The Dragons Egg : XIX : Dungeons of Nor : Maethilda : Preview

XIX

Dungeons of Nor

Maethilda

The great white peaks of the ancient towers of Nor could be seen upon the horizon. The great sea city was basked in an ethereal light, the not only extenuated its beauty but caused all those who looked upon it to feel awe struck. The city was according to scholars one of the oldest in the south and it was for this very reason that its population was the most diverse amongst the southern kingdoms. Men and women from far and wide left their oppressed worlds behind and made for the city, seduced by its democratic system, bustling economy , ancient architecture and rich history. Great scholars, particularly from the largest city in the south, Caci came to Nor to study under the guidance of the great and powerful seerer’s. And pilgrims, inspired by the foot tales of the God’s, believing Summe to be the very first foot print of the God, Ruda, came from across the world, from countries unknown to most and islands far, far away from Summe. The population had increased dramatically in the last ten moons, from around ten thousand citizens to twenty, more so of late due to the raging wars of the north and south. Sitting upon her mare, Art, Maethilda looked on at the great white city, her green eyes sparkling with curiosity. She had visited the city only twice in her life and had heard of the great female warrior, Sile who was not only known for her incredible sword fighting techniques but was also praised for greatness because she was born without sight. She had risen to the top of the military and had her own group of female warriors, she was the inspiration behind Maethilda’s task of putting together her own female group of warriors.

“I never tire of the sight,” Aabe said from close by. “I spent six months under the guidance of the great seerer, Hathom and enjoyed every minute of it. The city is enchanting, mesmerising and so unalike any other city I have ventured too. There is not but one religion but many, and many people who have travelled from across the world, their skin and hair different in colour and texture. I wonder sometimes why my father keeps his distance from the city.”

“Maybe beneath the enchanting exterior, something sinister lies?” Maethilda teased aloud as she lifted her hood and brought it over her head.

“I think it may be in due part because it was were my parents met,” Aabe said seriously. “Or that conflicting theories are given birth within the city walls, theories that test my father’s traditional mind-set.”

“We must learn to progress Aabe, even if it feels wrong in doing so, for how can we evolve if we stay stuck in our places?”

“I am a great believer in change,” Aabe said with a sarcastic smile. “But I am afraid of the small groups and their fanatical ideas, which may prove costly to our people in the future.”

“Sometimes it takes a controversial thread of thought to bring about perspective, wouldn’t you agree?” Maethilda returned with a shrug.

“I suppose so,” Aabe smiled with warmth. “As to our plans, I think we should find lodgings at rest a day before we set out for the dungeons.”

“Do we have time though?” Maethilda said with concern as she tried to control the reins of Art. Aabe turned about and pointed across at the miserable looking companions.

“They have been riding hard with little rest for three days, I think they may very well perish if not allowed to rest for a day,” Aabe said knowingly.

“I suppose your right,” Maethilda said as she smiled across at the gravely angry Mairina, who looked as though bolts of lightning could possibly disperse from her eyes.

“How are you feeling today?” Aabe asked as the group now made their way towards the great bridge of Caun.

“I am fine,” Maethilda lied. She was not fine, when napping her mind was filled with the torturous emotions of drowning and when awake, her body ached with a dull pain from the sheer experience of it. No, she was shaken and due to her stubborn and determined self was unable to speak of it for fear of causing her companions further anxiety. As for Evalean, she too was much quieter than usual and had for much of the journey rode upon Aabe’s stallion, her arms tightly wrapped about him. Maethilda now feared water, and as she drew closer the too entrance of the great bridge, she felt the prickles of anxiety run through her as she looked down the great cliffs towards the wide and rushing river below.

Holding onto the reins of Art tightly, she slowed her mare down until she stopped before the entrance of the bridge. Two guards dressed in silver armour and sea green cloaks stood still with long silver spears by their sides. Behind them, the great statues of sea boats stood tall and defiant. As she edged closer, the guards blocked the entrance with their spears.

“Is the bridge closed?” Maethilda asked as she looked down into their helmeted faces.

“We have been ordered by Anvin to inspect those who cross into the city,” the guard to the left replied, his brown eyes staring up into her face. “My Lord.”

“Why so?” Maethilda returned.

“The city of Ashlouis was attacked two nights past my Lord,” the guard said.

“By who pray?”

“A fleet of five ships from Galgor my Lord.”

“Beon’s forces?”

“Indeed my lord.”

Maethilda turned to Aabe with anxious eyes.

“Did you know?”

“No, no I did not,” Aabe said thoughtfully, Evalean close by. “Good men, what happened to the city?” he asked the guards.

“A great fire broke out my Lord,” the guard responded. “Killing many people.”

“Have the galgorian forces taken the city?”

“No my Lord, they had control over the city for a few hours, but forces were sent north by Anvin and my Lord Tudor. They took back the city and have jailed those found guilty of spying and aiding the enemy,” the guard said, his brown eyes blinking twice. “Are you the Lord Aabe?”

“I am,” Aabe said regally as he brought back his hood and revealed his face to the guards. “And I wish to make for the city with my friends.”

“My Lord,” the guards said unanimously as they instantly fell into a low bow.

“You may rise,” Aabe said with a small smile as he waved the young guards up from their positions upon the ground. Maethilda watched on with mirth, the guards now standing away from the entrance. “I wish for you both to undertake a task for me.”

“Yes my Lord, anything my Lord?”

“I and my friends here are taking part in the games, yet during our journey we have come across a two dozen guards who have been ordered to attack us, now if you should come by men who order you to do exactly the same, I would have you send me a message with their names,” Aabe said sternly. “They are breaking the rules and should be tried for their crimes, for they nearly killed my friends.”

“But my lord, who could order such a thing?” the guard on the right answered in w high pitched voice.

“Those who are bitter and who clearly do not know the rules of the game,” Maethilda intervened loudly.

“I will be sure to send you word my Lord,” the guard upon the left said with another bow.

“Good, now we shall be on our way!” Aabe said as he kicked his stallion into a sprint, followed closely by the rest of the company. It did not take long to cross the bridge and soon they found themselves in the outer parts of the city, which was overflowing with citizens and houses. They air both smelled of the sewers and of freshly baked bread. Dotted in and amongst the heavy mass of crowds were soldiers, poorly dressed in comparison to the guards of whom Maethilda met upon the bridge. Along the main route known as the route of Kings, beautiful flags flew against the gentle breeze, all with the four leaves of Summe printed upon them. The great wall of Nor could be seen now, dotted with great spiralling towers and arched windows. The wall was made up of grey and white stone, which beautifully reflected the old city within. There were only two city gates, and the southern now within Maethilda’s sight was in the shape of an arch and its gates made of iron. The gates were open and when making her way through the gateway, Maethilda looked up at the ceiling of the wall and found herself in awe. Great spikes hung down from the ceiling and animal faces were engraved in between the spikes. The air seemed to change as the group entered the old city, it was somehow cleaner and crisper. Those within the walled city were in comparison to the poorer citizens, gowned in fine silken dressed and robes, many wore the statement white gown of the seerer’s which bore a golden star upon the front. Maethilda looked down among the finely dressed woman, bathed in great diamonds and jewels and found herself wishing to be back in Summe, a city so very different to Nor. Summe was steeped in the natural beauty of the earth and nature whereas Nor was grand and imperial in comparison.

“These woman, they are so pretty,” Evalean said as she rode beside Maethilda. “I look like a common man in comparison.”

“What are fine jewels and dresses to a sword and bow?” Mairina interjected with a scowl. “All my life I have watched these fine women and men walk about as though we were but leafs upon a dying tree. Damn them all!”

“Now, now Mairina, not all of those born into wealth turn out to be stuck up snobs,” Innis said with a laugh. “You cannot help what you are born into. Anyway I know plenty of peasants who are as stuck up as these fine women.”

“To think, that just one of these jewel encrusted necklaces could buy us all an upgrade in swords?” Sabia wined aloud as she drew back her hood. Maethilda noticed a young pair of ladies looking up at them with disdain and remembered why it was that she had only visited the city twice. Of course it was beautiful, mysterious and enchanting, but to women like herself it was also a pit filled with jealousy, overzealous gossip and dark pleasures. The role of men and women were different in Nor, whereas in the outside world the roles of men and women were clear-cut and often mercilessly treated. In Nor, women could have secret liaisons whilst married and men often had more than one wife. She could see the nervousness in Evalean’s eyes as she watched Aabe closely. The city was built upon a great hill which overlooked the ancient ports below to the East and the great country of Summe to the West. About her, beautiful music filled the streets and above her, great towering buildings and forts hung over the city like the great stars above. Everything within Nor was rich and pleasant, the smell of foreign spices and perfumes filled her senses and great array of different colours caused her eyes to widen with wonder. Even the animals varied, with great coloured birds flying overhead with pieces of tied parchment to their feet and great dogs from the north making their way through the crowds with the foreign owners. It was a different world and what intrigued Maethilda the most was that the world within the walls of Nor was one of advancement, not many cities could boast such a wide variety of people, knowledge and culture. Nor was paving the way forward for the next generation and its ideals were a good ten moons ahead of the rest of the world outside. It was a fast moving world built upon the ancient world and Maethilda not only felt pleasure at such a prospect but felt fear too.

“Come I have a friend who will give us room for a few days,” Aabe said as he directed the company away from the main road and off into the great space of plush round houses. The roads beneath them were not of mud or grass but of stone, and as they made their way West through the city and houses, Aabe raised a hand causing the group to come to a halt. “Wait here moment,” he said as he jumped down from his stallion. The house they looked upon was considerably larger than they had ever seen before, it was not only a roundhouse but its centre was square, the front made up of large black column’s. There were several such houses surrounding the one they observed, with at least one or two acers of gardens surrounding them, with beautiful trees that offered the companions shade from the warm sun. It was unlike anything Maethilda had ever seen and made her feel a little disorientated. Statues of the old Gods stood within the confines of the gardens and servants ran to and fro from the round houses. Soon Aabe returned, this time with an elderly man by his side and four servants who ran out to meet the new guests. “Maethilda, Evalean this is my old tutor, Hathom who will give us shelter for two days.”

Maethilda jumped down from Art, stepping out of the way of the young servant who took the reins of her mare.

“I have heard much about you my Lord,” Maethilda said with a smile as she curtsied before the old tutor.

“And I you,” Hathom replied with sparkling green eyes. He was now verging on eighty moons, now leaning upon an old stick for aid. But Maethilda could see beyond his age and appearance, she saw the great mass of acquired knowledge and wisdom within his eyes and found herself curious. Behind her the rest of the company jumped down from the mares, taking their bags and weapons before handing over their tired and exhausted mares to the servants. “Come you must bathe and eat before we talk.” Aabe held out his arm to Evalean, who took it willingly before turning about and following the elderly man up the marbled steps and into the great house before him. Maethilda, still astonished, followed silently, her friends whispering hurriedly under their breathes. Upon entering the house, Maethilda stood still and allowed her eyes to take in the beautifully mosaiced walls, with images of finely dressed women and men taking centre stage. The floor was made up of white tiles and servants stood about the edge of the great entrance hall, dressed in fine gowns, some baring small jugs of laman. As they came to an archway, two corridors opened up to the left and right. “My servants will show you all to your lodgings. Come and find me when you’re ready,” Hathom said with a pleasant smile. Maethilda looked across at Evalean before being guided away from her companions. Suddenly her body felt sore and in deep need of a wash. When she was taken to her room, which was smaller but still as grand, she noticed a small bath built into the ground, close to an arched window and drew in a sigh.

“Do you wish to wash my Lord?” the servant asked, her soft blue eyes nervous.

“Yes,” Maethilda said as she turned about. The servant bowed before leaving the round room. The bed was larger than her own in Summe, and with a groan, she let go of her bags and weapons and made for the freshly made bed and threw herself upon it, boots and all.

*

Maethilda stood before the mirror in the fine clothes that had been brought to her, male attire of course. She had upon her a silver and gold robe that has embroidered upon it the sun and a dozen or so leaves which fell in a spiral to the ground. Upon her head was a thin wreathe of leaves and around her waist a belt of gold. As she looked at herself she felt tears prickle at her eyes. She was never really an admirer of dressing up and was always more comfortable dressed like a boy, but for the first time in a long time, she looked at herself with critical eyes. Her face was sharper and seemed fuller as she traced her features with the tip of her index finger. Her green eyes were rounder, her nose more projected and her lips fuller. Many claimed she was a true beauty when her hair was long and lush, but how they would furrow their brows if they saw her now. Even her long frame seemed thinner and more alike a mans than a women’s. As she furrowed her beautifully arched brows, she heard a knock from the door.

“Maettie it’s me Evalean, may I come in?”

“Of course!”

The arched door opened and in floated Evalean, herself dressed in a fine red gown with a beautiful wreath of flowers upon her pixie hair.

“You look as always beautiful Evie!” Maethilda said with a slight pang of jealousy.

“Do you think? Marina told me off, she said I was letting our whole motto down,” Evalean said with round anxious eyes. “Am I?”

“You know Marina just secretly wishes she could be prancing about in a fine gown with flowers upon her head, but she is too stubborn and too much alike me alas!” Maethilda said with a smile.

“Well you look…well you look…” Evalean frowned as she assessed her friend.

“Like a lord?”

“No! No you look …. Fine.”

“Always the beacon of hope Evie as ever!” Maethilda laughed as she took her friends arm and wound it in her own. “Come before we are late for the feast!”

“Oh Maettie I am so hungry!”

“Me too!”

When the enter the great hall, Maethilda observed the great round table laden with bowls of fruit and meats, great garnishes of flowers and berries and jugs of Laman of which Sabia was most attentive off. Evalean walked away from Maethilda, taking a seat beside the newly attired Aabe who was deep in discussion with Hathom. Maethilda took a seat beside Sabia, who was like the rest of her companions dressed in a fine robe.

“Bloody servant was giving me flirtatious looks!” Sabia said with a roll of her brown eyes. “I mean, I can’t look that masculine, can I?”

“With a pipe in your mouth and laman upon your chin…your guess is as good as mine,” Maethilda smiled as she filled her own plate with fruit and meat. “But for goodness sake Sabia take it easy on the wine please, you really do not want a repeat of what happened in Summe.”

“Oh pisssh, I’m thirsty that is all,” Sabia said with round eyes.

“The last time you found yourself drunk, you not only took off the ear of a young soldier, but you happened to burn down the tavern too!”

“Well anyone that puts candles upon wooden tables which just happen to be within a wooden round house is looking for a fire, I just unfortunately answered all those who questioned such logic,” Sabia said with defiance. Maethilda rolled her eyes and took a gulp of her own laman, aware of Hathom’s eyes upon her.

“My young student has told me compelling stories of your adventures thus far,” he said with kind eyes. “I am sorry however that some of the groups have forgotten their honour!”

“Oh it was to be expected,” Maethilda said with a wave of her hand.

“I don’t suppose you have heard of our very own female warrior, Sile?” Hathom asked as he leaned closer to Maethilda, tresses of his white hair falling upon the wooden table.

“Of course! She is an inspiration and a hero to the likes of myself and my friends,” Maethilda said with pride.

“It is unfortunate that she and her own female followers are away north in Ashlouis, you both would have got on splendidly!”

“I’m sure we would.”

“You know all the men fall at her feet, she is so very beautiful…but you…well Sile she is more inclined to fall upon the feet of others, if you know what I mean?” Hathom said with a wink. Maethilda batted her eyelids.

“No, what do you mean?”

“Well…” Hathom gushed, his grey skin flushed slightly. “She would look upon you favourable I would think…yes, favourably.”

“If you mean what I think you mean then…”

A loud cough alerted Maethilda to Aabe, who was giving her teasing eyes.

“Hathom my old friend, why don’t you tell my companions here about the dungeons, yes?”

“Ah yes the dungeons!” Hathom said with a clap of his hand. “They lie about a league under our very feet and the way to the dungeons is no mean feat!”

“What do you mean?” Maethilda asked with curious eyes.

“Well the ancient script of Caci lies within the dungeons and so people from far and wide have tried and failed to steal it from us,” Hathom said with disgust. “However a very strong intention spell was cast upon the entrance to the dungeons and so it is nigh on impossible to get into.”

“But the flag is within?” Sabia said with alarm. “So how is it possible for us to retrieve it? And what happens if you try to enter?”

“Well the spell will seek out your true intentions and if they are worthy then you may enter, but if they are not…well none have entered the dungeons and returned if you know what I mean.”

A loud groan filed the hall as the pickets looked to one another with strained eyes before turning their gazes on Aabe.

“Well?” Mairina asked the young wizard. “What do we do?”

“Well the probability of you entering the dungeon was greater before my tutor told you of its contents!” Aabe said with a deep sigh, his gaze turning upon Hathom. “Now however the probability is actually zilch. The knowledge of the script is already within your mind, so naturally you may be either consciously or sub consciously curious of it and so you would be rejected.”

“But the other groups? Do they know of this spell?”

“Yes,” Aabe said.

“So how could they possibly retrieve the flag without dying?” Evalean asked with trembling lips. Maethilda watched as Aabe put a hand upon Evelina’s.

“They will have sought out an ignorant peasant who knows nothing of the script,” Aabe said in reply.

“Well if it is that easy to get in how is it that everyone before us hasn’t used that form of deceit before?” Maethilda asked Hathom with stern eyes.

“They have,” Hathom said innocently. “But you see it isn’t as easy as just entering and returning with the script, no there are more cunning and devious traps at the ready.”

“Like what?” Maethilda replied breathlessly.

“Mummified soldiers for one,” Aabe intervened.

“And a trained dragon for two,” Hathom ended.

“We are fu…” Innis was about to say before Maethilda raised a hand.

“Is their even any point to us being here?” she said angrily. “Or have we just wasted precious time.”

“You wouldn’t think that I would allow you to enter the dungeon without aid now do you?” Aabe said with a knowing gaze. “I will go with whoever wishes to retrieve the flag and aid you along the way.” The gazes of the pickets turned suddenly to Maethilda.

“Are we forgetting that I retrieved the last flag whilst nearly dying?” she said with her hands raised.

“Maettie you’re strong and though we are too, you have more courage than us and you and Aabe work well together,” Evalean said with a smile.

“These games were meant to test us as a company not just me,” Maethilda argued hotly.

“Well I agree!” Innis said with a defiant gaze. “I say we all together or not at all.”

Another silence filled the hall before Marina stood up from her chair.

“Innis is for the first time right, we are all in this together and so it seems only right that we take part in the games as one.”

Maethilda looked to the others.

“If I’m going to be burnt then why not by a dragon,” Sabia said as she raised her goblet into the air before her. “What a legacy to leave behind to all future intruders of said dungeon.” Everyone’s gaze fell to Evalean. Maethilda could sense the caution in Aabe’s eyes.

“I’m not very well being left behind, where would the fun be in that?” she said with a wide smile, much to Aabe’s annoyance.

“Well then we rest today and make for the dungeons tomorrow,” Maethilda said as they all raised their goblets in a toast to each other.

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