by Sean J Leith
“It’s a path that my friend and I found years ago. There are a few hidden tunnels through the mountains! The gate is surrounded by armies and war, and we don’t need those kinds of problems, do we?”
Zaedor definitely didn’t want to encounter Rawling’s military strength. He didn’t know whether his people were being hunted, imprisoned, or let free, and would rather not find out the hard way. The mountain was massive, twice the size of any other in the land. It was staggering to even look at. “How long will it take us to get through?”
“A few days. It’ll be dark, but we have torches. Luckily, Grom here can see quite well in the dark.”
The mountain took up more and more of his view as they approached, with a snow-covered peak so high it reached above the clouds. Atop it a tall, mighty tower reached so high he felt it could not be real; it was a monument to the gods, the tower named Eternum. Zaedor heard stories that no Human nor any other race reached its doors. It was surrounded by a massive canyon at the mountain peak, with devastating winds and slick walls no man could climb. It was said if one made it up the canyon wall, through the doors and up the tower, they would be granted a wish.
“Where’s this entrance?” Zaedor asked.
“Up ahead! It doesn’t look like it, does it?” Nargosh laughed. “Just wait, old bean!”
As they approached the massive grey, rough wall, the shadows turned ever so slightly, revealing a small opening. It was almost unseen, camouflaged by the rest of the rough-hewn mountain wall. It went deep into the dark, and given the size of the mountain, Nargosh’s prediction of time would be right, if not shorter than reality.
They pushed on into the blackness of Titan’s Rock. The sound of trickling water echoed from the ceilings, dripping onto their backs once and again. It was cold as well, but nothing compared to the season of Air.
Snow crept to Amirion, but not further south. Amirion had the blessing of seeing all seasons—Water, Fire, Earth and Air—unlike the northern icelands, which hardly experienced the season of Fire at all. The season of Water was riddled with snow, and the season of Wind was unbearably cold. So cold, a man’s blood and bones would freeze within minutes away from fire or warm clothing. There was often much death during the Wind. If the season was much longer than it was, it would likely wipe out much of the population, aside from those that ally with the season, such as the Frozelias and Frost Giants.
Zaedor wondered how a mountain so large could form. The legend, as Nargosh told, was that in the first age, the land was filled with mountains and rough, desolate rock. A Titan—a massive being sent by the gods—pushed the lands around it to the center of Renalia, leaving fertile land below, and creating the massive mountain in the middle. Legends also said it was the path to the lowlands and the heavens through the sky tower at its peak, Eternum. It also split the land in two by smashing its foot where the Risen Isles lie, leaving the other half across the sea far from Renalia, the land named Kathynta. While Zaedor found his stories hardly believable, they were entertaining nonetheless. A massive being? Where did it go, then?
Zaedor wondered what awaited him on the other side of Titan’s Rock. He imagined a new land filled with trees, lakes, and swamps. He hadn’t known it in truth and was interested to see a land of luscious plant and flora. He heard there was a conflict within the region and hoped it wouldn’t cause him any issues.
Zaedor also pondered the new life he was entering here. The world was filled with fast-living people. The three leaders of the land engaged in a war, and Zaedor was not excited to get swept up into the conflict. Amirion stayed neutral to avoid unnecessary conflicts of warring states, each eager to have more land. Since his kingdom was gone, Zaedor had been pushed into the combative world beyond.
After what seemed like an eternity and a brief sleep, they came to a grand opening in the cavern. A hollowed wind passed through his hair, and the sound of the caravan echoed far in the distance. A light was seen from the opening, warm and inviting, yet it made Zaedor anxious.
They soon came to a massive stone dome, the walls smooth and built purposefully. There were magical lights surrounding the room, and a central pillar set in white stones, with several runes and ancient carvings in it. Most noticeably, there were many statues in different sizes of a peculiar metal, surrounding the wall of the pillar.
“Ah, here we are, Mr. Zaedor. The inner room of the mountain!” Nargosh called out. “You see there? That’s the mighty Eternal Column, it’s named. Those brilliant Golems guard it, and you can see that there is trouble getting by. There are lights all around the center, and outside, as well! No one knows how those work, either.”
There was trouble getting by. A mass of skeletons surrounded the Golems. The statues seemed to be a mix of metal and crystal, shining from the dim lights surrounding the pillar. Grom guided the camels and horses leading the caravan around the edge of the large room, as they felt the gaze of the Golems linger on them.
“What do you think it is?” Zaedor asked, his eyes not leaving the engraved pillar. There were tunnels out in the north and south end, also. Zaedor wondered where they led.
“I’m not sure, my friend! I’ve heard it’s the path to the tower above, but some say it’s the path to the underworld! No one knows how it works, as no one can get close!” Nargosh said, chuckling.
Zaedor felt drawn to it, yet the allure was almost nauseating. He found himself crawling closer to the edge of the caravan, and before he could react, he was halfway off the cart and tumbling off—until something grabbed him from behind. He felt a hand grip the back of his neckline, pulling him back up.
“Mr. Zaedor, I would not suggest running off! I wouldn’t want to lose you on this journey of ours! I would feel very responsible.” They slowly went back into the black halls on the other side, seeing the light of the room fade.
Zaedor’s mind cleared once more. He shook and rubbed his head. “What happened?”
“I’m not sure, my good man! You almost crawled off the caravan toward the pillar, possibly to an unfortunate end, seeing the others around the Golems. You gave me quite a scare!”
He shook it off, trying to forget about that room. He had to focus on his plan. The halls became dark, moist, and cold once more. They were halfway out now. The dark must have been getting to him. He wasn’t sure how long he’d been in there, as there was no way to tell time inside the mountain. Several hopefully short days after they exited, Zaedor would be at his destination. He hoped he could find something in Solmarsh—and also hoped he was not too late.
Chapter Thirty-two
The Path of Life
Lira Kaar
Lira and the others rushed into Solmarsh through the vicious rain that hammered the ground. Lira’s blistered and calloused feet groaned with each step. She was not used to walking much, let alone for days and days on end. She was disappointed in herself for disobeying orders, but she had to come home. There was no telling what went on, and if they waited another fortnight…
They barely made it across the lake using the rickety boat; it almost sunk from the raw water falling from the sky. It had cracks and rotted spots, but at least it carried them across. Lira felt as though she actually fell in the lake, though—the rain was torrential.
Her robe was soaked through, hair like a wet dog’s. Even Kayden’s knotted mane of hair was flattened and drenched. She retrieved her keys from Soghra, the Hydris who owned the inn. He kept it safe while she was away.
He kindly gave the key and asked a few questions of her new friends. Lira was sweet and polite, as she always tried to be. She carefully asked about the disappearances, but Sohgra knew almost nothing about it, save for strange markings in the center of town.
“Markings? What markings?” Lira asked.
Soghra ran his azure fingers through his white, ratty hair. “A circle carved into the cobblestones in a language none of us know. They showed up two days ago.” His voice was like a hiss, but his words were polite and solemn. “The disappearances started a f
ew weeks ago, and have only gotten worse. A scout from the Scions came and asked about ‘em. She was a mountainous woman, ’round seven feet tall, with fiery red hair. Not too bright, though.”
“What?” Lira said brittly. Only one individual matched that description that she could think of. “Alexandra? Sh—she knew?”
“What, did she not tell the boss?” Kayden wanted to know. She crossed her arms and leaned against the wall. She shook her hair wildly, attempting to get rid of some of the water.
Lira saw the look in Jirah’s eyes as they left for Deurbin. He was reluctant to send us, but why? Why hide it? “He didn’t want to send us to Deurbin to begin with—” Lira looked to the floor and picked at her fingernails. “Why would he do that?” He knew my brother was among them. How could he?
“There must be a reason, my dear Miss Kaar,” Vesper said. “Surely there was.”
“What, he lied to us? Does he think he can just keep secrets and send us on whatever idiotic mission he wants? Did he know who was in Deurbin? I swear, if he did—”
“Kayden, please, I’m sure he wouldn’t do that,” Lira said, leaning on the counter in front of Sohgra. She hoped Jirah didn’t know. He prided himself on his honesty, and this made her feel like it was all a lie. “He must have had a reason. I can’t believe he would hold back, though.” She rubbed her arms nervously.
“Well I don’t like being lied to. When we finish this, I’m going to make sure he doesn’t forget that,” Kayden growled, turning her gaze to Sohgra. “How many people have disappeared?”
“I’m not sure, missy. Twenty, maybe thirty.”
Lira gasped, bringing her hand quickly to her mouth. “Oh no.” She felt sick to her stomach. She knew many in town. If anyone were to have passed due to this, she would feel responsible. She had to find out what happened. Lira wouldn’t be able to forgive herself if something happened to the people in her town. She was glad the others came with her, as she wouldn’t be of much use all alone.
Domika held Lira’s shoulders. “Don’t worry, Lira, we’ll find them.”
Lira sniffled and nodded.
“Lira, whatever the case, it’s good that you’re back. We’ve missed you, and—Calvin’s been asking about you,” Sohgra said with a sigh. “As usual.”
Calvin was always asking about her. He attempted to court her multiple times, but Lira never accepted his advances. He was a gentle man, but not quite Lira’s type. He was much older than Lira, and ever since she turned sixteen, he was constantly attempting to court her. She was glad Loughran was restrictive in their marriage traditions toward eighteen—next year. She delayed marrying as long as she could, as she never found any interest in anyone yet. She hadn’t told anyone, save for her brother. He told her to still try to marry, as it was best for her. She resisted as much as she could, though. Calvin didn’t let it go, however.
“Lira!” The door slammed open. There he was. Calvin. His smile was wide as ever. He was ecstatic, and absolutely drenched by the storm.
“I saw your group enter town as I was taking some alchemy materials to Shamra! It’s been so long!” He rushed in for a hug.
“Whoa, there. Better slow your pace,” Kayden said, stopping him quickly.
Kayden was protective and didn’t know anyone in town. Lira smiled and lowered Kayden’s hand. “It’s all right, he’s a friend.”
“Just a friend?” Calvin asked. He never gave up.
“Just a friend.” Lira did her best to fake a smile, but was still overcome by the dark news of the disappearances—and potentially Jirah’s lie.
“On your way, now,” Kayden said with a frown. “Wouldn’t want your bad luck to rub off on us.”
Calvin’s arms dropped and he looked to the floor. “Oh. Well, In either case, I’m glad you’re back, no matter how long. I hope you can stay. I have exciting news to tell you!” He blinked twice. “I’ve been so worried since you left town.”
“I don’t think I can. I have responsibilities elsewhere. Cheer up, okay? We’ll be here for at least a night or two. Maybe we can have dinner together tomorrow? As friends.”
“Sure, I’d love that! I’ll talk to you tomorrow.” Calvin smiled again. He happily bowed and walked out of the inn.
Kayden swatted Lira’s shoulder. “You really have to learn to let someone down hard. He’s going to keep asking. Dinner might give him the wrong idea.”
“Being brash isn’t always the answer, Kayden,” Lira snapped.
“Sometimes it is.” Kayden looked to the others, each nodded in agreement. “See? Even Domika agrees with me. Of course, you can do whatever you want, you’re a grown woman. But if you want to stop being annoyed with him, that’s what you have to do.”
“Oh, stop it. He’s nice,” Lira replied. Each of the others gave her a sarcastic nod of agreement. Lira rolled her eyes. “I’ve made it clear to him several times. His interpretation of how I feel isn’t my responsibility.”
Kayden’s expression grew sullen. “Didn’t say it was. It’s just the reality we live in.”
Motioning to the door, she said, “Come on, let’s go to my home. There are two beds and two small couches.”
Lira led them back into the heavy rain. Their feet squished loudly in their shoes, and even louder on the muddy ground as the rain hammered them. They soon arrived to her home; she had not seen it in a month, and it hadn’t changed a bit.
The gardens, while soaked, were well-kept by Soghra. She unlocked the door quickly and ran in, water dripping everywhere from the five of them. Lira snatched some absorbent linens and wool blankets for them to dry off and warm up with. The roof echoed with the sound of what seemed like a thousand drums, pounding in unison. The main room was the same as before: a small fireplace fit with quite a few logs, the plush, red cushioned oak couch, and the two wooden chairs with thick wool blankets. Those, and Lira’s vast wardrobe of crafts.
Lira just stood at the door, waiting for them to finish up. She didn’t want to wait to get to work. She had work to do. “Are you almost ready?” she called to the others. Each glanced toward her with a raised brow.
Domika drew her mouth to the side. “Don’t you need to rest? We’ve been traveling all day and it’s pouring out.”
She shook her head. Not backing down. “It’s just rain.”
Vesper shot off the chair, hand in the air. “I shall accompany you, my dear. It is not quite late, so we should not wait!”
Kayden gave Vesper a playful shove. “Sure, let’s get to work. We can at least go check the markings, and then to that one friend the boss mentioned back at camp. Heard about it while I ‘wasn’t supposed to be listening.’”
They visited the markings around the center of town—a large circle around twenty feet across, cobblestones that had always been there, but now were carved into. It comprised of runes or letters with sharp, jagged lines and curves, none any saw before. The rain lightened up a little, so it was a tad easier to see.
Magnus stared long and hard at them with his arms crossed. “They have accents of the languages of Devils and Demons—but it is neither.”
That sent an unsettling pain through Lira’s stomach. “What do you mean?” Lira asked.
Domika poked her head in. “It means this language has similar dialects to both, but isn’t either. It’s probably evil or something. No offense,” she said, looking to Magnus. He seemed unaffected.
Kayden just shrugged, trying to cover her hair. “This is a waste of time. It’s pouring out still. Write it down, Ves. We’ll check that other place next,” Kayden commanded. Vesper took out a small piece of charcoal and parchment and scribbled away vigorously under the cover of his broad robe.
They made their way to the south end of town. Dilapidated blackwood buildings and shacks lined the street, as well as a small, quiet market of shoddy booths and tattered-clothed merchants. Kayden motioned for them to keep their eyes open and hands on their coin purses. A few hooded individuals sauntered through the marketplace then. The narrow streets
slowly became cloaked in shadows as the sun set behind the horizon beyond the rainclouds.
Knightly Knowledge, the place was called. It was a large, raggedy old blackwood building with a door almost off its hinges. Pieces of the door were rotted and broken off.
A trader? Why did Jirah suggest we go here? Lira wondered.
The group entered to see a large man in a velvet robe sitting behind the counter. There was only one candle burning beside him as he read from a large book. Lira could barely make out the features of his face, except for thin crescents accenting a dark visage under his velvet hood.
The man looked up with his dark eyes, crooked teeth lining his lower jaw, and sported a suspiciously wide smile. “Oh my, what do we have here?” he spoke with a rough, yet honeyed voice. He gingerly turned the page of his book, and the white ring on his finger shone brightly in the candlelight.
With every step, the floor creaked loudly. “Jirah sent us. We’re looking for information about the disappearances,” Domika said.
“Oh, did he?” the dark man chuckled. “I’m glad. I told him to send for you a few weeks ago. My my, he certainly takes his time.”
“Yes, I suppose so,” Lira said quietly. “May I ask your name?” Lira didn’t know this shop; she didn’t even remember it being in town. How long did Jirah know about Solmarsh? she wondered. Lira couldn’t believe it. He wouldn’t do such a thing.
“My name is Krogar Steeltooth, a merchant here. I’m an old friend of your fiery superior.”
“Are you able to help us?” Kayden asked. It had been a long day of knocking on doors and talking to victims, and Kayden was not in a patient mood.
“Oh, I might.” Krogar chuckled.
“What do you mean ‘you might?’” Kayden replied harshly.
“Depends on your mood, my mood, how much coin you might have—”
“Are you serious?” Kayden scoffed. She leaned to whisper to Lira. “What’s with this guy?”