"It has been 2 years since we began this expedition, Lord ForgeArm." began the hired porter, Reginald. He was human, so he was weaker than most, but Tulak enjoyed listening to his tales of travel. He seemed to have a penchant for history and lore. That, in turn, helped take Tulak's mind off of missing Kiln. The baby would be born by now, and he wasn't there for it. But Gelvin had been right. We found the Gate to Ardol.
And Tulak was able to open the gate, much to his surprise. The inside of the colony needed some serous rebuilding efforts, but it showed great promise. Two years of digging, and they had been very eventful. Mithril veins still ran through these mountains. And the shipyards were still present, but run down. But if he could not find the Kadrels, it would all be for nought. Without those Dwed forges, the Mithril could not be smelted or worked with. Having access to the ore was only one piece of a complicated process.
"It is HERE, Reggie, I know it..." replied Tulak in absolute frustration. "Every other clue Gelvin has given us has been correct! And I will be damned if I am going to miss the birth of my child AND come home empty handed. WE WILL FIND IT!"
A squeal like shout came from further in the cavern... Tulak reached for his Axe. "Tulak's Tear" they called it. The same axe he was unable to save his first wife with, the same axe he swore upon when he walked out of the Mountain. And now here he was, full circle, back under a Mountain. Tulak started at a dead run, and met the screaming, and highly excited digger in about 20 steps.
"We found it!" screamed the digger. "Over here! Come!"
Tulak followed quickly and came upon a sight he will never forget.
"It is only one of them, Lord ForgeArm, but it is definitely one of the six!"
Tulak could only stand and grin. A slight tear coming from his eyes. It was worth it. Now he could call this damned hole his Home. Now he could bring Kiln and Gelvin here from far away Khorok County, and begin their lives anew.
Nogaak Ardol: Home of the ForgeArm Clan....
