mage leaders nod in unison, and this time, when they combine their energy, the artifact bursts with light. The circle of the platform turns, rings around the room rotating as gears grind into place and an ancient mechanism comes to life.

You hear a clanking of stone against stone, and a panel of wall behind you slides open, revealing a staircase leading into the dark.

Next: E3Q3 Message From A Mage