by Lana Axe
Annin’s visage faded away, leaving Tashi alone in the dark. “Sister!” she cried, her arms reaching out. No one was there to take them. Heartbroken, she buried her face in her pillow and wept.
* * * * *
A hush fell over the tavern patrons as the unusual guests entered. Two dwarves followed by an elf proceeded to the bar, their footsteps the only sound to be heard. No one in the room, save Kaiya and Raad, had ever laid eyes on an elf. Not a single man here had traveled beyond the mountains.
A dwarf with a frizzy red beard stepped forward, tilting his head to look Galen in the eye. Like every other dwarf in the room, he stood no taller than the elf’s waist. “Where’d you come from?” he asked. His words were followed by a loud hiccup.
“The valley below the mountains,” Galen replied, unoffended.
The man peered inside his mug. “Can you drink this stuff? You look awful delicate.”
Galen couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh yes, I can drink it. I’ve lived among dwarves for the past few years.”
“You don’t say,” the dwarf replied, ale spilling down his beard. “Well, you’re all right then,” he announced, lifting his mug.
The noise level rose, the miners returning to their revelry.
Slapping a coin on the counter, the red-bearded dwarf said, “An ale for my friend here, and a refill for me.”
The bartender obeyed. Nodding his thanks, Galen grasped the mug and downed half of its contents. The dwarf grinned and did the same.
Raad ordered a drink as well. “I’ll pay for the lady’s too,” he told the bartender.
“Won’t your wife be upset?” the dwarf jibed as he filled the mugs.
“She don’t know I’m back yet,” Raad replied with a smirk. “Best get a few drinks down me or she’ll be hollerin’ for me to get home and get some chores done.”
“Thanks, Raad,” Kaiya said, taking her drink from the dwarf behind the bar. Plopping herself on a low stool, she pressed the mug to her lips. With a large gulp, she took her first taste of the local ale. Rubbing her tongue against the roof of her mouth, she attempted to rid herself of the bitter flavor. Raad was right, she thought. This isn’t as good as down south. The second sip wasn’t as bad, and by the third, her tongue was accustomed to the flavor.
His cheeks reddening from ale, Galen burst into song, surprising the dwarves gathered around him. Kaiya had to cover her mouth to avoid spraying ale all over Raad, who was grinning from ear to ear as he listened in.
In a slurred tenor, the elf sang out.
“Once I met a dwarven girl,
her eyes like crystals shone.
She took me home and stripped me bare,
And skinned me to the bone!”
A raucous laughter filled the room, mugs slamming against the table to signal the miners’ approval. Dwarves loved a good drinking song, the bawdier the better. Others took up the song, adding more to the story.
Kaiya enjoyed the moment of levity, especially seeing the joy it brought to Galen. He spent so much time studying the runes and reading that he rarely engaged in social activities. Proving he could be the life of the party, he made himself at home here among the miners, keeping time with his mug as the other men sang.
For a short time, Kaiya forgot about the evil presence. There was no talk of impending dangers or dark magic. In this moment, she was simply Kaiya, a dwarf girl from a farming village, enjoying a drink among friends.
Chapter 11
Pounding a fist heavily on the bunkhouse door, Raad’s head throbbed. The noise echoed between his ears, amplified by the prior night’s drink. He needed a pot of coffee, and quick. With any luck, he wouldn’t have to make any more noise to wake those sleeping inside. Shoving open the door, he stepped inside.
Kaiya sat up, ready to start her day. Unlike the men, she had consumed only two drinks, and her mind was functioning perfectly. Stretching her arms, she nodded at Raad, whose eyes were reddened, his hair disheveled. A smile crept over her face as she wondered what his wife had said when he returned home in the wee hours of the morning.
The jest died on her lips as she glanced over at Tashi, who sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the back wall. Her head propped on one arm, and her shoulders slumped, the priestess appeared completely defeated. Throwing off her blanket, the sorceress swung her legs over the side of the bed and pulled on her shoes. Taking two steps toward Tashi, she paused at the sound of Raad’s voice.
“Foreman’s expecting you,” he announced.
Glancing back at Tashi, she sighed. It would have to wait for another time. Whatever troubled the priestess, it was less important than figuring out what was causing the tremors. The foreman had information Kaiya desperately needed, at least she hoped he did. At the very least, he could give her permission to enter the mines to seek out the magic she sensed, and save her the need to break in.
Struggling out of his too-short bed, Galen found his way to Kaiya’s side. “You want me to come along?” he asked, his mannerisms surprisingly normal considering the volume of drink he had guzzled.
“I think you best wait,” Raad replied. “He’ll want to meet an elf, for sure, but not right this moment. He asked for Kaiya alone.”
“That’ll give me time to explore the city,” Galen said, unfazed. “You want to come along, Tashi?”
The priestess slowly rose from her bed and made her way toward the others. Her eyes focused on the narrow window, her mind a million miles away.
“You’ll be headed back home, won’t you?” Raad asked. “Some of the miners up here might think worse of your kind than I did. I’d hate to see any of them misunderstand.”
“I don’t fear them,” she shot back, her voice full of venom.
“Now, don’t start that,” Raad replied. “I’ll introduce all of you to Foreman Daro, then he and Kaiya can head off to the mine. I’ll show you other two around the camp.”
“Sounds like a plan,” Galen replied. Glancing at Tashi, he saw no sign of change in her dour mood. He’d have to find some way to cheer her.
The morning sun barely peeked over the horizon, its soft-pink light illuminating the sky. Raad led the visitors westward, his every step labored. It was too early for this, and he would have much preferred to sleep in. But the foreman wouldn’t wait. The bonus he’d paid Raad to fetch the sorceress was enough to keep the miner moving despite his lack of energy.
Straight ahead, a series of carts waited to ferry the miners to their work higher in the mountains. The steep terrain near the mine made habitation impossible, so a fifteen-minute ride was necessary to move the men to and from their worksite. Sturdy bighorn sheep, tamed by the skill of the dwarves, were well-suited to the task of pulling the carts over rough terrain.
Kaiya found the crowd surprisingly quiet as they awaited their turn on the carts. No other explanation came to her mind, save the early hour. Miners were hard workers, but few among them were morning people, regardless of their assigned shift. Rising early was the duty of farmers, like Kaiya’s own father. It was likely due to him that she could fully appreciate the beauty of a sunrise.
By the time the visitors reached the miners, most of them had been loaded into their carts. Their wooden wheels crunching along the gravel path, they disappeared inside the morning mist. Raad signaled with a wave, drawing a single dwarf’s attention.
Foreman Daro came forward with hurried steps, relieved to see that Raad had returned. A black-and-silver beard braided into a single row, along with a smoothly shaved head, gave the man a look of authority. His deep-brown eyes showed great concern, lines of worry creasing his brow.
“Raad,” he said, nodding at the miner.
“Foreman Daro,” Raad began, “this is Kaiya, the sorceress.” Gesturing with his thumb, he said, “These are her friends, Galen and Tashi.”
Daro’s eyes darted between the visitors, unsure which to acknowledge first. It was Kaiya he had requested, but her friends were a sight to be seen. Extending a hand to Kaiya, he gripped hers
firmly. “I’m glad you’ve come,” he said. “We need your help. Are your friends here to help as well?”
“Tashi led us here through a path in the mountains,” Kaiya replied. “Galen is an apprentice rune carver. He’s come to consider the magical possibilities of Dwarf’s Heart.”
Daro’s eyes danced with astonishment. “I’m delighted to meet you,” he said, reaching for Galen’s hand. A lifetime of fascination with creatures of magic, he felt nearly overwhelmed by the presence of a Westerling Elf. Forcing himself not to stare, he turned his attention to Tashi. With a nod, he said, “I thank you for helping our visitors reach us safely.”
Crossing her arms, the priestess did not reply.
“The Ulihi have a camp about day from here,” Raad said, filling the awkward moment.
“We know about it,” Daro admitted. “We know about the path too, but we stay clear of it.” The mining company that employed Daro had been thorough in surveying the land. For the most part, they had done their best to avoid disturbing the Ulihi in their current encampment.
“This mine is built on our hunting grounds,” Tashi finally said.
“I can’t help that,” Daro said. “This is where the Dwarf’s Heart is, so this is where we had to build. We’re aware of your tribe, and we won’t bother you if you don’t bother us.”
Heat rose in Tashi’s face. “You’ve already bothered us!” she shouted. “Why do your kind insist they own this land? No one can own it. The mountain is its own master.”
“I don’t doubt that, Miss Tashi,” the foreman replied. “But we’ve claimed it for the time being. If you want to represent your people at the next company meeting, I’ll see that your voice is heard.”
Blinking in surprise, Tashi didn’t know how to reply. Kaiya smiled, her heart full as she tried to catch Tashi’s eye. When she finally did, she nodded, encouraging her companion to speak.
“I would like that,” Tashi stammered. “Thank you.”
Daro waved the words away. “It’s the least I can do,” he said. Focusing his attention to Kaiya, he asked, “Are you ready to inspect the mine?”
Finding herself suddenly nervous, she took in a deep breath and said, “I am.”
“Will you be joining us?” he asked Galen.
“I—” Galen started to say.
“If I may,” Kaiya cut in. “It would be easier for me if Galen stayed behind. His elven magic will be a distraction as I search for the source of power I’ve felt in this area.”
“I understand,” Daro replied. “I’ve heard magic radiates from an elf’s hair.” He took a moment to scan the length of Galen’s hair, wondering what mysteries hid themselves within it.
“I’ll look after these two for you,” Raad said. Hopefully another trip to the tavern would make its way onto the agenda. With his arm feeling better, the following day would mark his return to the mines, which meant today shouldn’t go to waste.
“Shall we?” Daro asked, gesturing his hand to the remaining cart.
Accepting his hand, Kaiya stepped onto the cart, the bighorns pawing with impatience as she found her seat. Daro signaled the driver to head out, and the team lunged forward, eager to be underway.
“It’s the deepest mine that any dwarf’s ever dug,” Daro said. “We’ll be there in a few minutes.”
“Tell me why you needed a sorceress,” Kaiya replied. It was time for some answers.
Shifting in his seat, the foreman said, “You know about the avalanches. We’ve had a lot of men hurt, and the mining company is losing money.”
“An avalanche or two is to be expected,” Kaiya stated.
“Naturally,” Daro replied. “But something isn’t right in there. I’m no mage, but I’ve had an interest in magical enchantments since I was young. It’s a feeling I get down in those tunnels.” Looking away, he added, “I suppose it sounds silly.”
“Not at all,” the sorceress replied. “Even those without magic can sometimes sense its presence.”
The foreman swiveled his head back toward her. “You mean that?”
“I do,” she said. “There is magic here. I can feel it too.”
A sigh of relief escaped the dwarf’s lips. “That already makes me feel better. I was afraid I might be overreacting.”
“I don’t think you’ll feel better for long,” she replied. “What I sense is malice, an evil heart bent on destruction. Even now, it echoes in my chest.” As they moved closer to the mine, Kaiya’s fingers shook, a tingling sensation buzzing through them. Something was testing her, a tug at her magical stores confirmed it. Each breath came faster as she forced herself to remain seated, fighting the instinct to run toward the mine. Or was it the urge to flee? Grinding her teeth, she did her best to steady her mind.
“Are my men safe in there?” Daro asked, leaning toward her.
“I don’t know,” she replied honestly. “I have to go down there to find out.”
Stopping near the mine entrance, the driver set the brake and waited for his passenger to disembark. Daro assisted Kaiya as she stepped down before sending the driver away. Kaiya paused outside the mine, her eyes staring intently into the darkness. The color drained from her face.
“You all right?” Daro asked, laying a hand on her shoulder. Her pale visage unnerved him, her silence alarming.
Kaiya gave no answer, her hand reaching for a lantern as she stepped inside the mine. Daro followed closely behind, grabbing a lantern of his own. Upon entry, the path descended. Kaiya immediately made note of the lack of fresh air. The ventilation system required for such a massive pit would have to be extensive, but it provided no wind. Miners were not able to stay down as long as usual, forcing the work to be done in four shifts rather than the standard three.
Stillness cut through Kaiya, panic running along her spine. With much effort, she forced herself to remain calm. Here, more than any other place, she was vulnerable.
Dim lanterns lined the walls, a system of movable platforms descending to and from the depths. Stepping onto the platform, she waited for Daro to pull the lever.
“Down we go,” he said.
They sank into the darkness, the music of mining picks serenading them along the way. Dots of green light illuminated the walls, a gift of the glowworms that inhabited the mines. Without these creatures, the miners digging at the lowest depths would be forced to work in complete darkness, the lanterns barely able to draw enough oxygen to remain lit. The flame in Kaiya’s hand flickered, reducing itself to the size of a pea. More an item of comfort than of practicality, the lanterns were nearly useless.
A buzzing entered Kaiya’s muscles, radiating throughout her body as they arrived at the first plateau. Stepping off the platform, Kaiya stumbled, righting herself before Daro could notice. To her relief, a system of mirrors stood at various angles, catching light from above and projecting it along the pathway to the lifts. Taking courage from the light, she drove the buzzing away without the use of magic.
“How many levels are there?” she asked, peering over the ledge.
“Three,” Daro replied. “There aren’t any workers at the bottom. I assume that’s where you want to go?”
“Yes,” she replied, though she wanted to say no. A low voice called from the depths, urging her ever downward. Though she’d come here to confront it, she wasn’t sure she wanted to. The stillness raged around her, and should she require the use of her magic, her stores could quickly become depleted. Lacking the element required for replenishment put her at great risk.
Her eyes finally adjusted to the darkness, Kaiya followed Daro as he led the way down to the second plateau and made his way across the expansive deep. The third platform, the one that led down to the deepest level, lay just ahead.
“I’ll go alone from here,” she announced as they reached the platform.
“You sure?” Daro asked. “The light barely reaches down there, and it’s easy to get lost.”
“I need complete concentration,” she replied. “I’m afraid you
r presence could distract me.” Even the quietest dwarves were typically noisy, and she would need complete silence. “Can you order your men to stop hammering until I return?”
“Aye,” he replied. “I’ll do that and come right back to this spot. You can shout when you’re ready for me to bring you back up.”
The sorceress agreed out of politeness. She was quite capable of pulling herself back up, her arms not lacking for strength. But Daro was unused to women inside his mine, so he treated her with as great a care as he would any lady.
Steadying herself on the platform, she waited patiently as Daro lowered her into the darkness. The light faded to a dull gray, the pinpoint lights of the glowworms outshining that which was brought down by the mirrors. Here the world was entirely still, her lungs working overtime to find fresh air. Once again the buzzing returned, traveling up her spine and settling in the back of her head. Her ears puffed, and she swallowed hard to drive the feeling away.
Setting aside her now-useless lantern, she tuned her ears to the stillness. A voice called out, a low rumbling tone. More curiosity than anger, whoever it was wanted to know her better.
Where are you? she projected with her mind.
There was no change to the voice. It held the same steady tone, beckoning her toward it. Keeping one hand against the wall, she kept herself in check. With a ceiling that stretched up to eternity, and the darkness surrounding her, it would be all too easy to lose her bearings.
Twisting along the wide path, she followed the rumbling sound. Above her all fell silent, no hammers echoing throughout the mine. The pounding of her heart replaced the hammers, but she found her courage and steadied her breathing, forcing her legs to keep moving.
Rounding a bend, the path became unsteady, small rocks sliding beneath her feet. The way narrowed into a single passageway, wide enough for only two men at a time. Still moving forward, the rumbling grew louder, but a wall blocked her way. Taking in what she could make out in the black, she believed this to be the end of the mine. A pile of rubble had been placed to one side, awaiting its transport outside. The tunnel was too small for a large team of miners, meaning it must still be under excavation.
