Eyeing the cluster nearest to us, I see that only one or two are of the Genesis generation while the rest are younger. If not for the older few, the Remnants would almost feel like a rebellious group of teenagers and young adults bent on saving the world. And I guess that’s what they are, especially when I recall what Kael told me when he first introduced me to his world:

We’ve managed to build something good here, where we try to hunt down the new-generation Speakers before Vanik can get his hands on them, and we free others from his clutches. The catacombs are our haven, a place for us to come and go as we please. It’s our sanctuary. And more, it’s our base of operations for anyone wanting to be part of the defense against Lengard.

Looking at the relaxed, chatting Speakers walking just ahead, I get it. But … claustrophobia also presses in on me. The Remnants might be free to come and go, but what sort of life is this, where they’re hiding down here from the rest of the world? Is this place really a haven, or is it just a different kind of prison?

I don’t have an answer, nor do I think I’d receive an honest one if I asked.

We finally reach the three-pronged fork in the tunnel, and Cami and I follow the crowd down the left passage and head into the large amphitheater room. Like my first visit, the overwhelming space calls to mind visions of ancient times, the lines of thick stone columns arching up to support the tons of rock above our heads, all of which is lit by numerous flaming torches. Such a sight invokes in me a sense of awe, but I feel a hint of nostalgia, too. Try as I might, I can’t keep the memories at bay; memories of my dad, who loved to watch documentaries about ancient sites long buried beneath the earth. While I didn’t share his passion, I often curled up beside him, if only to be comforted by him holding me close as we enjoyed something that was just ours.

This space now before me … it reminds me of the miniseries we watched exploring the Catacombs of San Gennaro in Naples—a place my dad said he was desperate to visit one day.

For nearly three years, I thought he’d never get that chance.

Now, I’m not sure.

It takes me a few moments to push aside my melancholy, but then I continue after the other Remnants, following Cami up the back until we stop and lean against the coarse limestone wall behind us. Our view forces us to look slightly upward, with the natural incline of the ground leading to an elevated area in the center of the room.

When Kael and Arryn arrive, they move straight to that elevated area, making sure everyone can see them.

At first, I nod along to everything they share, my own memories from last night playing back. But it doesn’t take long for boredom and fatigue to set in, my body surrendering to the slow, steady throb of pain.