After leaving the swamps behind, Mamir, Runya, and Ener traveled for days. They crossed valleys, trudged across rocky plains, and finally reached the path of the northern mountains. The peaks were crowned with snow, vanishing into the misty clouds that pierced the sky.
At the front rode Kabur. Beside him, Ener's horse Karatay refused to fall behind. With powerful strides, the war-steed of Harland kept pace, tossing its head proudly. Kabur responded in kind, striking the ground with its hooves as if to accept the challenge. Mamir smiled faintly.
— "Seems they have their own battle to fight."
Runya let out a soft laugh, though weariness tinged her voice.
After a long climb, a massive stone gate loomed from the mountainside. Two towering statues of dwarves stood guard, each gripping a battle-axe. Ancient runes glowed faintly above the archway.
Three armored sentinels stood before the gate. Their shields rose as the travelers approached. The chief guard's voice was harsh:
— "The realm of dwarves is closed to strangers. Turn back."
Runya stepped forward, her tone gentle.
— "We come in peace. We seek only to pass into the Elven Kingdom."
The guard gave a scornful laugh.
— "The words of fairies do not open our gates."
Runya shrank back, her face pale.
That was when Mamir stepped forward, his voice steady and strong:
— "I am Mamir, son of King Visernes of Harland. My mother was Kirarya Turok. I bear her legacy. Ostomas's shadow spreads across this land, and only weapons forged in Elven light can harm the beasts of darkness. That is why I stand before you now."
His words echoed against the stone. The guards fell silent. Then, from within the gate, a voice commanded:
— "Open the doors at once!"
The massive gates groaned as they swung open. From within emerged an aged dwarf commander. His long gray beard touched his breastplate, but his eyes were sharp as steel. He studied Mamir closely before murmuring:
— "You look so much like Kirarya…"
Mamir's heart skipped.
— "My mother… how did you know her? I was told she came to Elandur seeking the light of the elves, and that she died for it."
The dwarf drew a long breath, his expression unreadable.
— "There are many things about Kirarya that remain hidden, Prince. It is not yet the time for you to learn them."
Runya and Ener exchanged startled glances as the colossal gates fully opened. Behind them lay tunnels carved into the mountain, lit by the glow of forge-fires.
As Mamir stepped inside, his mother's name echoed in his mind. The mystery of Kirarya had not died with her—it lived on, buried deep in the heart of the mountains.