LIGHTNOVELONLINE Chapter 147: Gate
The villagers were happy to learn that nothing dangerous was ahead. Meanwhile, Iris drilled into her recruits how unacceptable the behaviour of the local garrison was. Shani was thrilled that she was used as a threat and disappointed that there would not be any actual slaughter.
Our caravan followed the road into the mountain. We had just entered a tunnel when we reached a massive gate. It was wide enough to accommodate four wagons next to each other, and high enough that a giraffe could walk through it without hitting its head. The door was made from metal and beautifully decorated. Blue crystals illuminated the area around it. It was also closed with no visible way to open it.
“It’s pretty impressive.” I said, as we were standing in front of it.
“Indeed. It is heavily enchanted as well. A true testament to the dwarven skill in artificing.” Thessia said. “It is said that those gates can withstand a dragon. I am curious how you are going to get us past it.”
“Could a dragon not just go around it? You would have to blow a hole into the mountain, but that is just normal rock, right?” I asked.
“I… I have never considered that.” Thessia admitted. “I assume the dwarves would have strengthened the stone but it might still be weaker than the gate.”
“Is that our plan? Blow up the mountain?” Lucy asked.
“No. We are not here to invade. I would like to do as little damage as possible. I think we shall try knocking first.”
I hoped that the dwarves had people on the other side. Simply to ensure nobody forced their way through. And as an elven noble I might be able to negotiate. I also had devour magic, which, so far, had worked just fine against magical defences. I was confident that we could go through with force, if needed.
I approached the gate, then I punched it. Even my high strength failed to make a dent. But that was not the goal anyway. It did create a noise like a gong and should get the attention of anyone on the other side.
“HELLO?” I called, after the noise faded. “WE ARE NOT PART OF THE EMPIRE AND WOULD LIKE TO NEGOTIATE ENTRY INTO THE DWARVEN KINGDOM.” I used my aura to enhance my voice, hoping it would penetrate the gate.
“WHAT? THAT AIN’T HOW THIS WORKS!” I heard a faint voice shouting back. Soon afterwards a rune on the door flared to life.
“Ha, the old speaker system is still working! So, what are you doing here? This road is closed.” A gruff voice said.
“Greetings sir or madam. I am Countess Amaya Delphinium of the Dominion. I am escorting refugees from the Empire. We even have a high priestess of Sylphania with us. She was in charge of the temple in Unitera, but had to flee when the civil war broke out.”
“I am no sir, I am Ruvan. And you ain’t going through this gate missy. A nice tale you got there but this road is closed by the order of the king.”
“Look, the only official way would be through Iron Rock. But that is a long detour from here and would lead to a fight. There is no way that the Empire lets us board a boat to cross the lake. We have a lot of civilians who could get hurt in a conflict. I am willing to go before your king and explain the situation personally. I will take the blame if he is truly dissatisfied.” I was confident that my connections with Loriel would allow me to negotiate with the king.
“Lady, I can talk with ya but I can’t see a thing. That was a mighty knock you had there. One could even think it was a battering ram. All I got are your pretty words. But the whole thing is pointless anyway. I got no key for those runes. This gate is staying closed.”
“I can take care of the magic. I am not sure how easy it would be to reactivate it afterwards though…” At least I had a lot of money. Quite a bit in a dwarven bank too. So I should be able to pay for any repairs.
“HAHAHAHA. You go ahead missy. Take care of the magic.”
He might regret those words, but technically he did give his consent. So I cast devour magic.
Runes flared to life everywhere as black smoke coated the door. Slowly they were devoured. The spell was chewing its way through the magical protections.
“WHAT ARE YE DOING? STOP! ALARM!” I heard a panicked shout from the other side. But it was too late anyway. The magic was unleashed.
“Your power is truly frightening.” Thessia said. I saw her shudder as she watched the magic being consumed.
“Her magic is awesome! I really like it when she goes full archfey.” Lucy said. “Should I transform? Howl a little bit?” She asked.
“Uhm, we are not really here to cause trouble. I don’t want to hurt the dwarves. They are our allies and just doing their job.”
“No slaughter?” Shani’s bunny ears dropped. Yes, she still had those.
“Maybe we can find you some monsters. I don’t actually know much about the dwarven kingdom. Are there any dangerous creatures underground?”
While I was pondering potential targets for Shani’s bloodlust the spell finished its job. The last of the runes lost its glow and became inert. The gate was no longer sealed. With magic, at least.