They fell silent as they boarded the elevator. The deeper they went in the citadel, the stronger the ancient masters' presence grew. By the time they stopped on the lowest floor, Fallon's heart hammered in his ears. He took a deep breath and tried to force the fear away. He reminded himself that Malick hadn't called them downstairs to punish them. Hell, he hadn't even asked for anyone by name.

Fallon and the guards marched down the corridor in a knot, passing a pair of ...