Chapter 117

Brenna

Dungeoneering

The arrival at the Obsidian Fist Clan held far less fanfare than Brenna originally expected. Apparently they had spies on the orcish army and were already aware that a group had broken free and were heading south towards their location.

It was also apparent afterward that Lykan was aware of the different scouts that had begun to follow them. At first Brenna thought his gestures were some form of nervous tick, saluting to the forest. Only later when they drew closer to the Obsidian Fist Clan’s city that she saw the scout he spotted. A scout that then quickly slunk back into the forest to conceal their presence.

As far as Brenna had been concerned the scout was invisible, but Lykan seemed to know exactly where the scouts were at all times. This was something Brenna noted as she would watch him move about the trail of refugees and give occasional nods in the woods. Many of the kids thought he was just a god with a few ticks. A sign that his mortal body was breaking down, meaning that their journey would soon be over.

Hearing the stories, the children told themselves seemed altogether odd. What was weirder for Brenna was that she herself had believed such stories, as she even questioned Lykan about them. Only to find that he at least believed that he was not a God who had descended, nor an agent for the Gods, but rather a human who happened to stumble upon them at their moment of need. Everything he said seemed fantastical. The only real problem was, he didn’t disappear upon their arrival to their destination.

Then surprisingly enough he was allowed access to the dungeon upon which the Obsidian Fist built their capitol, Mezrathurin. The city itself was grand and imposing, yet its streets were sparsely populated.

Brenna found out later on that the sparse population was due to their own ongoing war with the orcs, and recent dungeon surges. This was a problem that Clevarall had, the dungeon it was built upon also began to surge recently. This normally wouldn’t be too bad, but at the same time the orcish horde decided to descend on their hilltop settlement like a hammer. Their blow being the final one needed to ruin their entire settlement. It was sad thinking about her home being destroyed. It was the only home she knew for her entire thirty-three years of life. To think that it was now gone, or worse run by orcish invaders made her skin crawl.

When they arrived and met with Fulowin, the king of the Obsidian Fist Clan, he offered Lykan a prize.

“Anything you desire shall be yours, so long as it is within reason.” King Fulowin began. This was customary, a king had to show gratitude to an outsider, even if it was in saving another clan from disaster. This was the bond that all dwarves had, and it was part of why the dwarven empires had survived to this date. The thought of not taking in the Clevarall refugees never once crossed King Fulowin’s mind.

“I wish to enter you Labyrinth below this city and shut it down.” Lykan began. While his words came out crisp, in the educated tones of the Dwarven Language, the words he used seemed odd. There was a brief confusion from everyone who was gathered. He made a quick scan of the room and then locked eyes with Brenna, at that moment she could see the moment of dawning realization take place within his sparkling eyes.

“Right. Sorry about that. Labyrinth is the term I use. Though I believe you call them dungeons. The dungeon below has been increasing in activity recently, has it not?” Lykan asked as he looked around the chamber apparently seeing webs of fate that were unnoticed by the rest who were gathered, Brenna included. Yet rather than making him appear aloof, this only seemed to add to his mystique.

Gasps.

Murmurs.

A few of the nobles who had gathered began to speak in hushed tones and whispers at the proclamation. He was not wrong in his assessment, but how did he know of such things to begin with? These and questions like these were being asked.

Hearing the gasps and murmurs, Lykan nodded to himself before continuing. “I have the ability to turn off the dungeon for good. This will at least stop the surge of monsters you are seeing. If you wish I can also make it so all the monsters below are destroyed, never to bother your settlements again…”

At that the King raised a hand to cut off Lykan. “If what you say is true, that you can stop the surging of the monsters we would be appreciative of this. However, we have made an entire economy on hunting and eating the monsters of the dungeons. The dungeons are a testing grounds that we use to challenge our young and aspiring warriors. To survive your first dungeon run and slay a monster from within, that is the test needed to become a true citizen of Mezrathurin.”

Hearing this Lykan only nodded, then dropped to one knee. “In that case would you permit me to make a dungeon run, so that I might go to the heart of this dungeon and prove myself to you and your people?”

“You wish to pass the right of citizenship?” King Fulowin asked.

Bowing his head to look at the ground Lykan answered, “yes.”

It was clear to Brenna that he was holding back, that he had far more that he could offer, but seemed to cut himself short. Seeing this, Brenna felt a pit rise up in her stomach as she too found herself shouting out.

“I too wish to prove myself worthy of being a citizen.”

Shock.

Brenna soon found herself a pace before the others she had been mingled with a moment ago. Whether this was because her exuberance caused her to take a step forward, or the others around her took a step back was unknown. All that mattered was she was outside the protection of the masses, but rather than feeling awkward and renouncing her claims, she doubled down. She ran forward and took up the same prostrating position.

“My King. Please allow me to also prove myself worthy of being a true citizen and not just a refugee of Mezrathurin.” Brenna said.

There was shock and outrage at the fact that she had spoken out of turn, but now that she was prostrate before the king and effectively at his mercy, there was little others could do.

Looking down, the only thing she could see was half of Lykan’s face. But that was enough to give her comfort, as she could see a faint smile appear on his lips.

The King paused for a moment, but quickly regained his composure. “I will give but this one warning. Most of your kind, and by that, I mean non-dwarven die upon merely entering dungeons. In fact it is a way we punish most prisoners of war who are unruly. Are you certain you wish for what could very well be considered a punishment, to be your reward?”

“I am.” Lykan stated, then after a slight pause, he added “I would also appreciate the aid of Brenna on my journey. As an outsider I know my chances for success would only be raised by having a true dwarf on my side.”

Hearing the words, Brenna felt a knot of tension release from her chest. Fear she didn’t even realize she had, slowly unwound itself from her soul. Not only had his request made her outburst acceptable, but she would be able to go with him. She didn’t know why, but she felt herself drawn to him in a way that was indescribable. He was like gravity, powerful and unyielding.

“Very well then. You two will be allowed to enter the dungeon, as a way to test yourself. May the earth find you worthy.”

“May the earth find you worthy.” Came the echoed command of everyone. With that, the ceremony was over. Lykan and Brenna were given a meal, a ceremonial bath. Then offered new equipment.

Lykan for his part just kept the bow he had gained on their way out of Clevarall, his staff and his well-worn clothes. Even his shoes seemed to be little more than bare padding at this point.

Their customary meal over, they were directed to the dungeon entrance. Mithril double doors opened up, revealing a vast dark hall. This was the first test, the test of darkness. There was always a final outpost up ahead that blocked the monsters from going to the first gates. But if one wasn’t brave enough to walk in the dark, then they were not worthy to be a true citizen of Mezrathurin.

Brenna felt fear grip her, as she walked forward first into the darkness. She was frightened by the lack of lighting, but wanted to appear to be brave in front of Lykan. Thus her want to go first, if only to the first outpost that she knew had to exist up ahead.

Brenna took seven quick steps, nearly running as she tried race ahead as quickly as possible. While she was okay with the dark, she still wanted to get this first trial over with as quickly as possible. She also wanted to show the others that she wasn’t going to rely on Lykan. Her plan was going flawlessly, until Lykan took his first step onto the darkened pathway.

Click.

Humm. Whir.

The moment Lykan took his first step, an act that was accented by the tapping of his walking stick. The path came to life. Soon the darkened hallway that had been left without light of any kind came to life in dazzling detail, as lights from all around came to life.

“Wha?” Came the cries of the guards behind them. Guards that Brenna turned to see looking on with stupefied expressions on their faces. They were at a loss for words and rightly couldn’t keep the surprise off their faces.

Click, tap, click.

Lykan continued his leisurely pace. As he walked forward more of the tunnels ahead turned on. “Come on. We don’t want to be late.” Lykan said, as he passed by Brenna who herself had stood still. Only then did she realize she too likely had the same look of utter confusion that the guards had.

Only once Lykan had taken a step past her, and the first of the lights that had come to light around the guard station began to go out, did Brenna hurry to keep pace with Lykan. Her small legs caused her to take one and a half steps for every one step Lykan did, but she was used to this pace by now.

Their arrival at the final guard gate was well announced, not only had a runner been sent earlier to explain of the two wishing to seek the right of citizenship, but the lights that illuminated the way showed the two of them in clear detail from hundreds of meters away.

As they arrived, the guard captain for the little outpost first looked shocked. Then slowly fell into his role of leader.

“You two are the ones seeking to take the citizenship exam?”

“Yes.” Brenna said, while Lykan only nodded in agreement.

“Well, to begin. There are a number of monsters in the dungeon. The fact that you have made it this far means that you passed the breathing test. The air here is saturated with the dungeon miasma, the fact that you are both up and standing means that you are immune to its influences.”

“Hmm.” Was the sound that Lykan made at that explanation. The guard paused, but seeing nothing further from Lykan he quickly continued.

“The test for citizenship is simple. Go down, kill a monster with enough meat to feed five people for a meal, bring it back here as proof and you two are citizens. Any questions?”

Both Lykan and Brenna shook their heads.

“Well then, you are free to rest here and begin fresh. Or you can go on immediately. The Choice is yours.”

Hearing this Lykan just turned his attention to Brenna, letting her know that this decision lay squarely with her. Brenna was a bit tired, but knew that any attempts to sleep would only end in disaster. Realizing herself and her own excitement and fear, she opted to press forward. “I am okay with going on right now, if you are?”

Hearing that and taking a second longer to watch her over Lykan nodded in agreement. “We will leave now.”

“Very well then. Write your names on the document there.” The guard captain said, pointing to a leather-bound tome that lay to the right of the final gate. “With this we will track when you left, and what you brought back as proof of citizenship.”

Hearing that Lykan nodded and wrote his name. The guard looked like he wanted to say something, but quickly stopped as he saw that Lykan was writing in perfect formal dwarven. Brenna was impressed as she knew her handwriting wouldn’t be nearly as neat and orderly.

With their names signed, they exited the gates and took their first steps towards citizenship.