Evrin wondered if he was going to make it before the extraction system blew. His ears were pricked, listening intently for the rumbling sound of another explosion. The pain of his ankle was a constant distraction, occupying his mind when what he needed most was to plan what he would do when he reached the Pinnacle.

It was just ahead.

As the stone wall fell away, Evrin now approached the summit of the mountain. The howling wind blew with strength here, gusting at his body, causing the pilgrim's robe to whip against his legs. With no handholds and a sheer drop to either side of the stairs, Evrin resisted the urge to look down. He'd never had a head for heights.

The summit of Stonewater, the very peak of the mountain, was a circular space a hundred paces in diameter. Located in the centre of that space, the Pinnacle was the holiest, most renowned place in the Tingaran Empire. The Pinnacle shone on the world, and from here, the light of the Evermen could be felt from anywhere; or so the priests said.

The Pinnacle was undeniably a work of great power. It was a hemisphere of light, as tall as a tree and wide as a palace, shining with golden radiance day and night. The glowing nimbus of the Pinnacle wasn't too bright to look at, yet its sparkle could be seen for leagues in all directions.

Stepping into the light was an experience the pilgrims said must be felt to be appreciated. First came a feeling of warmth and a soft buzzing sounded in the ears. Closer still and nothing but light could be seen in all directions — said to provide a feeling of the utmost peace. A few more steps and the buzzing became a crackle. Every pilgrim tried to approach still further, before he or she was pushed away.

The light simply repelled the visitor, and then the pilgrim was back where they had started. People from all nations of the Tingaran Empire speculated about whether anyone would one day penetrate deeper inside, and whether what was inside was simply more of the light, or whether a grand secret of the Evermen was hidden within its confines.

Evrin knew the truth. He gazed steadily at the Pinnacle as he crested the steps, limping towards it. The light shone back at him, impassive and unchanging. Evrin knew the truth, and he also knew he would have this one opportunity, and that what he was doing was perhaps the most important task of his life.

Five pilgrims clustered around the light, staring at it in awe.

Evrin raised his voice as he approached. "There is danger here. Be gone, all of you."

A voice came from close behind him. "You don't give the orders here, pilgrim. I do."

Turning, Evrin saw a man with the sword and uniform of a templar. Evrin noted the yellow eyes. The templar had the taint.

"The danger," Evrin said, "is from me."