The Unknown Man: Book 1 in The Keepers of the Orbs Series (22 page)

This got all of their attention and they caught up to him. They walked for a distance with the chasm to one side and a thick rock wall to the other, where sconces hung with large candles providing illumination for the hall. They cast an eerie orange glow that bounced off the walls and surrounded them in small pools of light. The roof of the hall appeared to become lower as they proceeded.

For as large and as handcrafted as the doors had been, Jaeden and Matt seemed disappointed with the interior. They exchanged uninterested looks. The walk felt bland and monotonous with any people inside moving around—in fact, the hall seemed pretty much deserted. They continued for at least an hour, walking in silence. The walk provided ample time for Tirene’s nerves to return with the challenge of the next part soon to follow. He felt sure the steel was Ruvenkan, but how did he explain it when he couldn’t fall back on his memories. Liniana bent her head to look around Tirene. The hall opened up into a larger cavern ahead and voices could be heard off in the distance—voices, and very raucous laughter.

The group walked into a cavernous chamber. The opening loomed large and almost round with Dwarves going about their business everywhere. It looked to be a small town, but most of the Dwarves seemed to be military-based. Tirene spotted a blacksmith’s shop, an armorer, a weapon's smith, and a couple of taverns. There were also many rooms that looked to be sleeping quarters.

Yordrinn circled in front of them. “This is Dolurn and is a village servicing the military personnel taking care of the western gate. We’ll sleep here tonight. The trip to Drognard will take us a couple of days. There are places to stop at night so we won’t have to camp in the halls. Feel free to eat at any of the taverns. The food is adequate but the ale is spectacular.” Tirene took a quick whiff of the air. He smelled spices and apples, which made his stomach growl. “You might find the people are warmer to you than I’ve been. Most of these Dwarves have never met a Human and will be very eager to speak to you.” He furrowed his brow before proceeding. “They have never had the chance to be crossed by Humans before like I have, hence my hesitation in assisting you on your journey. My quarters are in the middle building over there.”

He pointed to a series of three doors carved out of the chamber on the other side of the village. “I will see you have adequate accommodations. If you need me, I will be in there.” He pointed to another doorway that looked rarely used. “You can stable your horses in there. It hasn’t been used in a long time and you will have to check in on your horses yourselves, but it will serve. If there is nothing else, I bid you all ado.” He turned and stalked off in the direction of the doors he pointed to.

Matt scratched his head as he looked to Tirene for instructions as to what they were to do. “I guess we should see to the horses and then get something to eat.” He started walking in the direction of the makeshift stables. Many of the Dwarves stopped going about their duties and instead stared at their group. Liniana bowed as they passed.

Tirene smiled at those who stared. Matt and Jaeden even waved at some as they passed, drawing smiles from their audience.

They found the old stables and ensured the horses were settled before tethering them to the hitching rails inside. A short but strong looking Dwarf came in carrying a large sack of oats. He couldn’t have been very old, because his beard had barely begun to come in and his face looked wrinkle-free. He smiled at them and said hello while he deposited oats into the trough for the horses. Once finished with the task, he told them he would fetch fresh water. He told them not to be concerned with the horses, he would see to them. He pushed them out the door while he ran to get some water.

Tirene shrugged and looked to the others. “I guess we should see about getting some food.” They walked across the village and into the tavern, Yordrinn pointed out earlier. The name on the sign read the Gates End Tavern and they noticed the rowdy noise emanating from inside. A couple of Dwarves bantered back and forth while ale slopped from their mugs and landed on the bar. Another Dwarf played a device that looked like an accordion and others danced around to the music he played.

Walking inside, their presence stifled the conversation as they selected a table in the center of the room and sat down.

Not a sound could be heard and the setting remained silent. A female Dwarf stood behind the bar staring at them. She jumped forward, aware she needed to serve them. She rounded the bar and headed to their table. “I think you be lost.” She stared hard at each of them. “All of you be lost, I think.” Confusion spread across his rough features.

Tirene smiled at her. “We were given access by Yordrinn and are headed to Drognard. He said we could eat here, and we’ll be sleeping in chambers across the way.”

She gave them a disbelieving stare matched with a frown. “Yordrinn allowed you to be here? I think not. He be the biggest enemy of all things Human. I don’t be believing your story.” She frowned at them, looking around at the other Dwarven patrons.

An older Dwarf, who sat alone at a table near the entrance of the tavern, spoke up. “Maras, it be true. I saw Yordrinn come into the village with them, so it must be.”

Her eyes grew large. “Well then, welcome to the Gate’s End. My name is Maras. Maras Moreth, and I be the mistress of this tavern. I’m serving soup made with lamb and of course fresh bread. For drink I have ale.” She turned to Liniana. “Sorry my lady, we have no wine. Ale only, and it packs a wallop.” She chuckled to herself but it sounded more like a cackle than anything else.

Liniana returned the barmaid’s laugh. “Thank you Mistress Maras, but water will suit just fine.”

Tirene smiled at them both. “We’ll all have a serving of your soup and a couple of ales each, thank you.”

She turned and looked at each of them, with her gaze lingering on Jaeden. “An ale for the boy too? He doesn’t look like he’s old enough to handle it.” She cackled even louder this time.

“I will see he composes himself while he drinks it, I promise you.” He smelled the air again. The smells of cinnamon and other spices, along with apples overwhelmed him. “Is that apple pie I smell as well? If so, we would each like a piece.”

“No! That be the ale. It’s spiced apple ale, and I guarantee you haven’t had the likes of it before.” She turned and walked back toward the bar and disappeared through another door, leading to the kitchen.

Tirene glanced at Jaeden and laughed. He looked annoyed at being made fun of by all of these strangers. He tried his best to suppress his laughter, but he wasn’t doing a good job of it. Matt looked around the room and noticed a number of additional Dwarves entering the tavern, staring at them. “Looks like we’re a big hit here.” He chuckled as did the others. They all marveled at the craftsmanship involved in the building. Everything appeared to be carved out of the stone. They didn’t build items to include in the room; rather they carved them out of the stone of the mountain. It must have been an engineering nightmare and he had to give credit to their abilities.

Maras returned to their table with their ale and water. She placed three mugs on the table and the aromas overcame them all. She left, but said she would return with soup.

Matt stuck his nose in his glass to get a better whiff of the aromas. This made him even thirstier, evident by the hasty pull he took from his mug. “I’ve heard tales of Dwarven ale, but I didn’t expect this. Try it. I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s amazing.”

The others nodded, followed suit, and by the time Maras returned moments later with soup, the three mugs had been drained. She put four, large bowls on the table. It smelled of lamb, but it had a hint of sweetness too. She noticed the empty mugs and laughed. “You be careful now, this isn’t the ale you’re used to. It'll creep up on ya, it will.” She gathered the empty mugs and retreated to the bar. She poured three more and brought them back to the table.

The room filled with laughter and idle chitchat again as the accordion player warmed back up. They were no longer the center of attention, but nonetheless Tirene couldn’t help but notice the sidelong glances from time to time, though.

An older Dwarf gained enough courage to approach their table. He arrived at their side and took a seat next to Jaeden on his bench. As he sat down, he pushed Jaeden over a few inches so he could get more of his posterior on the bench. Jaden looked askance at the intrusion. The Dwarf looked at each of them, focusing on Tirene. “Well I'll be, and I thought the days of seeing Humans deep beneath the Ruvenkas had long passed. You must have something of importance if you’ve been allowed into these halls.”

Liniana took her turn, saving Tirene from having to explain himself yet again. “We’re headed east and time is of the utmost urgency. We haven’t yet secured passage through all of your halls and it seems if Yordrinn has his way, we’ll be turned back the way we came.”

She spoke and he turned faced her. “Well, I don’t know who you are, but he doesn’t like Humans very much, and I fear many Dwarves feel the same way he does.”

Liniana nodded her head in agreement. “What did the Humans do that made you all turn your backs on us? Could it be that bad?”

“You’ve heard about the forty year war I think? I don’t know why it’s called that because it lasted forty-three years, but that’s a different discussion. Anyway, the Ironhammers backed various sects of Humans over the years. When it seemed apparent certain sects were going to lose, a couple of cowards took it upon themselves to give information to the other side, which led the other Humans into traps. These cowards were promised safety, but alas, in the end most of them died along with those they setup. Many of us died fighting alongside the Humans. The surviving forces left the captains and generals of the armies alive long enough to live with what happened. When the war ended, the Humans blamed the Dwarves for their demise in the battles, and they turned their backs on us. The Dwarves returned to Drognard and vowed your kind were never to be trusted again. Yordrinn is one of those surviving captains. Though he’s a general now, he’s been forced to live and deal with the death of his three sons. He has no one left to leave as his heir.” He shook his head. “You see how it must be hard to trust you. If you turned your backs on us once, what would stop you from doing it again? Some felt it better not to put ourselves in that situation ever again.” He ran his fingers through his long gray beard, his thoughts jumping. “Headin' east you say. Where east are you headin'?”

Tirene decided to get involved. “We can’t be judged based on the past events from ancestors who weren’t even involved with our raising. The act of a few doesn’t represent a people as a whole. I think we deserve another chance.”

“That isn’t for me to decide. I will leave that to the clan chiefs. You didn’t answer my question, though. Where are you headin' to in the east? Not much be over there.”

Liniana felt his persistence. “We’re seeking the counsel of Norlun. We’ve reason to believe he headed to a house east of here. In fact, we believe he passed through these halls not too long ago.”

The Dwarf's eyes grew large. “You know Norlun?” He began knuckling his beard. “There is more to you than I first expected if Norlun is who you are seeking.” He itched a large mole on his neck. “You’re right though, he passed through here a week ago. He didn’t linger long and upset many with his insistence to ride through our halls. It seems you’re in fact on the correct path.”

The old Dwarf continued to ramble on, when they heard someone clear their throat from behind them. They all turned to look and see who it was. Yordrinn had returned, and now listened in on their conversation. “If you’re all ready, I will show you to your chambers for the evening. I assume you’ve eaten, and not just filled your heads with our fine ale.”

Tirene nodded as he finished his mug of ale and stood, wiping away droplets from his lips. “Aye, we all ate. Lead on and we shall follow.” He turned to face the old Dwarf once again. “I thank you, my friend, for engaging us in conversation. We’ve learned... a lot. I hope when our paths meet again, we can be looked upon as friends.” The old Dwarf bowed his head as the others rose and followed Yordrinn out of the tavern and back in to the large cavern/village.

Lutheras gazed out one of the many large windows filling the audience chamber he used as the headquarters for his conquest. He had received several reports that more authorities were aware of his endeavors, and the reports from Havenbrook, Melina, and Shakiel informed they were all massing their troops. Havenbrook didn’t concern him, because he already had their orb in his possession. He figured he would let them stew and worry, preventing them from coming to the aid of the others. They would be more concerned with protecting their own walls.

If things had gone according to his plans, he would have had three orbs in his possession by now, and would be marching on Shakiel for the fourth. The seclusion of Korloth was the reason he chose it as his first conquest. He figured he would be on to his next conquest by the time any of them knew what happened.

He stared out the window when he heard the familiar sound of a portal opening up behind him. He waited a moment, as to not seem too eager, and then pivoted on his feet to face the newcomer. He looked pleased to see Eldrin, but the disparaging look upon the Elf's face did little to keep his anger at bay.

Eldrin bowed before addressing his master. “My lord, I used eagles I trained to find and track the location of Tirene, Audron, and Gaelum. The visions they returned to me show they located Tirene and the other Humans, but they have been unable to find the brothers and Minotaurs who accompanied them.”

Lutheras noticed Eldrin keeping his distance. “If they have no sign of the brothers, what can they tell me of the location of Tirene?” Before Eldrin could respond, Lutheras let anger overcome him for a moment. “I NEED THAT ORB, ELDRIN! The time for these
setbacks
has passed, and I need results. WHERE DID THEY GO?” His eyes glowed a fierce red.

“Yes, my lord. I know you have been disappointed thus far, by those you trust the most. My eagles have shown me their last position based on how far they could follow them. It appears they have recruited the assistance of the Ironhammer Dwarves. I saw images of them going into the western entrance which will take them deep into the Ruvenka Mountains.” Eldrin waited for Lutheras’ fury.

“Drognard! What is there for them in Drognard? And now they are out of our grasp. I don’t understand how this could’ve happened.” He whirled around, not wanting to let his emotions and vulnerabilities show to Eldrin. “We have to assume Audron and Gaelum are dead. They should be thankful they didn’t live to report their failures back to me. Why the Ironhammers? And how could they gain access? The Ironhammers despise Humans.” He paced back and forth, muttering to himself.

“I don’t know, my lord. I received images showing them in a discussion with a Dwarf, but he allowed them to enter the halls. Could they have heard of our conquests thus far? Have they been sent by Havenbrook to enlist the help of the Dwarves? How else would they have been granted access?”

Lutheras thought about it for a moment. “No. They set out long before our attack on Korloth. That wouldn’t make any sense, and we would’ve received word in Riverfell that this was where they were headed.” He turned once again to face Eldrin, now that he had himself under control. “I think they’re after that fool wizard Norlun. I think they’re trying to take a short-cut through the Ruvenka Mountains.” A smile reached across Lutheras' face. “Well done,
Tirene
. That will save you a month of travel, at least, which doesn’t give us much time. I can only assume Norlun is who brought him here so once they come into contact with one another I’m sure
Tirene
will regain his memories and his purpose here. If I know him well—and I do—then he will set his sights on coming after me. We need to begin our plans for our next target even with how difficult it will be. I haven’t told anyone yet, but I shall reveal it to you. The next orb we need is in Shakiel.” He watched as the Elf's jaw dropped. “I told you it’ll be difficult.”

“My Lord...Shakiel? This is the home of the Alliance. It won’t be just difficult, it shall be impossible. Theirs is one of the best armies in all of the lands and they are trained differently than the other nations. They are more barbaric and won’t just roll over, as did the citizens of Korloth.” He shook his head. “Even the women and children will fight us. When a child is old enough to hold a weapon, their training begins. I don’t see how it will be poss...”

Lutheras cut him off mid-sentence. He didn’t choke him, as he had with all of the others who contradicted him, but when he opened his mouth to speak no words came out. “That is better, my loyal servant. I don’t need to hear excuses. I’ve come to expect more of you. As I said, it will be difficult, but not impossible. With the orb, I will raise our dead, and as I said, they will be the most loyal soldiers.” He eyed Eldrin, who quit struggling to speak. “If you have regained your manners, I will release you.” Eldrin nodded his head.

“Thank you, my lord. I forgot my place for a moment. It won’t happen again.”

“It better not.” Lutheras turned his attention to the large stone table sitting in the center of the room. He walked over and shuffled the maps around, revealing what he had created thus far. “By my best count, I believe there will be at least thirty-thousand Shakielian troops waiting for us when we begin our attack. That outnumbers us almost five to one. The turning tide of the fight will be the orb. While I can resurrect the fallen Minotaurs, I will also resurrect the fallen Shakielians as well.” He waited a moment for Eldrin to grasp this news. A smile formed at the corners of his mouth. “So, as I said, it will be difficult but not overwhelming.”

Eldrin nodded his head. “That does make this attack a little bit more even-sided. I can see your optimism now.”

The smile on Lutheras' face told the whole story. “I’m glad you have come around. Maybe next time you will understand I don’t go into things blindly.” He turned his attention to the maps. “Now as you can see, there are three entrances in and out of Shakiel. What I need you to find out is...”