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Kev2012
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Re: Mission #2c: *Anvils In Stone*
Over the following days the journey was easy, food, be it animals or plants, was rife across most of the land, Rorqale never went hungry, the nights were warm and comfortable, and the days breezy and refreshing. The land was tough in places, high ravines sometimes needed climbing, or bushes and think, dense foliage often needed strategic negotiating, and carrying Purgatio was sometimes more of a burden then Rorqale was used to, but the blade had already proved to be powerful, and was definitely going to be needed in the future, if this quest was going to be finished.
After travelling for close to 5 days in total since the day the quest had begun, Rorqale at last found himself fully in the shadow of the mountain. It rose triumphantly into the sky, before the final peek was obscured by the rain clouds that Rorqale had seen several days earlier, but were still hovering with menace about the mountain. The effects of this storm were already becoming apparent in the land, the river that left the base of the mountain had risen far above it usual high, it’s large white foaming water scratching at the very tips of the its bank, if the rain over the mountain didn’t cease soon then it would surely defeat these barriers and fill most of the valley.
Rorqale walked alongside the river until he was at the very base of the mountain, a gentle slop that went for many hundreds of metres up the mountain. Rorqale had no idea where to start looking for the hidden entrance into the mountain, the place that the Dwarves resided…now the search would begin.
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Jan/9/2005, 6:46 pm
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Kev2012
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Re: Mission #2c: *Anvils In Stone*
Rorqale zigzagged up the mountain side for several hundred metres, darting this way and that during random moments where he though he saw clefts of rocks sticking through the grass, or gullies that looked like underground entrances, but nothing had been found so far, and the further he walked up this gentle start to the mountain, the more rock he came across. Before much longer the rock-grass ratio was 50/50, and even if there were an entrance on this side of the mountain, the likeliness that he would miss it increased.
He stopped and had to come up with some kind of plan, he knew the city was in this mountain somewhere, but what he didn’t know was how to get in. He sat still on a rock for several minutes, soon birds, used to his statuesque figure, began to fly around the mountains edge again. He sat still, observing the birds, suddenly a raven amongst all the others caught his attention, it appeared, although it could well be a trick of the eye, that this bird was carrying some kind of parchment. Rorqale didn’t move, the bird flew within metres of him, and sure enough it was carrying what Rorqale had suspected, if flew down to Rorqale’s left, and he had to arch his neck to follow it’s trail. As he done so the bird stopped on a nearby rock, and twisted its head this way and that several times, before hopping with ease down behind the rock, and out of Rorqale’s sight.
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Jan/16/2005, 7:30 am
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Kev2012
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Re: Mission #2c: *Anvils In Stone*
Rorqale sat, but after a long time of musing, he suddenly realised, the bird hadn’t returned from behind the rock, slowly, and as quiet as he could, he made his way towards where the bird had disappeared. He arrived, and peered slowly over the dark grey stone, and down the other side. At first it appeared that the grass sloped gently under this rock, but upon closer inspection Rorqale could see the slightest of gaps, not big enough for him to fit down but large enough for a bird, or maybe even another animal to squeeze through. Rorqale didn’t even think of the dangers that might but around, he removed Purgatio from his back, and with a stabbing motion slid it under the rock and used it as an impromptu pivoting device.
They the sword stayed put, and then Rorqale, with a heave of his strength and push with all his weight onto the handle of Purgatio, began to use the pivot to dislodge the rock. Purgatio began to curve and once it had bent all it could, it started to twist the large stone from the ground, dirt fell from the edge of the rock as it rose loose form the ground, but it twisted slowly upwards, and with a surge of strength Rorqale totally removed it from the ground, and sent it falling back down the mountains edge, and falling with a splash into the river several hundred metres below.
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Jan/16/2005, 7:30 am
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Kev2012
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Re: Mission #2c: *Anvils In Stone*
The hole that the rock revealed was gapping, large enough for Rorqale to fit down with ease, he slowly and tentatively edged his way down and then along in the relative darkness. Only the small amount of sun that was still penetrating this deep was leading his way. Several hundred metres down the tunnel and Rorqale came to a sharp left turn, which would lead him into the heart of the mountain, he looked down into the darkness, all that could be seen was pitch black, he looked finally towards where he had just come from, and could see the suns rays showing dances specs of dust. Without further ado he continued into the pitch darkness, not being able to see a single thing.
After several more moments, Rorqale’s eyes had adjusted to the darkness ever so slightly, he could see the narrow walls either side of him, and could just make out objects no more than a few metres ahead. He manoeuvred slowly and tentatively forwards, edging along in the blinding darkness, suddenly Rorqale sense something on his shoulder, like a gentle tapping. He felt with his hand and could feel wet, a drip was seeping through the rocks and into the tunnel, as Rorqale strained his ears, sense enhanced by the lack of sight, he could hear several more drips, and was sure he could hear even a steady flow of water.
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Jan/29/2005, 12:12 am
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Kev2012
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Re: Mission #2c: *Anvils In Stone*
He continued yet further, and without warning stumbled head first into a pool of water, freezing cold, and at least 3 feet deep. The shock of the cold made Rorqale yelp uncontrollably, and his voice echoed eerily all around the tunnel, which seemed endless. But as he adjusted to the cold, and his sense of feeling returned to his legs, Rorqale could feel that the water had a slight current, he headed towards where the water was, and before long came to a rock wall, he tapped it with the base of his sword but the wall was solid. Rorqale felt with his hand under the water, which was now over his hips, around 4 feet deep. His hand was met by solid rock for the first foot or so, but just under that he felt a ledge, where the water passed.
Rorqale quickly surveyed the rest of the pool, and the surrounding chamber, but no other access or way forward could be found, and at this point, the deepest part of the pool, it appeared that the crisp water went down, how far Rorqale was unsure, but he was prepared to try his luck and see for himself. Rorqale was momentarily dubious, it was freezing cold in the tunnel, and submerging himself under the water for any prolonged time could well lead to hypothermia or another cold induced illness, but time was moving fast, and this was the only lead Rorqale had.
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Jan/29/2005, 12:13 am
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Kev2012
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Re: Mission #2c: *Anvils In Stone*
He breathed heavy and fast for several seconds, then with a sudden lung submerged himself into the water, and kicked himself under the ledge. It was still dark, and Rorqale pulled with his arms against the rock walls, speeding deeper and deeper underground, further and further where the water led. Slowly he was losing feeling in his legs, so he started to kick with them in a frog-like motion. The Tri-Blade began to drag along the base of the tunnel, it was now evident to Rorqale that the tunnel was narrowing at an alarming rate, before very much longer and he was tightly squeezed into the narrowest position he could get himself into, and the water was beginning to scream in his ears. He continued to pull himself in the darkness, but thankfully the tunnel didn’t narrow any more, but led straight, like an arrow, for a further 100 feet, before spectacularly being lit up by light.
Rorqale thought that maybe he had turned somehow, and was about to come out the side of the mountain, but it was soon apparent that he was still deep in the mountains heart, and the light was coming from another source. He continued more cautiously, but he was slowly running out of breath. He pulled with the last of his strength, and then followed the water as it sprouted alluringly out of the tunnel and into a caesium, at the bottom of which was a gigantic pool, deep in the heart of the mountain. Rorqale fell, it was over 200 feet, and Rorqale caught fleeting glances of several things as he fell, separate smaller caves within the main one itself, filled with armour and weapons…beings moving this way and that, small, short…birds, several of them, flying in and out of holes that led into the main caesium, and finally, just before he hit the water with an knock out blow, a golden crown, and a king.
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Jan/29/2005, 12:24 am
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Kev2012
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Re: Mission #2c: *Anvils In Stone*
Rorqale opened his eyes to a blur of colour, his head was pounding, it was as if an army of darkness was beating its drums whilst relentlessly marching towards battle, Rorqale moved his arm up to touch his forehead, he had no mark, no scar or cut but his head was throbbing. Gradually the moments before he was knocked unconscious started to return to his scrambled brains. As the exact moment before he hit the water returned, he sat up sharp and went to draw the Tri-Blade from his side, but his sheath was empty, he grabbed at his back but knew before his hand grasped onto nothing that Purgatio was gone. He surveyed the room he was in, it was a stone chamber, carved into a perfect square, and drapes of colour hung all on the walls, fabrics and materials that had barely entered into the dreams of Rorqale. Carved stone ornaments lined the floors, stones that came from the centre of the mother Earth, and a crown was set against a Golden Sceptre, before Rorqale finally noticed a short and stout Dwarf, partially hidden in a darkened corner of the room.
The dwarf puffed some dark grey smoke out of the darkness, a golden shimmer appearing as he dragged again on his pipe.
“So, you going to answer me some questions mystery traveller?” The dwarf said in a deep, booming voice.
Rorqale caught the stench of his horrid tobacco, before answering, “Who are you?”
“No, I, the King of Dwarves, ask the questions, you are a guest, surely you should know your duty is to answer?” the King stood up and advanced out of the darkness. His hair was fiery red shimmering a golden light, he was pure muscle, a big bushy beard hid most of his facial features, but deep strong eyes sat amidst his gaggle of hair, and the pipe protruded from his mouth like a tap from a fountain.
“Now, why are you here? And how have you Purgatio?” The King said sternly.
“I come on a quest…” The King tutted at this “…and Purgatio was given to me by Shira, god of water!” Rorqale replied
The King gasped and his pipe dropped theatrically from his mouth, “You have seen Shira?” he said almost in disbelief.
“Yes, but if you want me to be the bearer of good news then you will be saddened when you hear my tail.” Rorqale then went about telling the King all about Shira going missing, and as he done so the King listened intently. Nodding his head and giving gasps of shock. Finally Rorqale finished with his tale and the King slumped, back against the wall.
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Feb/7/2005, 3:10 pm
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Kev2012
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Re: Mission #2c: *Anvils In Stone*
“That is bad news,” The King said at length, “Us dwarfs have lived in the mountain for generation after generation, always protected by the power of Shira. She controls the rain clouds above the mountain, we have sensed that something was wrong, the rain has been falling for 3 days and 3 nights without cessing, soon all the wonderful caves you see around you will be filled with water, and the Dwarfs time on this earth over. We have had no word from Shira, and we hoped that you, the bearer of the Dwarfish kings sword Purgatio would bring us good tidings, however we are deeply saddened by your news.” The King returned to his feet, “Gartio, Clastio” he bombed.
Two equally large dwarves returned to the room, holding between them an object draped in a bright green material of some kind. The two dwarfs gave the object to the King, and left the room. The king unwrapped the material and produced spectacularly the Tri-Blade, repaired to perfection. Rorqale hopped to his feat and took the sword off the King, the King also gave Rorqale the material the sword was wrapped in, which was in fact an elvish travelling robe, Rorqale disposed of his travel worn and damaged robe, and replaced it with this new, light, but warm, elvish one.
Slowly the King picked his crown from the floor, and returned it to his head, and picking up his Sceptre he said. “it is time to tell my fellow dwarf that Shira has gone, and soon the Mountains caves will be flooded, we must move on.” The king said solemnly.
The notion hit Rorqale like a bolt of lightning, he, turning to the king, went about telling him about the trouble that Epson was facing, and the King listened more intently than ever as Rorqale told his tale, upon Rorqale finishing a glint came to the eye of the King. “Dwarves are noble, powerful beings, and were the second of the three beings to come to Epson. We will not be drowned away to extinction, nor run to hills and live like humans, no offence, or hide in forests like the Elves, we will fight this battle with you, friend, bearer of the Dwarfish Kings Sword, and when we are victors, and the names of Dwarves firmly installed in legend, only then will we leave our friends, the Humans, and our friendly foes, the elves, to finish their days on this land.” The Dwarf puffed out his chest, and seemed to double in size, “Come, my friend, we have troops to summon, and a long march awaits us, let us feast tonight, and travel at first light.”
Rorqale smiled to the Dwarfish King, and planted a firm hand on his shoulder, “You don’t need to fight this battle for your names to live on forever and a day on this land, King, you should do it so it can remain free for all beings to enjoy.”
“Yes, so you say, but Dwarves are here for one reason, to bash Orcs to extinction, know that, and we will finish off the Orcs before we are finished ourselves, now, no more debate and talk of battle, now we will feast and drink the night away.”
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Feb/7/2005, 3:22 pm
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Kev2012
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Re: Mission #2c: *Anvils In Stone*
The king and Rorqale left the room, and entered a small network of tunnels, small not in length, but height, Rorqale was slouched as he followed the king and often, when the tunnel suddenly diminished in height, he experienced several painful thuds to the head. After some time of walking, although it was hard for Rorqale to gauge the true distance as his uncomfortable posture elongated the journey substantially, the pair entered a huge chamber, with several small tributaries of water falling spectacularly from great height.
Rorqale knew almost at once that the room he was now in, was the one that he originally entered the dwarfish kingdom from, soon he was taking in again the chambers that tailed off from the main room. Armour, spectacular and decorated unlike anything that Rorqale had every seen, and weapons, gleaming and large, axes as tall as the dwarves, broad swords that were as think as Rorqale’s leg, and enormous shields.
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Mar/2/2005, 8:49 pm
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Kev2012
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Re: Mission #2c: *Anvils In Stone*
The king halted and gestured for Rorqale to do the same; he put his hirsute hand to his mouth, and bellowed in a vast and booming tone.
“Dwarfs of the Mountain, show yourselves, the king bears grave news”
The king looked to Rorqale, but Rorqale’s attention was elsewhere, several dwarfs, firstly tens, then hundreds, and maybe even a thousand, came from every nook and cranny of the mountains heart, and the notion that all dwarfs looked the same swiftly left Rorqale. Shorter (than you would imagine) dwarfs with grey hair, black hair, blonde hair, or tall (as tall as a dwarf could surely get) dwarfs with no beards, trimmed beards or bushy beards. Male, female and children of all ages.
Soon an aura that Rorqale had never felt before overcame him, and the king’s words from earlier, which at the time seemed unnerving, acrimonious and almost a ceremonial moment of a king, now, they were unbelievable and indescribably relevant to a people that are often so wrongly portrayed that it would border on a travesty. Rorqale gasped, but the dwarves were paying no attention to him, even a stranger in this land, they were focused solely on the King, who was about to deliver his speech.
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Mar/2/2005, 8:50 pm
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