Chapter 36
The Forgotten Palace
The heroes had traveled for at least two days through winding passages and old Daintish dwelling sites. They encountered another group of Lamiens but were able to easily dispatch of them this time, now that they knew their weakness. Lamiens were not the only creatures with whom the heroes crossed paths. They also had to contend with a den of cattle sized spiders that were blocking their path. If it had not been for Locmire's fire balls, the encounter may have turned out much differently. Each member had different skills and talents that helped to strengthen the party. During a short rest, Locmire thought to himself, I feel we have the perfect combination of warriors. It seems that fate still knows what it is doing.
After traveling for what seemed like days, they came to a large stone structure unlike any of the others they had passed. This particular dwelling was intact; the years of abandonment without repair did not seem to affect this magnificent structure. It was immaculate. The other notable distinguishing feature of the structure, aside from its condition, was its size. It was three times larger than any other place they had passed. What looked like a tower stood atop the large building, and it went all the way up to the ceiling of the underground cavern.
“What do ye reckon it be's?” asked Red.
“I think this might be the old palace,” Oggy said as his eyes followed the structure into the ceiling. “If this is a palace, which I am sure it is, that must be the tower that leads to the upper levels of Pizenchaffe.”
“Well, let us waste no time,” said Lot.
“Wait a moment,” Oggy said with much concern in his voice.
“What is it?” replied Lot.
“If this is, in fact, the old palace as I suspect it is, we must be on our guard. Old Daintish palaces are dangerous places to tread. They are said to be haunted by the spirits of the former kings.”
“If this place will lead us to the surface, then we must risk it,” said Lot.
“He is correct,” Locmire said. “This may be the only place to resurface for miles. We could travel blindly down here for days. The longer we stay, the more dangerous it becomes. I feel this is our best chance.”
“I agree,” said Urganox.
“We are with King Stonefist. Whatever decision he makes, we will stand by him,” said Golgar, speaking for himself and his Dainty companions.
Oggy looked at the palace long and hard, studying every inch of it and the surroundings. I have a bad feeling about this, he thought.
“Very well. Lead the way,” Oggy said to Lot.
Lot led the group up a long set of stone steps, which were just as intact as the day that they were constructed. He noticed no signs of disuse about this place, not even dust on the steps. They stopped at the top of the steps and Lot looked back at the group. His glance was met by anxious faces that were preparing themselves for whatever lay in wait. He pushed open the large stone door and entered the antechamber.
The antechamber was beautifully decorated with golden statues and walls accented with precious jewels. Lot's thieving mind told him to make note of the location of this place so he could return when this was all over.
“This is the biggest anteroom I have ever set foot in,” Oggy said as he marveled at the beauty of the place. “Remarkable.”
“No need in delaying the inevitable,” Lot said as he made his way to the stone door that led to the main body of the palace.
Before he pushed the door open, Oggy's voice spoke softly, “Wait.”
Lot turned back to see the Daintish King slowly making his way over to the corner of the antechamber. He stooped over and picked up a large pizenore shield that lay covered in blood.
“What is it, my King?” Golgar asked.
“This is Biddle's shield,” Oggy choked out.
The group fell silent. The fate that Oggy had suspected regarding the whereabouts of his son had finally become clear. The father's face was grim. Two emotions, pain and sadness, whirled across his face like a weather vane in a storm. He had come face to face with his worst fear, a fear that had contributed to him losing his place on the throne. His son, Biddle, was dead.
“My King . . . ,” Golgar took a deep breath. “I am so very sorry. I am sure he died a warrior's death.”
Golgar's words acted like flame to petrom. Oggius marched violently to the door, kicked it open, and delved forward into the palace.
Locmire's Quest: Book One A Tales from Calencia Novel Page 55