Two Jade Wardens flanked the gate—seven feet of motionless jade-green armor and Western plate, forged from the same authority that had held Mount Harmony for six centuries.
Lyra gestured toward them. "Show them your summons."
Kage pulled the jade scroll from his coat and held it up.
The Wardens parted in perfect synchrony. The Gate opened without sound—air rippling like heat over forge-steel, passage revealing itself.
Lyra stepped aside, clearing his path.
"Beyond here, you walk alone. The Path of Truth—one hundred paces straight ahead. Don't stop. Don't waver." Her amber eyes locked with his. "When you reach the Chamber, stand on the Supplicant's Stone at the center. Speak only when permitted."
Kage nodded once.
"And Kage?" She touched her blue scarf absently. "Whatever they ask about the Impure—answer truthfully. The Triumvirate can sense lies like hammer-strikes on flawed steel."
