Descent

“Watch your head on the root.”

Gideon managed to duck his head in the nick of time, thanks to his guide’s timely warning. Although his head was safe in his winged helmet, it would have been an embarrassing moment for him and when making an alliance with the Duwende, it could be ill afforded. The Duwende were a stoic, serious people. Or so they say.

In the background, a rhythmic pounding was heard and echoing Duwende chanting could be heard. “The work never stops, Uplander.”

“My name is Gideon H—“

“I’m not going to be with you long enough to care to remember your name.”

Gideon closed his mouth.

“You got to let your eyes adjust.” The guide continued. Gideon had never been this far underground before. He fought the lion’s share of subterranean monsters but this was entirely different. The pathways leading downward were clean and paved with stone blocks that still allowed for undergrowth to flow. Duwende respected nature and only dug what they needed.

“Sorry about your suit and cape. Can’t do nothing about the dust.”

Gideon absentmindedly brushed the ends of his formerly white cloak. He wasn’t one to worry about such things. Duwende didn’t stand on ceremony. Or so he heard.

“You got to let your eyes adjust to the light.”

There were no torches in the pathway. It was dimly lit by a strange luminescence from the very stone blocks themselves. It was more like the twilight just after the summer sun set.

“How much further until the Great Hall?”

“You’re in a hurry, Uplander? Almost there. I understand your eagerness to get there. There’s a big feast in your honor.”

“Is there? May I ask what is on the menu?”

“Mushrooms and earthworms. We picked fancy stuff for you to eat.”

The guide laughed at Gideon’s expression.

“Just kidding, Uplander. The look on your face was priceless.”

The guide stopped at a large stone door and placed his hand in a large circle. He said something in Duwende and it rose open.

“After you.”