Chapter XV
Kingdom of the Underlings
They descended into the catacombs that lay beneath the sunken city. Achil gave Andreas a gentle nudge pointing at the walls, Andreas nodded, he too had noticed that on either side were painted deities and scenes from ancient battles, and more importantly within the raised flags of the combatants, was the crest of the moon and the sun. The guards strode purposefully along, not appearing to be threatened by their guests, nor did they behave in a menacing manner. Indeed it was more the opposite, they seemed quite comfortable with them being there, perhaps they were so sure of their own abilities that they did not feel the need to be overly concerned, they were after all masters of their domain, and they understood that their guests knew that had they decided to make a run for it, they could be lost in the deep, forever. As they arrived at the end of one tunnel they walked out into a large well lit cavern, at the entrance of which was an atrium where they were shown to some stone benches, and were left there to wait; one of the guards then waded passed an assembled throng to get to the King. The Cavern had been cut out of bare rock and turned into a great hall. Above their heads and along the walls hung mighty standards with crests, some of which held the images of strange creatures from distant lands, and others contained a full moon shining down on a calm sea. Also and most astonishing above all were the giant pillars, hewn out of the rock, that held the roof aloft. There tops were shaped like trees with branches that merged into the crafted ceiling as though someone had taken time to carefully knit them together. It was obvious that it would have taken generations to carve out such a hall. The stone floor was smooth, made so by years of use. And beyond the throng of people; sat the King on his throne that stood on a raised platform, from such a vantage point he could see all. Torches clung to the pillars like suckling pigs, giving off warmth as well as light, as did the mighty hanging chandeliers in the shape of crescent moons which illuminated the entire hall.
The King told the guard to beckon the strangers forward; as they approached they could tell he was a tall man. His long hair rested gently on his shoulders and was the colour of ebony; it was braided with silver crescent moon clasps. His forehead was proud, his eyes were clear, and as blue as the sky in summer, there was no beard to his face just a stoic expression, and his golden crown was high and lofty.
He regarded them one by one.
“I understood there to be four of you?” asked the King.
Achil, Andreas and Nicholas looked at each other and shrugged.
“You must be mistaken,” said Achil. “So if there’s nothing else, we’ll be on our way.”
The King reached into his robe and pulled out an Orb.
“Come gentlemen I believe you know the power of an Orb,” said the King purposefully. “You see I know more about you than you think. So if you don’t mind I’d like to meet the young lady who also has the ability to use this.”
Nishga removed her cloak; she had been standing next to one of the guards, who jumped back, startled by her sudden appearance.
“Ah!” said Achil with mock surprise. “You mean that fourth person.”
“That’s better, so you carry the Cloak of Shadows," said the King. “That explains much, we knew the Mirkoid had such things. You may not realise this but you have aroused their anger; even now their eye is turned toward us. As they believe that that which was long dead has returned to haunt them.”
“I assure you we had no desire to draw attention to ourselves,” said Achil with some disquiet.
“It is of little consequence,” continued the King. “My spies inform me that the Mirkoid rarely venture beyond their borders. But to prevent us being undermined by the unexpected I shall post extra guards, and send my scouts out, just to see what stirs.”
The King then turned to Andreas and Nicholas. “I know that you are our kin. Lost to us eons ago, we thought lost for all time. And regrettably the Orb never revealed to us your people. You are welcome here as our brothers.”
He whispered something to one of the guards and after that he dismissed the gathered throng. As the people slowly filtered away, there were some murmurings of unease at the thought that the Mirkoid might have been awoken to their presence.
“Come, please sit, I would like to learn more," said the King.
He gestured to some attendants to bring each of their guests a stall.
“Tell me of your travels;” said the King. “How did you come to be here?”
Andreas began to tell their story, as food was brought in to them. They talked for some time of the lands they wished to call New Osgaroth, and of their scouting those lands to make sure they were safe for settlers. They spoke until the King became fatigued, and after inviting them to stay and rest he excused himself. When they finished their supper, if supper it was, they were shown to compartments cut out of that rocky underworld. They were taken to what was a living area, where they were informed that, as it was night outside, they could remain there until they were rested, and continue their journey the next day. Andreas and Nicholas were then shown to separate chambers cut into the rock, whilst Achil and Nishga were given one together. It seemed wherever the two went, people thought them a couple. Their quarters were comfortable. A large bed covered in furs was set against the wall; with a chest resting at its base. There was no fire for warmth; instead there was a small hot spring at the end of the room. The heated water came through a pipe connected to the wall that flowed into the bathing area which was at a lower level; there were drains to either side for the overflow. The small pool was circular in shape, though uneven, covered with aromatic petals and surrounded by scented candles. The vapour coming from it stretched out like open arms embracing and comforting whomever it touched. The walls and floor of the chamber were smooth with frescos painted along them. An attendant soon brought them some refreshments and took away their tired looking garments, replacing them with fresh attire. As soon as he left Nishga undressed, wishing to bathe in the hot spring.
Achil turned his back feeling a little uncomfortable and a little distracted by her naked form. He heard a splash as she sat back in the small pool.
“Achil the waters very warm why don’t you join me,” said Nishga in all innocence.
“I’m going to check on Nishga,” said Achil. “I mean Andreas and Nicholas of course.”
She smiled, even after all the time they had spent together, he still behaved awkwardly toward her, and over such a little thing as bathing. Achil was about to leave and remembered he had taken off his boots, quickly he searched the room for them but to no avail, they were not where he had left them. One of the attendants had placed them close to the pool where Nishga sat relaxing. Achil was about to leave without them, when Nishga took hold of them and held them out for him to take. Achil paused a moment before collecting them, he then hurriedly slipped one boot on, then the other, as he struggled with it, he quickly made his exit. As he stepped into the long corridor he found that people were milling around talking, sitting on benches, or passing hurriedly by. The well-lit walls had multi coloured frescos painted on them, of trees, temples, and people. Achil made his way to Andreas’s chamber smiling awkwardly at those he passed. Once outside what he thought was the right cubicle he called out to Andreas. He could hear some shuffling inside as someone rose from what he thought was their bed.
A young half naked woman came out, smiled at him, and asked if he would like to come in and join her. She wore a short gown bound in the middle by a rope that was tied so tightly it accentuated her figure; and there was more than a hint of sensuality about her. Her hair was long and dark, and hung loosely down: her eyes were ebony and quite captivating. The woman seeing the look on Achil’s face reached up and closed his mouth, laughed and pointed to the chamber next to hers, as the one with his friends in.
Achil thanked her and moved on. Pausing a moment outside he gingerly called out to Andreas once more. Andreas came to the opening, pulling back the drape that covered it, and beckoning him in.
“Achil have you seen this place. It's great.”
Nicholas was lying back on one of the beds, he seemed to be asleep. Andreas walked to the back of their chamber where the heated pool was, took off his gown and jumped in. There were petals of flowers floating on the surface giving off a perfumed fresh smell, reminiscent of what would be found in a glade, though where they came from they could only guess at. Andreas lay back with a smile. He had already shaved and was feeling revitalised. Vapour rose up connected with the cooler air, and seemed to dance around him.
Achil laughed at the site of seeing him bob his head up and down in the pool.
“I can see you two are okay, so I’ll leave you to it,” said Achil.
Achil made his way back, without this time the confusion of trying to enter the wrong chamber. Nishga had dried herself, dressed and was now sitting back on the furs laid out on the bed, she appeared asleep. Achil without disturbing her and realising that he could bathe in some quiet solitude, walked over to the pool, removed his clothes and stepped in. He immediately felt how invigorating the water was. Closing his eyes, his mind began to soften, he was beginning to sleep, his head flopping to one side. The water comforted his tired muscles; it was as though he were back in the womb. Nishga had woken just as Achil had entered the pool, and sitting up she watched as his body appeared to sag out of fatigue, he was giving in to the exhaustion he felt. Fearing that Achil might do something silly like drown, Nishga undressed and climbed back into the water and sat by his side letting his head tilt against her shoulder. As soon as she had done this he succumbed to how weary he was. She put her arm round him so that he would not drop beneath the water. Soon after, Andreas and Nicholas arrived, entering what appeared an empty chamber, and not seeing where Achil and Nishga were, Andreas quickly called out to them. Nishga waved them over, putting her finger to her mouth.
Speaking in whispered tones they began discussing their good fortune and what to do next. When Andreas had originally spoken to the King, he had not revealed their mission to seek out the Dragon, as they were not sure they could trust the Underlings. Nicholas was now ready to tell them everything in the hope of getting as much help from them as possible. Nishga alternatively felt that they should be more wary. Her experience with other peoples had taught her that they often seemed friendly enough, but you could never underestimate anyone’s propensity for duplicity, or truly know what was at play within their hearts, she had learnt that from the Nashvilly. Achil stirred a little as this discussion was taking place, but soon fell back to sleep. The incense of the flowers and his own fatigue compelled his body to relax. The three spoke for some time. Nicholas helped himself to the food that was laid out on a stand close to him. And after a while the two of them departed, leaving Nishga with Achil. She tried to wake him but it was no use. So in a half sleep state, she managed to persuade his body to walk over to the bed. He collapsed onto it. She dried him and covered him with furs. Then she got into bed, her arm gently cradling his body. She closed her eyes and fell asleep also. The vapour given off by the petals floating on the water had the effect of causing deep drowsiness, working as a drug, it made sleep inevitable.
Whilst they slept some attendants came in and cleared the food away replacing it with fresh fruit. They also searched through their belongings, of particular interest were Nishga’s Cloak, Crystal and Orb and Achil’s sword and shield. After searching through their bags, and making sure that all items were left as they had been found they laid out clean and dried garments and then reported back to the King. Achil woke a few hours later; he was more alert than he had been for a long time. Nishga was quietly sleeping at his side. He moved her hair away from her face. With her shallow breathing and the slow movement of her breast beneath the furs, she seemed so peaceful. Achil looked over at the pool noticing for the first time the vapour coming from the water, and became aware of its possible effects. His eyes closed slightly, as he realised perhaps all was not golden in the Underland.
Nishga’s hand reached up and touched Achil’s face.
“Nishga that fragrance, have you noticed how drowsy it makes you,” said Achil with some concern.
Achil gently removed her arm from around his waist and climbed out of bed. Clothes had been placed neatly on a chest at the end of the bed, by his sword and shield. Nicholas came to the door called in to them. They had been summoned before the King.
Nishga rose holding the fur close, her back uncovered but for her dark hair resting on it. Achil picked up her tunic and passed it to her. Noticing the platter of fruit, they decided to have something to eat before leaving.
“Where and how do you think they grow fruit down here?” said Achil.
Achil stared curiously at the apple he had just taken a bite from.
Nishga pointed at the bathing pool.
“There’s a lot about this place that we don’t understand,” said Nishga. “Perhaps when we meet the King we should get some answers ourselves.”
Achil smiled tossing the apple back down on its platter and picking up a pear instead.
“That is not such a bad idea,” said Achil.
They ate the fruit provided, finding it remarkably sweet. Achil opened the chest at the foot of the bed and found it to be filled with linen and clothes, but there was nothing of interest to indicate the type of people the Underlings were.
Nishga took Achil by the hand, “Come we had better see what new twist awaits us.”
Achil grasped her hand warmly before letting it slip. When they arrived at the great hall Andreas and Nicholas were already there waiting patiently to be summoned. The King sat on his throne being attended to by someone who was quietly counselling him. Another throne was placed by his side. A woman came through a door which was situated behind the twin thrones and sat down. Achil had to look twice at her as she was the older image of Nishga.
“Come I can see that you have many questions of your own regarding my people,” said the King.
He leant forward on his throne, looked at each of the travellers in turn before his eyes finally rested on Achil.
“What I’m going to tell you is but a brief history of what happened to drive us beneath the ground,” said the King. “I understand that there may be many strange things here that you might find disconcerting; indeed it took many generations before we came to terms with our new world. We still venture above, for hunting, or to spy on hostile neighbours but that is all.”
The King paused, his voice becoming more pronounced, as everyone in the great hall fell silent.
“As you have seen from our ancient sunken city, which has been left an empty husk, a memorial to all those that perished. It is a strong reminder of ages past. Many years ago there were three Kingdoms in this part of what you refer to as Osgaroth. The Mirkoid were a mighty people, The People of the Crescent Moon which we were called, and the Elder. After the Mirkoid nation was destroyed in fire and flame eons ago; many of their best artisans fled seeking sanctuary with us. They had been driven from their homes by superstition and ignorance. Their people believed that they should walk a different path, to appease the Gods that they were being punished by. It was a deep sadness and sorrow what happened. Prior to that Great Cataclysm a peace had finally been brokered between our two peoples. Trade was flourishing. We would supply them with Alchemists and Healers many of which stayed and lived amongst them. They would supply us with goods and wears, and great artisans. It was a mutually beneficial relationship which held many rewards. Then there was the third Kingdom; north of what you refer to as Ruin Mountain. The Elder, were a powerful people indeed. In no way could they be challenged. They kept to their lands only venturing out to trade, taking the old merchants road. One fateful day long ago they simply stopped coming, after a few years we sent out riders to find out what had happened. Their lands had been laid waste to by a Dragon, from what survivors there were came dark stories. They had kept caged in thrall a Dragon on that mighty mountain that borders their kingdom. It had broken free an
d destroyed all the lands north of here. No one knows the reason they had kept a Dragon within the heart of that Mountain. What we do know is that soon after our people returned with tales of destruction, which had only been known by us in the earliest days of our people. It was at this time that the mountain seemed to let go its entire wrath. The land shook with all the rage the Gods could muster. Then suddenly it was as though a thousand mighty fire breathing beasts were let loose at once. Fire descended upon us from far and wide. The crown of the mountain shattered in a burning torrent of rage and madness. Fortunately we had for many years, before the peace with the Mirkoid, built a system of tunnels beneath our city to escape, should we ever be overrun by that enemy. Those that survived the initial chaos of the Mountain made their way with what they could carry to the tunnels. A civilisation grew up from the ashes, as we simply refused to die. Thanks to those few, we have built something that we can once more feel proud of. So that is the past, now let us talk of the future.”
The King half smiled and pulled something from his tunic.
“I have the ability to see with this Orb,” continued the King. “Into the future, though to see so many different lands and ages in all different possibilities makes understanding what’s being seen difficult. But one thing I am sure of is the importance of this lady,” he pointed toward Nishga before continuing, “You appear interwoven with our destiny. Now tell me honestly and without fear, what mission are you on?”
Andreas stepped forward and once more told their story this time including the devastation caused by the Dragon and their quest to see its destruction. The King listened intently he uttered something to his wife who nodded her agreement.
The King whispered something to an adjutant who quickly slipped away.
“I had thought as much, this is a worthy quest,” said the King. “To chance so much for so many, you have the weight of a kingdom in your hands, I have some gifts that may aid you in the battles to come.”
The Adjutant returned carrying a bow with some arrows.
“Before your journeys end you will have need of this I feel, its strikes faster and further than any other of its kind, We call it the Might of the Underlings,” said the King, handing it to Achil, who gave out a sharp intake of breath at the sight of it.
“This is a remarkable gift indeed,” said Achil holding the bow in his hand.
It was unlike any other he had encountered, being made of a jet black flexible yet tough ore dug from deep beneath the earth, it had silver clasps on each end, the string was taught but flexible. It was a weapon with a lot of power. The arrows were light made of the same jet black ore as the bow, and had different types of metal tips.
The King now turned his attention to Andreas and Nicholas.
“You are our lost kin; we have lived here for so long that if someone had mentioned you to us, we would have assumed they were talking of some legend or myth. We hope you will take a message of friendship to our forgotten brethren. Anyway my Adjutant will now lead you to the surface, may you journey in peace. But before that happens, there is one last thing. The Queen and I would like to have a private word with Nishga.”
The King noticed the unsure look upon her face, “Do not be frightened, we won't prevent you from returning to your friends.”
The King, Queen and Nishga retired to an antechamber. When they returned, Achil could see Nishga had been crying, but they were tears of joy not sadness.
“Is everything okay,” said Achil, concerned by the effect the talk had had on her.
She stared back at him, her eyes glistening.
“Yes,” said Nishga with a smile, it was as though some weight had been lifted from her. “We had better go. Don’t worry, in time I‘ll tell you the story that was told me.”