Note: Words spoken in the Eliksni language are italicized Table of Contents https://www.bungie.net/en/Forum/Post/229522482/0/0 The occasional pile of ash marks the progress of the Silent Fang ahead of us. Near the back end of the expanse a doorway comes into view, leading further into the Hive stronghold. The soldiers in front of the procession stop, looking at something on the ground in front of them. "Keep moving," an Eliksni clicks, "They fought and died with honor." The soldiers move on, parting to move around the body of a Dreg. When I pass by, I study the gash torn through its chest and take care not to step on the arm lying next to it. A group of Dregs shuffles by, and one of them respectfully murmurs, [i]"You are a marvel, with ten thousand arms."[/i] The doorway opens to a downward-leading staircase. Another dead Eliksni lays at the bottom, and ash is scattered in front of the opening to the next chamber. Heaps of bones are piled against the walls, probably leftovers from the Hive's meals and rituals. The first soldiers round the corner to the next chamber and halt abruptly. "Wait!" One yelps, flinging his hands up wardingly. The procession begins to group up behind them, and I get close enough to see what's happening. A handful of Silent Fangs stand in front of them. They had clearly expected Hive to be rounding the corner, and their swords are held ready to rend the men in front of them. They lower their weapons, and the Captain leading them clicks, [i]"Apologies. The Baroness awaits you. With the sword."[/i] He spits out the last part in disgust, making his opinion of Crota's weapon apparent. The mood of the whole gathering grows noticeably sour as the Captain continues, [i]"The space is too small for all of you."[/i] "I'll stay with the troops," Captain Senda volunteers. The remaining four Captains follow me out into the room. Rugged stone forms a wall to our right, with a massive door embedded in its center. Three Servitors hover in front of the door, analyzing a series of locks sealing it shut. Some of the Silent Fang surround them protectively. A handful of Eliksni are huddled in the back, tending to each other's wounds. Three are laid out side by side in the corner with their arms folded peacefully over their abdomens. The left wall opens into a larger room, and we enter. Staircases lead up to platforms above us and two columns stand in the back. A massive chain dominates the center of the room, dangling from the ceiling and through a hole in the floor, extending into the depths below us. Members of the Silent Fang fill the area, keeping a careful watch on the many doors leading deeper into the Hive stronghold. They step aside for us, opening a path past the chain. One spot remains unoccupied by the Eliksni; a ring on the other side of the chain. Captains stand warily around the space, watching a large Hive Cleaver in the center, suspended in the air by some form of Hive witchcraft. Their weapons are held tensely, as if they expect Crota himself to appear before them. I stop between two of them, only earning brief glances before they return their attention to the sword. Drevis is at the other end of the circle and addresses me from there, her voice dripping with hatred as she utters the blade's name in our tongue, "The Sword of Crota."