The Fifth Dagger

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Trial of Worth

Night had fallen, draping the mountainside in a damp chill as Jethro's group pressed forward, the haunting cries of distant creatures echoing through the mountains. Veil's Peak loomed above them, shadowed by heavy clouds as they neared the ancient falls that marked the entrance to Torin's hidden forge. They had been under constant assault from lurking predators and enchanted creatures, but the thrill of reaching their destination was enough to ignite their spirits, even amid the darkness.

"Just ahead," Jethro murmured, motioning toward a break in the dense mist where a roaring waterfall cascaded from a steep cliff. The sound thundered in their ears, and there, just beneath the falls, a jagged entrance was barely visible—Torin's forge lay hidden behind the furious rush of water.

The spray from the falls misted their faces as they approached the entrance, concealed beneath the raging torrent. Pam clutched the ancient scrolls, each one bearing a cryptic riddle tied to the challenges ahead.

Ylira stepped forward, her emerald eyes glinting with power. Holding the Dagger of Water aloft, she extended her arm toward the waterfall. The blade glowed, and in response, the water obeyed her command, parting with a sweeping gesture to reveal a narrow stone passage leading into the cavern beyond.

"Once we're in, there's no turning back," Jethro said, a steady resolve in his voice. They exchanged nods, each one prepared to face the unknown as they slipped into the passage, the waterfall sealing behind them.

∆ ∆ ∆

The atmosphere inside the cavern was oppressive, the air heavy with heat as they pressed onward, deeper into the mountain's core. Finally, they arrived at a vast chamber, bathed in the red glow of molten rock. The heat was nearly unbearable, radiating from a river of fire that stretched before them, its surface bubbling and surging with waves of molten lava. Fiery creatures lurked beneath the river's churning surface, shadows with glistening, jagged forms stirring from the depths.

Daryl's hand went instinctively to his bow. "Lovely place to set up a trial," he muttered, not breaking his grin, though his gaze was sharp and ready.

Pam unfolded the first scroll, the riddle of the Trial of Scourge, and read it aloud:

"When the heat grows strong and the flames churn high,

You'll cross the river where the phoenixes fly.

To pass unburned, look to the crest,

Where night and day find quiet rest."

Pam muttered to himself, his brows furrowed in concentration. "The crest where night and day meet... twilight?"

"Or the mist," Ylira added, her eyes scanning the molten river as a plan formed.

Ylira stepped to the edge of the river, holding her dagger high. She whispered an incantation, summoning water from deep within the mountain. A gentle mist came out of the cavern's walls, settling over the lava like a cooling veil. As she channeled the mist, the fiery creatures grew agitated, their forms darting to the surface in protest. But Ylira remained focused, creating a narrow path of water-stepping stones across the lava's surface.

"We have a way across," Ylira said, her voice strained. "But they'll try to stop us."

Daryl grinned, already notching an arrow. "Let's see them try."

With Ylira in the lead, the group began to cross the river, stepping onto each waterstone that Ylira conjured. Fiery creatures clawed from the lava, their molten eyes fixed on the intruders. Daryl released a steady stream of arrows, each one piercing their flaming targets and buying the group precious moments to cross. Jethro, with Celest close behind him, struck at any that got close, his sword flashing with each strike, while Pam protected her flank.