FROM FAR AWAY JESSICA HEARD THE SOUND of the great doors being swung open. Then a disturbance came from the hallway beyond the council chambers. A unit of Dwarf soldiers marched in led by a red-bearded Dwarf wearing a cloak of almost the same hue. Danielle and George followed close behind. Jessica leapt up; tears flooded her eyes when she saw them. 

'Sorry...' she called out apologetically to Kilder Gom. She raced forward, dodging the guards, who swiftly parted ranks as she sped towards them. Jumping into her brother and sister's arms they hugged them both.

'I didn't think I would ever see you again,' sobbed Danielle. 'When the cave roof collapsed, I thought you were...' she could not bring herself to say the word.

'Don't be silly, we were fine,' Jessica told her looking across to where Holt still sat with Kilder Gom. For the first time, she noticed the two guards that stood close behind him. 

They're still not taking any chances, she thought. 

A half smile crossed Holt's face and he raised a hand and waved in acknowledgement.

'I knew you would be okay,' laughed George. 'You're much too stubborn for anything to happen too.' 

'General, where are the others?' the Dwarf King inquired.

Mard Rythorn stepped forwards and bowed. 'They are detained in the hallway Sire. We await your word as to what is to be done with them.'

'Escort them in at once, General,' the King announced sharply. 

General Rythorn signalled, and the Elves and the Giant were hurriedly ushered forward. Princess Meriol and Captain Thrax stepped forwards followed by Altard, Eldon and the remainder of the Elves. A line of Dwarf soldiers marched either side, keeping a wary eye on them.

They stopped in front of the dais and Meriol bowed before the King.

'Greetings from the Elven people, King of the Dwarves,' she announced. 'I am Princess Meriol of the Royal House of Oryxicus.' she introduced each member of the party in turn.

The King nodded a greeting to each one, casting an eye over the gathering and noting their bedraggled look. 

'Greeting to you and your party, Meriol of the Elves,' the King responded gently. 'Listening to young Jessica's story, we apparently have much to discuss. But you have travelled far, perhaps you and your party wish to wash and rest before we carry on.'

'I thank you, but time is of the essence,' Meriol explained. 'We do not know how long we have until Ravengaard succeeds in breaking through the barriers back into this world.'

'I understand the urgency,' the King sighed softly, 'But we need to discuss the Daybringer. You can see the problem I face. I cannot merely hand it over to you, especially if you already possess the other three pieces of the Arcs of Heaven. Such a powerful weapon wielded by just one race. That is not the way it was meant to be.' 

Eldon pushed forward. Several Dwarf troopers moved to intercept him, spears raised. He brushed them aside, others leapt upon him to try and pull him to the floor, but Eldon continued forcing his way to the front. A unit of Dwarf archers raced forward and formed up in ranks, their bows raised to protect the King.

Meriol and Captain Thrax stepped in front of the charging Giant. 

'Eldon,' Rosewing shouted. 'Stand down.'

'I am sorry My Lady... Your Majesty, members of the council.' Eldon boomed, acknowledging the chamber. 'But this is going to take too long. We cannot afford a long discussion about the rights and wrongs of possessing the Arcs of Heaven. While we stand here debating, Ravengaard could be making his move. We need to be there to stop him. I, among all the races who stand here today, know what he is capable of. I am the last of my race. I was but a youngster when Ravengaard laid waste to my homeland destroying all who had dared to stand against him. But for my father's bravery and the luck of the gods, I would not be here to argue our cause. I will vouch that everything we have told you this day is the truth. There is no trickery involved and to delay any longer would be foolhardy. If allowed to grow stronger Ravengaard will reap his havoc on the surface world. But he will not stop there. Afterwards, he will seek you out and destroy your world.'

As he finished the chamber erupted into disorder. 

Kilder Gom used his walking stick to move aside Stez Deytkal who had jumped in front of the King. He hobbled to the front of the dais and raised his arms for quiet.

'Fellow members of the Council, I am afraid our giant friend is right. We are running out of time. As your King and head of this Council, I have made a decision and will allow the Daybringer to be taken to the surface world. But...' he held up a hand to quiet the discontent that arose once more. '...but I must insist a detachment of our finest warriors takes it there. They can witness first hand if what we are being told is the truth. Based on what they learn they can make a decision as to what to do.'

Jessica noted this seemed to quieten some of the Council members who were unsure of the wisdom of handing the staff over to the Elves.

Kaden Wyn rose and addressed the chamber.

'Sire, fellow Council members and guests. Whilst I am still sceptical of the dangers in handing over the Daybringer to others...' he paused, allowing his gaze to run over the assembled Elves, children, and the Giant. 'I have listened to all that has been said, and decided that I must not allow my personal misgivings on this matter, to stand in the way of ending any possible threat; no matter how small it may seem, to the Dwarf Nation. Therefore, I am willing to concede to the King and allow Daybringer to be taken; by our own delegation to the surface world for the sole use of preventing a threat from Ravengaard.'  

Kilder Gom nodded his appreciation. 

'I thank you for your backing, Kaden. Is this acceptable to the Elves, Meriol?' he asked.

'Yes, of course, Sire,' she responded quickly.

'Well now that's settled, I suppose we had better find the blessed thing,' Jessica heard the King mutter; more to himself than the assembled crowd. 'Does anyone know the whereabouts of the Daybringer?' the King called out. 'It has been so long since it was last used...'

'Jorin Thorl!' Kaden Wyn put forward, interrupting the King. 'Jorin Thorl! If anyone knows its location it would be the Keeper of the Dwarf Histories.'

'Yes, yes of course,' the King agreed. 'Kaden, General Rythorn, accompany our new friends and seek out Jorin. Explain to him the reasons, and tell him that his King requests that he hands the Daybringer to you.'

General Rythorn conducted them to the rear of the dais. Through the heavy curtains that draped the rear of the stage, a stairwell wound down into the catacombs below the Council Chambers. The party followed the Dwarf General and Kaden Wyn down the steep steps. Dwarf guards shadowed them along the way.  A series of walkways and bridges, carved from the solid rock, linked the various levels and spanned the rushing waters that splashed over waterfalls and flowed through deep winding gullies.

Jessica marvelled at the use of cleverly placed giant mirrors to capture the artificial sunlight from high above and use it to illuminate some of the underground rooms and passageways. The reflected light sparkled off the water, dappling the walls and ceiling with bright dancing reflections.

They walked on in silence through the cavernous network of tunnels, there was no sound except for the rushing of the water. Eventually, the High Chancellor stopped before a large wooden door. For a moment, he paused, studying the Dwarvish runes carved into the stone doorframe. Then, seemingly satisfied, he grasped the heavy metal knocker and rapped on the door.

A moment passed, then Jessica heard, the sound of chains being undone and locks being turned coming from the other side of the door. It cracked open a little.

'Who's there?' a thin reedy voice asked from within. 

'It is I, Kaden Wyn,' the High Chancellor called out loudly. 'I have need of your knowledge on a matter of grave importance.'

The door opened a little wider and a head of thinning snow-white hair popped out. Rheumy, pale green eyes peered out at them over the top of a pair of small round glasses. Jorin Thorl was a small, bent, wizened old Dwarf of indeterminable years. His straggly hair and beard were almost as long as he was tall. His greying tunic and pants that had seen better days as had the threadbare blanket wrapped around his thin shoulders. On his feet, he wore a pair of tattered sandals.

'Kaden,' Jorin Thorl said, sounding slightly surprised. 'It must be important to bring you down here...' he hesitated, suddenly noticing the others stood behind the High Chancellor. He shrank back, a look of grave apprehension crossed his worn features.

'Do not fear, Jorin, my friend,' Kaden Wyn said reassuringly, noting his anxiety. 'They are friendly. They have come a long way to appeal for our help.'

'But Humans and Elves...' he spluttered.

'I know...I know, but a greater threat is at hand, and we must try to put our old feuds at rest for now. Ravengaard is seeking a return to the lands above. We have need of the Daybringer once again,' Kaden Wyn told him grimly.

'I see,' the Keeper of the Dwarf Histories replied, still unsure of the group stood behind Kaden. 'You had better come in then.'

He stepped back, opening the door fully.

Kaden Wyn introduced everyone as they entered. Jorin nodded courteously to each of them. 

They crowded into a narrow hallway which had several doors leading off it. Jorin Thorl pushed one open and entered. He ushering the others into the spacious musty smelling chamber beyond. Ranks of bookcases and shelves, each stacked high with ancient books and manuscripts, filled the room. Several smokeless lamps lit a central area, where a high-backed chair and large desk, littered with even more books and scrolls, sat. Other than the bookcases they were the only pieces of furniture in the room.

Jorin Thorl seated himself in the chair. He glanced around his desk, as if not knowing where to start. 

'The Daybringer you say?' he pondered, the lamplight reflecting off his glasses gave his pale skin a jaundiced appearance. 'Now somewhere here I have a key to the storage rooms. Most of the relics from our past are stored down there, you know.'

He opened and closed draws, mumbling to himself as he searched through piles of discarded items until finally, he came up with a large iron key.

'This is it... I think,' he called out, holding it up the light.

'Come.' he beckoned. Taking up two of the lamps, he gave one to Rythorn, keeping the other for himself.

The Keeper of the Dwarf Histories motioned for Jessica and the others to follow him.

He fell in step with Altard. 'Valen Altard is it?' he asked the Elven Spellcaster.

Valen fixed him with a gaze and nodded. 'Why do you ask?'

'I knew an Altard long ago; he too was a Spellcaster. Kylon Altard. Any relation?' 

'Kylon Altard was one of my hive-brothers,' the Elf offered.

'Possibly the same one. We were at the Mage Academy together many years ago,' Jorin Thorl said softly. 'How is he?'

'I said was.' Valen answered almost a little too abruptly. 'Sadly my brother's life ended some years ago.'

'I am sorry to hear that,' Jorin whispered solemnly.

Valen softened slightly. 'Do not be. It was his time.' he answered ruefully. 'He enjoyed a productive life and often spoke fondly of his time at the academy...he acquired many friends...and learned a great deal there, he told me.'

In the gloom at the far end of the library, almost hidden by the rows of high bookshelves, the little lamps revealed another heavy wooden door. 

General Rythorn held up his lamp and Jessica saw Jorin Thorl fit the key into the lock and try to turn it. But the lock appeared stiff with age and try as he might his thin arthritic fingers seemed unable to unlock the door.

'It is stuck!' Jorin grumbled. 'The lock as not been used in an age. My ancient bones are not strong enough.'

'Here, let me try,' boomed Eldon, pushing forward in the cramped conditions between the bookshelves.

He accepted the key, and taking care not to break it, he gently exerted pressure on the lock. Finally, after some jiggling, it clicked open. 

Stale chilled air belched out as the door swung open. Jorin pushed through brushing aside the cobwebs that festooned the entrance. Jessica felt a shiver run through her as she entered, like the ghosts of the ancient Dwarvish histories sought to escape the locked room. Dust plumed beneath their feet as they walked down the flight of steps that led from the doorway to the floor several meters below. The lamps did little to dispel the gloom, and darkness hung like a shroud across the vast vault. They moved farther into the room, glimpsing stacks of relics lining the walls and lying scattered and broken across the floor. Statues, carved out of stone, both large and small lay dusty and forgotten. One huge carving that dominated the room appeared to be a full-sized dragon. Sculpted out of a single block of red stone, each scale and claw was a tribute to the Dwarf masons that had fashioned it. The neck arched overhead supporting an intricately carved head, two large jewels set as eyes glinted in the muted lamplight, seemingly witnessing their progress.

Jorin Thorl saw them admiring it. 'That is Hafgan the Red,' he told them. 'The first Dwarves to settle in Annwn Deep did battle with Hafgan for the right to stay here. Some say they managed to slay him, but other stories tell of the Dragon being driven even deeper into the caverns. Where even now it waits for a time when the Dwarves become weakened. Then it will return to reclaim its burrows.'

Jessica took note of Kaden Wyn's discomfort at the mention of Hafgan the Red, saw him glancing nervously up at the statue. So apparently did Jorin Thorl and dry cackling laughter racked the Dwarf's body.

'It is only a myth used to frighten children,' the High Chancellor scoffed uncertainly.

'You believe what you wish Kaden,' Jorin answered, a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.

A raised platform, built out of great stone blocks, appeared out of the gloom ahead of them. The Dwarf librarian hobbled up the steps, disturbing the layers of dust as he went. The others followed him. Set in the centre of the platform sat a carved stone altar. Its sides were inlaid with gold and other precious metals and Dwarf runes encircled the edge of the slab. On the altar; curiously untouched by the dust that coated everything else in the room, lay several objects. One was a broadsword, its steel blade gleaming as new in the lamplight. At over one and a half meters in length, it would have taken a Dwarf of great strength to wield it.

'The legendary Sword of Garak Vorn,' exclaimed General Rythorn. 'Janah Tharl used it to slay Riok, King of the Stone Trolls at the battle of Winter River. Then, later in life, it helped him lay waste to the Hordes of Ravengaard at Blackden Run.'

His eyes blazed with excitement as he ran them over the other items that lay upon the stone slab. A great round shield of burnished metal, a suit of the finest Dwarf armour glistening with gold and silver inlays. And in the middle, looking out of place among all the finery, lay a long wooden staff a crystal gemstone fixed to one end.

'That must be the gem,' shouted George, making a grab for it. 

Jorin Thorl slapped his hand down. He tutted. 'Fool of a boy. Do you think they would be left here for anyone to steal them away?' It was more a statement than a question. 

He looked around and picked up a small pebble that lay on the floor. 

'Watch.'

He threw the pebble at the altar, there was a flash and the pebble turned to dust.

'Warded by magic it is,' he cackled. 'Lucky for you I know the words that unlock the spell.' 

Jorin Thorl moved around the altar, muttering to himself. As he went his fingers traced the outline of the Dwarf runes carved into the stonework. There was a small, barely audible fizzing and another flash of light.

'It is safe now,' Jorin Thorl called, reaching out and grasping the ebony staff. It reacted the instant he lifted it clear of the altar. The gemstone and lines of strange text carved along its length responded to his touch and began pulsing with a strange, otherworldly light.

'It is still...' he went to say something further, but a vague expression crossed his thin lined face, and he swayed looking like he was about to collapse.

Kaden Wyn grasped his arm. 'Jorin, are you well?' he queried.

The little librarian grabbed for the edge of the altar and steadied himself.  He shook his head. 'I am sorry, something...' his eyes grew focused once more. 'It is the staff; the magic it holds endeavours to possess my mind. That is why it is locked away down here. Too much power for one untrained in its use. It nearly sent King Brone mad when he agreed to accept the staff on behalf of the Dwarf nation.'

Kaden Wyn snatched the staff from him. Looking around, he found an old leather sack which he wrapped it in.

Jessica thought back to their desperate encounter in the cellars under Ravengaard Manor. 'The same thing happened to Baron Darkiron; the Starheart possessed him and sent him mad.'

'And Shabur Varg. The magic of the Amulet corrupted his mind and body,' voiced Holt, recalling the Gnome Warlord. 'Greed and power were all he craved. It destroyed him in the end.'

'That is why the Elves locked the Moonblade away unless needed.' Valen Altard responded sharply. 'No one Elf is ever allowed to command it for any length of time, lest they become possessed by the power that the Blade contains. It is the same for all four Gemstones. And that is why we must not dally in our quest. We must use them to rid us of Ravengaard. Then lock them away once more before they can work their influences upon us once more.'

'Come then,' the High Chancellor nodded, acknowledging Altard's call for urgency. 'Let us be on our way. But...one last thing before we leave. Mard Rythorn, we may have need of a hero in the coming hours. Take the sword, put it to good use.'

The Dwarf General smiled, lifting the sword. 'It will be a great honour.' he slid the blade into its scabbard and strapped it across his back.

With a last look around Jessica and the others followed Jorin Thorl, retracing their steps back through the vaults and into the library.

Jorin Thorl said his goodbyes and wished all good luck on their quest.

'Kaden,' he called out as they reached the door. 'If all turns out for the best. Do not leave it so long before your next visit.'

Kaden Wyn turned and nodded. 'Do not worry old friend; I will see you again very soon.'

They climbed out of the catacombs and back into the Council Chambers. The children noticed that it had grown darker while they had been away and lamps now lit up the various halls and passages. They looked up through the centre of the citadel. Above, the sky had turned dark; the artificial sun having all but disappeared. 

'We try to live our lives as normal as possible,' said Kaden Wyn noticing their interest. 'The great engine that powers our sun gets switched off at a certain time to provide some semblance of the night. It makes life easier for us all to go about our business at the same time. Speaking of which, it is a little late in the day to be sending you on your way. Rest a while before you set out.'

it was Princess meriol who carefully studied each of her companions before she declared. 'Our thanks, High Chancellor, but I think I speak for us all when I say that we had better make haste. Who knows what is happening upon the surface. We need to make every moment count if we are to defeat Ravengaard.'

He bowed his head slightly. 'Very well. I will notify the King. General Rythorn if you will ready the guard. If you will wait here while we set the wheels in motion, we will get you on your as soon as possible.'  

'I am sorry children; I know you must be tired, but we cannot afford to dally here. Even now the Warlock may be making his move.' Meriol warned. 

Danielle looked up from where she had sat with George and Jessica beside her. 'We understand Princess. Don't worry about us we'll be fine.'

Meriol gave them a knowing look. 'We have a short time while they prepare. Rest for a moment. I will come for you when they are ready.'

They sat and waited while the Elves and Dwarves made the preparations for the return to the surface.

'I don't think I have the energy left to walk back up through all those tunnels,' George sighed. 

'I know,' groaned Danielle. 'I'm not looking forward to it either.' 

Shortly after Mard Rythorn, Captain Strotordar and a company of Dwarf corpsmen arrived. The party from Whytewytch Wood joined them, ready for the journey. At the city gate, Kilder Gom and some members of the High Council waited to wish them luck.

The King spied the children gazing up through the darkness at the waterfall, where it poured from the caves high above the city. 

'Do not worry, you will not have to retrace your steps back through the caves. There are other ways out of Annwn Deep. Secret ways known only to the council. We mined them long ago just in case we needed to leave Hammerforge in haste. General Rythorn has the location of one such tunnel.' The King smiled fondly at the children. 'Go now. If all you have told me is true then speed is essential. When the battle is won, we shall meet again and discuss the many wonders of our different worlds.'

With that, they set out. 

They left the citadel and went out into the surrounding city. General Rythorn led the way. The procession filed through the narrow streets and walkways lit by torches mounted on the walls. Shouts and laughter spilt out from a couple of alehouses that were still open, other than that the city lay silent and still around them. Without the artificial sun, the outer reaches of the vast cavern lay in almost complete darkness. With the light failing hey lit torches to guide their way ahead.

The General ushered them down narrow walled lanes and stone pathways, heading for the waterfall and the cavern wall that arced high overhead. After walking for what seemed an age, they reached the base of the cliff and the great cascade of water that fell from above. A series of stone steps, cut into the wall, wound steeply up towards the roof of the cavern. Spray from the waterfall slicked the stonework, making the climb treacherous. Before long they were high above the cave floor, edging along a narrow ledge that led beneath the falls. Far below, through the fine mist; the lamps and torches of the Dwarf City twinkled in the darkness. Mard Rythorn motioned them forward, one of the soldiers raised his torch lighting the way. A narrow gap between the rush of water and the cave wall led them behind the roaring torrent. Their torches cast a flickering glow around a small open space hewn out of the rock. They all crowded in, pressing forward. General Rythorn pushed to the rear of the recess. He shouted to make himself heard above the roar of the waterfall.

'Bring one of the torches here.'

Captain Strotordar stepped forward holding out a torch.

The General peered closely at the wall, his fingers working swiftly over its smooth surface. Suddenly he plucked a small blade from his belt and jammed it into an almost invisible split in the rock face. He twisted it slightly and a section of the wall swung back on silent runners. Such was the craftsmanship of the Dwarves that had carved it unless you knew what to look for, you would not have known it was there. 

General Rythorn took the torch and stepped through. The tunnel sloped upwards into the blackness ahead of them. A slight draft blowing from somewhere above stirred the flame.

'This way,' he called back through the doorway.

A set of wide stone steps carved from the solid rock led upwards into the gloom. The party filed through and followed the general as he climbed at a steady pace towards the surface. 

Soon they reached another small cavern. This one also carved out of the rock by Dwarf hands. Again Rythorn studied the walls looking for signs of an exit. Satisfied, he drew the blade and once again dug it into a small flaw in the surface and twisted. A blast of cool moisture-laden air washed over them as the rock face slid back to reveal an opening that led to the outer world.