“I hear them. The skittering. It never goes away. Gods, it never does. And the dark ones, they’re everyone. I see them, they’re there. In the walls.”


    - Sentinel Aelor Ironguard, Former Defender of Heft Zharrad, “Survivor Testimony - #143”


    <hr><hr>


    “There are three possible areas they could have gone to based on where they fell.” Uldren mused as he set up a bunch of pebbles and sticks to make a map. “Here, here, and here.” He pointed at three particularly large pebbles. “This is back where we came, a dead end against the mountain wall. If she ends up there, she could climb up. If she’s dead, then she’s probably a snack.”


    Aryana bit back a comment, bristling at his callousness but also cautious about her next move, unwilling to outright challenge the dwarves. I''m not just outnumbered, but they all look like seasoned warriors too. I can''t risk offending them, lest they find Sophie and hurt her too.


    “Then we are here. A river does run below where we’re at. The fall is deep though, so I doubt she survived. Either way, if she follows it, we’ll find her or her body at the small lake the river runs off into.” He pointed at the largest of the pebbles before looking at the last one. “Finally, her body could’ve also ended up here. Into an estuary that supplies the stream into…” He trailed up, an unpleasant expression taking over his face.


    “Kest Darzad.” Mesurn grunted, the name eliciting a number of derisive snorts from the gathered dwarves.


    Aryana’s confused expression likely proved too noticeable to be ignored and Crunak nodded at her, prompting Uldren to dip his head at her.


    “What’s that?” She asked timidly, her voice a soft whisper, "Is it like the Druzara?"


    Uldren seemed to sigh, the dwarf’s expression briefly shifting to one of rage before returning to a more neutral look. “An abandoned trade city at a nexus point within the deep. A few levels lower than where your friend might have gone. A natural converging point for the river.” He spat the words bitterly. “In essence, trouble.” He finished, more dwarves murmuring their agreement.


    Aryana frowned, another obstacle to helping Sophie.


    “The plan is simple then. With you included, there’s sixteen of us. We’ll be splitting into four groups of four.”


    “Four?” Aryana cocked her head.


    “Aye. You will be heading straight for Kar Druzara. The rest of-”


    “Wait. No! I’m looking for Sophie too! You can’t just leave me behind!” Aryana interjected in a panic, her worries brushed aside.


    Uldren seemed to grow silent before pointing to the map, his cold meanour bringing Aryana to a terrified silence. “If you’d let me finish. We have three goals right now, and the rest of us will be tackling two of those, with you finishing the third.” He growled in a tone that brooked no disobedience.


    Aryana solemnly nodded, now even more acutely how out of her depth she was. Also how she felt far more nervous interacting with the dwarves.


    “Crunak.” Uldren pointed at the estuary pebble, “Take the vanguard and comb the area, keep on the lookout for her body floating downstream.”


    “Aye.” Crunak grumbled.


    “Balsin.” He pointed at the rock representing the dead end, “Scout the area, but do not engage unless you see the package.”


    An older looking dwarf nodded, his wrinkles a bit more pronounced than the others and a few grey strands sneaking through his beard.


    “I’ll take the axe guard down to Kest Darzard, make my search there.” Uldren tapped the largest pebble. “Mesurn, take the rear guard and make sure she gets to Druzara.”


    “Yes, sir.” Mesurn acknowledged.


    “But why-” Aryana began before being cut off.


    “Because, dear lass. We need time to find her, and you just happen to be one of the only people who can get us this time.”


    “T-time?”


    “Aye. We work under the blackhat’s employ, technically. But the main summons are for you and her. So that puts you in the prime position to get us a few more bodies to help with search efforts. Worst comes to worse, you just ask him to give us a bit more time.”


    “But Sophie…”


    “We’ll find her one way or another. Like I said, we need time. You’re the closest one to the blackhat. Besides, I highly doubt twig-Sophie would be happy if you got hurt out here. Hells, it’s been enough of a disaster already without having to account for civilians like yourself. You got that?” Uldren finished with a growl.


    Aryana dejectedly nodded, disappointed but not entirely surprised. Sophie…


    “Good.” Uldren banged his fist against his chest, “Then get ready to move in two minutes. We’ve spent enough time moping around. Stonefather guide us!”


    “Stonefather guide us.” The other dwarves joined him.


    Given no real chance to protest, Aryana just accepted the plan and sulked. Hah, to be Sophie’s heroine for a moment… that’d be nice. She quickly chided herself for the thought. The dwarf’s plan made the most sense, that much was certain. But she couldn’t help shake the desire for herself to be the one who found Sophie, to be the friendly face that brought joy. Her shoulders sagged and she banished the thought, I just hope she’s okay.


    As the dwarves began dispersing to gather up their supplies, her eyes turned to their packs. There was a moment of quiet reflection as she tried her best to rouse her spirits. But it was met with little success and she could only sullenly plod her way over to the bags. She found hers and strapped it onto her back, the hefty weight of travel supplies offering a familiar sense of comfort. She then spied Mesurn reaching for Sophie’s pack and jumped over to stop him.


    “Whoa, there.” The dwarf almost tripped in surprise, “I’m just going to carry it til we get to the city.”


    Aryana shook her head, “It’s alright, I can.” She declared firmly.


    The dwarf backed off but looked her square in the eye, half accepting, half doubtful. “If we need to move fast or run, one of us will carry it.” He stated with just as much conviction.


    Aryana wanted to act offended but couldn’t. She wanted to be the bearer of Sophie’s burdens, physically or otherwise, no matter what. But again, the dwarves spoke sense. She begrudgingly nodded, Mesurn giving her a grunt in return.


    She heaved it up into her arms before strapping over her chest. She felt and looked much like an oversized lump. At the very least, she was thankful that they had coordinated the packing, distributing most of the load between them when they first set off on this adventure. It meant she was weighed down but not unsteady, a small blessing.


    “All squads, remember your deep horns. Blow them if you need help. There’s not much any of us can do but if the stone’s willing, someone from Druzara might hear it, at least.” Uldren’s voice cut through her contemplation.


    She looked up to find the dwarves almost fully geared up, fearsome warriors in chainmail and plate. Though she stood at least two heads if not more taller than most of the dwarves, there was an aura of strength that projected their power far beyond her own. There was also an all too familiar feeling of fury, simmering just below the surface. The dwarves weren’t just out to find Sophie, they were also determined to right the wrongs and avenge their fallen comrade.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    With a few whistles and claps, the four squads set off to accomplish their missions. Uldren shot her a knowing look to keep her focused. The squads soon began splitting off, heading down a few crags and rocky paths that twisted and curled themselves in different directions. One thing became clear as they split off, whatever banter was happening before was now quiet. Following the loss of their comrade and Sophie, and the fact that they were now traveling in even smaller groups, attracting any attention was now a decidedly bad thing.


    So it was that her long march began, protected by only three warriors inside this mysterious and hostile land. Strange pulsating floral and the occasional shriek unnerved her now more than ever. The strange glow of the crystals around her, the occasional blanket of yellow-orange, it was almost overwhelming now she had time to take it all in. Gazing out into the darkness beyond, she felt a little more of her strength leave her, her eyes growing downcast as she imagined taking in to the sights with Sophie beside her. That would’ve been… nice, just exploring this strange ‘deep’ together. It would almost be like the stories she showed me, wouldn’t that be nice? She let out a soft giggle, yeah, that would be nice. Please be safe Sophie, I’ll be waiting.


    <hr><hr>


    The four walked in almost complete silence, only the sounds of the cavern and their footsteps echoed down dark caves. Only now did Aryana truly appreciate the sheer scale of this place. Hundreds of rocky juts and outcrops dotted the walls, creating little canopies that blocked out entire stretches of their trek in darkness.


    Over the long march, Aryana grew more and more exhausted from the heavy load on her shoulders. She staggered multiple times across the rocky paths, getting tripped up or simply losing her footing. Yet, she persisted, unwilling to be the one that slows the party down. Sweat poured down the sides of her bangs, her breathing becoming more ragged the longer they went on, but she kept pace.


    Guttural roars and shrieks reverberated in the distance, some decently distant, others far too close for comfort. Aryana felt her nerves shift with the energies of the land, her experience living in the wilds allowing her to partially latch onto the flow of life within the caverns. The moving of creatures, the gentle hum of streams, the quiet contemplation of the plants, all of it she sensed all around her. It calmed her just as much as it frightened her, for unlike the world above where the light of the stars could guide behaviour. Here, there was no such thing, only the brutish and dangerous nature of life in the shadows, interspersed with moments of beauty and serenity.


    They eventually headed down a path that allowed them to cross a ravine. The rock here had experienced more weathering and environmental damage than some elsewhere. But it was the unnatural greenish-black dog that coated the top of the river which caught her eye. There was an etherealness to it that she couldn’t quite explain, almost as if the fog itself was like a gash that sprouted out from the land, an unwelcome intruder. She could feel the sensation of the land as it had retreated from this area, the ever growing pit of darkness that took its place bringing forth nauseating feelings within her. If she had to describe it, the fog was like a scar over the river. She did not know what the fog of Eichafen was, but based on Sophie’s descriptions, she ascertained that it likely felt just as suffocating and evil below.


    Seeing her attention, Mesurn held a small finger up to his lips. He hung back about to pace for her to catch up when he leaned over to whisper.


    “Ever heard of the echoes? They’re a… a kind of darkness that threatens us all. The demons if you will, in a vein similar to your Dark Tides.”


    “Dark Tides…” She whispered. For she had heard the term before, from Sophie and others. Of a time when demons ran rampant and ravaged the world. Her expression turned sour as she remembered the talks that they had shared with Mila and Anna. Of a darkness that ravaged the north beyond the Frostwind mountains. I wonder if this evil has reached my house already, it… it’d be such a shame if they destroyed it. I’d like to take Sophie there, one day.


    Perhaps mistaking her expression for curiosity, Mesurn nodded and continued, “That down there? That’s the indication of what happens after they take a place. This one got stopped long ago, but see how it looks almost translucent in places?”


    Aryana nodded.


    “Tis a lie. The whole area underneath is a blasted hellscape. The river’s still there, but I doubt anything living is actually inside it, plant stuff or otherwise. Some foul magic hides the truth, a grim thing..” Mesurn grunted. “And if ye go down there? You become part of the echoes, it eats you up. Trapped in whatever hells they come from.”


    Aryana peered over the foggy river, catching sight of what the dwarf was talking when she saw how it almost seemed clear in places. So monsters are lurking in the fog too. This place is proving more dangerous by the second, why did the inquisitor want Sophie to come here anyway?


    The ground rumbled ever so slightly and Aryana, who was peering over the river, tipped forward. No, no! She tried to flail her arms in an attempt to stop herself, but her bags were getting in the way. The three dwarves thankfully noticed almost immediately and reacted at once, rushing over to steady her. Her heart pouded as she dangled over the edge for a moment before being pulled back. Her vision briefly witnessing flashes of the true state of the river. A decayed, tainted wasteland where only corpses and bones floated in the water.


    Only when she was jerked backwards did her vision return to normal, the dimly lit cavern all around her as the dwarves looked on with concern.


    “Thank you.” She whispered, letting out a breath that she didn’t know she had been holding.


    “Aye, just ignore it. If ye fall in the echoes, it doesn’t matter if you live or die, yer gone.” Mesurn grunted, “How bout we get moving, eh? No use staring at it.”


    “If our luck keeps as it is, I reckon they’ll show up soon enough.” A stockier dwarf with a brown beard joked.


    “Don’t invoke their wrath. Just forget they exist and pray to the Stonefather that they don’t notice us.” Mesurn growled.


    “Alright, alright.” The other dwarf held up his hand in surrender, letting out a grim chuckle.


    With the spat resolved, Aryana spent a moment catching her breath before she nodded at Mesurn. The dwarf grinned and tapped his chestplate twice, the other two dwarves quickly responding in kind. In but a second, they fell back into formation with two ahead of her and one behind, the march towards the city of forges beginning once more.


    <hr><hr>


    It was only after they walked for what felt like hours did Mesurn finally called for them to break. He directed them pass a few large boulders and the party shuffled behind a small selcuded alcove hidden between rocks, guarded by a small makeshift fence. Seems like people have used this place before. But it doesn’t look like it has seen much recent use though, if the dust is any indication. Pain flared throughout her body as it seemed to sense that relief was fast at hand. Without questioning anything and seeing the others seem to relax a little, Aryana unstrapped her own bags and her body let go of all restraint. She unceremoniously collapsed into a small heap, exhaustion taking its toll.


    Before the dwarfs could rush over, she weakly raised up a hand to wave them off, there was nothing they should be concerned about. She pushed herself off the floor and let out a small groan. Plopping herself onto her bum, she left her legs outstretched as her muscles now burned in agony and relief in equal measure at being able to rest. A small gasp escaped her lips when she tried to shift her position, causing her to slump against a rock and simply lay there as the others went about setting up a small campfire.


    Normally, she surmised that such travel wouldn’t be an issue. For although she might be frailer than most, she was still capable of going on extended hunts when food stocks ran low atop the mountains. She was used to traversing difficult terrain and definitely possessed more survival skills than the average city dwelling lagrian. She still found it amusing that Sophie always acted so protective of her even though she probably knew about life in the milds more than the hatire. Not that I would ever tell her otherwise, it does feel nice when she just lets me snuggle her. Heh, a goofy grin snaked its way across her face.


    Ultimately, she suspected that it was likely a combination of both the oppressive yet beautiful environment and the fact that half of her focus was directed at Sophie. With her mind distracted, she had spent less time focusing on the trek itself, and more just worrying about her partner. Ugh, she wiggled her arms, and I guess wearing a pack both front and back doesn’t help either.


    Though still casting concerned glances at her, the dwarves appeared marginally less worried when they saw her fully relaxing. Seeing this, she flashed a small smile that seemed to finally calm their worries and they turned away from her. Brown beard kept watch whilst Mesurn and the last dwarf; one who spotted a more orange-brown beard with two braided segments running down his side, focused on stoking the fire and preparing food.


    She watched as they slowly pulled out a few breads and dried meats, performing an ingenious idea by toasting the bread over their small fire. Reaching into her pack, she pulled out some rations of her own and nibbled on them as the other two chatted in quiet whispers. The whole time, she noted how their weapons had not left their sides and she wondered just how dangerous the deep truly was. Spirits above, Sophie probably needs me now more than ever, huh? She sighed, and I’m just here, being a burden to even the dwarves.


    Tired, she propped Sophie’s bag up next to her and subtly took a sniff, finding some comfort in the fading traces of the half elf’s pleasant scent. Looking back up at Mesurn for confirmation, she mimed sleeping and the dwarf seemed to frown, pausing for a few moments to discuss things with the braid dwarf. The two seemed to come to some sort of agreement and nodded back at her, giving her a thumbs up.


    Relieved, she snuggled up against the bag and leaned against it, allowing her weary body to rest. Master Uldren had been right about one thing, she had no idea what time of day it truly was and didn’t even know how that cycle would even function down here. I suppose the answers lay within the forge city. As does help, the inquisition, and whatever it is that Sophie needs to do for the inquisitor. Damn, I wonder if we’ll make it to Ostia on time. She let out one last sigh and closed her eyes, be well, Sophie. You better find me soon, or I’ll… probably be mad, or sad, or both. Spirits… just please be well.