The Sunlit Stars

Chapter 12: The Valley of Time

## Chapter 12: The Valley of Time

Author's Note - : 

Salve, dear readers !  Before, you all slay me, sorry for the long absence! Life has been as chaotic as a Greek quest, but I'm back, and so are Nico and Will.

This chapter ? Oh, this chapter.  We're inching closer to 'that' moment. The tension, the unspoken words—it's all leading up to something big.  And trust me, Chapter 13 ? It's gonna be worth the wait.

Happy Reading !                   

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Nico's POV

The mist clung to Nico like a second skin, cold and oppressive. The magical map glowed faintly in his hands, its golden lines shifting as if alive. 

The path twisted and turned in impossible ways, always leading toward the faint roar of a waterfall in the distance.

Annabeth's handiwork was impeccable, of course. Her cabin had practically breathed life into the map, making it the perfect guide for a quest like this.

 But Nico couldn't shake the feeling that they were walking into a trap.

"Is it just me," Will muttered beside him, his voice low, "or does this place feel... wrong?"

Nico was about to agree when a rustling sound erupted from the shadows. 

The next hint of trouble came in the form of laughter—sharp, echoing, and too close for comfort. Nico stopped dead in his tracks, his heart thudding against his ribs.

The laughter grew louder, and suddenly, a group of old, short dwarf like men stepped out from the mist, their faces twisted into mischievous grins. One of them, slightly taller than the rest, stepped forward.

"Welcome, travelers," he said spreading his arms wide, his voice surprisingly deep for his size. "Thirsty from your journey?  You must be weary. Have a drink, and let us entertain you."

Nico's grip on his sword tightened. "We're just passing through," he said coldly.

The dwarf tilted his head, his grin never faltering. "Oh, but you can't pass through without partaking in our hospitality. It's tradition. A drink, a game—it's all we ask."

He gestured the dwarfs and one came forward, carrying a jug of amber ale.

Nico hesitated, staring at the jug. "What's in it?"

The dwarf grinned. "Only the finest brew, meant to make you strong and wise." He leaned closer, his eyes gleaming. "A sip won't hurt. Just one, and we'll even let you play a round of ninepins with us."

Nico glanced at Will, who was already shaking his head.

"Don't drink it," Will murmured. "Trust me. There's something wrong with it."

"Come," another dwarf chimed in, stepping forward with a set of carved pins and a ball.  "Just one round of ninepins. It's harmless fun. You can't pass through the Valley of Time  without playing."

Nico exchanged a wary glance with Will. He had never heard of  the Valley of Time  but it tugged  at the back of his mind. This must be it. The Valley of Time, he thought.

"Valley of Time?" he repeated.

The first dwarf nodded proudly. "The vale where time flows.  And I," he said with a flourish, "am the Chieftain of this valley!"