Dragonworld: The Drive For Power

Part 25: The Stepped Pyramid Of Magic

The Stepped Pyramid of Magic

He shivered a bit. He didn't expect it to be this chilly during the evening. After all, Tikanmul is considered to be a tropical place. Palm trees are everywhere, and much of the island of Celenor is covered by an extensive jungle.

Yet, Taufus Lance's skin was forming goosebumps. Maybe he should have worn a thicker coat. In any case, he was close to reaching his destination. The Stepped Pyramid of Magic.

It was a magnificent building, not as grand as the Stepped Palace of Tikanmul, but much more impressive than any building he had seen in his life nevertheless.

As he got closer to the structure, he stopped to examine it more closely. Scanning it up and down, he remarked its exquisite craftsmanship. It was made up of a series of terraces, all stacked on top of each other. Looking at it, it seemed to form a sort of a staircase into heaven.

It is said that some of the initial building blocks date from before the monsters came, from the times when magic pervaded the lands, and gods walked the earth. Long ago, the pyramid must have been full of magic.

Entering it, Taufus was escorted by a pair of guards. After having walked down a long flight of stairs, he was ushered into a meeting room. A large man was seated on a grand couch in the middle, flanked by a series of burning lampposts. His robes made of silk, he had the air of someone from an era long past.

"Mage Taufus Lanse. What a pleasure," said the man seated on the couch.

"Chief mage Tissanal Pasankat," said Taufus, "the pleasure is all mine." He was looking at the chief mage of Tikanmul.

"I trust your voyage went well?" The chief mage looked at him, offering him some tea.

"Yes, it did," Taufus replied, while grabbing the tea and taking a sip.

"Very well, I know your time is precious, so let's get down to business," said the chief mage. "We have been watching your expedition with interest. However, I would like to make you aware of some potential difficulties you might encounter."

"Difficulties?" Taufus had a puzzled look about him, his eyebrows raised.

"Yes. As you know, when Bloodbeard conquered the city of Akelon, he also came into the possession of items from the previous kings. Among these were certain pieces that came from the Fire Bridge," the chief mage paused for a bit.

"Of course. The holdings of the former mage of the Fire Bridge, one of the most powerful mages of the past five hundred years. Most of these were then transported here after Bloodbeard conquered Tikanmul," said Taufus.

"Many pieces. Like the Dagger of the Fire Bridge. We have stored them here in the Pyramid," said the chief mage. "However, not all the items from the mage came here."

"What do you mean?"

"On route, Bloodbeard had diverted some of the items back to his original pirate stronghold. They were added to his treasures which were then buried at an unknown place. The same treasures you are trying to find," continued the chief mage.

"I see," Taufus looked into the floor. "That changes things. We will have to be careful filtering the treasure once we locate it. We don't want these items to fall into the wrong hands."

"Exactly," said the chief mage. "Times are getting dangerous."

Taufus stared up at the other man.

"There are certain factions, including here at the Pyramid. Factions which are playing for their own interests. Interests which don't always align with ours," said the chief mage.