by R. F. Pace
Trueway slipped back down the tunnel and into a dead-end section. He just made it there, when two men walked past him. One of them said, “I should have known better than to send a stupid troll for a book.” There was a bit of laughter and the other one said “I’m very surprised he didn’t eat it.” More laughter filled the air. There was the distinct sound of keys rattling, then a lock clicking open. A very short time went by before the door was locked and the two men headed back in the same direction they had come. As they departed, one of them said, “I wonder why he needs this book to begin with?” The other guys said, “Who knows, and who really cares.”
After the two were gone, Rotan returned and said, “That was a bit close.” Trueway agreed, “Way too close for my liking. I did manage to check the one room. It is filled with old, empty bottles.” Rotan nodded and said, “Well let’s get back to it. I’ll head back down there again.” With that being said, the two went in opposite directions. Trueway went to work on the lock. This was a higher quality lock and it took Trueway longer to get it to open. When he was finally able to, he opened the door, stepped inside and was totally shocked at the sight before him.
The room was a lot larger than he would have thought possible. Unlike the rest of the tunnels and branches being illuminated in yellow, this room was illuminated by a multitude of sconces emitting a bluish light. The walls were lined with shelves filled with books, scrolls and vials containing a variety of colored liquids. There were two tables with books piled on them, of which some of the books were lying open. Trueway exited the room and headed toward Rotan. Once he got to him he said, “You need to go take a look for yourself.” Rotan raised an eyebrow and headed to the room.
Entering the room, he started searching around, trying to read the titles of the various books, but they were written in a very old language he didn’t know. Rotan exited the room, closing the door as quietly as he could. He returned to where Trueway was waiting and said, “That was quite a find. I’m sure the wizards would love to get in there and look. Go back and lock the door.” Trueway slipped back quickly, then carefully locked the door.
Returning, Trueway whispered, “My guess is it is now well after sundown, so things should start slowing down soon.” “At the rate we are going, it will take us a very long time to explore this cavern,” said Rotan. Looking around he continue, “I don’t think we are going to be able to check every room like we have been. I know there have to be hundreds of small tunnels that branch off all throughout this place. We need to find the main area and search there first.” The two of them backtracked down the tunnel to where they took a right at the T-intersection and crossed over.
They worked their way down this tunnel and found it connected back up to the main tunnel they had crossed to get to where they were now. Rotan had Trueway wait where he was and turned to the left toward what he believed was the area they had crossed from earlier. It didn’t take long to confirm what he already knew. It was the same tunnel they had crossed earlier; they had just done a big loop back to it.
The main tunnel was not only well-lite, but had no hiding spots until a natural tunnel appeared. Rotan said, “That is the entrance to the way we came from. If we continue the way we’re heading, it will lead us deeper into the mountain.” Rotan told Trueway to once again wait there, and headed down the tunnel to scout the area.
Rotan returned stating, “There are several natural tunnels that branch off; they should allow us hiding spots if we need one.” The two headed deeper into the mountain. The tunnel steadily sloped downward the further they travelled. A short time had passed when Rotan ducked into a natural tunnel. Trueway followed him. Rotan said, “We need to find a spot and rest while they settle down for the night. They followed this natural tunnel 20 feet to where it split. The branch to the left didn’t go very far before it dead-ended. The branch to the right went about 20 feet, then turned ninety degrees to the left. After the turn, it went about ten feet and did another 90 degree turn to the right. After the turn, it sloped up, then leveled off. At the very end was a small opening with light coming through.
Rotan worked his way up the narrow section to the light and found a hole in the wall. He was able to wiggle his way through the hole, leading to a massive ledge. The ledge would accommodate 15-20 people comfortably and the entire area above him was open. Rotan crawled his way to the edge, looking over, he was amazed at the sight below him. Astonished at the depth of the drop off and the sheer size of the whole area, it appeared the whole inside of the mountain had been hollowed out. The area below had to be a good 500 paces across in every direction. The bottom was almost a perfect circle. It contained stairs to various upper levels and a few that went down.
Below he could see several hundred troops. He noticed 40 to 50 rooms off to the side. There were scattered cook fires on the ground floor area. Rotan could see trolls, kobolds, orcs and hobgoblins, but no humans.
Trueway slipped through the hole from the tunnel and joined Rotan. After studying the scene for a few minutes he whispered, “Why did the Dwarves abandon this city?” Rotan whispered back, “They prefer to live in unknown places, away from prying eyes. Once a Dwarven city is generally known, they will abandon it and make a new one. It appears several races found this location.” Trueway said, “I knew it was going to be big, but I didn’t know it was going to be this big.” “I have heard rumors of Dwarven settlements and how large they are,” replied Rotan, “but this is the first time I have been in one and seen it for myself.” Trueway nodded, “This also is my first sighting of one. As close to morning as it is getting, this would be a good place to stop and rest. We can continue scouting later tonight when they have completely settled down again.”
Moving away from the edge, Rotan agreed and the two settled down to rest while the cavern came to life. The noises from armor calking, various things banging, and the yapping from the creatures below, it all echoed off the walls. With the sheer size of the cavern, the sounds seemed to be amplified, making it hard to block out at times. They were able to get some, but very little rest.
CHAPTER 34
As the evening wore on, Rotan and Trueway squeezed back through the hole they’d emerged from. Rotan said, “It looks like their activity should be dying down soon. I suggest we go slow for a while and let them finish settling for the night.” The two weaved in and out of the tunnels for part of the day. There were a few near misses with various creatures that were still moving around, but they were able to avoid being detected.
Rotan estimated they were at least a couple hundred feet below the cave entrance. He found a natural tunnel and ducked in with Trueway. Rotan said, “We should be getting close to the main area of their camp. There should be watches posted as we get closer to the leaders and their main storage areas.”
After another short rest, they continued searching. Rotan considered turning back when he noticed an area that had potential to be what they were looking for; a treasure room that might contain the stone of Yatuku. As they approached the area, they could see it was well lit with guards posted. This area was a big intersection of five major passages joining together. It was about 45 feet across with a fire pit in the center. Out of all five of the tunnels, it looked like they needed to get to the first one to their left. The problem was the two guards were not moving much and both were facing the tunnel opening. The positive thing was the guards did not have a direct view into the area Rotan and Trueway were trying to go, they could only see the entrance area and not much beyond.
Rotan patiently waited for both of the guards to turn their backs to them. Once the second guard turned, he jumped out from where he was hiding and into the first tunnel on the left. Trueway followed without q
uestion. The two slid against the wall to keep from being spotted if the guards turned back around. Rotan was right. They worked their way to the end of the tunnel, finding four storage areas bearing very high grade locks on all the doors.
They were now presented with a bigger problem. If someone came down the tunnel they would be spotted. They went to the end where Trueway went to work on the lock at the last door. It took him several minutes to figure out the locking mechanism. When he did, the clicking from the lock being opened echoed throughout the tunnel. They froze. After several minutes of listening, Rotan eased his way toward the entrance to check the status of the guards.
Trueway opened the door to see the room contained a few pieces of old Dwarven armor. Rotan walked back to see what the room contained. The room was once a stronghold or armory for equipment and weapons. It could now serve as a last-ditch hiding place. Trueway said, “We can hide in here if someone shows up, but we will be trapped.” Rotan questioned, “We don’t have too many choices now, do we? If we were locked in there, can you get this door open from the inside?” Trueway answered, “Yes. This is a Dwarven locking device. They mastered the ability to allow access from both sides of the door.” Rotan said, “That is good to know.”
Rotan headed back toward the entrance of the tunnel, while Trueway went to work on the locking mechanism for the next door. This lock was identical to the first lock. Within a minute Trueway had the lock picked, but this time the audible click wasn’t as loud. Trueway opened the door to find dusty covered crates. Most of the goods had been removed from them. What was left was various clothing items and bolts of ugly, dull fabrics. Trueway closed the door and relocked it.
The third door was the hardest so far. The lock required a lot of time picking he wasn’t willing to spend. He was getting ready to call it quits, when he heard it click. He cracked the door open and peered inside. It was another room filled with books and vials. This room was just like the other, lined from floor to ceiling and wall to wall with books. After doing a quick check, he lock it.
The door to the fourth room was just out of view from where the guards were located. As Trueway started to pick the lock, he realized it was a more complicated piece than any he had every tried to pick before. Just as Trueway was about to give up, the lock opened. Again there was a loud clicking noise from the cylinders sliding open. The only thing that saved them from being heard as the lock clicked open was one guard had slapped the other, making a louder pop. When Rotan saw that happen, he motioned for `Trueway to join him. The two guards were standing toe to toe grunting at each other, about to fight. This was perfect to hide any noise the hinges would make. The two went back to the door and opened it.
Trueway and Rotan both went wide-eyed at the sight before them. The room contained more gold and jewels in one place than either had seen in his entire life combined. Trueway just stood staring at the sight before him. Rotan noticed Trueway had frozen and wasn’t saying anything at all. Rotan walked around Trueway and into the room. There was a mountain of chests with all kinds of treasures just thrown into the center of the room. Rotan picked up a gold coin, inspected it and then placed it in his pocket. He then turned and left the room. Before Trueway closed the door he also pocketed a gold coin.
After locking the door back, they had to wait for the two guards to turn their backs to them again. The guards had changed positions since they first arrived. They were now standing at the tunnel entrance Rotan and Trueway had originally come from. The two guards were leaning against the wall, showing no signs of moving anytime soon. Rotan whispered, “It is very late and morning is fast approaching. If we try to exit the tunnel they will see us. If we stay here much longer they will find us.” Trueway asked, “What are you thinking about doing, then?” Rotan smiled and picked up a small rock. Trueway had a smirk on his face and shrugged his shoulders. He waved his hand for Rotan to proceed.
Rotan threw the rock into the tunnel directly across from where he and Trueway were. The guards never paid any attention to the noise it created. After throwing a second and third rock and getting no reaction from the guards, Rotan sat down shaking his head. Trueway thought it was funny but didn’t laugh about it. Rotan said, “We can use the cloaks and try to walk past them.” Trueway shook his head no, “That should be our last resort. I would hate to use them now and not have them if things got even worse.”
Trueway then said, “We could run to where they are and drop them before they can make too much noise.” Rotan said, “That’s not a good idea, it would cause a big uproar and they would come looking for whom ever did it. They would also add additional watches which would cause more problems for us when we return.” Trueway said, “I agree, but right now we don’t have a lot of choices.”
Just as they were finishing plans to eliminate the guards, a commotion broke out in the tunnel to the left of them. The two guards got up and walked right buy Rotan and Trueway. The pair didn’t wait around to find out what had caused the commotion; they departed the tunnel and headed back the way they had come from.
Backtracking was a lot easier than scouting the area, so the two of them made great time. The passages were still clear, so it only took them a short time to make it back to the cave entrance. The sun still had not risen, so they made themselves comfortable. Rotan said, “We will head back to camp just before the sun rises. I would like some light so when we approach we don’t get shot buy an arrow or have some spell cast on us by a jumpy wizard.” Trueway smiled and said, “I agree. I would hate to live out the rest of my days as a frog eating bugs.”
CHAPTER 35
Ralnor, Jake, Sara and George watched as Rotan and Trueway departed the camp to go explore the tunnels for the second day. Sara told Jake, “We know you want to go with them, but for right now its best you stay behind.” Jake replied, “How’s it for the best? I could lead them right to the stone!” Ralnor finally said, “There is no straight path to the stone in a Dwarven city. The tunnels run throughout the mountains. They go right and left, with many twists and turns. They contain many dead-ends and some will dump you off a cliff down over a 100 feet below.” Jake said, “I know and understand the reasons. I just want this finished so we can start searching for the way home.”
Ralnor said, “In time it will happen. Do not rush through life wanting something quickly. Be patient or you will miss out on many nice things along the way.” Jake knew within himself what Ralnor said was true, but he still wanted this over and done with. Jake was ready to go home.
Tammy joined the group, and asked, “What are we to do while they are in the tunnel?” Ralnor replied, “Rest and train.” George asked, “What kind of training do you have in mind?” “I am going to show you how to track and listen to nature.” Ralnor said. Sara and Tammy were more excited to hear that than Jake and George. Ralnor turned and said, “Follow me.”
He departed the cave and headed in the direction of the horses. As Ralnor walked, he pointed out the various paths everyone had taken to and from the horses. As he was explaining various impressions and damage to the foliage, Jake’s mind was wondering and Ralnor noticed it. Ralnor told everyone to split up and find three different impressions in the ground.
As everyone was heading out to search, Ralnor pulled Jake off to the side. “You were not paying attention back there,” he said. “That is very unlike you. Is there a problem?” Jake was quiet for a bit and finally said, “No.” Ralnor inquired, “Then what is on your mind?” Jake replied, “Nothing.” Ralnor kept looking at him until Jake said, “I really don’t know what’s wrong. I just feel a bit odd today.” Ralnor asked, “How so?” Jake thought for a minute, then shrugged his shoulders.
The two walked in silence for a few minutes. Jake finally broke the silence by saying, “I was saying how I wanted to go home earlier, but I like it here. I enjoy being with Sara all the time and just the simple way of life this place brings. We have learned so much about each other,” Jake glanced at Ralnor then continued, “I have fallen in love with her. We’re not in a hurry to get from one place to the other like when we’re home.” Ralnor smiled to himself and just walked in silence. He didn’t want to interrupt Jake’s train of thought. Jake continued, “I feel like we are a part of this world, when we are together. I’ve never felt so strongly for one person, like I do for her. If I had my way, I would stay here with her forever. I don’t want to be without her. I don’t know… this may sound a little crazy, but I want to ask her to marry me.” Ralnor gave Jake a few more minutes to ensure he had finished what he wanted to say. Ralnor spoke quietly, “You are a part of this world, more so than you know right now. Things will start to reveal themselves to you and you will have a better understand of what this is all about.”
Jake just looked at Ralnor and knew not to push for answers. Ralnor continued, “Home will always be where you make it. You have family, as do the others, back in your world. It would not be right for you not to return and have your family wondering what happened to you.” Jake said, “I would never put anyone, much less my parents, through something like that. I do wonder what’s going on back home with us being gone for so long. Ralnor thought for a minute before he replied to Jake. “Time is not the same here as it is in your world. You have been here for what seems like a long time to you, but very little time has passed by in your world.” Jake looked at him a bit funny and said, “Isn’t a day here the same as a day there?”
