The Codex Lacrimae: The Book of Tears

Chapter 14: Of Huntsmen Piercing the Weird of Fate

Gale-force winds slamming against the side of the mountain Aurelius slipped on a patch of ice, releasing Clarinda's hand. A sense of déjà vu came over him. He recognized this moment as one of the visions he'd seen upon first touching the Codex Lacrimae.

The small company scrambled up to the cave in stages, helping each other to stand fast against the howling winds and pelting sleet that threatened to dislodge their footing. Inside the cave, however, the temperature changed into a summery heat so abruptly that Aurelius gasped.

The members of the company followed the Norn down a tunnel. Verdandi paused only to ignite the s'lantar, and the light upon the passageway revealed green moss and lichen nestled in the walls' cracks and crevices. Flat paving stones radiated warmth that could be felt even through leather footwear.

After an hour of quietly descending into the depths of the mountain, the tunnel's slope became more pronounced and Aurelius wondered how far they'd yet to go into Glittertind before they reached their destination.

Suddenly, a dull, thumping tremor resounded through the passage, originating from somewhere far distant in the mountain.

"What was that?" Fenris exclaimed, pausing mid-step and sniffing the air.

"I usually take greater comfort in mountains," Andvari grumbled, "but that doesn't sound like any mining operation I've ever heard."

"You told me there weren't any dwarves in Glittertind, dear," Traeg said.

"Those aren't mining sounds," Verdandi said.

Another blast shook the mountain, dislodging pebbles and clods of earth in the cavern. Clarinda stumbled slightly at the disruption, but Aurelius lent a steady hand beneath her elbow.

"Something's happening deeper in the mountain," Skade said, speaking to the Norn. "Glittertind's not volcanic, is it?"

"No," Verdandi frowned, then closed her eyes. "We must hasten."

"It's been a hundred years since we've seen Mimir and the Norns," Traeg said, trying to lighten the apprehensive mood. The mountain finally settled and quieted again, until not even a tremor was felt. "Perhaps Mimir's doing some redecorating at the Well."

"This isn't exactly a social call," the Arch-Mage said. "Besides, Mimir doesn't seem the sort to care about his surroundings."

"Well, with all of us coming, I imagine it'll be social enough to offer some food," Fenris groused. "Even if Surt himself were to appear with all the Sons of Muspell, I'm so hungry that I'd still take a moment to eat some mutton and quaff a pint of ale."

"We stand forewarned, then," Rudyick observed dryly, "the wolf's stomach has priority even at the end of the world. I hope you don't yet see each of us as your evening supper."

Fenris paused for a half-second, understandably surprised that the Dark Elf was, indeed, joking with him. "There's not enough meat on your bones to make a decent meal, Elf."

"Behave yourselves, Lads," Skade chided, the warmth in her voice appreciative at what seemed to be Rudyick's attempt to extend an olive branch. "We should listen to Verdandi and get to Mimir's Well before more of those tremors hit."

They reached the first in a series of steps that spiraled precipitously downward, turning upon themselves through a series of frequently spaced landings—as if they were clambering down the steep stairwells of a castle tower rather than the increasingly claustrophobic interiors of a mountain.

Aurelius felt a blast of cold air, like the door of a warm house opening unexpectedly into the icy chill of a snowstorm. "Do you feel that?"

Rudyick, lost in his own thoughts, said nothing, but Verdandi's face was drawn and, after a confirming glance at Clarinda, Aurelius could tell something was wrong.