The Middle Times: Lost Kingdom

By D.S. MacLEOD

Traveling underground through an icy tunnel system into an unknown mysterious realm seeking out the Gavel of Elrahon, our Grenelf family and friends stumble into a land of ice. According to dwarven traveling companion Sir Timlikdam, it be the very lands of the hairy horned monsters from his childhood tales. Following closely behind the Grenelf family and friends in the ice tunnels, a garrison of goblins sent by the Goblin King Nifere pursues them relentlessly. Back within their home lands of the west, Lord Eltr of Lavon murders his ruling brother King Edrain and seizes the throne of the Lavon kingdom for launching an invasion against neighboring Nhora. Unknown to Eltr, the diabolical Nifere wishes also to claim the lands of Nhora. The two evils clash and only one of the evil leaders shall survive, but not by the actions of the other. Within the ice lands, the quest for the Gavel of Elrahon becomes a task of survival as hidden treacheries from the past explode changing the course of destiny. The race to save the westerly lands against something much worse than the wrath of the Lord of Darkness and Shadow emerges unleashing an ultimate evil force from the depths of the underwolde. Hold onto your bows and axes, this action-packed concluding story for the two part epic may only be the beginning.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 22, 2010
• ISBN: 9781452088808

D.S. MacLEOD

Stricken by cancer during the publication of "The Middle Times: Rise of the Goblin King", the author tediously completed this concluding second part to the grand opening story finding a new purpose for completing the series by supporting the fight for a cure against cancer. Per his own words, "Cancer is the ultimate evil villain. It destroys entire families and dreams by its relentless pursuit of killing its victims. No heroism can challenge it, no power can thwart it, but the enduring desire of hope and undying human resolve shall always rise up against it." Delivering the intrigue and spellbinding enchantment with the opening part "The Middle Times: Rise of the Goblin King", the second installment "The Middle Times: Lost Kingdom" guarantees a shocking ending to the opening grand story for this epic fantasy series of stories.

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© 2010 D.S. MacLEOD. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, displayed, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 10/20/2010

ISBN: 978-1-4520-8880-8 (e)

ISBN: 978-1-4520-8879-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4520-8881-5 (hc)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2010915321

Printed in the United States of America

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any Web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

This is a work of a fiction. Names, characters, places, things and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Available now, the first book in the series…

The Middle Times: Rise of the Goblin King

"Within the darkness…

things are not as they seem."

Contents

CHAPTER 1

The Land Of Ice

CHAPTER 2

Powers That Be

CHAPTER 3

The Sentinel

CHAPTER 4

Guard of Hentår

CHAPTER 5

Endearments

CHAPTER 6

The Pact

Chapter 7

Dead Wood

CHAPTER 8

The Mist

CHAPTER 9

Watchers in the Sky

CHAPTER 10

The Snye

Chapter 11

Informal Messages

CHAPTER 12

The Sleeping Truth

Chapter 13

The Crown of Shadow

CHAPTER 14

The Tournament

CHAPTER 15

Upon Air & Unexpected Tides

CHAPTER 16

Torrent in the Skies

CHAPTER 17

The Gavel of Elrahõn

CHAPTER 18

Of Wings and War

CHAPTER 19

Lord and Master of Maximus

CHAPTER 20

Erefin the Great

CHAPTER 21

The Dracon Agzônth

Chapter 22

The Sky Opens

Chapter 23

End of an Era

CHAPTER 1

The Land Of Ice

Out of the fiery depths far beneath the ground, something evil travels through shadow emerging for spreading its darkness and its treacheries upon us!" The Grand Grenelvin Lord Lôfland of Belesdon mumbles uneasily aloud before awakening abruptly from his restless slumber. He rises from his bed and gazes outward from Caisle Loren westerly unto the full moon settling upon the horizon. Far away from the Grenelvin ruler’s despairing gaze and the realms of the westerly lands of hughemen growing rampant by the treacherous seeds of conspiring war over succession, Lôfland’s grandchildren face a dangerous journey deep beneath the icy cold lands of the far northeast. The family of elves from Grenwood Ford, Ûz-Dum dwarfs’ Sir Timlikâdam along with the Pixy Imps Rebo and Botalla with Botalla’s yearling Dondar, who was transformed into a Gargorc by the goblin ruler Nifere, are sliding helplessly upon the ride of their lives traveling through an icy underground cavern miles away from their known lands. During the beginning of the ice slide escapade an encounter with the giant poppy flower made everyone fall asleep except Pixy Rebo and Botalla, who seem unaffected by the flower’s potent pollen sleepy side affects. Rebo and Botalla cleverly use Dondar’s claws against the sides of the ice tunnel for slowing their periling speed thus keeping the others atop the animal pelt for protecting their skin from the harshly cold ice. The ice shavings fly back through the icy tunnel behind the group as Rebo struggles holding Dondar’s claws against the sides of the ice tunnel.

Botalla, I do not know how much longer I can keep doing this.

Please keep trying Rebo. It is not the first time the tunnel’s design caused an increase in our speed. Botalla bravely coaxes also tiring from the latest need to slow their speed down. At least the ride is smooth and straight now. We seemingly passed the sharp abrupt turns.

Rebo sighs exhaustedly. I understand Botalla. It only takes one abrupt turn if we gain too much speed and off someone goes from the pelt. He watches the ice shavings fly away from his grip upon Dondar’s hand and disappear in the darkness of the tunnel behind them.

Suddenly, the ice slide escapade ends with a sudden bump at the end of the path propelling everyone out of the tunnel’s mouth out across an icy floor in the middle of an unbelievable grand icy chamber. The wild ride ends as everyone stricken by sleep lies scattered about the ice chamber’s floor no longer protected by the cold resistant wooly animal pelt. Dondar slowly spins to a stop upon the icy floor. Botalla release her grasp of Dondar’s chest and sighs heavily. Oh, I am so glad that ride is over Rebo. Exhausted, she exhales deeply and collapses on top of Dondar.

Rebo quickly releases Dondar’s forearm, stands atop Dondar’s chest and gazes around the spectacular ice chamber. Illuminated by a single blue flame the ice creates a magical wonderland unseen by many eyes especially his. What a wondrous place Botalla. He steps off Dondar and nearly loses his footing upon the icy floor but cleverly manages extending his wings to lift off the ice floor with one quick flap. He zings upward marveling at the ice formations as Botalla whispers for him to return below. Rebo nears the very distant high ceiling and spies many jagged and deadly looking ice formations pointing directly downward at the chamber’s floor. Oh, these ice dangling spears cannot be good, not at all. He whispers silently while noticing the sound of his reverberating wings growing louder as he ascends to the highest point of the ceiling. The jagged icicles vibrate worrying him so he descends down to two icy ledges below him to his left. He passes the highest ledge and hovers over the lowest ledge. The reverberation of his wings seems less here. Hovering over the lowest ledge, he discovers a very tall door that seems made entirely of ice bearing a marking or symbol. He flies back up to the highest ledge and discovers two more tall ice doors side by side. Rebo tries landing on the ledge for investigating, but his landing momentum makes him slip and slide past the two icy doors altogether eventually sailing off the other side of the ledge back into the air. Rebo shoots off the ledge and drops quite rapidly. Whimsically, he skillfully regains his flight and swoops down towards Botalla. He notices the worried expression on Botalla’s face as she weeps over Dondar’s limp body as he lands upon the ice floor and slides or crashes as the case may be into Dondar. Rebo bounces off and backwards but catches Dondar’s wings stopping his slide. Finally standing upright, he lays Dondar’s wing down upon the ice floor while remembering how strange his silhouette looked from up above. A little frail Pixy weeping atop a larger grey flying Gargorc whose wings spread outward as if lying there dead. Rebo courageously smiles across at Botalla.

Botalla, with her large sad eyes looks over at her yearling Rebo. She shakes her head nervously as her eyes’ tear. Slowly she confesses her fears. I cannot wake Dondar. It has been many hours. Why will they not wake up? She fights back her tears staring across at the others lying scattered about the room upon the frigid ice floor. Rebo, we must wake them somehow. We must! They will freeze lying upon this cold icy floor.

Saddened by Botalla’s expression of dread, Rebo helplessly nods. Their skin is not like ours. Their skins are soft and fragile. The chilly air of the cavern makes his breath visible. Do you see our breaths Botalla? It is just cold enough in here to make our breath visible. Botalla, I noticed danger above on the ceiling.

Botalla stares up at the ceiling. It appears like the ceiling is covered by daggers of ice! She glances worriedly around at the others upon the floor. Our kind does not travel to such places as we are in now Rebo. No flowers bloom this far north in the snow bound fields. The dangers here are different, perhaps the predators are also, so best we keep a sharp listen for odd sounds.

Rebo nods and agrees. He practices blowing his breath out from his mouth. This is fun seeing my breath. I never thought about it before. It seems like I am blowing smoke like a fiery demon. Lanolee will enjoy this if he wakes up. Rebo pauses and sadly gazes over at his friend lying helpless upon the ice floor. He solemnly stares at Botalla. She opens her arms and Rebo slides over into her loving embrace. Bravely she whispers softly. We should discuss a plan of how to help our brave friends.

Yes right away! Rebo stares across the chamber at the lone blue light flickering in the corner by a wall near Lanolas. The wall bears larger markings similar to the type he spied above on the ice doors. He gracefully slides over to Lanolas using his wings for maintaining his balance. He studies Lanolas closely and looks over at Botalla. There are ledges above and doors made of ice Botalla. Do you think it might be a way out of here? Botalla looks above and shrugs her shoulders. Rebo stares across at the blue flame. Maybe the blue fire can help warm them up. Perhaps they will wake up after they are warmer. Gently he tries waking Lanolas by shaking him. Rebo lifts his head gently off the ice floor and pulls Lanolas’ cloth hood over his head. How long must they sleep? Lanolas’ head is very cold.

She considers their options as she looks around the partially lit ice cavern. Help me think Rebo. What will wake them?"

What if I scream into his ear? Rebo suggests wisely.

Botalla gazes upward at the ceiling and back at Rebo. No, we must remain as quiet as possible so the ice daggers do not fall. Botalla climbs off Dondar and slides over to Elya’s position. Botalla gently lifts her hooded head off the floor struggling to maintain her balance. Elya is dead weight Rebo. She studies Elya’s face closely and sighs. It is this poppy pollen poison. It covers their clothing and bodies."

Rebo begins lifting Lanolas while using his wings to blow away the pollen from his face. Suddenly he remembers something. He looks over at Botalla and suggests confidently. Why do we not try using their water bags and pour water on their faces? It should awaken them and wash away the pollen.

Botalla’s sadly stricken face unexpectedly lights up with enthusiasm. Wonderful idea Rebo, what would I ever do without you? Rebo blushes as Botalla praises him. You make me very proud my little yearling. Now come over here and help me with Elya. Rebo carefully lays Lanolas back down and slides over to Botalla. Botalla locates Elya’s water sac underneath her clothing. She opens it and instructs Rebo. Help me hold her up Rebo. Botalla beams with anticipation over a hopeful solution to their friend’s plight.

Rebo carefully holds Elya’s head up. Would it not be easier if we lie her down? She is not drinking it.

Botalla raises her little gray-bluish brow and cleverly demonstrates what would happen. She pours a little of the water onto the frigid floor. Within seconds, the water freezes upon the floor. If we pour the water on them while they lay on the floor their hair or skin will freeze to the floor. Rebo nods and acknowledges her wisdom. Botalla proceeds removing Elya’s hood as each of them flap their wings blowing off as much of the poison pollen as possible. Botalla gently leans Elya’s head back while slowly pouring some of the water over her face.

Elya regains consciousness spitting, sputtering and gasping for air. Awake and disorientated she slowly opens her eyes. Elya tries using her sleeve to wipe her face. Wait Elya do not wipe your face with your clothing. It remains tainted by that poppy poison. Botalla squats on the floor and begins flapping her wings furiously. She begins sliding away from Elya due to the momentum of her flapping wings, but quickly grabs a hold of Elya’s leg. The wind blows away the remaining sleepy pollen remnants from Elya’s clothing. Rebo eagerly assists in air blowing their friend clean of the poppy pollen.

Elya cleverly uses the inside of her shirt to dry her face. She gazes happily at her tiny friends. Thank you my friends for waking me.

Botalla eagerly hugs her. It is nothing. I am very pleased the water idea worked. She gazes into Elya’s eyes. I am so happy you awoke. It was all Rebo’s idea. Botalla gleams with joy and pulls Rebo closer hugging him victoriously.

Elya whimsically pokes Rebo in the belly with her finger affectionately. I am most gracious little Rebo. You are very smart for a yearling. Rebo giggles aloud as Elya smiles graciously at him. Elya yawns and stretches. I feel as though I slept for a week or more.

Botalla begins explaining what occurred on the rest of the journey after everyone passed out from the poppy pollen. She illustrates how she and Rebo used Dondar’s claws to slow them down in the ice tunnel keeping everyone on the animal skin during the abrupt turns. Botalla speaks of the two other chambers everyone passed through while asleep."

Amazing Botalla, you say a giant ice cube with a huge black dragon frozen inside it?

Yes, a winged dragon as I recall. Rebo mimics the sight by stretching his wings out.

Oh, if only Lanolee was only awake to see such a sight. What a shame we all slept through it. Suddenly her feelings turn to her brothers. She locates Lanolas and attempts standing. Elya falls down once before gaining her footing on the ice. She holds her head with her hand. My head is spinning. It is hard focusing.

It is the affects of the flower poison Elya. Botalla quietly takes flight for helping Elya in her endeavors. Using her wings for balancing Elya, they both glide over to Lanolas. After locating Lanolas’ water sac, Elya follows Botalla’s instructions and wakens Lanolas with the water. Lanolas jerks for a moment, coughs, sputters a few times and thankfully smiles at his sister. Elya quickly explains the situation then slides over to her little brother on her knees. Rebo and Botalla fly over to awaken Dondar with Elya’s water sac. Dondar awakens from his pollen-initiated slumber as Lanolas attempts awakening his dwarven comrade.

After pinching his face unpleasantly over the chilly water bath, Timlikâdam wiggles and slowly opens his eyes rather confusingly. How did I end up here flat upon my back again?

Lanolas sarcastically chuckles. Have a nice nap my dear old friend?

Soon after, the group begins searching and studying the amazing ice chamber. My hands are cold! Lanolee complains aloud while rubbing his hands together for warmth.

Blow some breath smoke on them. Rebo suggests practicing the technique with his little bluish hands.

Lanolee follows his advice. His air-chilled breath reminds him of dragon stories. He pulls his hood over his head. Look everyone I am a smoke breathing dragon! Lanolee practices breathing hard a few times making more breath-smoke.

Timlikâdam holds the cherished Chrysalis lamp out. Here ye go lad place your hands alongside my Chrysalis Lamp.

It will not burn my hand?

Nay lad, it be a nice and warming glow not a hot one. Timlikâdam glances over at the corner of the chamber. That blue flame over there be much like the one in my lamp would you not agree Lanolee? Timlikâdam and Lanolee study the odd blue flame atop the icy pedestal across the chamber in the corner. I shall admit Lanee, I never seen the likes of fire atop ice before. I bet ye that flame there be five times hotter than the one inside my Chrysalis Lamp. I can feel the heat from here. Lanolee agrees as the two turn around watching Lanolas busily studying the ceiling. Timlikâdam’s rather low husky voice ascends upward towards the ice daggers attached to the ceiling. Tiny ice crystals shake of the icicles and float down much like tiny snowflakes.

Lanolas worriedly stares around at his friends and family. We must remain as quiet as possible. The ceiling is full of ice daggers and any loud sound could make them fall down atop of us.

As everyone stares at the ice ceiling full of pointy tipped icicles, Elya notices the strange symbol markings etched onto a nearby ice wall near the blue flame. She approaches the wall and rubs her hands together for warmth before touching it. Is it safe to talk any? Elya whispers as she turns away from the markings and faces Lanolas.

Lanolas observes the dangling deadly ice spears above after her whisper and responds softly. Yes but speak softly as possible.

Lanolee playfully slides into Elya unexpectedly and hands her the Chrysalis Lamp innocently while playing tag with Rebo. Rebo reaches out, touches Lanolee sneering victoriously, and glides away across the ice. Elya aggravatingly pokes Lanolee capturing his attention. You and Rebo settle down. It is too dangerous to play in here. She returns her gaze back towards the ice wall.

Lanolee spies his sister’s interest in the markings. Do you recognize some of these markings Elya? You learned the Enot language did you not?

Elya nods slowly at first and then shakes her head. I am unsure. Some of it seems similar to the Enot language, but most of the markings like this one differ somehow. I must admit it is odd seeing them in such a large size. She turns around motioning with her hand and whispers to the others. Lanolas and Mister Timli could you come over here please? She turns away, looks down at Lanolee and then back at the wall. She places her finger up to her chin wondering how the markings came to appear here in the first place. It is far too cold for trees to grow. Elya feels the ice layer over the symbol. The symbols are not drawn on top of the ice, interesting.

Timlikâdam cautiously takes little steps to avoid falling. Ever so slowly, he progresses at the amusement of Lanolee and Rebo. Studying the ice chamber as he approaches Elya Timlikâdam complains aloud. I see no stairs of any kind. What a ludicrous place this be. How be one supposed to get up to those upper ledges little bluish Rebo mentioned earlier? Timlikâdam awkwardly thrusts forward using his axe for propulsion. However, he stabs his battle-axe a little too hard the second time into the ice and it becomes stuck in the floor. Frustratingly he spins around the axe, pulling at it but suddenly loses his grip and slides uncontrollably towards Lanolas and Elya. Lanolas quickly catches him but also loses his balance upon the ice and falls holding Timlikâdam. Humbly, Timlikâdam smiles at his friend. Perhaps our large Gargorc friend will be able to fly us up to the upper ledges eh Lanolas?

Lanolas stands and looks over at Dondar. I want everyone to stand here at the wall except you Dondar. Everyone obeys curiously while Lanolas slides over to Dondar who stands alone in the middle of the grand chamber.

After studying the ceiling for a moment, Lanolas gazes up at Dondar who also finds the icicle ceiling interesting. While patting Dondar’s chest Lanolas suggests knowingly. Dondar my friend, you and I shall perform a test about someone your size flying inside this cavern. Do you understand? The shape of the cavern bothers me somewhat my stout friend.

Dondar grunts in agreement. What shall I do Mister Lanolas?

I want you to attempt flying me up to that first ledge. However, listen carefully to me my friend. Be prepared to race away over there to the others by the wall as fast as possible if I command. Lanolas peers upward at the ceiling again. Dondar looks up at the ceiling with him. Lanolas whispers cautiously. I believe we shall come under attack by the ice.

Dondar nods and agrees as he winks at Lanolas. In his husky voice, he defiantly whispers. I shall protect you master Lanolas. Do not fear the pointy ice.

As everyone gazes on curiously from the wall covered by symbols Dondar extends his mighty wings, encircles Lanolas with his arms and with a couple a wing flaps they both ascend. The reverberation of Dondar’s wings echoes upward. The design of the chamber amplifies the sound of his wings growing louder with each inch upward into the chamber. The sound of Dondar’s wings reverberates against the ceiling. Little slivers of ice fall aimlessly down towards them. Suddenly, several of the longer larger dagger-like icicles break loose and fall racing down towards the chamber floor and Dondar. Elya begins to cry out aloud but covers her mouth quickly as Dondar quickly drops and swoops down escaping the cascade of ice spears. Dondar lands easily by the wall and the others using his clawed feet against the ice for traction. Lanolas slowly climbs out of Dondar’s arms. Lanolas worriedly glances upward at his protector. Dondar are you all right my friend?

Dondar stands upright, extends and flaps and ice crystals off his wings. He stares diligently at something on one of them. Botalla gasps at the sight of little dots of bluish blood along the skin of his wings. She lifts off the ground for a closer look. Dondar you are bleeding!

Dondar grunts courageously and studies his wings more closely. He shrugs and glances over at Lanolas. I will be fine mummy Botalla. Mister Lanolas’ protection was more important than mine was. The little wounds do not hurt they just itch.

Lanolas holds Dondar’s arm gratefully. Thank you my friend. I needed to know for sure. I am sorry you were struck. He turns and faces the others. I thought the shape of this cavern chamber would intensify sound as it climbs upward to the ceiling’s pinnacle. He stares sadly over at Timlikâdam. Considering this is the case my friend, trying to fly anyone up to the upper ledges is not an option.

Elya asks curiously. Well, how else are we going to get up there? It must be the way out. We surely cannot go back the way we came.

Lanolas’ eyes sparkle in the blue light. After noticing the shape of this chamber earlier and surmising such a reaction, I realized this chamber must be a maze interlaced with puzzle and or traps.

Timlikâdam stares back at the way they arrived. Perhaps, there be a way back the way we came my friend.

No, I shall not go back until I find this gavel of Darcos. Placing his finger against his narrow chin, Lanolas wisely suggests. Obviously, we must figure out the clues. First clue, someone of our size cannot reach the other levels by flight. There must be another solution hidden beneath our very noses.

Timlikâdam inquires confusingly. A challenge underneath my very nose, of what kind may I ask Lanolas?

Lanolas snaps his fingers together excitingly. It is all a test of some kind, think about it. First, a secret hidden cave and next a ferocious spirit beast guarding a fake gavel and it secretly vanishes through another exit tunnel, which we follow nearly dying by mere unpretentious giant poppy flower poison just to end up here in an ice chamber with no stairway leading to the only obvious way out. More interestingly, whatever created this chamber also thought of the possibility of flight for a means of escape and created the chamber in such a way that sound amplifies as it rises upward to the ceiling loosening the ice daggers on the ceiling. It is all far too well thought out for mere coincidence if you ask me.

Lanolee whimsically suggests pointing at an area of the chamber with pointy ice mound pinnacles ten times the size of the icicles on the ceiling pointing straight up from the floor. It is a good thing those giant pointy ice features over there are not dangling from the ceiling.

Timlikâdam rubs his head. So, there must be a stairway somewhere, hidden somehow and we be supposed to find it?

Perhaps the answer is here on this wall of markings. Elya suggests studying the markings once more as Timlikâdam joins aside her.

Lanolas studies the upper ledges. We need a hook and rope. Arrows will not easily penetrate the ice enough for pulling one’s weight up by. Behind him, Timlikâdam suddenly gasps aloud. Lanolas turns around peculiarly. What is it Timli?

Timlikâdam points at a symbol marking upon the ice wall. He glares around at everyone wild-eyed. It be them!

Them who Timlikâdam, goblins pray tell? Please tell me my friend. Baffled by his comrade’s expression of dread, Lanolas studies the symbol for a moment. It is just a circle with horns or something protruding from it. Tell me, why such dread my friend?

Timlikâdam stares suspiciously across at the strange overly large animal pelt they slid upon earlier lying upon the icy floor. Quickly he reaches up and grasps Lanolas’ arm. Seemingly horrified, Timlikâdam gazes up at Lanolas with fear in his eyes. I recognize the symbol with the circle with horns. It be spoken of in an old dwarven tale. We must leave here immediately Lanolas. We…we disturb their domain. Their vengeance for our trespass shall result in a sure death harsh and swift I tell ye!

Elya and Lanolee sense danger in Timlikâdam’s voice. Elya glances back at the symbol. Mister Timlikâdam, are you sure? I do not recognize many of the symbols adorning this ice wall. They could mean anything.

Lanolas points at the strange symbol. Timli, tell me of what danger this symbol means to you.

As Lanolee, Dondar and the Pixy approach Timlikâdam confesses his fears. It be the terrible horned giant beasts of the northern ice lands. A long ago tale originating in the Gladden Pikes realm reminds me of that tale. Timlikâdam stares again across at the animal hide upon the ice floor. He points over at it. That animal pelt of strange hair over there must come from the giant horny beasts the giant monsters command. Timlikâdam quickly clinches his axe in his hands and begins surveying the ice chamber looking for hidden passages and attack points. King Glôrenfal the First of Gladden Pikes sent a group of twelve dwarves from his Golden Battalion on a journey to the farthest northeasterly lands for exploring the frigid unhospitable frozen lands of the Snoshire in hopes of discovering new mining prospects. This noble group of Gladden dwarves disappeared in the frozen tundra and were never seen again until one lone dwarf, who could not recall how he arrived back in Gladden outside a cave was found after missing for five years. He spoke of a race of giant fifty foot hairy warrior beasts with long horns protruding from their heads. These giant horned monsters slayed the others in his party. The poor dwarf eventually went mad with fear from his dreams about the deadly encounter. The story be told in my home for teaching young dwarves the folly of encroping upon enemy realms. This forbidden cave by the late Glôrenfal’s decree be the very same one we entered my friends. It all seems more fact than scary tale now if you ask me.

Astonishing…a race of giant hairy horned creatures. Elya cautiously bites her fingernail. She stares back at the symbol once more.

Oh come on Mister Timli, we can take them! Lanolee quickly suggests swinging his hands pretending that he is wielding a sword or axe.

Timlikâdam whispers wisely. No young warrior, these giant monsters may nearly stomp on us with their gigantic feet squashing us as easily as little insects. There shall be no battle to speak about young Lanee. Elya and Botalla gasp in fear at the mere thought of such a ferocious creature.

That must be the reason the ice doors above on the ledges are so tall. Rebo suggests as he shivers from the thought of the mammoth warrior creatures.

Lanolas cups his hands over his mouth and blows his warm breath over them. Timli my friend from my observations of this chamber these beings cannot be the same ones from your tale unless they are not actually as huge and tall as you describe. The scale of this structure is all wrong for fifty foot giants.

Timlikâdam scoffs aloud. Whatever are ye talking about? Ye doubt my tale? I promise I recollect it accurately.

Lanolas laughs, pats Timlikâdam on the shoulder and whimsically rebuts kindly. No my friend I do not doubt your story, but perhaps it be a bit watery in taste…lacking the true ingredients of the original recipe. Perhaps, it all part of the same mystery we stumbled into here.

I do not follow you my friend. Timlikâdam confesses while scratching his beard with his finger.

My father Torinthar always told me that sometimes a peoples or perhaps an enemy will go to great lengths hiding their true vulnerabilities from outsiders. They will create traps, deceptions and extraordinary tales to hide their weaknesses and promote their strengths. This maybe one of those cases where the tale is bigger than the actual people. As Lanolas slides back out into the middle of the chamber, he turns around and gloats. Take the wizards for example. For most of my very young life, I believed wizards to be great magical beings all aloof, misunderstood and never trusted. Back in those days few ever encountered a wizard in person so stories varied from them ranging in size from dwarves to great towering trees. Lanolee expresses confusion by scratching his head awkwardly. His older brother notices and responds wisely. Well Lanolee think of it this way. Until you met Elray or Venâs for yourself you relied on others for description that may never actually saw either.

Lanolee smiles understandably. Timlikâdam nods happily, holds his belly and chuckles. Indeed, my whole idea about wizards changed the very day I met the kind lady wizard at Lord Belsar’s wood. A female wizard, enchanting and wise she be. Who would ever believe such a thing? Until that day, I assumed all wizards were male.

Elya whimsically glares around at Timlikâdam from under her cloak’s hood and defiantly clears her throat. I understand now Lanolas. Perhaps the giant beings created this entire ice cavern to hide the truth.

From his vantage point, Lanolas stares strangely at the group of five standing there in front of the wall covered in ancient symbols. The strange blue flame from atop the ice pedestal casts a strange glow upon the wall aside them. As the group debates matters amongst one another, Lanolas notices something strange about the placement of the symbols adorning the wall. Gasping, he hurriedly slides back across the ice floor to the others.

What is it Lanolas? Elya questions as he slides up to the wall ignoring her query while placing his hands along the wall feeling it. These symbols are not carved or etched into the ice. They appear to be underneath the ice.

Elya rolls her eyes. I already tried to get you to look at that earlier. Is it not strange?

Indeed sis, it is very strange considering matters. Lanolas pauses and turns towards Timlikâdam. Timli may I see your axe my friend? Before Timlikâdam answers, Lanolas politely adds charmingly. I promise I will not go throwing it away somewhere. Timlikâdam smiles and hands Lanolas his battle axe. Lanolas uses the axe and chips away at the ice covering the symbol of Timlikâdam’s monster. Slowly with the sharp edge of the axe, Lanolas reveals what lies underneath the ice. As the last bit of ice chips away over the symbol, a strange nasty odor escapes from inside the chiseled out hole.

Whew, it smells like week old dead rodents! Lanolee exclaims pinching his nose shut with his fingers.

The odor quickly dissipates and Lanolas using his finger to reach through the ice hole and touch the marking. He feels the symbol with his finger. He looks oddly over at Timlikâdam. This marking inside is made of a metal Timli.

Timlikâdam scoffs as he stares up the giant ice wall of symbols. Astounding, each symbol made of metal and placed beneath the ice. True masters of metal crafting created this wall my friends.

Lanolas nods cleverly and agrees. I discovered something more. It did not dawn on me until I started looking at everyone standing here beneath the symbols from across the chamber floor. These symbols form the shape of a stairway ascending upward to the first ledge along the wall face.

Rebo, Lanolee and Elya all intrigued by the idea or simply not believing such a premise slide out into the middle of the chamber to see for themselves. Pointing and whispering anxiously, Elya looks over at her brother and Timlikâdam. Lanolas is right Mister Timli. The symbol markings make the shape of a stairway against the wall.

Timlikâdam looks at the bottom all the way up the giant ice wall of markings once more. He looks to the left and sure enough, true to Lanolas’ word, the symbols start across the bottom and each row is shorter than the previous row forming a sort of large stairway upward to the first icy ledge. Each marking seemed about the size of a large shield. He looks over at Lanolas and asks profoundly. Ye mean we need to chop away all this ice to make the stairs passable? That be ludicrous I say…simply ludicrous! We shall die of hunger before we can complete such a task.

Lanolas carefully slides over to the blue flame atop the ice pedestal in the corner of the room. He passes his hand well over highest point of the flame and realizes just how hot the blue flame burns. These blue flames put out an incredible amount of heat Timli. I wonder if it serves some purpose.

What be ye going to do Lanolas?

Lanolas slides over to an opposing wall and pushes off it gaining momentum across the ice. He hits the pedestal perfectly but sadly, it does deliver his desired effect. The ice pedestal does not move an inch. Lanolas tries aimlessly pushing against it.

Timlikâdam watches as Lanolas finally gives up his idea. Hmm, what were ye trying to do my friend, perhaps we can help.

Lanolas regains his composure and stands while feeling his rump. Well, I thought the flame could be moved but apparently it is frozen to the floor.

Botalla carefully pulls Dondar down to her height and whispers into his ear. The large Gargorc walks over to the pedestal. Using the claws on his feet for balance and traction, he digs in his claws into the ice floor and pushes with one mighty grunt. A sudden crackling sound echoes around the chamber as the large pedestal slowly begins moving. Excellent Dondar push it over here. Lanolas excitingly helps by steering the blue-flamed ice pedestal. After placing the fire pedestal in front and against the wall of markings, Lanolas and Dondar return to everyone else’s position. Lanolas stands and waits patiently as everyone else gazes upon the wall.

After a few uneventful moments, Timlikâdam remarks sarcastically. What be us waiting on to occur Lanolas? That little flame will take forever to melt the ice.

Lanolas seems discouraged as the blue flame slowly melts away at the part of the wall it is nearest. Well, I thought the flame might have something to do with it but I guess not. Suddenly a small hissing sound erupts and echoes across the room. The flame enlarges for a moment and then shrinks back again to normal size. Amazingly, before everyone’s eyes more hisses erupt and the blue flame rages upward and against the wall melting away more ice from the wall’s facing. The blue flame exponentially increases and enlarges fed by numerous hisses erupting from the wall. The flame grows tremendously encompassing the whole wall in a spectacular fire display.

The welcoming warmth of the glow is enjoyable as each of them stare in awe at the enormous blue flame melting away the outer covering of ice releasing the smelly apparently flammable odor captured within the ice thus igniting and melting away the ice by the intense heat. The ice melts away from the wall pouring down in liquid form onto the ice floor and refreezing. The shape of the stairs becomes apparent as the metal markings poke out away from the wall appearing more than mere cutouts buried beneath ice but long metal poles made of metal symbols creating giant steps. As the hissing ends, the flame dies back to its normal size atop the pedestal now imprisoned by the refrozen water.

Lanolas kneels during the event studying the true marvel of its construction as Timlikâdam pats him on the back. Sheer genius Lanolas, if I did not see it with my own eyes lad I would never have believed it. Lanolas kindly shrugs amazed his idea actually worked so well.

How did you know brother? Lanolee asks curiously.

Lanolas musingly chuckles. The smelly odor that escaped from the chiseled out hole reminded me of the smelly gas pods Elray uses for lighting and making his Kung-poon rise into the air. I assumed the blue flame would ignite the gases trapped behind the ice. Lanolee appears highly impressed by his brothers’ wisdom.

Timlikâdam winks at Lanolas. Laddie, ye never cease to impress me. Come along everyone let us get climbing. Timlikâdam and the others walk carefully towards the metal stairway as the true size of the steps becomes apparent. Timlikâdam looks over at Lanolas. Hmm, seems to me the part of the monster tale about the creatures’ size is not so far-fetched my friend.

Worried about Timlikâdam’s observation, Lanolas agrees. Indeed, the masters of this cave do appear very large. Much larger than a Troll if I had my guess based on the distance between each step. Let me hold your axe my friend. You will need the use of both of your hands. Timlikâdam agrees and hands Lanolas his battleaxe.

Lanolee watches Rebo take off from the ice floor and fly towards the first ledge. Hey, where are you going? Lanolas said no flying in here!

Lanolas watches Rebo fly away and remarks quietly. It is okay Lanolee his wings are so small that they do not cause reverberations like Dondar’s wings. Come along over here you are next.

I do not need assistance. Lanolee sarcastically rebuts while quickly sliding up to the stairs. He performs a flip onto the steps just above everyone else and hurriedly climbs up the remaining stairs. Dondar meanwhile, places Botalla on his shoulder and begins climbing the steps.

Atop the first ice ledge, Lanolee spies Rebo staring at the massive ice door. Lanolee finds the icy ledge very slippery but manages sliding over to Rebo carefully. He looks up at the large clear ice door and notices the symbol encased within the ice. It looks like another symbol Rebo.

Yes and the other two doors above bear similar markings but one marking is different somehow. It looks like a reflection cast from a pond of water.

Lanolee studies the marking. You say one of the other door’s symbols is backwards like a reflection?

Rebo looks contently at him. Yes, one of those ice doors above looks like this one, but the other reflection on the twin door is backwards.

This place just gets stranger and stranger every moment does it not? Rebo nods in agreement just as Timlikâdam reaches the top of the metal stairs.

Carefully, Timlikâdam steps off the metal step. He suddenly slips, falls onto his back and slides noisily towards Lanolee and Rebo. Look out lads I be out of control!

Lanolas, busily helping the others up the steps, turns around watching the havoc unraveling aside him. Helplessly, Lanolas watches Timlikâdam slide unintentionally at them readying for knocking them both off the ice ledge. Rebo prepares for the unavoidable collision by lifting off the ledge using his wings leaving Lanolee alone to bare the brunt of the collision alone. Rebo wonders how he will ever keep them both from plummeting to their death. He knows he can only hope to save one…he will need to choose. Rebo begins humming nervously over at Botalla pleading for guidance. Botalla, stricken with fear, stands motionless but hums a reply. Lanolas wastes no time in remembering Timlikâdam’s axe within his hand.

Move laddie, move aside ye cannot stop me I be too heavy! Timlikâdam tries slowing his slide by using his fingers to grasp the ice but cannot gain his grip. Lanolee frantically reaches over his back, obtains an arrow and tries vigorously stabbing the arrowhead into the ice for some sort of anchor before the collision. Repeatedly Lanolee stabs the arrowhead into the ice trying to make it go deeper and hold. Timlikâdam collides with Lanolee and they both slide towards the ledge’s edge. Out of nowhere, Lanolas suddenly slides out alongside Timlikâdam. With a mighty swing, Lanolas drives the metal axe blade deep into the ice sheet. Anchored, Lanolas grabs onto Timlikâdam’s wrist.

Lanolas passionately heralds aloud. Timli, grab onto Lanee! Unfortunately, Lanolee bounces off Timlikâdam during the initial collision. His momentum shoots him off the ice ledge into midair as he begins dropping instantly to his death.

From her vantage point, Elya begins to scream in horror but thankfully gasps in relief instead as Rebo catches Lanolee in midair. Beating his wings as fast as he can he holds Lanolee up. Soon Rebo begins laughing uncontrollably and slowly descends down to the chamber’s floor as Lanolee tickles him joyously over his spectacular midair catch. Relieved, Elya turns and kneels down to Botalla and embraces her thankfully. Botalla courageously whispers confidence. I told Rebo he could do it.

Elya laughs out in pure joy and stares into her loving eyes. You bet he could, he grew up under your nurturing and wisdom. Botalla grins thankfully. Elya motions down below. We should help them get back up here with us.

I will help Rebo lift Lanolee. You go tend to your brother and Mister Timlikâdam. Elya nods cautiously and slides over to her brother and Timlikâdam.

After quietly and cautiously lifting Lanolee up to the ledge and avoiding disturbing the dangling overhead ice daggers, everyone eagerly discusses the latest revelation in the chamber of tricks.

Dondar grunts as he claws and pushes on the door. Well, how do we open it? Dondar’s efforts barely scratch the door’s surface.

Elya interrupts Dondar as she points at the door’s symbol. Lanolas this symbol within the ice door is familiar. I believe I saw it before somewhere.

Lanolas stares at the symbol, quickly reaches into his shirt and reveals the pendant Lanolee is yet to witness up close. Yes Elya, we both saw this symbol before here upon this pendant Lord Belsar gave me from our father when we were in Havenford. He looks at the pendant and back at the door. Curious the two symbols share similar style markings.

Let me see that please. Lanolee asks curiously while grabbing at the chain and pulling his brother down to his height level. Clear as a crystal, the marking within the pendant appears on both sides. Surrounding the crystal’s edges, a golden band encased the crystal. Unknowingly back in Havenford, Lanolas and Elya studied the necklace backwards. Lanolee studies the pendants symbol. It looks like the letter L encircled by these patterns here does it not?

Lanolas scoffs musingly and grins at Elya. Well Elya, I guess we should have showed Lanee this to begin with, I forgot he likes puzzles. He proudly smiles down at Lanolee and commends him. Very clever Lanee you saw the letter right away while all Elya and I noticed before was the inverted pattern not the letter.

Lanolee smiles proudly at his own cleverness. Well, how will this help open the door?

Timlikâdam searches over the surface of the clear ice door. Well, it certainly be no key laddie I see no keyhole.

Lanolas sighs by the absence of anyway to open the giant ice door using the pendent. He removes the necklace and places the pendant against the larger version on the door. He stands aside as if waiting for something to happen but nothing occurs. Lanolas looks anxiously over at Timlikâdam. I do not understand. It is the same marking Timli…it must mean something. He stares down hopelessly at the pendent.

Timlikâdam has enough all the nonsense and trickery trying his patience. He motions for everyone one to move away from the ice door. What are you going to do Mister Timli?

Timlikâdam angrily mumbles under his breath. A giant monster race of trickster beings trifles with my patience. I say enough of this poppycock and shenanigan! I shall show ye giant tricksies monster how we mountain dwarves get to the bottoms of things. Before anyone can stop him Timlikâdam takes a step back and hurls his mighty throwing axe so hard he slips and falls face forward onto the icy ground. The mighty axe strikes the icy door shattering it as it sails through to the inside of the darker chamber inside. Ice fragments shower everyone as the loud thunderous noise vibrates many icicle spears loose from the ceiling heading for everyone upon the ledge.

Lanolas quickly pulls Timlikâdam up to his feet and orders everyone into the dark chamber. Hurry everyone get inside quickly! The rain of ice daggers and spears shatters against the harder frigid floor of the ledge and the ground far below creating an interesting