"N'zim, what have your brought us?"
The leader of these pale-skinned people was a tall, imposing woman. Sylla was the tallest woman Serje had ever seen, and this chief was a head taller than her. Her presence was certainly felt in the tent that served as her quarters.
The tent itself was well made. Serje observed the fabric and knit used to be of the highest quality. And yes, the tent wasn't small, but for a person of her size, it felt that way. Serje saw bigger tents outside, with more exotic patterns. For a leader to live in such modest means said a lot.
"Great One, these two were beset by a pack of Devils, and found themselves in our caves by happenstance." N'zim, the old man that served as their guide, bowed respectfully.
"Happenstance." She narrowed her eyes. "And why were you in the Cursed Valley to behind with? Answer!"
Her voice boomed unnaturally. Amplification? Was she a sorceress? Serje was glad to see no immediate effect on his beloved as Sylla remained stone-faced.
"We are in search of an Ice Troll, or, you might know it as a Crystal Troll," Sylla said.
"Happenstance, indeed. N'zim! Leave me with these two." The guide bowed and left. The chief sighed. "Tell me, do you think you are the first to fall into our sanctuary?"
The change of tone took the couple by surprise. "I'd wager not," Serje said.
"You'd be correct. The Crystal Devils are a myth, travelers. You have risked your lives for nothing. So foolish..."
"They are real!" Serje found himself standing. "I have proof that they are real! You cannot -"
Sylla gently put down his pointing hand. "It's alright, love." She turned to the chief. "We wish to take up residence until we are ready to make the trip back."
The chief studied Sylla and then nodded slowly. "N'zim will see to it."
Outside the tent, Serje started raving. "It is true! She is lying, Syl! I will not -"
"Shut. Up." Sylla said through gritted teeth. "N'zim. Your chief said to give us the best, most spacious tent to rest and recuperate."
N'zim nodded and gestured for them to follow. As they did, the marvel of the cavern started to set in again.
The temperature was warm, pleasant even. The people, as white as snow, were all substantially tall. Sylla would be average height here which was unorthodox to be sure. They seemed... happy. Content. That meant something judging by the literal ice hell just outside.
"N'zim, you are not originally from here are you?" Serje asked.
N'zim chuckled. "Yes. My complexion does make me stand out. You could say that I am adopted." N'zim looked back at Serje. "But I assure you. These are my people, as I am theirs."
Serje understood very well what that meant. "I am happy you've found a home, then. And... thank you... for showing up in our time of need."
"No thanks necessary. It is my job as caretaker to find and usher in stragglers such as yourselves. I was merely doing my job."
"Still. Thank you."
The three of them passed by a series of small waterfalls. Children were playing around them, with their parents keeping an eye from afar. They all stared at the newcomers as they passed.
"They are looking at you, madam," N'zim said to Sylla. "You are the tallest outside they've seen."
"Let them look. I am used to being gawked at."
They soon arrived at an isolated portion of the cavern. A singular tent lay separated from the rest. It looked... like the others. Not bigger or smaller.
"This is not what your chief ordered, N'zim," Sylla said. "This won't -"
"Please." He held the flap open. "I am sure it will be to your liking."
The couple entered, and before they could say anything the flap was down, and the old man was gone. The tent was smaller than the Chief's by half. And Sylla was only half joking about them needing a bigger-sized tent.
"Annoying." She said. "But acceptable I suppose."
"We aren't really leaving are we?" Serje sat on some cushions, "I mean we just -"
Serje's hand went through the cushion until a clear click could be heard. Between the two of them, a trap door opened from seemingly nowhere, bringing in light from below.
"Well," Serje said. "That answers some questions."
"And yet raises so many more. Come on."
Down the ladder lay a cellar twice the size of the tent above. It was lined with wooden walls on all sides and contained tables, chairs, barrels, oil lamps, and beds. All the necessities required.
"How did they carve out the cave's stone?" Serje gawked. "And why tents? Why not build houses if they have so much wood?"
"Could The Eye be used to do so?"
"Not to this extent." Serje shrugged, still looking around. "Maybe. If you had a year's worth of time. But you're right love. They must have in possession a very powerful artifact." He looked at Sylla then. "We aren't leaving."
"Of course, we aren't." Sylla shook her head. "That woman is hiding something. I can feel it." Serje rolled his eyes. "I am serious, Serje!"
"Perhaps. Then what is the plan?"
"We earn their trust. See what's really happening here. When we have more information, we act accordingly."
"Become part of the plan." Serje grinned. "I like it."
🔴 Read the TWIN Anthology; a collection of unrelated stories with the same cast of characters.
🔵 Obligatory shout-out to the 🍕PIZZA🍕 gang, 🤙 gang. 🤙
Cover image source.
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