The rest of the night passed without incident though, and the sounds of a newly dawning day came up from the street and stable yard as people began to prepare for a day's work.
Antonin came out of his room and headed for the back stairs that led down to the wash rooms. He showed no surprise as Elsa rose from her position and stretched.
“A good day ahead Antonin.” She said in greeting.
“A good day Elsa.” He replied.
Elsa followed Antonin down the stairs to the rear of the inn. Wash stands stood along the back wall. Simple basins on a bench on the wall each brimming with icy water. Antonin didn't think much of the “wash rooms” but he stripped to the waist and sluiced the cold water over his head and chest. Gasping at the shock in the icy dawn he wrung the water from his hair and shook his head like a dog to dispel the loose drops. He was pulling his shirt back on when he realized that Elsa was also stripped to the waist and was pouring the water from a basin over her head. She was leaning forward over another basin, the water streaming down her long hair and over her golden skin. The faint morning sunlight glinted on the droplets trickling down from her breasts.
Anton felt his face going red. He was getting tangled in his shirt in his confusion, and the sleeves seemed to have a mind of their own.
Elsa stood looking at Antonin, openly admiring his muscular build. Antonin didn't know where to look as Elsa towelled herself dry with her vest.
“I'll just check the horses.” He mumbled as he turned away, finally managing to get his shirt on without ripping it. He was sure his face was a beacon. Elsa just gave a soft chuckle at his departing back and started back up the stairs to raise the others.
“That Catharina was very lucky,” she thought to herself. “But,” Elsa thought. “Antonin is only a boy. Luan on the other hand is a man.” She smiled to herself. Elsa moved down the hallway, pounding on the door of each of the other rooms including that of Mei’An and Luan. Her fellow spear maidens were already up and about. The boys came out, and headed down to the wash basins. There was no sign of Mei’An or Luan. Elsa opened the door to Mei’An’s room. The bed had not been slept in. Checking Luan’s room revealed the same. Where could they be? Well, they could not move without Mei’An, for she was the only one who would know the Keystone on sight. Only she could sense it’s presence. She had said that both Antonin and Catharina would know immediately if they were near the Keystone. She had not said how though.
The group, minus Mei’An and Luan gathered into Antonin’s small room. There was a small window high on the wall, barely large enough to get a man’s head through. It was covered only by a wooden shutter. No glass. It served only to let a small amount of fresh air into the room. The walls, like all the other rooms, were bare boards fitted tightly together in a vertical pattern and held in place by cross beams. The cot along the wall served as both bed and seat. It was a tight fit to squeeze in six adults, but in the interests of privacy there was no choice. Antonin studiously avoided Elsa, going to great pains to be as far away from her in the confines of the tiny room as possible. He still had not forgotten Elsa’s casual teasing at the wash basins. He realized it had all been a bit of fun for Elsa, and could not work out why it had affected him so. Catharina looked at Antonin and Elsa in turn. A look of slight puzzlement in her expression, until Elsa flickered finger talk to her. Catharina chuckled and smiled sweetly at Antonin. Antonin would give anything to know what was being said, but all he could do was look at the ceiling and wonder what such a large number of spiders could find to eat in such a barren place as this room. Edina made a comment to Elsa about babies with rosy skin and all three girls burst out laughing. Antonin continued to count spiders while Gaul and Reese waited patiently, completely ignorant of what the joke was all about.
“Well,” said Rees finally. “We should find something to eat I think, then perhaps go out into the city to see what there is to see?”
He left the sentence hanging as a question and looked at the others in turn. Everyone was nodding. What else could they do? There was no point in trying to find Mei’An and her guard companion. They could be anywhere. None of the six had ever been to a city before and it was too good an opportunity to miss. After all, what trouble could befall them in broad daylight in a crowded city street.
Everyone trooped down the stairs to the common room. Surprisingly, it was already busy with serving maids. The room was filling with wagoners, drivers, teamsters, loaders, handlers, running boys, saddlers and blacksmiths. It seemed that everyone concerned with the movement of goods or wagons, or horses was in the inn for a morning meal. Huge dishes of steaming beef, vegetables and flagons of ale were on every table. Most of the men had been hard at work since before the dawn light had brightened the sky, and this was a good meal to get through the day on. There was little time to find their way home. For those who lived in the city as well as those just passing through. The process was simple. A standard fee was paid to the innkeeper and a person took what they liked, and ate what they took. Ale or wine was part of the price. There would be no heavy drinking at this hour though. There was still a hard day's work ahead for all, and the ale was just for thirst.
There were a few calls of welcome from some who remembered the girls from the previous night, but otherwise they were ignored. These were tough men in a hard world, and their thoughts were on the day ahead.
The group found a corner, and proceeded to help themselves to the abundant fare. None realized just how hungry they were. The trip from the village had been hard and fast, and little time had been given even since their arrival to personal comforts. The festivities of the night before had been a mixture of investigation and fun and had ended late. Antonin paused in thought with a piece of bread half way to his mouth. It was a long way from Xu Gui. Antonin knew it would be a long time before they returned to the comfort of their homes. He shook his head and put the thoughts out of his mind. Sitting back in his chair he munched on his bread and looked about the room. There were all types here together. Sitting alone or in groups, and getting on with the business of eating and discussing the days business, or simply exchanging news. Antonin’s eyes snapped back to a man sitting alone across the far side of the room. He was by a window in the far wall and the morning sun was full on him. It was a Trader. Unmistakable, in looks and dress. He seemed to sense Antonin’s look and turned to stare with unblinking gaze at Antonin.
Could the word have yet spread about the events in his village? Antonin doubted it. They had ridden hard to get here. Only the Wind Readers could send a message faster.
Antonin got to his feet and made his way over to the Trader. Standing by his table, Antonin said only one word.
“Trader?”
“Trader.” Grunted the man in reply.
The Trader ate alone. They made no friends in their travels, and their reputations usually ensured that few would go seeking a Trader as one.
“Trader, may I sit? I have news for you.” Said Antonin.
“What news could it be that brings a boy to seek out a Trader?” said the man more to himself than to Antonin. "Sit.” He pointed to the opposite chair with his hunting knife. It was serving as his carving knife. Antonin eyed the glint along the razor sharp blade as he sat and leaned forward. He wanted to be sure only the Trader heard his words.
“Trader, one of your guild has given us his true name.” Whispered Antonin.
To a Trader this could mean only one thing. The Trader who gave out his true name had found what all Traders had been seeking since time in this age had begun. The Seal of The Creator.
This Trader doubted very much that such tidings would be carried by what he saw as a slip of a boy like this. Antonin was a strong and well built young man, but to the huge bulk of the trader he was truly but a slip of a boy.
Leaning forward and jabbing the air with a chicken bone for emphasis he growled “Don't fool with me boy. You dabble your toes in a very deep pond.” The Trader started to climb to his feet. He bent forward and thrust his face close to Antonin. He had his mouth open to speak when Antonin said quietly,
“His name is Annan Hamar, and he has found what all seek.”
The Trader sank slowly back into his seat.
“Boy, you could not know that ancient name unless what you say is true.”
Catharina’s voice came between the Trader and Antonin like a silken thread. She had appeared at the Traders shoulder.
“He speaks the truth Trader.” Calmly, but with a great menace hidden in the soft words. The Traders eyes flickered only long enough to take in the Mare Altan standing close beside him. The Mare Altan never lied. He knew this well. They had no need. They feared no one and nothing. If they said a thing was so – then it was so. He realized also that if he pressed this boy he would doubtless have to deal with the girl and who knew how many of her friends. He knew who would come out the victor and it would not be himself. So, it must be true. What news this was then. The Trader relaxed visibly and leaned back in his chair.
There had been some movement of people around them during this brief exchange. In a dangerous place like this city it paid to be sensitive to brewing trouble. For moments the air around the Trader had been as charged as a late summer storm.
When he relaxed, the hum of conversation started again. The rattle of plates, conversation and shuffling feet again filled the room. Had anyone heard? Antonin looked about him. No one was taking any further notice now that the tension was passed.
“Tell me where this Trader is if you would?” asked the Trader facing Antonin.
Antonin thought a moment then replied “Trader, if you would protect your Guild and help your own kind, you might consider aiding us in our quest. Not unlike yours, but more recent I think. I give you his location in trust that only your Guild knows about it. Only those who have already suffered at his hands know this location. Apart from us of course. And a Wind Reader.”
The Trader well knew that only followers of the Dark Lord could be the ones referred to as having suffered. He had also seen a Wind Reader this very morn. In this inn.
“The Wind Reader is with you?” asked the Trader.
Before Antonin could reply Mei’An stepped up to the table.
"She is, and I am.” said Mei’An.
“You will find what you seek in the village of Xu Gui, perhaps four or five days by wagon south of here, and some way to the east of the Great North Road.” Said Antonin. “Do we have your help?” he added.
“You have my help, and of the Guild if the Wind Reader will help me and pass the news to the Guild House.”
The Trader scraped back his chair as he stood.
“I will be back here before the next moon shows. If you are here still and need my help, then have it you will.”
As he turned to leave Mei’An reached up and laid her palm along the man’s rough cheek. Looking deep into his startled eyes she said “The message is passed on Trader. Worry not. May you always find water.” The Trader nodded his head in understanding. The Wind Reader had passed her message to the Master of the Guild House. He would hear it as a voice in his head, know it as a truth. It would be accompanied by the sound of a chime proclaiming that a Wind Reader had spoken. He knew also that now the lives of all Traders would change. The ancient prophecies were coming to pass and great upheaval was upon them.
The trader turned back on his heel.
“Boy,” he said to Antonin. “What is your quest, so important and so recent?”
“The Keystone of Sara Sara is taken. We must retrieve it.” Was all Antonin needed to say.
The Trader looked from one to another for a moment, then turned again and left. Others nearby had heard this exchange though. Like a grass fire the news could be heard spreading across the room. The news would be across the entire city by nightfall. This city could well be at the centre of the storm when it came. There would be many people trying to leave as soon as they could. Certainly everyone suddenly wanted to be as far from the small band of travellers as they could get. There were a few startled wide eyed looks at the Maidens as men realized they had been dancing only the previous night with sworn foes of the Dark Lord. The general exodus started. Soon only the small group were left in the common room. Along with a number of confused serving maids.
The innkeeper came up to Mei’An.
“I don't know what was really said my old friend, but it was certainly effective.”
He stood there, wiping his hands from habit on his broad white apron.
“Do not worry Tallbar. I will compensate you well, and the wagoners will return. Your ale and fine food are too good.”
“I am not worried,” said the innkeeper. “You and your friends are always welcome here. Many times have you shown kindness to me and my family. I repay as best I can with what I have.”
Tallbar the innkeeper moved off, shooing the serving girls before him. There was much cleaning up to be done. The group from Xu Gui had the common room to themselves.
Foremost in everyone’s mind was the sudden reappearance of Mei’An. As if reading their minds, she held up her hands.
“All in good time. First, you must tell me all that has happened here while I was busy.”
Mei’An led the way to a large table almost in the centre of the room. Far enough away from wall and doors to make quiet conversation private.
Everyone settled into chairs and Antonin recounted the events of the previous night. The Mare Altan were surprised, and a little angry that Antonin had not told them about the encounter with the Morgoth warrior. Had they known they would all have spent the night prowling the halls of the inn on guard.
Mei’An was worried by the news that the Tharsians had the Keystone. Not the Morgoth, nor the helpers of the Dark Lord. Even the Dark Lord must worry over this news. He had created the Tharsians but then lost control of them. Mei’An could not guess what the Morgoth Warrior had meant by his parting words. Perhaps there were plots for power in the camps of the evil ones.
“The Morgoth you faced is called Cinnabar. You are all lucky to be alive. He is the undisputed leader of the Morgoth Elite. Only he carries the sword you describe. It can only be a sign of his haste to retake the Keystone that he didn't take the moment to kill you all.…. As he could have done.” added Mei’An as both Gaul and Rees began to protest.
“If that is not bad enough, it sounds like he has learnt to Travel. The gateway you saw him make. He steps through time itself, and can go where ever he wants at will.”
Catharina said "Should we await the return of the Trader, or begin immediately after the Keystone?”
Mei’An tapped her lips with a finger. A recognisable trait she had that showed she was deep in thought.
“We dare not wait about here,” said Mei’An. “The Trader may well never return. We have no idea of events in your village. We have no idea of what fate awaits the Trader or his guild. We can only go forward on our quest. We must hope that we can reach the Keystone before the others, and wrest it from the Tharsians. Whoever holds that Keystone has the Dark Lord in their hands.”
Antonin spoke quietly, almost as though thinking aloud.
"So the Tharsians have the Keystone. Cinnabar and the Morgoth want it, and there is still the other rabble of the Dark Lord to contend with. Annan Hamar holds the Seal, and he stays in Xu Gui, while we run off all over the world also in pursuit of the Keystone.”
Catharina held her hands up from the table and contemplated her fingers.
“Then we had best try to locate the trail of the Tharsians who have the Keystone. We know the Morgoth are perhaps just ahead of us, judging by the arrow found in that strange cavern. There is also their leader Cinnabar appearing here.” Catharina suddenly sat up straight. “The Morgoth must be in the city! Cinnabar may be able to Travel as you call it, but he would not be far from his warriors.” She was on her feet. “We will find them. The honour of the Mare Altan is in our hands.” Catharina looked at the other girls. All three were now on their feet. Poised, deadly, they stood almost on their toes ready for action in an instant. With little urging they would be out into the city searching for the Morgoth by themselves.
The three young men stood, chairs scraping back, hands on weapons.
“Let us quarter the city in teams of two,” said Rees. “And that way we can cover the city rapidly. It is not so large we cannot do it in a day. I would think the presence of Morgoth in a city will cause a certain amount of unrest – even in this city.”
Gaul added. “We must alert the others if they are found. Not die uselessly in battle. Have a flame arrow ready. If they are spotted, then send it aloft and it will be seen.” Heads nodded in agreement.
Luan had come in to the room some time before, and almost unheeded had taken a chair by Mei’An. He had said nothing throughout the entire time since Mei’An had returned.
“I suggest,” he began. “That all teams meet back here at the noon bell. If a team has located the Morgoth, then they stay on the trail until that time. Reporting back here will allow us a chance to meet the Morgoth in force. A flame arrow in the air will alert – and alarm – all in the city, and may even set it alight. From this point on we should move about quietly I think.”
Mei’An agreed and added “The two who are the focus should be together. Catharina and Antonin. If indeed there be a reason for this focus developing around them, then it may be that events will take place simply because of that. That their presence bends the forces to them.”
“Very well,” said Antonin. “Catharina and I will take the North East Quarter. I heard last night that it is called the Old Quarter. It is the original city. Very old, and is said to contain underground places that no one will enter. It sounds very familiar. Streets like a maze where all come together in a vast plaza with a long disused fountain in the centre.”
The others quickly arranged themselves into groups. Gaul and Elsa, Rees and Edina and Mei’An and Luan. It was still very early, so the search would be able to cover a lot of ground before the noon day bell was rung.
This huge bell was housed in the highest tower in the city. Because of its height and the flatness of the surrounding plain on which the city stood, it could be heard even far out in the fields. The bell had a very deep tone. Very low in pitch. It’s sound penetrated into the furthest recesses of the city. Two peals of the bell at noon by the sundial on its platform, four peals of the bell at sundown when the last rays left the tiles on the tower’s central spire. Let into the peak was an ingenious array of glass prisms that reflected the suns light down into the tower to the bell ringers platform. A small circle of bright light travelled slowly across a table on the platform. When this light winked out the sun was set. The bell was struck. Then the days labour was done. Carriers, labourers, shopkeepers and all the city workers could return to their homes, their days work done. It had been this way longer than anyone knew. The bell had hung in the tower which itself had stood on the bare plain alone long before the city had slowly been built around it. It stood right at the centre of the Old Quarter. The buildings were like no others in the rest of the city. Built of a strange smooth stone that seemed to be made from sand and small stones held together by a mortar of some kind, no such stone could be found anywhere in Da Altai. The stone of the Dragon Spine mountains was flint hard granite and could not be worked for building stone. The search for the source of the strange stone had been abandoned long ago. The rest of the city – the New City, was of wood and sandstone construction. The roads and streets were mostly cobblestone or packed sand in the smaller streets and off the main thoroughfares the maze of little streets wound their way around buildings that seemed to have been placed in the area with no thought to order. The rest of the city had been built out from this old section in the general direction of the Dragon Spine. The Great North Road brought people to the area and the city had taken shape as more and more people stayed about the original site. The impassability of the road through the Great Sandy Blight to the north had helped, and over the centuries the city had become a permanent part of the landscape again.
A week of steady riding north brought the traveller to the edges of the Great Sandy Blight. This area was true desert and shrank and grew according to the seasons. Mostly it continued to grow in area as it expanded further and further south. Some said it would eventually reach the city.
The search party left the inn in the early morning light. They made their way through the throng and gained the main city road. This road more or less continued the Great North Road through the city. Many watched their passing. The word was already spreading.
Antonin and Catharina started into their section and the others moved away to begin their searches. The road that Antonin An Catharina followed was a broad avenue that curved away off the main road and then straightened up to run almost directly east.
Antonin and Catharina were looking for signs of unusual activity. Sure that if there were Morgoth warriors in the area, the actions of locals would give a good indication of their presence. The city was refuge to many people from many parts of the world. No questions were asked about a person's origins and nothing volunteered. Locals and wanderers didn't mix other than in trade, and certain parts of the city were strictly out of bounds to strangers. There were no signs, but wandering into such sections would usually result in the person beating a hasty retreat when confronted with silent residents blocking the roadway, usually with hands on sword hilts. If not actually nursing drawn swords. If there were Morgoth in the city then word would quickly spread as to their whereabouts and intentions. It was unlikely they would be confronted even in the forbidden sectors of the city, but they would find it difficult to gain access to any buildings.
If there were Tharsians in the city then the whole place would be in uproar. Tharsians would not control themselves. Could not control themselves. There would be full scale battles raging in the streets. The Tharsians against everyone else.
Catharina and Antonin walked steadily along the main way. The hawkers and pedlars around them went about their business and paid the pair no more than a passing glance. Antonin could have been invisible, but Catharina drew many an admiring look from the men, even though they stepped smartly out of her way. They had been strolling along the thoroughfare for some way before Catharina felt the tug at her jacket hem. She looked down and was surprised to see a girl of perhaps five or eight years trailing along by her side. The giggling behind her led to the discovery of a dozen or more girl children of about the same age in a gaggle some ten paces back.
She stopped in her tracks. The children stopped. She walked on. The children walked on. Again she stopped and then squatted down to face the child by her side.
“Yes little one?” She asked with a smile on her face.
“Are you a warrior from the plains over the mountains?” Asked the little girl.
“Yes, that is true. I am. I am a warrior of the Mare Altan.” Replied Catharina. “Will you tell me your name my little friend?”
The girl dropped her hold on Catharina’s jacket and fled back to her companions where she could be heard repeating the information in a loud whisper.
Catharina smiled broadly and turned to walk on to where Antonin stood waiting in the shade of a high mud wall. Just as she took a step she heard the girls voice call out “My name is Nee lin miss.”
Catharina turned and found the groups of children all staring at her, and all but the little Nee lin starting to take hesitant steps backwards. Nee lin was holding a trembling lower lip in check, but she was standing her ground as Catharina walked up to her and knelt down on one knee. There was gathering interest from the traders about the immediate area. These warriors had reputations as fierce and unforgiving people, but of course none had ever confronted one, and no one knew if they truly stole away bold children or not. Catharina could see a woman who must be the mother in the mouth of a nearby alley. Too afraid to confront Catharina and regain her child, and too afraid for her child to leave. Catharina smiled her most friendly smile and lifted a light string of beads from around her neck and reached out with one hand and dropped them over the child’s head so that they now hung down the slight body almost to her knees.
“A brave little girl you are.” said Catharina. "So please take these beads as a gift from me, and remember as you grow up that one day you met Catharina of the Mare Altan and looked her in the eye. Be safe little Nee lin.”
Catharina beckoned to the mother and asked Nee lin. “Is this your mother coming?”
“Yes.” Replied Nee lin in a voice almost too quiet to hear.
Catharina stood, and as she turned to leave smiled at the mother in reassurance. Mother and daughter stood in the roadway and watched Catharina until she was lost to sight in the crowds of the streets.
“I think we should go into the areas off the main way.” said Catharina.
Antonin nodded and they turned down into the maze of alleyways. Here the streets were jammed with people, produce stalls, wheeled carts and people being carried in sedan chairs. Canvas awnings festooned with bright bunting in all colours gave a carnival air to the scene. Watching the shadows, Antonin could see that they continued more or less in their desired direction. Many people cast suspicious looks in their direction. Antonin was well armed, and although dressed like a farmer, he was in the company of a Mare Altan warrior.
People tended to step out of their way, although many a hopeful stall holder still offered their wares. The young pair might after all just be out strolling through the markets, and a sale was a sale.
Catharina pointed out that some way ahead there seemed to be a larger gap in the buildings. This could be the central plaza of the old district. Steadily they made their way along the narrow street until there before them was the plaza. It was much larger than either had imagined, and it was plain that all the narrow streets of the quarter began at this point and radiated out like spokes in a wagon wheel.
There were not many people in the plaza itself. It was clear of stalls. Antonin and Catharina strolled out to the remains of the fountain in the centre. It had long been disused. The central figure was some long gone hero of a past age. The huge stone basin around the base of the figure was cracked and crumbling. It would never hold water again, even from a rain shower. The entire quarter showed signs of great age. The surrounding buildings were of ancient design, and although most seems occupied little work was being done on maintenance and restoration. It was a testament to the skill of the original builders that it still stood..
Catharina became aware even as she gazed at the central figure on the fountain, that it had gone very quiet around the square. She wheeled instantly, scanning the entire area in a glance. The plaza had emptied. Except for a group of heavily armed Morgoth warriors already half way across the plaza toward them. As soon as they realized they had been seen, the leader let out a roar and as one they rushed at Catharina and Antonin.
“Catharina, we can't engage them!” yelled Antonin. “We have to warn the others or at least avoid battle until we can contact them.”
Catharina’s eyes widened in surprise. It had not entered her head to avoid the confrontation. The Morgoth were nearly upon them.
She pulled an arrow from her arrow case that was longer than the rest, and contained a tube attached to it. It took but a second to launch the arrow into the air. Antonin was on his toes with his broadsword swinging. If Catharina wanted to fight he would be right by her side. He watched the Morgoth approaching in a rush across the plaza, and watched the arrow speed high over their heads. He looked at Catharina with a puzzled expression on his face.
“Are you standing here all day? Or are you coming with me to safety?” she quipped with a smile.
As she ran past Antonin she clung to his sleeve and nearly pulled him off his feet as she got him running. He heard a roar of sound from across the square and glanced over his shoulder to see a pall of coloured smoke rising rabidly into the sky from where a vendors charcoal fire had been moments before.
“No time to strike flints,” called Catharina with a laugh. “The others will see that smoke even if they are in the far mountains.”
“Run there.” Yelled Catharina to the startled Antonin. She pointed with her short spear to a squat two level building across the plaza ahead of them. It was one of the few that seemed unoccupied. Catharina was not happy. She knew what had to be done, but she had never fled from a battle in her life before. The Morgoth would pay for this if she ever got to face them.
The Morgoth meantime were yelling and roaring like demons possessed. The young pair easily outran the ungainly beasts and made the entrance to the building easily. It appeared to be empty. A fact that Catharina had noted earlier as they had first entered the plaza. It was a strange place. A broad open area like a huge hall and little else. Small windows along one side opened into rooms who's long forgotten purpose could not even be guessed at. At the far end of the hall were stairs leading to the upper levels and to the amazement of them both, the same design of stairs leading downward as they had seen in the distant deserted ruins. The decision was made fast. Avoid the Morgoth or turn and fight. The Morgoth were almost up to the steps leading up to the entrance. Antonin pointed to the stairwell.
“Catharina, are you willing to try the caverns with me?”
Catharina looked quickly about. The place was something of a trap. There was only the huge front entrance, and the Morgoth were even now roaring across the entrance way toward them. There was no sense going to the upper levels. That would trap them for sure. Catharina was not afraid to turn and fight but it would serve no useful purpose to end up dead. They were heavily outnumbered.
“Perhaps we can pick up the trail of the Tharsians in the cavern.” Catharina turned and started toward the stairwell as she spoke. “It made sense,” thought Antonin. “The Tharsians must have come this way, and the only way they could travel without causing panic in the population was by some means that kept them out of sight.”
Antonin muttered under his breath and together they sped for the stairs down into the caverns. The Morgoth had by now gained the entrance were leaping into the gloomy interior howling and roaring. The noise was amplified in the stony interior and became deafening. They were just in time to see Antonin and Catharina disappearing down the stairs into the darkness. The Morgoth were only seconds behind, but it was enough to give Antonin the moment he needed to get Catharina and himself into the small room he knew to be to the left of the stairs on the lowest level. Antonin certainly hoped it was there. It was pitch black in the deep cavern just as had been the first one they had entered in the ruins on the other side of the mountain pass.
Moving as quickly as possible in the pitch black Antoine and Catharina went forward a few paces once they were on the lowest level, then turned left and felt forward with outstretched arms and fingertips. They eased forward until Antonin encountered the wall of the room he knew must be there. He hissed a warning to Catharina and together they moved around the walls, finally gaining entry to the small room.
By now the Morgoth warriors were also in the dark cavern. They stumbled about in the inky blackness, and obviously had no idea where they were. With no light they were in total disarray, and at the mercy of Antonin and Catharina should they choose to engage them. Suddenly one let out a shriek and crashed to the floor. It had come too close to the doorway near Catharina, and with the skill of the Mare Altan to guide her she had thrust her short killing spear into the Morgoth warrior as he had felt his way past the doorway. His dying shriek had set off the others in a frenzy of bellows and cries. The noise subdued even them after a few moments.
“Well,” thought Catharina. “We had better decide what to do. That was pure luck.”
At the same moment Antonin had found the knob he had been searching for on the top of the bench. A gentle push and a soft click alerted Catharina. She looked in the direction she knew Antonin to be in, and there in the dark she could see the soft green glow of the strange devices that somehow summoned the strange machines that Luan had spoken of. They knew it to be no beast, but Catharina could not understand what Antonin had in mind in summoning the machine. If indeed it did come as it had done on that past occasion.
Suddenly all sound stopped. The Morgoth had even stopped breathing. There was a gentle movement of air, which Antonin and Catharina knew to be the herald of the machines travel toward them. The Morgoth had felt the change in air pressure as well. They had no idea what it was though and now a faint humming could be heard in the tunnel to Antonin’s left as he faced toward the cavern. Catharina’s sense of direction, like Antonin's was finely tuned. She knew in which direction they faced now. The machine was coming from the south west, going north east. Nothing lay in that direction that she knew of, only the Great Sandy Blight.