Heir To The Nova (Book 3) Read Online Free PDF Page B

surprised at seeing a non-dwarf of any kind, most couldn’t help but point their weapons at Somnus and me. Gale finally said something brusquely to them and ordered them to put away their weapons. The ramp seemed to go on forever at a steady incline. We finally made it to another huge door, but this one didn’t open so quickly.
    Gale walked over to a port of some kind and hit it several times with the hilt of his dagger. The gonging sound must have gotten someone’s attention because a slot opened. He said a few things that I didn’t understand, probably in dwarven. I knew a few phrases in their language, simply absorbed from spending so much time with Darroth. But then again, when Darroth resorted to his birth tongue, it was usually speech not suitable to be repeated in polite company. I got the impression that Gale was a much more controlled individual.
    A moment later, the door unlocked to let us through, opening up into a dim cavern. The term ‘massive’ just wouldn’t cut it for this place. It was so large that I couldn’t even see the far side from here. The ramp let us off at a raised area that gave us a perfect view of the city that lay before us. Stone, stone and more stone was the obvious building code here. Every house and building, road and outhouse, all stone; but at least it was all laid out in a neat, efficient grid design.
    “Welcome to the former trading district,” Gale said, “or what’s left of it. As you can see, this part of the city is mostly unused now that we have no trade to speak of with the commercial routes having been cut off for three hundred years or so.”
    “Three hundred? The undead have been a problem and the trail without Sky Raven protection for four hundred years now.”
    He shrugged. “We made due with heavy-armored caravans for a time, but they were overrun as well. So without trade, this upper level is almost unused, save for storage and a few taverns that are still open. The lower caverns are where most of the population lives. It’s also warmer here and has a lot more lighting. I know you humans can’t see in the dark like us so I can call for a light bearer if you wish.”
    I patted Somnus. “I got a giant torch right here. And I’m not human, I can see better in the dark than you would think.”
    He shrugged again. “Suit yourself. I learned years ago not to question the affairs of the nobles, so I’ll just point you in the right direction and bid you good day. Straight ahead of you is the Crusty Mallet, one of our better taverns, inns and stables on this level. You will find your friend Darroth there. It is also where you must stay until you are released to go elsewhere. Before I leave, I must warn you, the only reason that you are going unescorted at all is because the Princess has personally vouched that you don’t need one. Do not betray her trust; stay there and do not cause any trouble. Your tab will be covered by the ruling council. Good day, Sir Alex.” He gave a curt bow and then walked off.
    Well, he is one strange fellow. Then again, I haven’t really had that many encounters with dwarves to make a fair opinion. Nia and I looked at each other, shrugged, and went over to what looked like a stable addition on the back side of the building. Sure enough, that’s just what it was; however, it plainly was never made for an animal the size of Somnus. Gale must have been speaking the truth because both of Darroth’s donkeys and his cart were all properly put up in stalls. As I was standing there trying to decide what to do with Somnus, a dwarf came around from the back of the stable.
    “Good day to you, Sir. How may I…help…you…wow.” He was not exactly what I was expecting from a stable boy, but I’m here to learn, I guess. He looked to be on the high end of a middle-aged dwarf with a long white beard and hair to match. “That’s one amazingly large animal you have there. I don’t suppose he is for sale?” His voice was higher than I