Chapter 664

Among the artifacts in this chamber was a set of small, crystalline rods, each about the length of a forearm. The rods were etched with the same geometric symbols they had seen throughout the cave. Nefertari picked one up, feeling its weight and texture.

"These rods might be used for focusing energy," she suggested. "If we can figure out how to use them, they could enhance our ability to maintain the island's balance."

Jude agreed, and they carefully gathered the rods and other artifacts, bringing them back to the village for further study. Over the next few days, they worked tirelessly to decipher the symbols and understand the function of each item.