Chapter 6: The Second Dungeon

Myrin had always thought that Delmar was a bit too reckless. Far too reckless actually. The prove for that was fairly obvious this time around. After Delmar had tried to rally the people of the slums to get them to rebell against the city, guards had practically arrested them and brought them before the senate. What Myrin immediately noticed was that while the city itself seemed to be inhabited by a variety of people of different races, this senate was mainly made up of humans, and maybe some half-elfs.

Glancing to his right his eyes fell on their partner in crime. Shirin. The guards' and other people's non-existant reactions showed clearly that her kind wasn't unusual here. People seemed to accept that the city had a multiple of cultures living there. Humans, elves, halflings. And as in Shirin's case Water Genasi. Myrin felt a little bad for her. Yes, she had stolen from him and was technically a thief. But they got his book back. And now Delmar had dragged her into a mess she probably never wanted.

Myrin looked back towards the senate. The group was mostly consistent of middle aged men and women, sitting around an oval table, all of them staring at the three children with an icy glare. At the head of the table, if an oval table had such a thing, was the only clearly non-human member of the senate seated. Despite the look on her face being the coldest, literally causing a shiver to run down Myrin's spine, the woman was quite beautiful.

Her skin was as blue as the sea, a little darker than Shirin's skin maybe. But her hair was in an equally light blue colour, running all the way to her lower back. The golden ornaments on her head and the bracelets around her wrist showed off her wealth and status. And when she spoke up Myrin literally felt his blood beginning to freeze. He was certain that just like Shirin, this woman was a Water Genasi.

»I am High Priestess Corona. As such I function as the leader of this senate in the City of eyes.«

Myrin waited quietly, not certain if they were expected or even allowed to say anything. But as usual, Delmar had no sense for such fine nuances of diplomacy. Instead he sounded just as confident and in love with himself as usual.

»I'm Delmar Amabile. Adventurer. Conqueror of the first Dungeon. And this is Myrin. He ... does things.«

Really? Thanks, Delmar. He decided to stay quiet, feeling it was probably enough for Delmar to just start blurting out things.

»Oh. And this is Shirin. She's our new friend.«

Both Myrin as well as Shirin turned their head towards him at that statement. Shirin's eyes were wide, lips parted as if she wanted to say anything. Myrin on the other hand, while his eyes were probably even wider, the look in his eyes showed the clear opposite to Shirin's. He was angry and from the shrug Delmar gave him, he clearly understood what he was saying with that look. Why are you dragging her into our mess?!

»I know who the girl is. And I have heard stories of the dungeon conqueror. I'm surprised though that you would so easily forgive and befriend a criminal.«

Myrin had hoped Delmar would show at least some respect, but again, he just gave a nonchalant shrug almost as if the High Priestess' words didn't matter to him.

»Are you aware why you have been brought before the senate?«

»I've got a rough idea ...«

The other senators were looking at them with distrust. The frowns on their faces, the hushed whispers. Somehow Myrin felt they wouldn't be getting out of this easily. At the same time he felt a tug on his sleeve, turning his head to Shirin. The girl shook her head, eyes judging and worrying equally. Myrin could only give her a small smile in apology. Sorry, Shirin ... He's just like that.

»You have been brought before this holy senate to receive a chance to defend yourself against the claims of causing unrest and civil disobedience among the citizens of the City of Ice.«

»Yeah, that matches my idea.«

Delmar's nonchalant answer earned him glares from several of the senate members. If this continued they might end up without their heads. Myrin sighed softly before stepping in front of Delmar.

»High Priestess Corona, please forgive me for interfering but I would like to know exactly what charges are being held up against us.«

For a moment Myrin felt as if the woman was going to kill him with her icy stares. He was glad that her looks apparently couldn't kill. At least these once didn't. Her eyes softened ever so slightly as she leaned back in her chair.

»The charges against you include attempted cause of a rebellion and attempted grievious harm to the citizens of the City of Ice.«

»We never had any intention of causing either of those things, High Priestess.«

»Oh? I recall our guards being able to testify that you indeed had such intentions. Didn't your friend try to rally the people beyond the walls?«

Myrin swallowed. She wasn't wrong. That was exactly what he was trying to do. But if he backed down now, he had a feeling the punishment wouldn't be something they'd likely get out of again. It was a gamble, but if he didn't take it ...

»You are to gracious, High Priestess. Attributing a mere child of fourteen years of age the ability to make people rise up against a just state such as the City of Ice. Personally, I thought it was a mere child's play.«

For someone who always backed down, who always stayed behind Delmar and tried to never upset anyone ... Myrin was behaving quite out of character. And even the loudmouthed Delmar could only stare at his back and watch him. Myrin held the High Priestess eye contact, feeling that breaking it would probably mean a loss for him. At his words the senators started arguing in not very hushed voices. He had after all just claimed that a couple of children were a danger to the stability of their state that seemed intent on being perfect.

The High Priestess will hold his gaze before a faint smile will appear on her lips.

»For a mere child of fourteen years of age you are quite articulate.«

»Thank you, High Priestess Corona...«

»But our laws don't stop before children. And this child«, she gestured towards Delmar, »has by his own words proven to be more capable than most adult men.«

The dungeon ... he just had to mention that. Myrin will shift a little but continue keeping his eyes on her.

»The senate is responsible for keeping the city stable. As such I cannot permit you from going unpunished.«

For a moment Myrin felt as if her gaze switched from him to Shirin, growing much softer, before her icy gace was then back on him.

»The senate of the City of Ice therefor judges you guilty. You will be punished by being send to the Tower of Death.«

Somehow Myrin felt that that wasn't good. And it wasn't just Shirin vehemently shaking her head that told him that.

---

On the one hand, Myrin had imagined worse. Actually, for him this was probably the worst possible punishment. Right after immediate execution maybe. Shirin seemed to think similarly. The whole way to the Tower of Death she had just grimly stared ahead, and every time one of them tried to say something to her she turned her head away. Myrin couldn't blame her. After all she had only gotten dragged into this because Delmar felt he needed someone from the slums standing behind him when he made such propositions.

So, while Myrin and Shirin actually felt punished, when Delmar saw the Tower of Death he actually seemed excited and overjoyed. The tower they were brought to rose several hundred of feet into the air, massive double doors leading inside. Carved into the frame surrounding the door where runes. Magical runes, as Myrin knew by that point. What they had already assumed when they stood before the gates, proved itself once they were inside.

»It's a dungeon, Myrin!«

»Yay ...«

Myrin knew that Delmar said he wanted to go after the rumours of this dungeon and most likely check it out. But Myrin would've preferred if they could've prepared and went in on their own terms. And possibly not drag another person into this who didn't want to enter a death trap.

But there was no turning back now. The three of them had started moving through the dungeon, and even Myrin felt as if this dungeon wasn't nearly as difficult as the previous one. Yes, all of the tests were potentially fairly deadly. But the solution to them simply required some thinking. All of the tests seemed to be made up of eloquent puzzles. Eventually even Shirin got a hang of it and helped them solve a few of those puzzles.

The room they were currently in was fairly large. Probably the largest they've seen so far apart from the entrance hall. A deep pit stretched across the full width of the room for what Myrin guessed to be around 60 ft. On the other side of the pit was a large double door that reminded Myrin of the final door in the last dungeon. Within the pit several pillars stood, building platforms. They seemed stable enough to jump onto.

»Seems easy enough.«

»I don't know Delmar ... So far nothing as really been easy enough.«

»We clearly need to get to that door. And those pillars are close enough so we can jump from one to the other. Right?«

»I mean ... that's what it looks like, I guess.«

»Great!«

As Delmar stepped forward to jump, a hand grabbed his sleeve and pulled him back, before the person belonging to that hand will rush past him and jump over to the first pillar. Shirin is pretty good at jumping, huh? She balanced herself out before looking back at the two boys as if saying Seems fine.

»Be careful, Shirin ... nothing's ever that easy in these dungeons.«

»Don't be such a coward, Myrin! Maybe this time it is as easy.«

But Myrin proved to be right. As the three of them started jumping from pillar to pillar, the moment Shirin jumped to the second one, the one she was previously standing on, crumbled away underneath her. Delmar gave Myrin a worried look, but he had already started looking over the field of pillars, considering possible routes for all three of them. Only coming to one solution though.

»One of us is gonna have to make a pretty big leap.«

»Alright. I'll do that. You two go ahead.«

Myrin looked over at Delmar, the frown on his face clearly showing worry as Delmar almost immediately laughed.

»I'm pretty good at this, so don't gimme that look, Myrin!«

»Well if you say so ...«

The three of them moved more carefully, following Myrin's directions, hoping he hadn't miscalculated anywhere. Eventually Shirin made it to the other side first, looking extremely relieved. Myrin knew the feeling. And he was looking forward to feeling like that again.

As Myrin jumped to the next pillar, he could clearly hear a sizzling sound. Almost like something being shot through the air. The surprised yelp from Delmar told him that this assumption was correct. Myrin's head whipped around to see Delmar holding his right arm, blood seeping through his fingers. But Delmar wasn't looking at him. He looked at the direction they came from. On one of the pillars was sitting with a grin, the assassin that had tried to kill Delmar before.

»Delmar!«

»Keep going, Myrin! I can handle this.«

»Can you now? Seems to me you're in trouble.«

The snarky voice coming from the assassin was full of scorn, taunting Delmar. It made Myrin hesitate. Delmar wasn't weak but they weren't exactly in an easy situation. The warning look Delmar gave him though made him reconsider. While Shirin held her hand out, Myrin jumped to the last few pillars, grabbing her hand and letting her pull him back onto proper ground. Meanwhile Delmar was still standing there unmoving, facing the assassin. His speech was calm, though there was an irritated undertone in his voice when Delmar spoke.

»Why are you doing this?«

»'Cause I'm gettin' paid for it. Waddya think, genius?«

»You follow us all the way into this dungeon ... all for some gold? Are you some kind of idiot?«

»I'm not the one bleedin' out.«

Delmar let out a frustrated sigh, glancing back towards Shirin and Myrin and sizing up if he could make the jump. He'll look back towards the assassin, for some reason his usual smile back on his face. Even though the situation seemed dire, Myrin knew that he probably still had a plan. He always did.

»If you're in it for the gold then I can tell you you'd definitely get more by not killing us and instead working with us. The treasure room of this dungeon will be filled with gold.«

»I've got a reputation to uphold. Ya know? Assassin's honour and all that shit.«

»Yeah, yeah. All super important. And I bet assassin's honour and all that shit is also the reason you look like you're not allowed to fail again, hm?«

He always did that. Hit where it hurts. The assassin audibly clicked his tongue, his glare intensifying. For amoment Myrin thought he might be considering the offer. But then he jumped from pillar to pillar, trying to get up and close to Delmar.

»Delmar!«

But he had probably seen that coming. He wasn't as fast as the assassin, but he had gotten far more used to jumping around on these pillars these last few minutes. He had gotten a small headstart, taking a few unnecessary turns before leaping off, jumping just too short but both Myrin and Shirin catching his arms before he could plumet to his death. The two of them had to drop to the ground to still reach him, but of them were holding on. And neither seemed like they planned on letting go again. All Delmar did was giving them his usual grin.

»Great catch, guys.«

»Aren't you forgetting something, Delmar?! Also, loose some weight! You're too heavy!«

»Ouch, Myrin. That hurt.«

From the grin still plastered on his face that clearly didn't hurt. While Shirin and Myrin tried to pull their idiot leader up, the assassin closed in. With one last leap he attempted to jump onto the pillar Delmar had just stood on, midjump throwing a chain knife at his target, all the while grinning triumphantly. What he didn't seem to expect was that the tower gave in before he even reached it, crumbling underneath his feet, causing him to plumet to his death.

Or at least he would have if Delmar wouldn't have pulled his arm away from Shirin and caught the chain of the throwing knife, the assassin now dangling underneath Delmar. Shirin had moved to help Myrin, both of them holding onto the same arm. The assassin wasn't too grateful about his rescue though.

»What the hell do ya think ya're doing?!«

»First of all. Language. Second. Saving your life. What does it look like to you?«

You're both too heavy, Delmar. Myrin let out something that sounded like a grumpled sigh before pulling Delmar up together with Shirin. For the three of them together it was no problem to pull the assassin further up. Delmar stopped pulling on the chain before he got too close though, instead reach down, holding his hand out.

»If you want to live and go on adventures without having to worry about getting stabbed in the back by those you call comrades, then take my hand. If you'd rather kill people for a few pieces of coin until the end of your life ... figure out your own way up.«

»You're not really giving him a choice, Delmar...«

»That wasn't the plan.«

Myrin sighed. And as he expected, faced with certain death and having to join up with Delmar, even the assassin chose Delmar. As unlikely as that might seem at first. And if Delmar was good at one thing then it was looking smug about how great he was. Myrin crouched down next to the assassin, smiling a little at him as he held out his hand.

»I'm Myrin. That is Shirin and the smug guy is Delmar. I'm looking forward to going on adventures with you.«

»....I don't.«

---

Myrin let out a relieved sigh when they finally reached the treasurey. It was just as impressive as the one in the first dungeon. The room itself reminded him of a theater. Though it was missing the chairs for the audience. From afar it was hard to see but on the pedestal that stood on what Myrin would describe as the stage, lay a key. It looked like a completely normal key, but the aura it emitted reminded Myrin of the bracelet from before.

The walls of the treasurey were lined with shelves. And on each of the shelves were several items, plates, jewellery and the like. All of it shimmering in gold and silver. The floor was littered with heaps of coins in gold and silver and copper. Myrin could see the assassin's eyes grow wider. He probably had never seen this much money before in his life. Meanwhile Delmar went straight for the stage, standing in front of the pedestal but avoiding to touch the key.

»Hey, Myrin. Do you think this works like the crown in the other dungeon?«

»It's pretty likely ... it's probably this dungeons artifact.«

Both Shirin as well as the assassin, neither having been in a dungeon before, watched their exchange with a look of confusion. Hopefully it's nothing too dangeorus.

»Maybe lets leave it where it is for now, Delmar ...«

Delmar just gave a shrug before turning back to the others with a grin.

»Alright! Then let's fill our pockets with the stuff in here! Myrin?«

He gave a small nod towards Myrin who'll stare at him silently for a moment. What does he .... oh! A look of realisation will dawn on his face and he'll pull the bag swung across his chest to the front, putting his arm inside all the way to his shoulder. Much to the surprise of Shirin and the assassin, both their eyes growing as wide as plates. Good thing we thought of putting the old bags in here ... After a moment he'll pull his arm back out, together with rather large bags that couldn't possibly have all fitted into a bag of that size.

»What the ...«

»Pretty cool, huh? Myrin bought that from the money we got when we cleared the first dungeon. I call it ... the Bag of Anything!«

»It's a bag of holding.«

Myrin will shake his head a little at Delmar renaming the bag, giving the assassin an apologetic look with his explanation.

»It's basically a pocket dimension for our use. Anything we can fit through the opening also fits inside. It does have a weight limit, but no matter how much is in it, it always feels as light as if it's just the bag.«

The assassin will stare for a moment before then Delmar, Shirin and the assassin will each grab a bag, starting to fill them with them with the contents of the dungeon. While the others were collecting the coins from the ground, Myrin started throwing golden plates, bracelets, necklaces, orbs and the like into the bag. Anything he wouldn't mind having to pull out as a single item. He definitely had no intention of having loose coins in his bag.

The four of them worked in silence. Only the clinging sound of coins ringing out in the room. After a little while Myrin will glance next to him where the assassin is working, clearing his throat a little.

»I'm ... sorry about Delmar. He didn't give you much of a choice there...«

»'twas a fair choice though. Live or die.«

»I don't think it's a choice when your other option is dying ...«

The assassin will look up at Myrin. Seizing him, looking for any sign of dishonesty. But Myrin had always been fairly bad at lying. His face was easily read, just like a book. And currently it showed no sign of lying or any ill intent. On the contrary. His apology seemed to be a sincere one.

»...you're a strange guy.«

»Ah ... I get that often.«

»I can't stand that guy. He's manipulative. But ...«

Myrin will knock his head to one side as he watches the assassin go quiet for a moment, frowning darkly. It's probably hard to trust people in that line of work, huh?

»...he saved my ass back there. And I don't wanna owe him anything. So ... I'm gonna stick around for a while.«

»...really?! Great!«

Again the assassin will seize Myrin up, though this time around he'll give up much more quickly, letting out a soft sigh before smiling ever so slightly.

»I'm Rhys.«

Myrin will blink in surprise. He hadn't expected to see the boy smile or give anything personal to them. But when he didn't look like he wanted to murder someone, he did look like a child. Well, just like us pretty much. He looks a little younger than us though ...

»It's nice to meet you, Rhys!«

From behind a pile of gold all the way across the room came Delmar's voice, a mocking tone in it.

»Hey! No chitchat! Work faster!«

Myrin simply rolled his eyes and give Rhys a small smile that the boy will return before both of them continue to fill their respective bags.

Eventually all that was left was the key. The four of them gathered around it, and except for Delmar all of them looked somewhat uncomfortable. The key radiated an aura that seemed to be perceivable even for Shirin and Rhys. Maybe Delmar was always so reckless because he had no sense of perception at all? Or maybe the gods just put all his points into luck and recklessness... With everyone just looking at the key, Delmar will reach out for it and just upon touching it, the key will start radiating. A confident smirk will show on Delmar's face, as if a theory of his had just gotten proven.

»So it's the same as before...«

The glow of the key will intensify before collecting in the bright, light like image of a tiger. The beast was massive. At least twice, maybe three times the size of a normal tiger. And it was completely made of blue, crackling energy. Lightning? It's eyes trailed over the group, tail swashing, and Myrin wondered if cats made of light also required food. Hopefully not us ... After a moment the creature's eyes will settle on Delmar.

»Congratulations, conqueror. You have passed the tests of this dungeon and earned the right to the Key.«

Delmar gave the others a look, though only earning a shrug from Myrin.

»You have survived many grave dangerous on your way here. And you have filled your pockets with your reward. All that is left is for you to take this key.«

»Sweet! Hope you don't mind if I do then!«

Delmar will reach out for the key with a grin, Shirin flinching a little and her hand reaching out to grab Delmar's arm, as if trying to stop him. Though before she could go through with her plan, the light tiger spoke up again.

»Answer just ... one more question, young hero.«

»Haah ... sure. What's the question?«

»You are on a sailing ship on the great ocean. A storm rages and your ship sways heavily but it is sturdy and will make it through that storm. Your three companions go overboard and disappear in the depths of the water. You can stay on the ship or follow your companions to death's door. How do you choose?«

Myrin will cross his arms, wondering if it's a riddle. In the last Dungeon and here as well Delmar left the riddles up to Myrin. If there was a right answer, Myrin wanted to get it. Delmar glanced at him, but after a moment Myrin simply looked back at him and shrugged.

»I'm sorry, Delmar. I don't think it's a riddle. There's not enough information to solve it if it is.«

»Haah. Was worth a try. Alright. I've got my answer.«

The tiger will stare at him, and for some reason Myrin felt somewhat nervous. Delmar hadn't known Shirin for long. And Rhys had tried to kill him in this exact dungeon. And even Myrin and him hadn't been traveling for all that long. Myrin wasn't sure he would've referred to the three of them as Delmar's companions. But Delmar sounded just as confident as ever when he spoke up to answer the creature's question.

»I'd jump into the sea after them.«

»So, you'd choose death ... interesting ...«

»That's not what I said, kitty.«

The tiger as well as the other three stared at Delmar in surprise. That's exactly what it sounded like though, Delmar.

»I haven't known him for long but Rhys got chain knives. Even if he was to loose his balance and get thrown overboard, which I find unlikely, he'd easily be able to get himself up before even touching the water.«

Shirin and Rhys watched Delmar's explanation in awe. Myrin though just smiled and shook his head slightly. Maybe the gods put all your points into charisma and leadership after all ...

»Shirin is a Water Genasi. I doubt she's got problems with any sort of sea. So if she actually fell into the water and didn't come back onto the ship then there'd be a pretty damn good reason for that.«

He wasn't sure but Myrin could've sworn the tiger was smiling. If cats are even able to do such a thing.

»And while Myrin is neither a former assassin, nor of a race that literally has water in its name, he hates causing trouble for others. There's no way he'd put himself into a position where I needed to rescue him. Therefor, if all three of them fell into the sea, I'd jump after them to see what they found. I trust my friends, if that's what you wanted to ask.«

Myrin stared at him with wide eyes. Yes, they had spent a lot of time together and were planning to go on adventures. But he hadn't expected to be called a friend. And it seemed neither had Shirin or Rhys. He was certain he could see a faint blush appear on Rhys face, his cheeks looking just a little too red for his pale skin.

The tiger though will simply bow his his head to Delmar, the blinding light getting absorbed by the key again and this time without hesitation Delmar will take the key, making their way back out.

---

The hours after their return were among the greatest in Myrin's life. It wasn't so much that there were yet again people who celebrated them - most of them seemed to be from the slums - and it wasn't the fact that the senate had to pardon them after they cleared the dungeon either. The party the senate threw for them was nice. And Delmar had made sure the people from the slums could be there and eat their fill. Which was also nice.

Shirin seemed to enjoy herself, even though she still hadn't said a word. Myrin heard from the High Priestess that she wasn't able to speak but used to have a beautiful voice. He tried to pester her for more, but she remained silent after that.

Rhys was also enjoying himself. Or at least he wasn't fully hating it. He had retreated to a quiet corner, where he ate by himself, watching everyone else. Myrin had talked to him for a while as well. Nothing too deep. But he did have a feeling that Rhys opened up more and more by the minute.

Myrin himself had been just wandering around the party, talking to many people. He did of course enjoy the conversations. He did get to hear quite a few good stories. But the main reason was that it seemed Delmar was no where to be found. When Myrin went off to look for him he eventually found him on a balcony outside.

Usually he felt Delmar looked somewhat arrogant. Too self confident and quite in love with mostly himself. Now though he seemed about as composed as one would expect of an adult who had seen years of life. He stepped next to him, leaning against the railing as he looked out over the city.

»You really are like Vetra, Delmar.«

»...eh? The goddess of day? Why am I like a girl?«

Myrin chuckled a little. Vetra was the goddess seen by everyone, everyday. The light that shone upon them. Their literal sun.

»First of all, there's nothing bad with being like a girl. Girl's are badass. Just look at Shirin.«

»...okay?«

»Second. Vetra is a deity. They don't have any fixed gender. Even if she has only ever appeared in a female form.«

»You still haven't explained to me how I'm like her.«

»Well .. the Deities of Creation, well, created. All of this. All of us. But ... Vetra is the one keeping it together. All the worlds surrounding her are attracted to her and stay close to her. Because they seek her warmth and protection.«

Delmar stared at Myrin with a look that clearly said he didn't understand anything of what his friend was just talking about. But Myrin continued despite that.

»And ... I think you're just like that. You are like Vetra. Attracting people to gather around you and believe in you.«

»I ... see ...«

»When we first met ... I had made up my mind not to believe in people or get close to them again. I had just lost someone who I both believed in and had just gotten close to.«

»I'm sorry about that, Myrin. I didn't know.«

»Of course you didn't. I didn't want you to know. But ... the point is ... when you called me and Shirin and Rhys your friends back there in the dungeon ... it made me happy. I was glad that there was someone who'd think of me as a friend.«

Delmar will smile a little and open his mouth, though before he can get a word out a teasing smile will slip onto Myrin's face as he continues.

»And of course someone who'd trust me not to be too stupid to jump into the raging sea.«

They both chuckled before turning their gazes back towards the night sky.

»You know, Myrin ... when I said I wanted to be a hero ... I never wanted to do that alone. I wanted to make friends and travel with them and become heroes with them. Adventuring isn't half as much fun when you do it by yourself.«

»Well, I think you've found yourself a group. Rhys isn't gonna leave you any time soon and before we got here I saw Shirin pack all her things into a backpack.«

»So, we're gonna keep going?«

»You'll keep going. And we'll keep following you.«

Silence spread between them. Though there was nothing uncomfortable about it. After a few moments Myrin was the one to break the silence.

»Just please don't make us follow you into the raging sea. Or a vulcano.«

»...I'll see what I can do.«

As the night grew older Delmar, Myrin, Shirin and Rhys enjoyed this break they had gotten from the dangers of a dungeon. At the time none of them knew where their journey would lead them. They only knew that they had made up their mind over following Delmar. Some might say they would've been more careful about their choice if they had known what awaited them in their future. I though believe they would've chosen the exact same path. Without hesitation.

End of Part I: The Beginnings of a Hero