The golden roots tightened around the garden.
One curled around the silver tree. Another tore through the stone beneath Serevan's feet. The remaining roots spread toward the staircase, sealing the entrance behind Rin and the others.
The voice came again.
SEREVAN MUST NOT BE RELEASED.
Serevan didn't look surprised.
"Even after all this time," he murmured, "you still cannot ask me what I want."
The roots shuddered.
YOUR RELEASE WILL DESTROY THE FIRST LAW.
"Perhaps the first law should never have existed."
EXISTENCE MUST BE PRESERVED.
Serevan looked at Rin.
"Do you hear it? It still believes that surviving is the same as living."
Rin tightened his grip on the golden key.
"Then we'll teach it the difference."
The World answered immediately.
YOU HAVE NO AUTHORITY HERE.
A golden root shot toward Rin.
Kaelith moved first.
Dark magic struck the root, splitting it before it reached him. The severed pieces fell to the ground and dissolved into sparks.
But more roots emerged.
