The Burning Rose (Chapter two)

The kingdom of Igniton laid between two mountain peaks in the northern most part of the Mystic Moutains at the threshold before the bitterness of the Ice Mountains. A row of six dormant volcanos separate Igniton from the encroaching touch of the Ice mountains this barrier is called the dragons spine. The heat generated within Igniton is from the body of Scaald an ancient Dragon that sleeps within the mountains base where the castle stands. The citizenry within the castle of Scaald use up the heat that forevor flows within its scaly plated walls for natural warmth. There are many ventilation shafts built inside the castle to release excess heat as well the Tower of Flame which constantly burns as well releases its smoke over the mountain tops. The constantly burning fire far below the shaft of the Tower of Flame is called Scaalds flame. Scaalds flame never dies out nor is in need of kindling to rebirth it. For so long as Scaald draws a breath in slumber will its aura burn as a gift to keep the flame alive for the people of Igniton. It is said that only when the flame begins to die slowly that the dragon Skaald would soon awake for the great battle.

The Lord of Igniton rules from within Titan Tower which is the second tallest part of the castle as well as the largest. Lastly the oldest part of the castle is Brahm Tower it is connected by a rampart to the other two towers. The witches of flame dwell inside of Brahm tower as the tower itself was once home to the wizard Brahm of the Preternian age. The inner council of witches call Titan Tower there home though the coven is built into the very framework of Igniton as far below the castle are the caves of fire where not only the citizenry lives but other generations of wizards and witches are born to one day feel warmth from inside the castle above.

Another aspect of Scaalds fire is its use by the inner council of witches within the court of the Lord of Igniton to scry events unfolded in the present.

As of now the council of Fire Witches toil to conjure the pit of flame for scrying once again. Lord Tyr watches his witches toul over the bright hot flame seated far away as well high above them. A row of steps with long claws as banisters lead upward to Tyrs throne. The foreboding steps lie between two chasms which glow red from deep within. There are also lit torches built inside rounded cup molds that hang all along the walls. Though despite the outlets of light from the fires around the room its ambiance remains dark.

Lord Tyr was a blonde-haired blue-eyed giant of a man with his knees raised almost as high up as his long torso which sunk into the seat of his throne. The way his body contorted was because if his size yet there was an air of boredom as well. Where Tyrs warlock normally would have been beside him now stood a shapely fare young women with long blonde hair cloaked in a white robe with teal garments underneath. In complete contrast the witches below stoking the pit of flame with their wooden staffs were all covered in cloaks of black as well there clothing underneath.

Of the four witches toiling with the fire of the pit, one comes forth to address Tyr," We have yet to recognize the presence of Armaturas mechanical creations in the catacombs. Though before we do, might I remind you that the warlock has never given his permission for us to pry into his vault. As well where the warlocks vault lay, be it inside the caverns of Morgoth do we dare pry inside such a place? I ask you again."

"The warlock is no more; do you see him here? If the warlock had not granted us permissions to scry inside his vault it would not matter as it lays on the outskirts of my domain. Ynz should have never placed his treasures in a place so forbidden as the caverns of Morgoth. Though, Armatura believes that to find out Ynz's whereabouts that we must not only scry his vault we must search within it as well.", but Lord Tyr sternly replies back.

Lord Tyr then motions his white witch to him to utter something to her in a low voice," To be honest I would rather forgo this event in order to continue our own adventure back in my chambers."

"We never even got started for first it was your correspondence with King Miro of Eternos then this showcase.", the white witch replied earnestly.

"Fret not lady Varna this showcase will be entertaining enough to boil my juices for you later on.", Tyr told a sighing Varna as she rubbed his naked thigh.

"We have a connection!", the lead witch declared as an image began to manifest inside of the flame.

A dark room appeared in the flame it was only lit by light that shown into it from an entranceway. The entranceway was blown into as there was ruble cast inside of the room appearing as debris in the aftermath of an explosion. Something then rolled into the room from the entranceway like a large spinning wheel! The wheel stopped inside the center of the room where it transformed into what appeared a giant mechanical scorpion. The floor of the room had a picture of what was on the other side of the room which was a round vaulted door. With the two signifying differences being that one was real whereas one was a picture that had a red dot in its center while the other did not.

The bronzed mechanical scorpion went for the real vault door in order to tear it open with its clawed pincers!

A cascade of twinkling red lights like tiny stars appeared before the vault door! Then the twinkling red lights transformed into a yellow skinned gargoyle-like creature with batty wings, two horns a fat stomach bearing a red ruby in its navel and a long pointy tail! The Scorpions tail struck down to strike the yellow creature with its red tipped stinger! In a red flash shot from the yellow creatures tiny red eyes the Scorpions primary weapon being its tail was severed in half! The Scorpion pressed on despite losing its best advantage as the spiked tail bounced off the vault where it then hit the cavernous ground!

Lord Tyr thought the fight was a riot as he laughed aloud!

What came next was the yellow tailed creature lasering off first one pincered arm with his crimson eyes to then the other!

"It's just about over!", Tyr mocked as he squeezed Varna by the waste with his right arm as he panted heavily.

Then the yellow creature smashed the back of the Scorpion with both fists! The Scorpion was pummeled to the ground repeatedly by the yellow fists of the creature until it lied flattened, battered as well as beaten!

Then after announcing, "I will be in my chambers do not disturb me unless it is dire!", Lord Tyr said as he draped a large red cape to depart with his white witch Varna back to his chambers.

Upon arriving at Krol town the travelers from Pacwad decided to spend some leisure time at Kroly Lake. Where Malcome as well as Styx rode their horses in the cool fresh air thinking it would be good for them after the long ride over. As it turned out it was as good for the horses as it was for the riders. The view of Kroly Lake was beautiful well as relaxing for everyone. Though a short reprieve the short respite at the lake reinvigorated everyone giving them a chance to relax reflect and gather themselves for the journey ahead which was continued the next morning after a sound sleep in the carrier although Plodok chose to sleep in his Ribit atop the patched-up hole to provide more space for everyone else.

The next day was a quick ride up to Krole town where the carrier was driven up the one of many roadways in the mountains. The Lion carrier was parked for a duration near a marketplace on one of the levels of Krole town where it was a good time to make purchase of rations as the farmers were there selling their crop yields. As the troupe made their way through the busy marketplace, they stayed together taking in all the venders around them then deciding on who was the most interested to visit. Styx was able to obtain more red berries for her horse. Malcome was willing to purchase more red berries for Sytx with one of his royal coins allowing for a total 50 bags of berries al weighted and bagged for the Igniton witch. Malcome had a lot of coinage on him as well as royal credit if needed in his bank account. Plodok was able to buy a jar of grub for himself which was meal worms used for chickens. There as a vender from Andreenos selling Andreenid wine which Malcome had to buy at least a bottle of the expensive sweet tasting stuff. The seller of the wine was a rather tall thin Andreenid who sold exclusively all his cultured hived items at very high prices. A selling point of the expensive wine were the very extravagant shaped bottles they were presented in. From very tall glasses to the very stout one each bottle was elegantly crafted with honeycombed precision. The insectoid Andreenid vender was very proud of his wares he even had small honeycombed shaped jars of perfume though his highest costing item was the Andreenid flutes which played as well as recorded soothing sounds. The Andreenid buzzed in excitement at how the soothing sounds could stop a charging bull. Malcome tended not to believe that line told by the vender which sounded more like bull hype to him. However, the vender was abuzz after Malcome bough his most expensive bottle of Andreenid wine which was shaped like an elegant translucent swan which was only made golden by the wine inside it. The of the swan shaped bottle was used for pouring and since the swan's head was pointed up at the sky it had to be unplugged and poured from a very high angle. The vender gave Malcome his business card so he could order his wine whenever needed at the Royal Palace which Malcome would use once he contacted Randor to make up for the damage caused to his carrier. The vender whose name on the card was translated to Hibizz was so abuzz after making so fortunate an acquaintance.

Malcome thought it was time for everyone to sit down for a hardy breakfast before the long day ahead despite not finding any weapons to purchase for himself. Zoomyr was also disappointed in not finding an arrow smith around to obtain new arrow heads. Plodok did decide to purchase one of Hibizz Andreenid flutes with his own Pacwad currency as well as accepting one of Hibizz business cards for future transactions.

As the troupe made their way to a food square, they witnessed a large gathering of dwarves feasting at a table outside. There were some grumblings from a handful of the dawrves about what the troupe could not discern. Malcome told everyone to go inside the tavern nearby to look over the menu while he eavesdropped on the dwarves feasting. Plodok warned Malcome that he might want to mind his own business as rumbling dwarves usually had short tempers to match, though Malcome assured him that he be along shortly if it his ear heard nothing of value.

"How come this is all the ale that cheapskate can afford us!", Malcome heard one of the dwarves bemoan

From what Malcome could ascertain was the dwarves leader as he watched a very burly red-haired dwarf frantically wave his arms with his hands open trying to suppress the other dwarf's dissatisfaction at the table. Malcome also wondered that the dwarves may be hired by someone as the Mystic Mountains was known to have many mining operations going on for either precious minerals or metal. Malcome decided to venture inside of the tavern to find out who might be providing for the dwarf workers when he saw a short scruffy orange haired Thenurian in a blue suit trying to persuade the proprietor about something for which he was having little success at.

Malcome glanced at a table to see Plodok shaking his head not to intervene for which Malcome gave a surreptitious wink to not take his advice.

The tavern owner was a taller brunette man with a receding hairline who repeatedly told the Thenurian," I cannot...I simply cannot serve you anymore...until you pay your tab from yesterday! I served you today out of kindness but no more!"

"Excuse me gentlemen.", Malcome said as he interrupted the argument.

Startled at being interrupted both men looked at Malcome who stood smiling when the Keep with a bewildered look asked, "Can I help you?"

"How much is the Thernurians tab from yesterday?", an elated Malcome asked

"One Eternium pence.", the keep replied awkwardly not sure at the man's motives.

"I will give you two and a half Eternium pieces, one to make up for this man's meal from yesterday while the rest can pay for his meal today! In addition, if this man orders anything more today, then you may simply add it on to our tab.", Malcoe said as he pointed to the table where his friends were at. Plodok just looked blankly as he gulped in his throat.

"I don't know why you're doing this, but I already have enough debts that I can barely deal with at the moment. So, it will be hard to pay you back at the moment.", the Thenurian mentioned nervousely.

Malcome smiled at the Thenurian and said," The only payment I require from you is information."

The Thenurian asked while slowly backing away, "Ok, who sent you...? Did Dungoon send you?"

"No, honestly I am just trying to help you out of kindness.", Malcome said as he pulled from his pouch two large gold coins along with a smaller one to hand over to the keep who waited eagerly for the Thenurian to accept the mans offer.

"Ok...ok I accept your offer.", the Thenurian said as Malcome dropped the coins into the keeps open hands.

Malcome then invited the Thenurian over to his table where they both sat down. Malcome started the introductions, "My name is Malcome I hail from Eternos these are my friends first Inspector Plodok from Pacwad, Zoomer from Soros and Styx a witch of fire from Igniton. Your turn."

The Thenurian wanted to ask Malcome his intent though felt hard pressed to introduce himself for the man's generosity towards him," My name is Trekkor a Thenurian from Point Dread."

Trekkor went on to explain why he had traveled to the Mystic Mountains just to get it out in the open," I am managing an expedition in order to find the Lost Valley. You see those Dwarfs outside this tavern are my last few remaining as there were originally twelve. Though with few results as well as little remaining funds my minors have dwindled down to seven. So, again I thank you for paying my tab in order to keep the last remaining dwarves on my team."

Everyone looked at one another at the table each one knowing how lucky they were to find someone looking for the same thing.

Then Malcome asked Trekkor," Do you think that you are close to finding the Lost Valley?"

"Why are you here in the Mystic Mountains?", Trekkor decided to ask Malcome instead of answering his original question.

"We to are searching for the Lost Valley.", Malcome easily confessed though making no mention of the kidnapped Prince Trace nor of the deposed Warlock in Igniton.

Trekkor looked at a time piece hung around his neck as a necklace saying, "I must be going now, thanks again."

Though just before Trekkor was about to get up Malcome put his bandaged hand on his shoulder to gently nudge him back in his chair.

"I will fund your expedition to keep it going.", Malcome professed.

"I am sure that there is a lot of context to your reasoning as to why you are seeking the Lost Valley as there is in mine.", Trekkor put forth as Malcome removed his bandaged hand from upon his shoulder.

"If you will be honest with me then I will do the same.", Trekkor told Malcome as the food was being served.

Styx asked Malcome, "May I begin telling Trekkor our tale so far?"

Malcome nodded his approval as Styx began, "To begin with we have just came from Frog Town...or Pacwad as Plodoks people call it."

Trekkor nodded for the fire witch to go on feeling more inclined to hear another person besides Malcome try to persuade him.

"Plodok used to be a Padwa or dream guide in Lucida, so that was why Malcome brought me along with my adopted son Trace. You see Trace was overcome with traumatic nightmares that were keeping hum up nights. So, with the permission of my Lord Tyre as well the inner circle of Fire Witches I was sent to seek aide from our allies in Eternos. Once arriving at Pacwad with the help of Malcome Plodok took us to Lucida where Traces nightmare was examined in real fashion. After that it was revealed that Traces nightmares were actually a premonition for him to fulfill in the Sands of Fire. Where Trace was then kidnapped."

The witch had skipped a lot, but she had provided the lynchpin of the tale that being the young prince Trace, Malcome thought to himself.

"I am sorry to have to ask this, but what does your prince's disappearance have to do with the Lost Valley?", Trekkor reasonably asked

"A plant man told us in Lucida.", Zoomer quickly divulged

For some inexplicable reason Zoomers answer got Trekkor way more invested into the conversation than he was before.

The Moss Man was my first inspiration into learning about the Lost Valley! Through eyewitness accounts I narrowed the results of the Moss Mans sightings to a place near our camper where we began our tunnel expedition. Though the Moss Man is said to lead anyone astray in their search of the Lost Valley. You also say that you talked to this plant man.", Trekkor expanded his own reasons for wanting to find the Lost Valley

"I have heard tales of the Moss Man.", Styx admitted

"So, to have I heard the legend of the Moss Man.". Malcome admitted

Zoomer sticking to Trekkors original premise about the Moss Man which gave him doubt about their sighting rapidly admitted," The Moss Man overheard our plight in trying to find the whereabouts of Prince Trace. We were in the Memory Gardens in Lucida when this man appeared out of nowhere. It was like you were looking at a bush then it appeared as a man covered in like you said green moss. The Moss Man we saw offered to help us if we could get to the Lost Valley. Then he disappeared in the same way as he disappeared into the bushes."

"I believe you it helps support my theory that there may be multiple forms of these...Moss Men.", Trekkor affirmed "This could be the break threw that I have been looking for!"

"Malcome, I accept your offer if you will come with me to my camp.", Trekker said enthusiastically

"Of course.", Malcome agreed as they both shook each other's hands then began to finish eating breakfast. As a partnership had been struck which would hopefully bring Malcom's team closer to finding the Lost Valley.