Land of Mirriam

Autumn arrived, painting the ground with hues of orange and brown as the tree's leaves fell. Percival and his party, now numbering three (Percival, Simon, and Afara), ventured into the Dark Forest to meet up with the other forest folks before heading to the northern wall.

They traversed through the dark forest and emerged in the far northwest, onto a slope leading down toward the wall. The north was actually a large slope descending toward the wall, with hills and mountains on the right side that extended further down. They waited there for a few days.

Percival and the other groups communicated via letters carried by doves. The meeting point was a triangular formation of stones near the northern border of the dark forest.

After some time, another group, accompanied by adventurers and some of Gallo’s people, joined them, increasing their numbers. Percival dispatched another dove, informing them that they would now head to the northern walls, with someone remaining at the meeting point.

“Sir Percival… the cannons will be delayed a bit,” one of Gallo’s people informed him. “I see… There will be a group of adventurers coming from the west and south of the frontier. I'll ask them to assist with the transport,” Percival replied, smiling upon receiving the report.

If Percival could lessen the burden with the transportation of the cannons, it would be worth it. On the 3rd day, the whole group started moving with Percival and Simon at the head.

The walk began in the morning, and by the afternoon, they could already see their destination.

“We are almost there! After we pass the slope, you will see it too…” Percival acted like a tourist guide; it was actually the first time he would be bringing visitors to the northern wall.

For almost all of them, it was their first time laying eyes on the large wall. It was majestic, beautiful... awe-inspiring, but thinking about its purpose made Simon shiver. What were those Spikes? Why the large wall?

Simon smiles seeing the wall. It was wide, the northern wall stood majestically, seamlessly merging with the eastern and western northern mountain range as if it were a natural part of its range. Its grayish-white surface glistened, reflecting the rugged beauty of the mountains, creating a breathtaking sight.

After a few more steps, they finally glimpsed the town nestled beneath the northern wall. To the west and right of the wall, the majestic mountains loomed, their peaks crowned with large towers of enchanted design that seemed to pierce the sky. These towers, adorned with intricate patterns and shimmering with a magical aura, stood proudly atop the rugged mountaintops, creating a stunning and surreal landscape.

The slope was like another ecosystem, the landscape was still brownish but hints of season changing polluted it. Massive antelopes, each as large as a house, roamed the landscape with a commanding presence. Nearby, litters of koalas scurried about, eagerly collecting any food they could find. The slopes were dotted with an abundance of berry shrubs, their vibrant colors hinting at both nourishment and danger, as some berries were poisonous while others were not. The scene was a lively tapestry of wildlife and vegetation, teeming with the raw, untamed energy of nature.

Percival like a tourist guide screamed as he pointed the tower on the mountains “Those towers are actually wards... They cover from the north into the eastern mountain ranges,” Percival explained as they walked. “They were made by Dwarves to protect the continent... Though I’m not sure if they are eternal; it's a lost technology,” Percival continued, and his breath started to fog.

“Why not just put those all around the wall? Then it will not be passable by monsters, right?” Afara queried.

“There is a reason why. It was to funnel the attacks and siege,” Percival explained.

The slope down to the northern wall was quite high. There were zigzag paths that curved down the steep slope, making traveling there quite easy. Even the monsters that lived on the slope stayed clear of it, as if they were accustomed to it.

The wind was already very cold, and it only got worse as they traveled the long way down. There were hundreds of them: forest folk, adventurers, Gallo’s servants. The northerners watching from the town walls could see them descending.

<--->

The town was situated in the middle of the wall. Surrounding the town was yet another wall. Upon entering, one could quickly discern three tiers of walls with gates in the middle. The gate farthest led into the wall, while two ramparts on the east and west of the gates led inside. In ancient times, when the walls were built, they were designed to house those who would defend it. However, over the years, it was deemed safer to live outside, and only the warriors on duty would remain within. Many secrets were lost since they abandoned living there.

The surrounding town was filled with ruins, including collapsed buildings. Despite this, the town still appeared intact as they approached the wall.

“This town is actually a remnant of a kingdom that is buried underground,” Percival continuously informed them.

“Father!!! Father, you're back!!!” a child greeted them, or rather his father, who caught the jumping child.

“I’m back!!! We got reinforcements!!!” even the town's keeper greeted them moments later.

They were shown their quarters and given a tour around the village. The forest folk were enchanted with the humans, who showed no trace of racism.

“Settle down, let us meet at the town hall. The bell will strike as a call. Please come,” Percival said with a smile.

The town hall was situated on the west side of the town, constructed from bricks. Clearly, it was built ages after the wall, as that side also exhibited some ruins. Ornaments depicting the history of the wall adorned its walls, along with murals. The forest folks were particularly fond of it. There was a large stone table on each side, appearing much older than the building itself, and finally, a stage in the middle.

After a while, the bell chimed…

<--->

The wooden gate stood tall as 3 stories, The gate creaked and groaned, its ancient hinges protesting as they slowly gave way. A low, metallic rumble echoed through the air, followed by the heavy, resonant thud of the gate settling into its open position, scores of people already waiting inside.

“We welcome you to the northern walls!!! We thank you for the support,” said the mayor, Percival’s brother. He had been managing the town and overseeing the messenger birds, knowing when the party would arrive and preparing accordingly. The townspeople who had organized the feast welcomed them warmly.

A humble yet sufficient feast had been prepared. As the evening grew colder, they enjoyed warm drinks of goat milk and cheese, which brought smiles to the faces of the forest folks as they sampled them.

“Enjoy the humble feast we've prepared. After this, we will have an official meeting, and tomorrow there will be an introduction to the spike,” declared the mayor, initiating the festivities in the town hall.

“Simon!!! The noodles are here!!” Percival called out, waving to Simon. The boy smiled and followed the invitation.

Although it was a feast, everyone retired early for the night. Simon sat by the window in his room within the wall, gazing at the stars while finishing his third serving of noodles, which Percival had enticed him with. It wasn't the first time he had seen such clear skies, but they were still beautiful.

Feeling restless, he stood up. He hadn't had the chance to use his sword yet. Percival had brought along an anti-monster incense that repelled the creatures.

Despite his desire to hunt, he reasoned that it wouldn't be wise for the group. After all, the slope was home to peaceful monsters.

Instead, he began practicing shadow fighting, imagining himself as the hero of the era.

<--->

There was a drawing of it. Percival, while pointing to its parts, explained, “It's black… all of it. It has 6 limbs and 6 tails. Each tail shoots out a spike-like projectile, corrosive and deadly. It could pierce iron armors. We prefer to use chain armors to dampen the impact of the projectiles, but it would still wound you if you get hit point-blank.”

And thus, Percival began explaining about the encounters and how the spike attacked. He recounted the battles of their predecessors and such. The sieges were not that hard, but the scouts told them that the numbers of the horde gathering were something they had never seen.

“We are accustomed to the soldier monsters, but once in a while, a powerful mutated spike would come… We saw the first and the last one 30 years ago, and it was a disaster. There was a town that was actually outside of the wall, and that battle, along with some natural disasters, reduced the northern walls to this state… If you see one, we recommend you to call for backup. It will be easily discerned. It's a Spike that walks on two feet, with its four arms. We call it a walker.”

The adventurers and forest folks were silently listening to Percival, gathered again in the town hall.

“In the next full moon, we will be going with the scouts for a first-hand experience. I can’t guarantee it's safe, first of all, but… I would suggest that you all come. But if you don’t want to, it's okay,” Percival said, concluding the meeting. Although it was already very cold, winter would start in 8 days, as per the forecast of a scout.

<--->

After 5 days…

Another group arrived—it was a company of engineers, cannons, and more adventurers. They were all wearing light gear, so they were probably from the south. Gallo waved with a large smile on his face. They had arrived at the triangle stones a few days ago, and Percival had to meet them to guide their way up the slope to the north. The transfer of the cannons truly took some time, even though Gallo was devising some inventions. There was not enough time.

“Oh! It's cold up here in the north! Hello, people of the northern wall! We are here for the cause!” The townspeople cheered lively at the redhead’s waves.

“I really appreciate it, truly!” Percival said in a low voice, tapping Gallo’s shoulders.

“I bring news! The hero party, they are on their way now and will be arriving a few more days later, with more backups!” Gallo reported as they walked into the town walls.

“Thank you. This favor will be remembered by us… Thank you,” Percival showed a respect that was beyond Gallo’s age.

“Now I would like to go to work. If you would allow me to go all around the walls, the town, and a little bit outside, I would like to gather information,” Gallo said cheerfully.

“Of course, the walls have unused quarters. They have already been cleaned for you. It's a small thing the townspeople can do for the helping hands.”

“Oh! A representative from Elford came! We brought more food supplies and some weapons too!” Gallo added. He purposely said this loudly to increase morale and sell the name. He would capitalize on this later. The people cheered upon hearing this.

“The queen wishes us the best of luck!” Gallo then bowed, and the crowd applauded more. Of course, the queen didn’t say anything like that.

<--->

The large wall was made of living stones, hard and impenetrable. There were a few secret passages that allowed access outside the wall, but the main gate was usually used for entry and exit.

“The gate is just the visible point of entrance,” Percival said as he toured Gallo around the walls.

The area they were shown was very large. They had no problem pushing up the cannons; even the townspeople helped, so it was easier but not a breeze.

Percival showed Gallo the main gate of the wall. The carving on it resembled a coat of arms, similar to those in the Central Continent, but its design was more ancient. “Is that a wolf?” Gallo asked. Percival smiled and nodded.

“Looks cool, huh? On the other side, it's depicted as angry, with its teeth out,” Percival added. Gallo’s eyes glowed with excitement.

The tour continued to the elevator at the top of the wall. “If you turn this lever, it will take you to the upper walls,” Percival explained.

Gallo and the rest hopped into the elevator. “This is amazing! How does it work?” Gallo asked happily.

“There is a river deep underground in this town with a very strong current. They said there is a mechanism to turn pedals…” The elevator ascended.

“An ancient mechanism? I like it… Can I see it?” Gallo's curiosity was evident in his eyes.

“Too bad… The way to the water wheel has been lost for a long time now. The passages under the town are like labyrinths to us. We only use what is maintained, and there have even been cases of townspeople getting lost for days,” Percival explained regrettably. Gallo sighed, but it couldn’t be helped.

There were sentries manning the wall. Additionally, there was a higher wall on both the left and right parts. Its entrance was also located on the top of the wall. It was apparent to Gallo that the walls were carved with different murals in ancient designs.

“This is the northern wall. For centuries, we and our ancestors have been defending the north while the central region bickered among themselves…”

It was true that for a long time, the wall had protected humanity from the unknown north. The spikes were just one of many monsters that attempted to breach the wall, but the years hadn’t been kind to it. Its decline was evident.

Gallo smiled slightly, acknowledging the truth of the statement. “In the next moon, we will be venturing beyond the true frontier. Care to join us?” Percival asked Gallo.

“Yes, of course!”