Darkin A Journey East - By Joseph A. Turkot Page 0,28
I heard news from the north, and I doubt they would take friendly to anyone not born of dwarven blood, especially a human. They are forced in this dark time to keep constant watch over their borders, and, rightfully enough, kill anything unrecognizable as a dwarf on sight.”
“Might we chance gaining their partnership?” asked Erguile. “Often, in the lore I’ve read about dwarves, I’ve heard them to be a strong and courageous race: bold—and with battle axes just as bold.” Erguile unsheathed his sword jokingly and swung it in the fashion of a battle-axe. “I still can’t believe dwarves and elves are real. I will need to see one before I commit to belief in them.”
“I don’t think it would be wise to step upon their range, not yet anyhow. Eventually we may need their strength, along with the strength of all not tainted by Grelion’s vile sway,” Krem responded.
“Good enough, though I would love to see for myself how marvelous their city is,” Adacon said.
“I have been to the Reichmar city thrice in the past twelve decades, but not once in recent times. In the elder ages I frequented the city often; it was indescribably breathtaking, and the people were only the kindest sort,” said Krem. Adacon felt awe once more at Krem’s extreme age.
“And this city should be considered more beautiful than even your home, Krem? I don’t know if I can fathom such a place. What is the city’s name?” asked Erguile.
“Dwarfton, you could call it, as most humans do. It has a dwarven name also, which is Ascaronth.”
“I would most like to visit Ascaronth, when the time comes that we are able to do so,” said Adacon.
“And certainly enough we might, when that time arrives. But now you must turn your eyes to the far right of our path; for it is to that opaque shadow on the horizon you both have failed to see that we must now cut our trail toward.” And with that Adacon and Erguile gasped in unison, as their heads turned to engage the silhouette of the Tower of Ceptical. It was a menacing spire to the slaves, standing as the tallest unnatural structure either of them had ever seen. The sky was darkening and the tower was blending into deep grey clouds. Both of them felt a great sensation of fear in their hearts upon seeing the prison.
Some miles to the right of the tower was the dim shape of an enormous granite faced wall that flattened out at the top like a grand table in the sky, high above the Vashnod floor. It was long and tapered off to the south, away from them with no end in sight.
“And what is that high ground?” asked Erguile.
“The Rislind Plateau, and the only way north save through the Angelyn Mountains,” responded Krem.
Adacon shuddered again as he returned his gaze to the Ceptical Tower. He pointed at it and spoke.
“That is what we must sack?” Adacon said in a shaky tone.
“Indeed—and we shall by tomorrow, lad. But the tower is still a half day’s march. Do not fret; we will be forced to make camp tonight on the plains,” spoke Krem.
“These plains will do fine enough. There is never enough rest before battle. Where do you think we might find a fitting spot?” asked Erguile, eager to have more food and sleep before assailing the tower.
“Perhaps we could make camp near a patch of trees Krem? We would be more concealed than out in the open plain,” proposed Adacon.
“And by the trees we shall camp then, but not before we march until the moons are ripe to fall,” said Krem, and with that he checked the face of his Relic. He seemed to grunt something to himself and then they continued. Adacon and Erguile marched in awe of the mountains and the foreboding tower jutting in the eastern sky. The yellow dunes were fast behind them and out of sight.
They walked on without affair until the moons reached their limit in the black cradle of the sky, and Krem spoke the first words in a seemingly long forever:
“It is time we had some stew fit for our lagged muscles; what do you think, Erguile?” asked Krem, humor in his voice for Erguile’s amusement.
“You have my mind, Krem. We’ll set camp then, and look at that,” Erguile said pointing off to a small hill covered with trees. “Is it not perfect for our purpose?”
“Wonderful!” shouted Adacon, and he ran ahead to look at