The next level had no one serious threat, but an endless parade of midlevel ones that grated on Adrian's nerves. Mages, an Ogre Magi, I veritable horde of Hobgoblin archers. By the end of that "day" (time being meaningless here underground), they were all completely bushed.
They were in a large furnace-room, smelting for iron was done here. The Hobgoblins had run it. The heat would've been unbearable, had they not shut the machines off. As it was, Adrian had pestered the mages for cooling spells, but the only one they had would kill.
"Yeslick," said Xzar.
"Leave me alone, madman," Yeslick sighed.
"Hear me. The golden armored lieutenant you mentioned. Was there anything about his armor particularly, other than it's being gold?
"Aye, there was a symbol to some evil god or other, on it's chest."
"Which one?"
"I know not, I didn't study it that closely."
Xzar nodded, and exchanged a look with Edwin.
"You two ready to tell me yet?" said Adrian.
"My superiors shall tell you when we reach the city, as promised," said Xzar.
"Much as I hate to say it," said Edwin, "I know what our deranged friend here is thinking. This armored golden-eye, what killed...your father, is of the same sort as yourself. That's why he came after you. He sees you as a rival to the power he seeks."
"You mean....he has similar gifts as the ones I've been developing?"
"Aye, something like that."
Adrian grunted thoughtfully. "Meanwhile, I recognize tbe name of the master of the mines, this Davaeorn."
"You do?" Viconia asked, startled.
"Aye. Remember that "Surgeon" we met? What he said?"
Viconia thought back....and gasped. "His brother," she said.
Adrian nodded. "He'll have his vengeance yet."
Safana watched them talking.
"You;ll lose them soon," said Coran behind her, softly.
She didn't turn. "I know that. But I need him still. In the city I have...unfinised business."
"Knowing you, I doubt it will end in the city."
She shrugged. "You're welcome to come of course."
"You know I will," he sighed.
"Oh Coran," she said, turning to him. "You know better than to give me your heart."
"And you know well enough that I can't help it," he replied sadly.
Faldorn sat alone, staring at the wall. They were fools, all of them fools. Each of them opposed the Throne for their own reasons, but the defiling of nature was not in their priorities. When the mine had fallen, she would leave them...but she had the feeling one day they would meet again, as foes.
As it should be. All those that disregarded nature would die.
