The crown of wolves

Chapter Seven

The group set out as soon as they could, the morning sun barely peeking over the horizon. The snow had stopped falling, but the cold was still a constant companion. Rylehn led the way, guiding them through the village and towards the hidden paths beneath the surface.

"We need to move quickly," Rylehn said as they approached a small, inconspicuous hut on the outskirts of the village. "These tunnels aren't used often, but they're the safest route to Iron Clave."

Eldredge nodded, glancing back at Silthgrad who remained stoic and ready. "Lead the way," he said.

Rylehn pushed open the door to the hut, revealing a narrow path leading down into darkness. She grabbed a torch from a nearby shelf, lighting it with practiced ease. "Stay close," she instructed, descending deeper into the burrow channels.

The tunnels were damp and cold, the walls lined with ancient, crumbling stone. The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows, but the path was clear. They moved in silence, each step echoing through the narrow passage.

As they walked, Eldredge couldn't help but admire Rylehn's knowledge of the tunnels. She moved with confidence, her torch held high, illuminating the way. 

"there used to be a story about Iron Clave, my father had told me when I was still little, Once upon a time, in a kingdom far away deep in north, there lived a king who had seven daughters. These princesses were renowned throughout the lands for their unparalleled beauty and grace. Yet, the king, driven by a desire to keep them forever by his side, decreed that no man would ever win their hands in marriage.

One day, a brave prince from a distant realm heard tales of the princesses' beauty and resolved to win the heart of the fairest among them. Undeterred by the king's reputation, the prince journeyed to the kingdom and presented himself at the royal court.

The king, determined to deter the prince, devised seven deadly challenges, each more perilous than the last. He proclaimed, "If you can conquer these trials, I will give you the hand of my most beautiful daughter. But be warned, no man has ever returned alive."

With unwavering resolve, the prince accepted the challenge. For three long years, he faced each trial with courage and cunning. The people of the kingdom spoke of his feats in hushed tones, marveling at his determination. Yet, as time wore on, the prince seemed to vanish, and many believed he had perished like the others before him.

Then, on a stormy night, a shadowy figure appeared at the gates of the castle. It was the prince, but he was a ghost of his former self—blind, frail, and grievously wounded. He had endured unimaginable hardships, but he had survived. The king, bound by his promise and fearing the wrath of fate, reluctantly agreed to the marriage.

The castle was adorned for the grand wedding, a bittersweet celebration of triumph and sacrifice. The prince, though broken in body, stood tall beside his bride, the fairest of the king's daughters, whose eyes shone with both sorrow and admiration.

But as the night deepened, an air of unease settled over the festivities. Whispers of dark omens and ancient curses rippled through the crowd. As the moon reached its zenith, a chilling cry echoed through the halls. The prince was found lifeless in his chamber, his face etched with a haunting expression of fear and anguish, Iron Clave was never the same again, " She said. 

"sounds familiar to me," eldredge said. 

" It is just a story but the fact is that there is a reason no one goes to Iron Clave, so be prepared, " She warned them. 

Silthgrad, ever vigilant, kept a hand on her sword, ready for any threat that might emerge from the shadows.

After what felt like hours, they finally reached a larger chamber. The air was cooler here, and the sound of dripping water echoed off the walls. Rylehn paused, turning to face Eldredge and Silthgrad.