The silver mines that the town of Prosperity was named for had already been completely stripped of value years before Wei arrived. He explained honestly if not duplicitously to the recently elected Sheriff Wedge that there was a wealth remaining in the mines, not silver but very likely information. Recent earthquakes had caused a landslide and revealed a previously sealed entrance.Â
Another earthquake occurred the morning Wei had entered the mine so with a great deal of speed and caution he delved into the mountain. The journey through the mines was mostly tedious as many narrow passages led between rooms too large for his lantern to fully illuminate. Only the signs on the wall gave him a general idea of direction.
"Living quarters" was burned into a piece of wood that had been nailed to a support beam. It was written in his family's language and not the imperial script. Wei glanced to his shoulder and asked a question.
"Is that true, Zhi?"Â
On Wei's shoulder was a snake, they were both bathed in the orange glow of the lantern and after taking a moment to read the sign Zhi spoke.
"No lies." His voice was warm as he nestled down on Wei's shoulder.
The man and his snake continued through the abandoned silver mine for several hours until reaching a low ceiling and rows of beds. Wei searched through the beds until stopping at one with a rabbit motif. Wei believed this to be the bed of Li Na, a founder of Prosperity whose rabbit spirit lent her clarity to the point of clairvoyance helping the original settlers find the silver mines. He flung the pillow and hay stuffed mattress across the room. As he looked at the frame Zhi announcedÂ
"A lie." Just as pleased with himself as when he confirmed the truth.
Wei felt around for a loose panel in the bed frame and with a thunk a portion sunk in and another slid open, revealing a book. The cover was leather and worn with time but an impression of the words for poetry were still clear on the cover. While still depressing the panel Wei grabbed the book and opened the cover. It was empty except for a sing passage on the first page. Before reading, he asked Zhi if it was true.
"No lies." Zhi's voice was not pleased but scared as Wei began to read.
"Silver tears dry and the Steel Heart rusts,
Follow the Dragon's path and the Rabbit's dust.
mountains will shake, floods will rise,
Fire will burn, lightning will strikeÂ
Wind will howl day and night
Heed the Serpent and Twelve Hearts shall unite.
Obey the Dragon or bow to endless plight."
Wei closed the book and began navigating out of the mines. After some time in thought Zhi asked Wei a question.
"Do you think the sheriff will help you?"Â
"I don't know but we need to find this Dragon."Â
Wei's mind was already racing through the possibilities. The last two people with dragon spirits were either dead or long gone from town. Wei steeled himself as he exited the mine and descended the mountain back toward the valley and Prosperity, hoping he could do something to save his home.