It was nearing midnight as they wearily lit torches at the entrance to the dungeon. They were exhausted. Le’Ly had fallen asleep as they were leaving the cathedral room and was being carried by Yenturis. The group slowly trudged up the hill above the dungeon to their camp.

“Good thing we didn’t leave anything here.” Olive stated crouching near some tracks. All her earlier excitement had dimed on the long slog back out. “These are coyote tracks.”

“Mika and I will stay up for watch.” Feta offered. No one argued.

The teens didn’t even bother with their gear just curling up in a pile at the base of the tree. Yenstar took Le’Ly and tucked her into the pile. He then pulled out a thick sleeping pad and was out as soon as he lay down.

Yenturis took the time to set up his tent before going to bed.

The sisters built a fire to ward off animals and to keep everyone warm.

They sat with their backs to the flame discussing the day's events as they looked out into the trees. Now that Mika had had time to think over everything Feta wanted to make sure this was something she truly wanted.

Instead of waking anyone else to take over they talked till well after dawn about the pros and cons of actually moving to a new country and how the Horamear guild would take someone from Nostalli claiming the position.

Yenstar was the first to wake and he came over to the sisters letting out a groan as he sat by Mika.

“I am too damn old for this.” He heaved a heavy sigh. “Have you decided?”

“Will the guild in this country object?” Feta asked before Mika could reply.

“Ludvik, the head of the Horamear guild, is a good guy and he’ll understand. He can take care of the naysayers, but there may be some tension from the idiots that will come here looking for gold and glory. The first person you have to call out for breaking the rules will try to start something. But most adventurers see this job as a punishment. Being stuck in one place, all the paperwork and dealing with politics.”

“You really know how to highlight the selling points.” Mika joked.

“Being a dungeon caregiver should never be about money or status or anything like that. This should be a calling and a passion. There is little chance you will ever be able to speak with the core, it will want to make its own rules and you will need to figure out what they are and try to enforce them. Taking this job means balancing what’s good for the guild and what’s good for the core.”

Mika went to open her mouth and reply.

“But you aren’t chained here. I watched over Aggitash for 47 years, but most only keep this job for 5. When you officially get the assignment it’s only a 1 year commitment.”

Mika gave him a smile. “I could do it for a year. What worried me the most was keeping Feta trapped here for the rest of our lives.”

She smiled at her sister and shook her head. “Come on let’s wake everyone else up.” The rouge said.

Yenstar pulled out the special candle he needed to send a letter by firelight. He was glad to see a cleric taking the job. The control and patience needed to advance most of their spells would do her well in this position. Her wonder and joy would help the dungeon grow healthy. He just hoped it didn’t suck most of the life out of her like it had him. It had been 3 years since he last entered a dungeon and had forgotten just how tiring it could be. While he’d love to look at what this one would become he wasn’t sure if he had more than a few more dives left in him.

While he’d been introspective everyone else was up and setting around the fire. Feta had also given the teens back their packs.

“I want to see what we found but I would also like a bath and to sound the all clear so the other teams can leave the forest too.” Olive said.

“Yeah, we can wait till we get home and have washed up before looking at the treasures from our first ever dungeon run.” Myra agreed.

“If we push hard and fast we could make it to Adortin just after noon.” Tuck added.

The adults shared a look.

“So a light breakfast and a long run.” Feta summed up. Everyone nodded in agreement.

They each had some rations to keep them going and camp was soon broken down.

Olive took to the trees once everyone was ready. Feta joined her once more.

Racing through the trees was exhilarating. They seemed to eat the miles as the twins knew the shortest paths through the woods and how to avoid any battles that would slow them down.

It was about 10 am when the trees suddenly ended at a well kept, paved road. Once everyone was on the road they stopped for a breather.

Olive was grinning ear to ear. The wild dash through the trees ending in a fancy dive over the road had her laughing with joy and energy. “The watch will see us soon enough and send up the call!”

“We’re making better time than I thought.” Tuck said. He was only lightly winded.

Yenstar, who was all but doubled over, glared at the teen.

“Let’s slack the pace now that we’re on the road.” Myra suggested holding her side. The last mile had sapped her stamina and she was ready for an easier pace.

The others wondered what the call would be as they headed down the road at a light jog.

It wasn’t long before they reached the first farm. The people out working in the fields stopped and waved at the teens. One of them left the farm at a dead run toward the city.

“That’s the runner, they’ll tell the guards to send out the call.” Myra explained. “This farm always has a runner stationed when there are teams out in the woods.”

“KIDS!” One of the farmers called. The group came to a stop and waited for her to approach.

“What’s up Fatima?” Myra asked.

“Wanted to let you know there are other outsiders out in the bush.”

“From Eslan?” Hamish replied.

“Yep and Nostalli. A group of Beast-kin went in with the Riverside. The team from Eslan took out the bridge. Then, day before yesterday, headed into the easter part of the forest. I heard they didn’t want to chance running into another team and starting a fight. Minny likely had words with them”

“That would be the other half of our group.” Mika said. “Will they be safe?”

“Yeah.” Olive replied. “Jub and Ali are super tough and Dun is old as dirt but he’s a good leader. Plus once the call goes up they will leave the forest and be back in town before sunset.”

The avians nodded.

“They seemed like a nice bunch. I’ve not heard any word about the elves to the south but I’m sure Minny can update ya.”

“Thanks for the info Fatima.” Tuck told her with a wave.

“Go on then. I got work to do and you lot smell like a pig pin.

With a laugh they took off back down the road.

There were more farms lining the road. At each one the people greeted the teens and threw out questions about their families and how they were doing. But they didn’t stop for a chat again. It was nice to see how friendly everyone was. Well the adults were getting some odd looks but no harsh words.

About the time they could see the fork where the road turned north to Adortin, there was a loud horn which nearly deafened them. That was followed by a bright red streak in the sky.

Soon after a quieter horn could be heard from south east. And almost a minute later a very faint sound came from due south. Each blast was accompanied by the same red streak even though the bright sunlight made the one from the south impossible to see.

“Wind magic?” Yenstar stated as much as asked, rubbing his ears.

“Yep.” Myra replied. “The streaks are fireworks. Jaz makes them. He can do all kinds of colors and patterns but the red streamers go the highest and are the easiest to see from the forest.”

“So the other horns are from Riverside and Jahesteri.” Mika observed.

“Correct.” Hamish told them. They hadn’t stopped but had slowed to a walk to make talking easier. “No matter where you are in the forest 1 of the 3 horns can be heard. When any team returns they are set off to let the other groups know to stop searching.”

“Ingenious.” Yenturis said.

“Come on we're almost there!” Olive cheered, picking up the pace to a jog again. The others chuckled at her but matched her speed.

The adults couldn’t help but slow as they approached the city. Adortin’s outer walls and massive kill box were a bit intimidating to walk under. They were also impressed by all the murder holes both in the walls and the ceiling.

Detracting from this extreme defense were the stalls lining the sides and the carts moving in and out of the town. People were milling around mostly buying and selling produce.

“The farmers can set up for free here.” Tuck explained.

Some of the adults and kids around waved at the teens and gave the others odd looks. But everyone was too busy with their own lives to really worry about what this group was doing.

As soon as they exited the kill box the teens turned right and entered the first building. The sign was just a sword on a shield.

Inside there was a counter to the left staffed by an older woman reading a novel. She looked up when the bell over the door rang.

“I knew you kids would be the first back.” She said looking over the group. “Who are your friends?” She asked with an eyebrow raised. Her eyes were the same solid black as Myra’s

“Aunt Minny this is Yenturis, Feta, Mika, Yenstar and Le’Ly. They joined us on the hunt.” Myra said coming around the counter to hug the old woman.

“Well it’s nice to meet you. It’s been a long time since we’ve had any avians in the city. I’m Minny Gillwig and I run the city aide center here.”

“This is where all the quests and jobs for the city are posted.” Olive explained motioning to the massive job board that covered the whole right wall of the room. “There’s another board in city hall and another aide center by the north gate.”

“That one is under the water line.” Hamish added. “For tasks that are needed in the bay.”

“I’m sure you kids want to get cleaned up and rest so give your report already.” Minny ordered.

Olive stepped up to the desk and marked the dungeon location on the map with a dip pen. “Here is the dungeon.” She then picked up a charcoal pencil and made some more marks. “We saw a tiger here, a group of bugbears, a mated pair of cockitrice and a brain hound.”

“What about the will-o-wisps?” Mika mentioned.

“Those are almost everywhere.” Minny replied. “They’re seen as far out as the jute farm.”

None of the adults really knew what jute looked like when growing so weren’t sure which of the 9 farms they had passed she was referring to.

“Alright, I’ll get it logged. I’m sure my brother will be expecting you before night falls.”

“We’ll go see Gramppa after the baths and some lunch.” Myra promised.

Minny nodded, pulled out a large ledger and started writing.

Olive took the lead heading deeper into the town. The wide main road was split down the center with more stalls. These seemed to sell a bit of everything. She led them down the right side of the stalls, not stopping but waving at those that called them out by name.

Ahead was a massive circular park and behind it was the largest building in the city. It had ‘City Hall’ in bright brass letters across it’s white stone front. But Olive took them down a side street just before the park. At the end of that lane was a large building with steam coming out of the windows.

‘Bath House’ in deep purple lettering was on a large sign.

“Alright Yenturis and Yenstar follow us.” Tuck called and took the males around the corner of the building.

“Welcome back Olive, Myra!” An excited young girl said. “Ma’ma’s letting me work the counter today!”

“Wow Lydia you are growing up so fast!” Olive replied with a wide smile. “Put us down for 5 out of my account.” She pulled a stamper out of one of her pockets.

The girl looked at Feta and Myra with wide eyes. “I’ve never met a bird person before.”

“Well I’ve never met such a young siren before.” Mika replied. Her voice and the blue jewel embedded in her forehead gave it away.

She giggled. “I’m Lydia and my Ma’ma and Pa’pa run the baths.”

“I’m Mika and this is my big sister Feta. It’s very nice to meet you. May we take a bath now?”

Her peach skin turned bright red. “Sorry. Here you go Olive, 5 tickets.” She slid over 5 slips and an ink pad. Olive used her stamp to mark each of the slips then used a nearby towel to clean her stamper.

Afterwards Myra led them into the bath proper and the fragrant steam made them all sigh in relief.

“What was that?” Feta asked. “With the stamp?”

“Everyone gets to make their own stamp at the bank. They keep a record and you can use your stamper instead of money.” Olive replied.

“I’ve never heard of such a thing.” The rouge replied

“It’s handy. The stampers are lightweight and accepted here, all the villages in the bay, in Riverside and Peo. Though not in the swamp villages, because there are no banks.” Myra explained.

“But you can withdraw coins in Peo or Riverside so that’s not much of a problem.” Olive commented handing the others their towels.

__________________________________

A similar conversation happened on the men's side when Hamish paid using his stamp.

“I’m sure the girls will be in the bath until they turn into prunes so lets get some food. We can eat then head to the park so we’re easy to spot.” Tuck said once they all felt clean again and were ready to leave.

“I’m just going to get a quick bite and check in with the guild.” Hamish replied. “I’ll meet you at city hall in 3 hours or so.”

Tuck nodded. Marino, the head of the guild, had asked them to report. While Tuck had little interest in joining the marine guild…. or any adventuring guild. He respected that it was something Hamish took pride in.

Their paths split when they reached the main street again. Hamish turned right heading for the bay, while Tuck led the others across the road and then turned right before entering a side street. A couple more turns and he stopped in front of a restaurant with a large bowl of noodles and the name Gratti’s.

“This place has the best noodles and sushi.” Tuck told them, opening the door.

A wave of aromatic herbs and other mouth watering smells greeted them.

“Sushi?” Yenturis questioned as they found a seat.

Yenstar answered. “It’s raw fish that looks fancy. If the chef knows what they’re doing it can be delicious.”

He looked sceptical.

“I love the sushi platter. You can try some of mine.” Tuck reassured him.

By the time the men were done eating and back at the park the ladies were there and finishing their own lunch.

“We live 100 ft from the ocean and you would rather eat a pig?” Tuck teased his sister who was devouring a brisket sandwich. She didn’t answer, just glared up at him.

Tuck chuckled and sat nearby looking to the sky. “We still have over an hour until Hamish said he would meet us at city hall. Anything you would like to see?”

“I think I’ll stay right here.” Yenstar replied. “I am quite done wandering for a while. A rest will do me good.”

Mika spoke up. “Feta and I would like to look at the shops.”

Olive made a face. “Nose goes.” She put her sauce cover digit on her nose.

Myra shook her head. “I was going to offer. What about you Yenturis?”

“I would like to look around this city. So I will join you shopping.”

“What about you?” Yenstar asked from the bench he’d already claimed.

Le’Ly looked up from the large fruit she was eating. “I wanna go with Olive.”

The teen smiled at her. “Sure. I was going home to tell mom we’re ok. She seemed unusually worried before we left.”

“I better go with you.” Tuck added. He’d forgotten how frightened their mother looked when they told her they were looking for the dungeon.

Once Olive was done with her meal and had cleaned her hands the twins lead Le’Ly down several alleys until they came to a narrow but tall house tucked between a oval building and a large apartment building. It had Turndi, their family name, on a plack by the door.

When they opened the door a wave of smells hit them. Dried herbs, smoked meats and something metallic all hung in the air. The teens felt any remaining tension melt at the familiar smells of home.

“Momma! We’re back!” Olive called.

Something upstairs clattered to the ground and pounding feet raced down the steps. Evanna was almost a blur as she pulled her children to her. Crying and squeezing the life out of them. She babbles incoherently for a while just clinging to them.

“Momma, what’s gotten you so upset?” Tuck asked as she started to calm.

She finally releases them and uses her apron to wipe her eyes. “I was just so scared. I’ve kept your father awake for days with awful night terrors.”

“But Momma,” Olive started, putting her arm around her mother’s waist. “We’ve gone into the woods loads of times. Even before we were old enough. We spent a week out in the bay fishing just last year. What is different this time?”

Le’Ly did what she did best, stood still and quiet. Easily overlooked.

Evanna looked into the eyes of one twin then the other. She then nodded to herself and led them to the couch. Seating them side by side she sat on the table and took 1 of each of their hands.

“Back when I was a girl. When I was still with the pirates. There was a dungeon. It was on an island a little bigger than your house. Little more than a sandbar with a doorway to hell in it. They….” She paused and looked down at their hands. Her knuckles were white she was squeezing her childrens’ so hard. But they didn’t make a sound.

She sniffled. “They would trade us to it.” Fear danced in her eyes. They had never seen their mother anything but strong and determined.

“Those that couldn’t work. That had been broken, old or just used up. The bastards would force us down there. They had some kind of deal with it. They would march us several rooms deep in the unnatural place and then leave us. If you made it back out you earned your freedom.”

There was a long pregnant pause. “No one ever came back out.”

“Why didn’t you say anything before?” Tuck asked, reaching out and petting his mother’s golden hair.

“I knew you needed to go and going with fear or anger in your hearts could get you killed. You 2 are the best trackers. The most sure in those trees.”

Olive leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “It sounds to me like that dungeon was either evil or was corrupted by those pirates. This dungeon is so very different.”

Her head jerked up and she pinned Olive to the couch with her eyes. “You went into it!” Her voice cracked with fear and outrage. “I thought you were smarter than that. To go into something like that with just the 4 of you. You’re lucky to be alive!”

Tuck chuckled, getting a glare from his mother. “Momma, we would have never entered the dungeon alone.” She gave him a look so he continued quickly. “In Riverside we met 3 adventures from Nostalli. All avians and I’m sure at much higher levels than we are. They were sent by their adventurer’s guild to find the dungeon. Then in Jahesteri we met Le’Ly here,” He motioned to the girl, “And a man named Yenstar, we don’t know his level either but he said he was a level 31 in warding.”

Her shoulders relaxed some and she released their hands. She gave Le’Ly a small smile. “Hello child. Sorry if I frightened you. I was so worried about these 2 that I didn’t even see you there.”

She gave a small embarrassed wave. Evanna was gorgeous, even so out of sorts. She felt plain and awkward beside her.

“Come have a seat.” She patted the couch between the twins. After a moment of hesitation and a nod from Olive she climbed onto the seat. Olive wrapped an arm around her. “Why don’t you tell me about this dungeon?”

Le’Ly looked at her lap. “It was loads of fun.”

“Fun?” She looked at her children.

“The first room was no joke. There were 6 armed kobolds.” Tuck began. The 3 took turns telling her about their adventure.

__________________________________

Olive, Tuck and Le’Ly were the last ones to meet them. Their mother hadn’t wanted them to go and invited the whole group back for dinner.

“We’re back and we are all having dinner at our house.” Olive announced as they approached the group.

Myra and Hamish chuckled. “That’s no hardship.” The selkie said. “Your mom is a great cook. Come on, I'm sure Gramps is waiting.”

They all stood and headed into City Hall. The lobby was mostly open space with a desk straight ahead. There was a bored looked young man sitting behind the desk. He nearly fell out of his chair when Tuck smacked his hand on the desk making a loud noise.

Chuckles from the group met a startled yep from the other teen.

“Tuck you jerk!” He said with a glare once he righted himself. That just made the teens laugh harder.

“Come on Jason. I was just trying to keep you awake.”

Jason gave him a darker glare. “Geon is waiting for you in his office. And I expect a discount on salmon for that prank.”

“Not a chance.” Tuck told him as Myra started leading them up the steps to the right of the desk.

On the second floor, above and behind the desk, were a pair of nice double doors standing open. Inside was a plush but not decadent office that looked much like any other politician's office they had seen in the past. The decor was mostly marine figures though the room was done in shades of greens and browns to offset the white stone of the walls.

Behind the desk sat a man that looked about Yenstar’s age with solid white hair. When he looked up at the group they could see the family resemblance between him, Myra and Minny.

“Welcome.” He greeted smiling at the group. “I’m Geon Malstrom, mayor of this fine city.”

“I am Feta of Gorger and this is my sister Mika.” She introduced

“Yenturis of Anulli.” He chimed in with a bow.

“I’m Yenstar James and this is my ward Le’Ly.”

“A pleasure to meet all of you. Myra, tell me about the hunt and this dungeon.” While it was a command his tone wasn’t harsh or demanding.

Each of the teens spoke up at different parts of the tale giving their prospective. They flowed well together weaving the story of the last few days. Another sign that they had done this before.

“That is interesting. It’s been many years since I’ve been in a dungeon. Now.” He turned his attention from the teens to the adults. “What do you think the guild will do?”

“They will want to set up a guild building and perhaps even a guild town if none are willing to house us. A road to the dungeon will be cleared and built and they will regulate and monitor who goes into and leaves the dungeon as well as yearly surveys to see how it is growing.” Yenstar replied.

“And we will be investigating the source of that miasma and the unnatural creatures that come from it.” Mika added with passion. “Then I will be taking the position as dungeon caregiver. At least for the next year.”

“Meaning the pair of us will need a house or a room for that period of time.” Feta added. “We would rather stay here as we have become friends with the teens and it has been a long time since we enjoyed the ocean.”

Geon was silent for a while as he thought over their reply. “I assumed as much. Orym has been wanting to expand Riverside for a while. Having the Surface Guild do that would benefit all parties. We will also mark off a portion of our job boards for dungeon quests. Allana will likely do the same in Jahesteri. Though I wouldn’t ever count on a warm welcome in the swamp.”

He paused and looked over some paperwork. Pulling out a few different files. Then opened a drawer, took out a stamp and marked a few pages then signed them. “Here you are.” He offered the pages to Feta. “Myra can show you to the housing authority and help you get a bank account set up. These are temporary citizenship papers. They last for one year from today. If you remain in good standing and get the recommendations of 3 other citizens they can be made permanent after that.”

“I would also like to move here and open a shop.” Yenstar informed him. Geon nodded and made up another set of papers for him.

“Myra can show you how to open a stall in the market, but to own property and have a real shop you will need to be a citizen.” He explained.

The olderman nodded, taking the papers.

Geon looked at Yenturis for a moment but when the aarakocra didn’t say anything he moved on. “I want the guild to be aware that we are not helping build this road and there is little chance they will get many workers from this area. Many are going to die trying to cut into that forest. The guild will also need to take full responsibility for any damages caused by this foolish endeavor.”

“They would really want to cut down the trees and build a big road?” Olive asked, looking from Yenstar to Feta and back.

“They will.” Yenstar replied with a sigh. “But I’ll speak with Ludvick and see if he can be convinced to make a hiking trail instead. After being in those trees… well I’m not sure what kind of hell would be released if they were disterbed.” He turned back to Geon. “Is there a jump gate in the bay?”

Geon nodded. “There is. Hamish can take you and if it will save lives I’ll cover the cost of having it opened.”

“I’ll go to Eslan in the morning and talk with Ludvik. The team he sent knows that signal means the dungeon was found?” Geon nodded. “I’ll wait for them at the aide center. They will likely have more information and may want to join me for the return trip.”

The old selkie smiled at him. “I’ll have a runner head for Riverside so Orym can send back his ideas and rough drafts for city expansion.”

“I am curious.” Feta began, “Why don’t you want the guild building here in Adortin?”

“Well we already have one. The Marine Guild here in the city along with the Tradesmen’s Guild and Seaman’s Guild bring in more than enough taxes and trade for us. Everyone here in the Lost Forest looks out for one another. Having the Surface Guild here would give us far too much of a monopoly. Spreading the wealth and opportunity to Riverside will increase trade and keep everything balanced.”

“And it has nothing to do with not needing to deal with Eslan politics?” Myra cheekily asked.

Geon let out a hardy laugh at his granddaughter. “It might. Now why don’t you all run along. Don’t forget to get them their mission pay.”

“We won't,” Myra replied with a wave. As they were almost out the door she turned back, “Tell Mom I’m eating at Olive’s.” Another chuckle was her only reply.

_____________________________

The group headed to file the paperwork which was as boring and ming numbing as most paperwork. Myra and Olive promised to help them find apartments in the morning but for tonight they just rented rooms. The innkeeper knew the kids and Tuck often gave them a discount on fish. He might have a crush on their barmaid. So the keep gave them a discount on 3 rooms for the night.

Once they were all settled in the inn’s dining room/ bar Feta started pulling the items they had found.

First was what was left of the tiger. There were several pounds of meat, the hide, claws, teeth and eyes. Olive took the claws and eyes as her part. They were useful in potions and alchemy. The rest was set aside for Myra to sell. She knew the markets and is the best haggler. Myra also had the highest charisma.

Tuck and Olive took the whole cocitrice carcasses and the dryad bark for their mother. The heart had been damaged in the fight. They would either pay the far market price for the parts or give up some of their other spoils to make it even.

Yenstar had kept several samples of the brain hound to study and to send off to others that he knew would be interested and pay a high price for them. He promised to share the spoils once he was paid.

Mika didn’t really like the idea of anyone experimenting on such a construct but kept her thoughts to herself.

“Now.” Hamish said with a wide grin. “We’re to the dungeon stuff.”

“The kobold drops first.” She reached in and pulled out the items. “ 1 Kobold claw, an iron axe, some leather scraps, an iron dagger and the leader’s Cherry shield.”

“That’s the shape of the core.” Le’ly pointed out as Feta held it up.

“You’re right.” Myra replied. She looked at her own shield. “I guess the dungeon is their deity.”

“There are worse beings to worship.” Yenstar muttered while taking a drink of his beer.

Feta redirected their attention. “On to... what Tuck pulled from the walls.” They all had a chuckle at the teen as he turned red remembering the incident. “My bag has cleaned the items and stored the clay with the lump that construct dropped.”

The teens nodded. Happy to know more about the spacial bags and how they work.

“We have….” She drew the word out as she stuck her arm in the bag. “ 2 cave fish filets,” She put her hand back in, “ a Phantom Snail poison sac, 7 raw cave shrimp.” Olive and Myra were giggling at the weird items. “2 snake eggs, Rainbow Chicken breast and one giant puffball.” The final mushroom was too large for her to close her fist. Everyone was snickering.

Yenstar spoke once they had all had a good laugh and were calming down. “While it’s funny to think of grabbing any of these items through a mucky layer of clay they tell us a great deal more about the dungeon.”

Everyone sobered up and listened intently. “We now know the dungeon can make Phantom snails, which I have never heard of but are obviously poisonous. It can make at least one kind of snake and giant puffball mushrooms.”

Myra nodded. “Phantom snails are found in cave pools that never see the sun. They are only about the size of a Titanium round but they are toxic enough to kill a human. The goblins in Peo consider them a delicacy and will want to run the dungeon just looking for more.”

“Puffballs are edible if you know how to cook them. But they aren’t very desirable.” Olive chimed in.

“My worry is what kind of snake.” Tuck spoke up, “Most of the species in the forest are venomous.” The other teens nodded in agreement.

Pulling out a notebook Yenstar took that down. While he’d been resting in the park he’d written down all that he’d need to report to Ludvik.

“Let’s worry about that later and look at more treasure.” Hamish encouraged. This was his favorite part of the few dungeon dives he’d been allowed on in the bay.

“The next thing is the bats and the construct.” Feta replied. “So we already have the large lump of clay.”

“I’ll take that.” Yenturius spoke up. “My wife makes pottery. She might be interested in dungeon clay. Maybe it has more mana or a better consistency.” No one else wanted any of it so he was handed the whole mound. It was several pounds worth.

“The bats dropped 4 fangs and 3 wings. I found an iron skinning knife in that room as well.”

“I can’t wait to see what all was in the chest for those chickens we caught.” Olive was nearly vibrating out of her seat.

“Hopefully something good. Rainbow chickens are rare and valuable on their own.” Yenstar replied.

“Why?” Le’ly asked. “They are so ugly.” She made a face of disgust causing the others to chuckle.

“They are infused with magic and can’t live in the wild due to their strange color. How they ended up in the dungeon… I truly don’t know.”

Turning back to Feta they waited to see what she would pull out. Feta’s smile fell and her eyes widened as she looked at the first item. The others looked at her in concern. “What is it?” Mika asked.

She showed them what she had.

“WOW!” Olive exclaimed, taking it gently. “A fully intact mandrake! It is nearly impossible to get all the root tendrils when harvesting them.”

“I’ve never seen one so well preserved.” Yenstar added. He looked over her shoulder at the plant which looked like a crying baby.

“Yeah getting them up without them screaming is almost impossible. Then you have to kill them before they do wake.” Tuck added.

Feta was still looking at it in shock.

Mika looked at her sister. “What about this plant has you so shocked?”

“It’s sold for a tungsten round per ounce and there has to be nearly 2 pounds there.” She replied.

Hamish choked on his drink hearing that number. “That thing is worth 6 tungsten squares! As in 160 titanium rounds.”

“Exactly.” The rouge replied.

“Probable more.” Olive added. Her eyes were still looking at the long roots as she gently examined them. “That price is for the taproot. This main body. These tendrils could go for even higher at auction as it’s so rare to be able to work with them. Yenstar should auction it for us in the capitol if you want the most money. Or out mom and Kiren, her boss would make an offer.”

“I’ll put it in my bag so it doesn’t get damaged and we can decide later.” Yenstar replied, carefully taking the ugly thing and putting it away.

“You know what this will mean if we auction it.” Myra said, looking around at the others. “More people will come looking for easy to get mandrakes.”

“When we next go I’ll explain that to the dungeon.” Mika replied. She wanted to make sure it knew how people would react.

Olive looked at her empty hand.

“What’s wrong?” Tuck asked. He was never sure where he twin's mind might go when she was still and quiet.

She looked at him with tears in her eyes. “They will die.” Olive stated. “If people go into our woods for greed and glory they will never leave it. They will die long before they reach the dungeon.”

The other teens looked horrified.

“I can buy the root and anything else that would bring fools in to keep them safe.” Myra all but pleaded. “Let the world think there is only clay and bat wings in this dungeon.”

Mika petted her back as Yenstar spoke. “That will never work child.” He spoke softly trying to comfort her. “Idiots and glory hounds will come for the simple fact there is a dungeon. Even if only dirt and rot was the offerings. Adventurers would come for the thrill. Since that night I felt the dungeon open I knew many would die trying to get there. Many more will die inside. Though this dungeon seems kind it has teeth and when those with no care or conscience come and try to strip the dungeon for all it has it will kill them to defend itself.”

Time passed as they sat and thought about what the future would bring. The adventurers couldn’t help but imagine where the bodies would fall in the dungeon. Yenstar especially couldn’t help but wonder what hazards they missed by treating the dungeon as if they were guests in its home.

“There is nothing we can do about the idiocy of others.” Feta finally had all she could take of the gloomy atmosphere. “There are still spoils to see.”

That brought some cheer to the table though the air still felt heavy.

“We have 4 Chanterelle mushrooms, a bundle of Yarrow, a snare and 11 rainbow chicken feathers.”

“Since they are magical, I wonder what kind of quill these will make?” Myra asked aloud as she examined one of the feathers.

“They would make arrows easier to spot.” Hamish added with a smile.

“How useful is this Yarrow?” Feta asked, looking between her sister and Olive.

“Not as good as it could be.” Olive replied, “That’s only the flowers and the stems. Good for several healing salves but the roots and bulbs are more potent and harder to get to.”

Mika didn’t add anything. While she was pretty good at potions making she had limited skill in herbalism or foraging.

“It would be more valuable in the winter when the plants are dormant.” Tuck added.

Feta nodded and moved along. “So 2 of the mimics turned into these little iron boxes. One dropped a piece of amythise and the other a large bone. That alone with the 3 rings we didn’t need for the puzzle. 2 are set with plain quartz and one is just an iron ring.” They were pretty but didn’t have much value except as enchanting practice.

“Finally the boss battle. The boss dropped some rose quartz and the chest that appeared contained about 2 feet of cherry wood, a lump of mica and truffles.”

“Those aren’t truffles.” Olive warned. “They look similar but they are false truffles and very poisonous. About the only use they have is baiting rat traps. Rats love them and aren’t harmed by the toxins.”

“More proof that having someone with herbalism in the party is always a plus.” Feta replied.

They chatted over who wanted what and how much it was all worth for a while longer before the visitors headed out to explore the city and the teens headed home. Tuck made sure they knew the way to their house for dinner before parting ways.