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You see a set of enormous, double doors before you. The finally polished mahogany seems more

ancient than time itself. The panels of the doors are covered from top to bottom in carvings of

human exploration and endeavors. As you reach out for an aged brass handle, your eyes are drawn

to the panel next to it. A carved scene pours out from left to right across the wooden door panel.

You see a set of jagged mountains in the foreground. A wide road with low walls on either side

runs along the spine of the mountain range. In the distance is a strange mesa planted on a mountain

top like a mushroom cap. A narrow path winds up the mountain to a small city with rectangular buildings.

Surrounding the mesa are several terraced fields etched into the mountain side, like a stairway

to heaven. The story continues on the next panel, with people dressed in clothing bearing all

sorts of geometric designs. They are making pottery, spinning yarn, weaving cloth and grinding grain.

Warriors stand stoically around the city, keeping watch over its inhabitants.

You turn your gaze to the brass handle on the door. The metal is cool to the touch.

And with a gentle push, the door swings open, emitting a soft creek.

You step through the doorway into the elegant foyer of a seemingly endless library.

The floor is checkered with large square tiles of ivory white and jade green. A million

specks of light twinkle across the polished surface of the marble floor.

High above you, you see a grand crystal chandelier shining like fresh snow in the sunlight.

...