Bellator

Boarded from the Answers

"We do not have time for Ater, Mutator. Think of Inlusio, our village, time-"

"But with a dead scroll we are destined for the worst and you know it!"

Our voices began to rise and I, for one, was mentally drained and did not want to argue. We were far then exhausted and hungry. The boys patience was dwindling.

"It is far too risky. Caerculous's eyes will be prowling the premise. The scroll we have now will just have to do."

"Bellator, you are a warrior, are you not? We have no choice but to risk it or I shall go solemnly alone and fetch it myself. We would waste time trying to figure out a dead scroll in any case." Mutator barked one last time, followed by a loud silence between us.

I did not want to lose him to Caerculous again, not him. I knew the dangers of going to Ater and I knew how stubborn we both could be. We were both to ignorant to see each other's arguments but deep down I knew he was right. I just did not want to agree, to go back there.

"He is right, Bellator" Atlerum remarks, ultimately breaking the silence. "In addition we need to rest and to feed somewhere. I know it's a risk you do not want to take, one we all can agree on to be difficult, though I honestly see no other choice."

I burry myself deep in thought, a plan circulating in my mind. I suspire and grit my teeth for once again I was forced to do something of great peril. I had to trust the men knew their way to whomever they believe holds the answer at the instant. I had to trust we would make it threw without fault.

"Come," I breath, unsheathing my rapier. "I do know the way better than anyone."

Ater market was just acres out from the palace walls, yet hidden in secrecy from the Nightmare king himself, confined in Creper woodlands. It was opposite from our original destination but there was no turning back from this point.

I raised my bulky hood way over my look and arranged myself to look less then I truly am. "Keep your head down." I order mutely and beckon Mutator to indicate the way. He guides us, slithering threw the trade region, our sight pasted to the soil bellow us.

Beasts of many varieties cluster the massive field; drows, kyklopes, muspels. High and low, creatures swarmed the area, one different from the other.

The vegetation everywhere was deceased and the petty booths on their way as well. But to me, this was once called home. Now... It was a memory of the past...

I start feeling irked after circling a certain area once more but as we snuck around the slave pavilion Mutator's tolerant tiny fellow came to view. It was most defiantly Kubera's courier fetched us, but how did Mutator come to know Kubera, the dwarf demon king? And rather how was that low man-child presumed to assist us?

Having no other choice I cover their backs as we travel to hollow log in the flank of Ater. I observe and study Alterum before me as he lifts dim timber and enters the wide hole behind the sallow dwarf who, apparently was known by the name Nuntius.

Alterum seemed nervous and mainly distracted, distracted by the sky. As he proceeds into the burrow he glances up at the sky hopefully, then notices me and pursues after Mutator.

I did not know what to make of him. Good? Bad? Friend? Foe? He was a troubling character and more I noticed him, the more my curiosity increased.

The corridor was animated with asian music and eccentric dancers, that still remind me of disturbed children then rather little demon adults.

The music played by Kinnara's, was dramatic and enticing but my ears where caught up in Mutator's discussion with Kubera in the throne room.

The siege room was a heap of litter and topping it off was thick, white tiny man with a single keeker, about eight visible teeth and the smallest of the three legs I ever came to see. All in all, it was a foul monster, surrounded my nine of his noble men, jewels and maces of his hand. Here he was king.