Artimus awakens, slowly he regains his sight. Still limp and currently over the shoulder of one of the dwarves, he begins to look around. The tunnel is filled with bioluminescent plants and bugs. One of the dwarves speaks in a language unknown to him towards the other dwarves. They slow to a halt and lower Artimus to the ground.
Artimus looking around sees this cavernous place. It's lit with the soft afterlight of the life that dwells within it. A bug with a soft red glowing abdomen flutters towards him. Gently it lands and he begins to look at it. Examining the bug Artimus sees a peculiar pattern on it's wings. It was the same shape and size of the runic lettering in the leaflet he obtained. Shocked he scuttled back a bit as the bug flew off down the tunnels. Puzzled by his actions the dwarves begin to talk to each other in their own language and suddenly there was a pause, then a burst of laughter and they reached out to help him up.
He thanked them in his language but didn't know if they understood him. That is until and older looking one walked up to him and said "you're welcome good sir." Artimus, taken away by this begins talking about his quest, the companions he traveled with, the dagger. Suddenly the elder dwarf held up his hand to stop him from speaking. He looked at Artimus and told him that he and his dwarven brethren were sent by Luna, Magnus, and Markus. Artimus lit up with excitement knowing they were safe.
He and the dwarves started back down the tunnels towards safety. The air feels cool and slightly damp. Torch sconces in the distance are lit, their light dancing on the carved stone pillars that line the walkways. Their light however isn't made by simple flame and fuel but seemingly by glowing stones. As the main gate to the dwarven kingdom of Shimmer Deep opens they are greeted by an armed patrol of dwarves going out for a scouting mission. Their mounts are short and stout boars, painted with bright bioluminescent pigments. Their armor shimmers a golden hue. Artimus looks back one final time to watch the scouts leave. The gate closes and he is now safe.
YOU ARE READING
The alchemist's journey.
خيال (فانتازيا)A lonely Alchemist who spends most of his days and nights in his underground apothecary is thrust into the world above, and the adventures to find him are abundant. Scared he gathers his necessary tools and gear and heads out. Only time will tell if...
