THE CAVERN WAS ENORMOUS, the largest they had yet entered. Danielle, George and what remained of the party from Whytewytch Wood, descended from the collapsed cave high above. Stone steps, carved into the sheer rock face led them down to the cave floor. Now they stood on a beach of white sand which sparkled in the unusual light that filtered in from one end of the cavern. Before them, stretching as far as they could see was a lake. The inky black surface, flowed sluggishly towards the light, reflecting the great pillars of stone that rose from beneath the surface and disappeared up into the gloom overhead. Several falls cascading from openings around the walls gave the lake a constant supply of water.

'That is a great deal of water, where is it all coming from?' queried Eldon.

'More magic,' voiced Altard. 'This must be the Black Lake spoken of in the Elven scriptures, In Annwn Deep 'neath the falls of the Black Lake you will find Hammerforge, the hidden City of the Corachod, or something along those lines, it was written not long after the Dwarves went into exile.'

'Is that all that was written?' inquired Meriol.

'That Princess was the last line written with reference to the Dwarf Empire. A vague reference scribed by our forebears long ago,' the Spellcaster went on. 'Unsure exactly what was meant, many have searched for this lake, but to no avail, there were no black lakes. But the writings on the maze, the mining of these tunnels, and now this,' he pointed to the lake before them. 'The city must be here.' 

'Let's get looking then,' George insisted. 'Which way should we go?'

'Yes,' Danielle urged. 'The sooner we find the Dwarves, the sooner we can get back and find Jessica.'

Captain Thrax, who had been studying their surroundings, nodded. 'I think we should make haste towards that mysterious radiance, if they are down here they will need power for heat and light. Yonder looks  our best option.'   

'I agree with the Captain,' Meriol urged. 'Has anyone any objections.'

There were none, so they set off along the beach towards the puzzling light. They walked in silence, the only sound came from the splashing of the waterfalls and a distant muffled roar from somewhere up ahead of them.

Danielle was deep in thought; her mind raced with troubled thoughts. What if they could not find her sister; how would they explain this to their parents. What could they say, no one would believe them, even if they told the truth? She should not think like that. Eldon had said all would be okay. She was with Holt after all, and although the Gnome could be awkward and obnoxious, if he couldn't get Jessica out of a scrape, then no one could.

'It will be alright, won't it?' she asked George as if to reassure herself.

'Don't worry we will find Jess and the Dwarves, get what we came for, and find our way home soon, I'm sure,' George said encouragingly. 

'I hope so,' Danielle whispered anxiously.

From out in the lake came a loud splash as something rose to the surface. They caught a glimpse of a large glistening fin as the unseen creature, or whatever it was, dived back into the depths. 

As they walked, the distant roar grew louder. They felt a gentle warmth on their faces from the strange light, which grew stronger as they moved along the beach, casting long shadows behind them. 

'If I did not know better, I would say that was sunlight,' remarked Meriol. 'Altard, what could be causing it?' she asked the Elven Spellcaster.

'I am not sure Princess; it could be a natural occurrence, but most probably it is magical. The Dwarves did have powerful magicians at the time of their disappearance.' 

The beach ended in a series of rock ledges that climbed up towards the roof. Stretching between them and the distant wall of the cave was the source of the thunderous roaring. The water from the lake was being funnelled between gigantic stone pillars and jagged rocks to drop hundreds of metres into the bottom of a massive cavern. Billowing clouds of mist and spray filled the air obscuring their view of the cavern floor at the bottom of the waterfall.

Climbing up the rock ledges they edged their way towards the lip of the falls. Finally, far below through a break in the spray, the party glimpsed what they had been searching for.

'Hammerforge,' said Eldon excitedly. 'We have found the City of the Dwarves."

The enormous city stretched out across the cave floor right up to the cliff face in the far distance. The buildings increased in size the nearer you got to the centre, spread out around a mighty central monolith. The great stone tower crouched on the top of the plateau. Its sides glowed golden in the light cast by the blazing orb suspended from the vaulted roof, high above. 

Altard stared up at it in wonderment. 'They have created an artificial sun. That is why they have remained hidden for so long, they no longer have to rely on the surface world. Everything they need can be produced down here.'

The group continued to gaze in wonder at the city spread out beneath them. They could see livestock grazing and crops growing in the fields that sprawled out around the city. Carefully tended gardens and orchards grew everywhere, interspersed between the city dwellings. 

'We need to find a way down, so we can look for help,' Danielle called out.

'Of course Danielle,' Meriol agreed. 'Quickly everyone, spread out, look for a pathway down to the city. There must be one.'

The Elven hunters scattered, exploring the surrounding area for some sort of entrance which would lead them down to the bottom of the waterfall.

It was Captain Thrax who first spotted them.

'I do not think we need to look any further,' he shouted, pointing to a ledge above them. There, crossbows pointed menacingly, stood a party of squat, bearded warriors. Armour glinting weakly in the shadows, they remained still and silent.

'Make no sudden moves,' Thrax said, just loud enough for his party to hear.

A concealed doorway at the base of the cliff suddenly swung open. A grizzled figure pushed through accompanied by more of the warriors. He wore polished armour like the rest, but a scarlet cloak that hung from his shoulders almost matching the colour of his face. He sported a luxuriant red beard; streaked through with grey, plaited and strung with beads and ornamental clasps.  

He halted in front of the group; his green eye's falling on each member.

'Well,' he boomed. 'This is a day for visitors to our little kingdom.' 

Jessica and Holt waited in the room for several hours whilst Strotordar talked with the Dwarf Council. They had food and water brought in; a simple fare of bread, cheese some slices of meat and some fruit. They both ate heartily, it seemed a long time since they had eaten anything. 

After that Jessica lay down on one of the low stone benches, placed a pillow under her head, and tried to get a few minutes of sleep. She wondered when she would see her brother and sister again. She hoped it would be soon; they needed to get back home, she was missing Mum and Dad and her own bed.

Jessica was roused by Gibolt's gentle shaking. She did not know how long she had been asleep and took a moment to remember where she was.

'I am commanded to escort you both to the council chambers,' he announced quietly.

From across the room came loud snoring. Holt lay on his back; mouth wide open. A ribbon of drool ran from the corner of his mouth into his beard.

'I suppose we had better wake him up,' she laughed. 'If we leave him, we'll never hear the last of it.'

She picked up the cushion she had been using, took aim, and threw it towards the sleeping Gnome.

It caught him on the side of the head. Mid snore, he leapt up coughing and spluttering, ready for a fight. He looked at the cushion and then across at Jessica.

'Child, when we get out of here, I am going to...' he saw her smiling at him and a slight grin creased his mouth. '...oh forget it.' he said.

He's growing soft in his old age. Jessica thought. 

Gibolt and several guards escorted them from the room, back into the halls and walkways of the citadel. The light had changed subtly since they had last walked there. It reminded Jessica of early evenings back home, just as the sun starts to sink towards the horizon. Fewer Dwarves walked the hallways now, and she guessed that maybe the Dwarf working day was coming to an end. She was going to question Gibolt about it when they arrived at a set of huge wooden doors heavily studded with metal. A unit of Dwarf corpsmen armed with long pikes and shields stood guard at them.

The one who appeared to be in charge stepped forward and Gibolt spoke to him in a low voice. He glanced at the outlanders and signalled the guards to open the doors.

'The council is ready to receive you now,' he told them. 'Please be on your best behaviour.' he added, giving Holt a derisive stare.         

The Council Chambers were in the very centre of the citadel. A huge amphitheatre set upon a pinnacle of rock that thrust spear-like from a seemingly bottomless pit. From beneath the ornately carved arch, a broad causeway spanned the depths. It appeared to be the only way into the chambers from the surrounding fortress. Jessica could hear the sound of water rushing from somewhere far below. Dwarves milled around, settling themselves on a gallery of stone benches, arranged in a semicircle around the chamber. At the end of the causeway sat a raised platform with seven elaborately carved thrones set upon it. 

Jessica and Holt followed their escort across the bridge. The artificial sunlight still filtered down the open centre of the keep, a little dimmer now, but still strong enough to reflect off the mirrored tiles and light up the chamber.

An elderly Dwarf sat on the centre throne. He stood as they approached. 

Leaning heavily on a knobbed cane, he took a step forward. His grizzled beard was tied into three large braids, was fastened with gold and jewelled beading. He wore a simple white robe belted at the waist with a gold sash and a white cloak embroidered with a gold design. For all his seemingly vast age, his green eyes still held a twinkle as he scrutinised the newcomers.

His voice held a firm but friendly tone when he spoke.

'Greetings outlanders, I am Kilder Gom, King of the Dwarves and this...' he motioned with an over-elaborate sweep of his arm.  '...is the Great Council.'

The six other Dwarves seated on the platform nodded in acknowledgement and a chorus of greetings came from the gallery.

'You must be Jessica?' he smiled. But as his eyes skipped across to the Gnome, the smile disappeared. 'And you are, Holt?'

Jessica bowed slightly. 'Yes, that is correct, your majesty,' she answered. 

'Captain Strotordar as explained in part, the reason for your being here. And no doubt you have heard there are search parties out looking for the rest of your group. Once found I have given orders that no harm is to come to them, and they are to be brought straight here.'

One of the Dwarves on the dais jumped to his feet. His shock of silvered hair and beard contrasting vividly with the deep blue robes he wore.

'But Sire, I must protest,' he shouted. 'Do you think that wise? Allowing Elves into the city. It is bad enough...' he gave Holt a withering look.

'Kaden Wyn,' the King cut in. 'I can understand your concerns as High Chancellor. But we have discussed this matter at great length. I have given my word. It must be something of great importance that brings our little band of travellers to Annwn Deep. I would hear what it is.'

Kaden Wyn scowled, then let his features softened. 'I seek only to advise, my lord, as you say you have given your word. I just hope it is not some surface dwellers trick designed to gather information.' 

'Your concern is noted, Kaden. I am willing to take that risk.'

The King turned and returned to his throne.

'Come. Sit with me,' he beckoned. 'Captain Strotordar tells me that you wish to speak to me about your quest.'

Jessica and Holt seated themselves on the edge of the dais; just in front of the King.

'It's Ravengaard. We need the gemstone called Daybringer.' Jessica blurted out before Holt could stop her. 

'Hush girl,' Holt snapped. 'Dwarf King, we would like to wait for our companions to arrive before we say anything further.' 

A wave of trepidation swept the chamber at the mention of Ravengaard's name. Shouts and calls for the girl to explain herself echoed around the galleries. The Warlock's name still sent a shudder through the council chamber even though it had been countless years since the Warlock's defeat.

The King took note of the discontent.

'Very well. But if it concerns Ravengaard, then I think it is best that I hear what you have to say sooner rather than later.'

'The King is right, Holt,' Jessica urged. 'We need to sort this out as soon as possible.' 

Holt hesitated, unsure whether to tell what he knew or await the others. He knew the girl was right; this really did need dealing with now. Further delay would only serve to give Ravengaard the time he needed to put his plans into action. 

He threw up his hands. 'Very well, I concede to the young lady. We will tell you all we know so you can decide if you will aid us or not.'

They sat with the King and his council and told them all that had happened so far. The King listened closely as Jessica explained about being kidnapped by the Dark Witch Caranaxus, and how Ravengaard had nearly succeeded in returning. Of how her brother and sister, along with the Elves had thwarted that plan. She told how the Warlock sent the Thornfury in an attempt to kill them and of Ceridwen's plan to seek out the Arcs of Heaven in a bid to cast Ravengaard back into his dark pit, should he succeed in returning. And finally, Holt relayed how they had recovered three of the gemstones and their journey into Annwn Deep in the hope of finding the Dwarves and the final piece of the puzzle—Daybringer.

Kilder Gom studied the other members of the council. He saw doubt in some of their eyes. 

Kaden Wyn stood and stepped forward. 'My lord, fellow council members, I would urge caution. These strangers, one of them a Gnome I might add, appear from the caverns above with tales of an ancient evil reborn. If the legends are to be accepted, Ravengaard was banished thousands of years hence. Are we really to believe that after all that time he is about to make a comeback.

'And this talk of handing them Daybringer, it was given to the Dwarf nation so that no one race possessed the power that Rykar's Arcs of Heaven contain. They say they already hold three of the gemstones, do they really expect us to hand over ours? Think of the power that anyone who obtains all four pieces could weld.' 

He paused, looking around the room. 

'I say we lock them away, arrest the others when they are found. At least, until we can confirm if any of what we are being told is true.'

He saw several nods of approval from the galleries.

The King raised a hand.

'Kaden Wyn, I once again note your concerns. But I see no reason for young Jessica to lie about such things. If Ravengaard is indeed seeking a way to return, do you think he will rest once he has laid waste to the surface world? Dwarves represented part of an alliance that banished him. It is inevitable he will come wanting his revenge.' 

The High Chancellor sought some help from the other member of the council, some support for his doubts. But although one or two of them looked undecided, none came.

The King caught the mood in the chamber.

'Do not worry,' he continued. 'I can see no problems. But I do not intend to merely hand over the Daybringer to anyone. But just in case, there is any subterfuge...' he paused, turning to a sturdy, ruddy-faced Dwarf wearing full armour. 'High Marshal, you will put your guard on alert, any signs of trickery and we will bring this to an end, swiftly.'

Stez Deytkal, High Marshal of the Dwarf armies nodded. 'It shall be done, Sire. Rest assured, any deceptions will be dealt with instantly.' To emphasise he looked straight at Jessica and Holt, who both smiled nervously. 

There was a commotion in the hallway outside, and a Dwarf soldier came running across the bridge. He skidded to a halt in front of the King, bowing deeply.

'My King...'  he shouted breathlessly. 'My King. We have them. They are in the cavern above the city. Even now General Rythorn escorts them here.'

'Are my brother and sister with them,' shouted Jessica excitedly,

The messenger looked towards the King.

'Are there Humans with the party?' Kilder Gom asked. 

'Yes, Sire. Two I believe.'

Jessica smiled. 'Did you hear, Holt, they're still alive.'

Holt chuckled briefly to himself. 'Yes girl, that is good news.'

With her mood lightened by the news of her brother and sister, Jessica was happy to sit with the King and answer his questions about life on the surface world. The Dwarves had been hidden away for so long, that life in the outside had transformed completely. She explained to him about motor cars and aeroplanes, of television and computers and all the other wondrous things that had happened since his race had last walked the surface of the world.

Kilder Gom listened intently, smiling and nodding appropriately, but whether he fully understood Jessica could not tell.