The Reunion of Loved Ones

32. Valsor's hospitality

Ivana kept thinking about Lana's story and felt nothing but affection for her little sister. She had not only defeated her inner demon to be free from her tormenting pains but also to protect them – her sisters – from further suffering. That was the epitome of bravery, and Ivana thanked her for that. She always knew Lana possessed a particularly strong mind, but once again, Lana demonstrated it here. Ivana didn't know if she could have defeated her demon in Lana's position in the Last Battle, and now thanks to Lana's strength, she probably would never have to find out.

She looked at Lana, who was cheerfully singing Porta's victory song. She hadn't seen her sister so upbeat since they had left Sutarebil. One would almost think Lana had completely forgotten what fate might still hang over her head. But those were worries for tomorrow. For now, Lana's cheerfulness was infectious, and soon Ivana joined in singing the victory song. The Portans had made this song for them when they defeated King Lembo, and Ivana believed it was also applicable to the current situation: after all, Lana had fought and emerged victorious. However, their cheerfulness didn't last long when they saw a city looming ahead of them. It was Valsor, the city of the Orcs, full of servants of the former King Lembo. Dana was the first to notice the city and fell silent in mid-sentence. Lana and Ivana, noticing her silence, also fell silent and when they saw what had caused their sister's change in mood, they looked grimly towards the northwest.

Valsor was a terrifying city, a fortress of darkness. Both the buildings and the city wall were surrounded by a sinister green glow, clearly showing that the city was protected by more than just a city wall. The green glow indicated a powerful protection spell, presumably one of Lembo's making. This sickly light gave the city an otherworldly, terrifying appearance, especially at night.

Valsor appeared to consist of a large fortress, made up of several tall and pointed towers. The walls were thick and impenetrable, made of obsidian that emphasised the strength and steadfastness of the city. They were covered with strange runes and symbols suggesting dark spells and enchantments. The gates of Valsor were large and intimidating, reinforced with iron and adorned with eerie figures and sinister designs. The main gate, which gave access to the Valsor Valley, was a detailed masterpiece of dark craftsmanship. The city was surrounded by a thick, cold mist that partially obscured the structures and added a sense of mystery and threat. This mist was also created by magic, as it served a second function: the mist made it difficult for enemies to clearly see and attack the city.

Valsor was known for not wanting to know anything about travellers. The landscape around the Orc city was mountainous and inaccessible. There was no vegetation, and travellers were seen miles in advance. When they dared to venture near the city, they were mercilessly shot at from the obsidian city wall without warning. The soldiers of Valsor hid behind the many wide zinc pinnacles that adorned the city wall and never missed their target. The city was surrounded by the dark forests of the Magna Silva and the northern Aquamontes. The thirty-foot-high city wall was as smooth as ice due to the obsidian and could not be climbed by anyone; grappling hooks simply slid off.

'You know what they say about Valsor's hospitality, don't you?' asked Ivana discouraged. 'We can't just fly over the city, because we'd never survive that!'

Lana nodded and Dana replied: 'We need to land somewhere to come up with a plan. At least we all agree that it takes too much time to pass the city at a safe distance and fly around it that way, right?'

'Basically, yes, but there may be no other option!'

'There certainly is. I just can't guarantee that these plans are without risk.'

'Let's land first,' Lana said. 'I can't come up with plans in the air with the constant threat of being spotted before we come up with a good idea. Besides, a piece of bread with some cheese and nuts wouldn't be bad either. I can't think on an empty stomach.' She patted her stomach meaningfully. Ivana couldn't help but agree, and a little later they landed behind an enormous rocky outcrop that shot fifteen feet into the air like a large, sharp stalagmite.