Chapter 6. Part 4. Rock Dragon.

The weary band made slow progress – picking their way along winding trail, back to Gornagog. Each step felt weighted exhaustion – bodies aching after battle fought, spirits raw, grief endured.

Lilith moved like sleepwalker – eyes glassy, distant gaze fixed point unseen horizon. After exhausting battle, and path through mountains, surroundings felt wrapped in fog. It felt surreal to re-enter civilized world after so long chaos. Sound of hammer on anvil, children laughter while playing, vendors hawking wares, all seemed foreign somehow against backdrop if recent horrors they witnessed.

She needed rest. They returned to inn, and Lilith felt on her bed, falling asleep right away. Next day she visited bathhouse and after rejuvenating steam bath and another massage with venik, she felt like a new person. Lilith placed her hand inside her purse and took out the piece of Lonsdaleite. Precious mineral, which was even harder than diamonds.

– Is