The Dragon Prince

Rocks

Rohun found that it was much easier to talk to the grey dragons now that he was one of them. They seemed to be less afraid of him, and he was able to explain his situation and ask for advice. He noticed some of the dragons had more legs than the others, and this seemed to be related to the dragon's age. One dragon with four legs like Rohun, named Zegurvild, gave him a toothy smile when he talked about the dark dragons and Onikhah, and the kingdom that now lay in ashes and ruins.

"I'm afraid I can't help you, but I'm sure our leader In'Strunmahgol will be able to provide you some advice," the stubby-legged dragon said. His accent sounded a little funny, and it took a minute for Rohun to understand what he had said.

"That's great!" Rohun said with a smile. "Can you lead me to him?"

Zegurvild nodded and scurried behind a rock, beckoning with his tail for Rohun to follow. The two dragons cantered down a series of underground tunnels with many twists and turns. It amazed Rohun that Zegurvild could remember where to turn, but he noticed small differences in the rocks that he hadn't noticed before. The tunnel finally ended, opening into a large cave filled with large and beautiful stone carvings. Large crystals of different colors hung from the ceiling and walls. On the other side of the cave were three other tunnels, each guarded with relatively large grey dragons, most of which had six legs or more.

Zegurvild approached the guard standing in front of the center tunnel. "I've brought a visitor to see In'Strun. It's important."

The guard nodded curtly, not even looking at Zeg. "Password is required."

Zegurvild rolled his eyes. "Sed deyvut neben gein ven zeim." The guard gave him a toothy smile and stepped aside, watching Rohun and Zegurvild closely as they passed.

The two dragons reached the leader's meeting room. An older looking grey dragon with ten legs sat at the far end of the room. This dragon gave off the impression that he was old and wise, yet still had his fight in him.

Zegurvild nodded towards this old dragon. "In'Strunmahgol, I've brought you a visitor. He has interesting story that I think you might want to hear. I think he has visited the old white dragon, too."

In'Strunmahgol's brown eyes widened. "You think this fella could be the one, young'n?" He had a deep, commanding voice that reminded Rohun of the echoes of a large stone cave.

Zegurvild nodded his large head. "The white one will send a savior with a heart of diamonds." He glanced at Rohun's necklace. "... close enough."

In'Strunmahgol chuckled. "That ol' white one sure has a way with words. I think he'll do." He turned toward Rohun and addressed him directly; " he spoke in his odd accent.

"I need to get down the mountain into the forest." Rohun answered.

"Down the mountain, huh... Tell me son, did ya notice the password when ya came in?" said the grey leader.

Rohun nodded. "It was ancient Dovahzul, wasn't it? My parents taught me how to speak it."

In'Strunmahgol smiled. "Your parents were very wise, then. Can you translate it?"

Rohun hesitated for a moment. "Sed deyvut nuz gein goes zeim... Three burrows, but one goes through." he translated.

"Close," In'Strunmahgol said, "But in this case, deyvut means tunnel, not burrow. Three tunnels, but one goes through. This is an ancient password, passed from leader to leader. Only the elites of this colony know what it really means. Ya noticed the three tunnels when ya came in, right young'n? Those will only take you to different parts of the mountain. If ya want tuh get down, ye'll have to find the fourth one. Howevah, the fourth one's hidden. IF ya can find it, it'll have lots of traps and dead ends along the way. Ya think you can handle it?"