The First Lich Lord

Chapter 50

Dorfin led the way. The narrow path soon opened into a valley that plummeted below us. We were at a dizzying height. The valley was much deeper than the floor of the forest wed been exploring. At the bottom was a crystal-clear lake, fed by waterfalls tumbling down the sheer cliffs.

Wow, I said in awe.

Quite the remarkable sight, Dorfin agreed. This ravine intercepted a cavernous system of caves under these mountains.

Does that lake connect to an underground river? I asked.

It does, Dorfin said. Its how my people found this place. We were following the river back to its source and came across this valley.

So, your people have been here a long time? I asked, beginning to make out buildings built along the lake, along with structures attached to the cliff walls.

Yes and no, Dorfin said. A few dwarves had made their home here, but it was a small community. Recently, an elven faction was displaced and looking for a new home, due to a debt that our client owed the elves, we offered this place.

That must have been some debt, I said, taking in the valley with wonder.

It was beautiful. The cliff walls were made out of a light gray stone and the water was pure. Ivy clung to the cliffsides, and vines dangled into the cavernous space below. There was even evidence of stalactites and stalagmites in the lower caves.

For your clan to give up such a place as this, that is, I clarified.

Oh, dont worry, Dorfin said. My people didnt give anything up. We settled here with the elves. Its now a joint settlement. A few other races have joined us as well, though theres not nearly as many compared to where we come from.

Is that the nation west of here? Maxwell asked.

Yes. Now Im not saying there isnt some tension. Theyre just not as bad as the humans who live in Valdorbunch of xenophobic fanatics, that lot.

We followed Dorfin along a winding path cut into the side of the cliff. For a moment, I thought about pointing out that not all of Valdors people were like that, but thought better of it. All that would accomplish is to let him know we were from there.

The path led onto a small ledge that looked like itd been widened by carving away the cliff face.

So, how many people live here? I asked.

A few hundred, Dorfin said. About evenly split between dwarves and elves, though we are quite spread out.

It surprises me that elves would want to live in the mountains, Maxwell said as we crossed the widened ledge toward a stone wall that seemed to merge with the stone of the cliffs.

Normally, youd be right, Dorfin agreed. They dont live down below unless they can help it. Most live in homes built on the cliff face. Theyre here because of the magic. Elves are drawn to places of powerful natural magic, and this place is very potent.

Why is that? I asked. The place was indeed beautiful, but I didnt think thats what gave it magic.

Not many places in the world exist where the natural elements are so evenly distributed.

An elf met us at the gate. She had long blonde hair and was every bit the beautiful elf that was ever pictured.

And that causes natural magic to be abundant? I asked, and reached over to close Maxwells mouth.

She smiled warmly. More or less, yes. Dorfin, who is this?

This is Ezekiel and Maxwell. Wed introduced ourselves on our way into the enclave. Theyre explorers who got chased here by a pack of dire wolves. We need to send someone back to reset the traps and harvest the bodies.

Send Bith. Hes been complaining about a lack of materials. She turned to me. My name is Uriel. You are welcome to rest here.

Thank you. I gave her a slight bow. We promise we wont be a problem.

This was without a doubt the place Father Mathis had sent us to find and destroy. There was no way we had the strength to do it ourselves. I for one had no plan of harming this place. The dwarves and elves living here werent a threat to Omark.

Dorfin headed deeper into the compound, and before long he came back leading a third dwarf with a long, gray beard. The area we were in was clearly some kind of fortification to protect the enclave from anything that might mistakenly find its way into the hidden valley.

Uriel followed me over to the edge of the cliff where I took in the view. This place is really remarkable. I would have never pictured something like this was even possible. Whats its name?

Star River, Uriel said. Named after the river that led the dwarves here.

I dont suppose you can show us around some? Maxwell asked, shooting Uriel a disarming smile. We are going to be stuck here until those dire wolves leave.

I see no harm in showing you a little of our settlement. Uriel gestured for us to follow.

Uriel led us through a door that let out into a short tunnel that pierced through an outcrop of the cliff wall. On the other side, the valley continued to open up and branched off. Houses, built of large pieces of dark wood, clung to the cliff wall along the narrower branching arms of the path.

The community of houses were connected together by rope bridges that swung between them. In the middle of the valley hung a platform, where several elves moved about. Some were merchants, selling a variety of goods. On a smaller attached platform were more elves sitting in meditation.

While I couldnt see magic, I could sense it. The magic around the meditating elves made me feel illthey were likely life or light mages. Hoping my discomfort didnt show, I turned onto a rope bridge leading away from the center of the village.

Whats this? I asked. The rope bridge led to another outcrop of stone that had what looked like a plank at the end.

Oh, Uriel smiled. That is the fun way down. She led us to the plank and far, far below was the crystal-clear lake.

You have got to be kidding me, I gasped. There is no way anyone can jump from this higheven into water.

I assure you it is safe, Uriel smiled at Maxwell and winked. There is a light magic enchantment that makes it safe. Want to try?

No, I said immediately. Light magic would likely not work well on me, assuming it didnt outright hurt me.

Uriel laughed. There is a lift down as well.

I want to try! Maxwell said excitedly. Let Zeke take the boring lift. You and I can jump.

Uriel gave Maxwell another bright smile. Okay. The lift is back the way we came on the right as you head into town.

I followed her directions. Uriel had started coaxing Maxwell out onto the plankthe bard was smooth. There was no way he was as nervous as he was acting. He was just playing it up so Uriel would help him.

Then came Maxwells yell followed by Uriel laughing, then silence. Theyd jumped. It didnt take me long to find the lift and I rode it down with a dwarf giving me the stink eye all the way down.

The lift wasnt much more than a platform raised and lowered by a system of pullies. A thick cable ran through the center that kept it on the intended path.

And the view was incredible. Once below the top of the cavern, it stretched out into darkness in one direction. The river leading from the lake sparkled with reflected sunlight as it traveled off into the darknessStar River was an apt name.

It was a truly enormous cavern. Bigger than you could have guessed from above. The tumbling waterfalls filled the air with mist that occasionally refracted the light into rainbows. The humid air allowed plants to grow on the cliff faces, and as we got lower, the gray stone became lost under a covering of lichens and hanging vines.

The ride only took around five minutes, but we had descended a long way.

Your friend will be down that path. The dwarf indicated a trail leading off toward the lake. He followed a different path toward a cluster of nearby houses.

By the time I made it to the lake, Maxwell and Uriel had swum to shore. They were laying out on a smooth rock letting the sun dry them. Their waterlogged clothes clung to them, and Uriels shapely form was even more on display as her loose shirt no longer hid much.

I felt nothing looking at her, though I should, she was beautiful. But I was undead and lacked certain functions of my anatomy.

They were chatting, and it was clear they were enjoying themselves. Approaching, they saw me and got up.

Want to see the village? Uriel offered.

That would be lovely, Maxwell smiled at her and I barely suppressed a sigh.

Uriel led us into the dwarven village, introducing us to a few residents. All was going well until a demonling rounded the corner of a building. When his eyes fell on us, he yelled in anger, drawing my attention. I felt the world shiftit was a face I would not likely ever forget.

It was the father of the family of demons wed let live.

***

It goes against my better judgment, the elder dwarf said, but I am not going to have you killed. For one, it wouldnt matter, as you would just come back.

Wed been seized by angry-looking dwarves once the male demonling explained what was wrong. I could likely break myself free, but I didnt want to fight with the elves and dwarves. Also, Id sensed a few of the members of the village were much stronger than we were.

Thank you, sir, I said respectfully.

Fortunately, Uriel, while angered by what shed learned about us, had still been willing to hear Maxwell out. He explained that we were being more or less forced by a local priest to follow his orders, even if we disagreed with them.

Once you leave, you will never be allowed back into the valley, the elder said in a serious tone. You will be killed on sight if you are seen trying to reenter.

We were getting off easy. What really took us by surprise was when the father of the demonling family had defended us some by expressing his gratitude.

It goes without saying, but it would be best if this, Father Mathis, never found out you found your way here, an elven elder said sternly. We are also aware that it might become hard for the secret to be kept. We knew this would happen eventually and have made appropriate preparations.

I will claim we looked but couldnt find anything, I assured them. Maybe I can even provide some misdirection so they go looking in the wrong places.

We were escorted back to the entrance of the valley, where we came across the dwarves coming back from clearing up the bodies of the slain dire wolves.

What has happened? Dorfin asked when he saw Maxwell and me being escorted out by armed dwarves and elves.

Uriel explained the situation, and angry looks clouded both Dorfin and Talfins faces. The third dwarf, Bith, didnt seem as concerned. In fact, he looked contemplatively at me.

Let me talk to this one. Biths voice was quiet and raspy.

Uriel frowned at him, but relented. Bith gestured I should follow, and he led the way ahead of the others down the path to the enclave entrance. Once we were out of earshot, Bith stopped and looked at me. I met his gaze. His skin was pale and his eyes were red, they held a dark intelligence.

I know you are not what you appear, Bith said. He carefully pulled out the death core. There arent many who can create these when they have slain a creature, and none are what you would call good.

I pulled back, gripping Mercy tightly. If he was about to spill my secret, I would kill him, even if it meant making true enemies out of this village.

What is your point? I hissed.

Bith put the core away and shook his head. Easy there, boy, I mean you no harm. If I was going to tell, I wouldnt have pulled you aside.

Then what do you want? I asked, relaxing slightly.

It is simple, really. Hearing what you did to the village made me realize something about you. At first, I was going to tell them what I knew. Though I dont know exactly what you are, that is quite a powerful illusion spell. Then I wondered, why would a creature such as yourself be working for Olattee? The only answer I could think of is you are trying to atone. I just simply wanted to tell you there is another way. Not all darkness is bad. Look at meIm a warlock who channels powers from the demonic realms, and I am allowed to live here, even when they know what I am.

I His words echoed my thoughts.

Just something to think on, Bith said quietly, heading back to the rest of the group.