Chapter 13.3. Dark Dungeon.

As the call to arms echoed across human lands, a veritable army of heroes, mages, paladins and high-ranking adventurers converged upon Gnomerich kingdom’s Dark Dungeon. The vast encampment outside Dark Dungeon hummed with activity – a melting pot of warriors united for common purpose, under the banner of archangel Michael himself, – to conquer Dark Dungeon and destroy it once and for all.

Tents dotted landscape as far as eye could see, their colorful canvases bearing emblems of noble houses and legendary guilds alike. Blacksmiths toiled tirelessly near camp’s edge, hammer strikes mingling with clamor of training grounds, where skilled fighters honed blades before impending battle.

A grand pavilion dominated center of encampment, its gleaming silk walls adorned intricate embroidery, depicting feats of valor passed down by generations. Here lay headquarters of campaign – where strategists plotted tactics and diplomats negotiated alliances between disparate factions.

Mages cast protective wards over perimeter, shimmering barriers glimmering faintly. Paladins moved midst ranks like beacon of hope, their holy symbols radiating divine power that inspired even most battle-hardened soldier alike. Paladins were led by their Grand Master Ashindale himself, which spoke volumes about paladin determination.

Air itself seemed charged with expectation, anticipation crackling tangibly as warriors prepared final push against ancient evil, lurking within dungeon depths. Tales whispered of forbidden knowledge and untold riches awaiting those brave enough to venture inside – yet none could deny gravity of task laid before them.

Mage Nellisandra strode confidently through the bustling encampment, cat-sith, her companion, padding silently beside. Her keen gaze swept over sea of tents and training grounds until falling upon familiar face – Trevor stood amidst gathering paladins, sunlight glinting armor from newly earned rank. His visage split broad grin of recognition, waving enthusiastically, towards approaching friend.

– Nelly! – he exclaimed joyfully, voice carrying above din surrounding crowds: – It’s been far too long! What brings you to this godforsaken place?

Nellisandra returned a smile, stepping close enough to embrace.

– The same reason everyone else here, I suspect – answering archangel’s call, – she gestured expansively at throngs of warriors preparing for imminent assault: – I was sent as representative of mages.

– Ah yes, the Dark Dungeon, – Trevor mused and stroke neatly trimmed beard thoughtfully: – A formidable challenge indeed. But with you and I fighting side-by-side, I daresay we’ll emerge victorious!

Cat-sith yawned loudly, clearly unimpressed by heroic proclamations. Nellisandra chuckled indulgently, scratching affectionately between cat’s ears.

– This one knows better than trust mere bravado, – she quipped playfully.

Trevor laughed good-naturedly, clapping arm of fellow adventurer.

– No worries my dear, I’ve learned humble piece since last crossed paths. Now then… Why don’t we catch up properly over flagon of ale?

Without waiting reply, paladin gestured towards nearby tent.

– Why don’t we go and take a walk inside a forest. It is quieter there, – suggested Nellisandra.

Trevor nodded and soon returned with a flask. They strolled through the forest’s edge, leaving behind camp’s clamor for moment peace. Cat-sith Grim carefully observed their surroundings, making sure that they are alone. Nellisandra also looked around and then her eyes became serious.

– What have you told to paladins? – she asked.

– That we were here by accident. Explored upper floors, and were chased away.

– I did as much. But I fear that they will be in for surprise.

– What do you mean? – asked Trevor with concern.

– Avone brought us here to steal the Book of Darkness.

– But we did not found it!

– Keep quiet, – reminded paladin Nelliasandra: – Remember that empty chest that we found?

– I do.

– I spent a lot of time thinking about it, – sighed Nelliasandra: – And also did some research. Avone could use Primordial Magic. There is a spell that can slow down the flow of time. What if she used it. What if she took the book, and then allowed us to discover an empty chest?

– Why would she do it?

– To get the book of course. To protect us, if we are questioned?

– What makes you so sure?

– Because of what happened next. You knew our party leader as well as me. Supposedly we failed? But you know how obsessive she was. So, why did she not returned, while better prepared?

Trevor paled:

– I should have realize it sooner, but back then events changed so fast, – paladin sighed: – So what now?

– Nothing. We keep quiet about it. I just told that to prepare you, just in case you realize it in worst time possible.

– I see. And what about Luara. She was with as back then too. I did expect to see her here.

– She won’t be coming, – Nellisandra slightly blushed: – She is carrying a child.

– Great news, – smiled Trevor.

– Yes. But forget about a book. Like forever. What do you think about our endeavor?

– Several dozens of adventurers and knights with jobs, like Heroes, Spellswords and even Sages have gathered here. I think that we stand our best chance yet. I heard some of them gave our dungeon conquest a name – they call it a Raid.

– Sounds unusual.

– I thought so too.

– I wish Avone would be here, – sighed Nelliasandra.

– Maybe. She was very good at dungeon conquering.

– But even she could not get too deep. Does that not make you worried?

– It does. But there were only four of us back then.

– I was here as well, – reminded Trevor cat-sith.

– But you did not go with us inside, – objected paladin.

– No, I did not, – responded Grim and licked his paw: – But I am much stronger now.

– He is, – nodded Nelliasandra: – He will be coming with me this time. And what about Theodoric and Nila?

– They were busy, just as hero Ronan. Or maybe queen Elizabeth just decided to keep Theodoric and Ronan away from this mission.

– I see. But I noticed that you are carrying only a single sword?

– I returned Sword of Heaven to lord Michael. Did not feel right to keep it to myself.

– Avone would not approve.

– She would not. But that sword did get us in a lot of trouble. But I am still one of the strongest paladins even without the Sword of Heaven. So, keep close to me.

– And you to me, – smiled mage.

They laughed and discussed future plans. Trevor expected that they will leave in two or three days, but their preparations took then more than a week – before a small army vent inside a dungeon.