Pendant

The two of them went straight down to the subterranean chamber. Dan
watched in wonder as shut doors flew open as soon as D approached.
Nothing could stop them. From time to time, they passed expressionless
people who seemed to be servants and ladies-in-waiting, but none of them
so much as attempted to look at them before disappearing into the darkness.
“Robots, I guess,” Dan said.

“Leaders of a false life—this castle flickers in the light of destruction
now. As the Nobility themselves have for a long, long time.”
Descending a narrow staircase for two stories, they came to a massive
wooden door. Studded with hobnails from top to bottom, it testified to the
import of the dark ceremony taking place beyond it.

“This is it, right?” Dan was tense.
D took off his blue pendant and put it around the boy’s neck. “This will
repel the robots. You stay here.”

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