Bete, freed from her chains, struggled to steady her trembling body. Years of torment had scarred her face, yet the fire in her eyes had not gone out. When she looked into Mamir's eyes, a fragile spark of hope reignited.
— "My nephew… When your mother and I last saw you, you were just a boy. Now you stand before me as a warrior. I am proud of you."
Mamir held her hands firmly, his expression grave.
— "I swear to you, Aunt. I will not only save you, but everyone else as well. And… my mother."
Bete took a deep breath, her voice quivering as she continued:
— "We had convinced the elves, Mamir. With a small elven unit, we were returning to Harland with hundreds of Lightforged weapons. With those arms, our army would have stood a chance against the darkness. But a traitorous elf—one who served Ostomas—betrayed us. The elven unit was slaughtered, and we… we were dragged here. To Elandur's hell.
"There are three layers here. The one we're in now is the Infernal Layer. Below lies the Terolvon Layer, and beneath all—at the deepest pit—is Galamon Layer. That place… is the blackest abyss of all."
Mamir clenched his fists.
— "So you've been imprisoned here all these years… guarded by Ostomas's commanders…"
Bete nodded, her voice heavy with sorrow.
— "Yes. This layer was ruled by Medmaran. If you truly defeated him… then the blood of Harland and the strength of the Turoks both live within you."
Runya laid a gentle hand on Mamir's arm, her gaze full of quiet pride. Ener stepped forward, his tone sharp yet hopeful.
— "Then let us not waste another moment. We must lead these prisoners out."
Bete gave a weary nod. The other captives shuffled forward, their chains scraping the floor. Out of hundreds, only twenty-five still breathed. Their eyes reflected both fear and a fragile hope.
The trio led them through the dark corridors until at last they reached the upper gate of the dungeon. The gate was forged of black stone, immense and unyielding.
Mamir raised the Elven Lightblade. The runes along its edge flared with radiant fire, and the gate trembled under its light. Slowly, with a deep groan, the door began to open.
Fresh air rushed in. For the first time in years, the pale light of the sun touched the prisoners' faces. Some collapsed to their knees, others wept openly.
Bete stood at the threshold, battered yet unbowed. She embraced Mamir tightly, tears spilling down her cheeks.
— "Here, we will be safe. But your path is not yet over, Mamir. Whatever awaits below, you must return to us. We will be waiting."
Mamir lowered his head, gripping his sword with determination.
— "I swear it. I will return."
Runya and Ener nodded in solemn agreement. Then the trio turned back into the dungeon. The gate closed behind them, leaving Bete and the survivors in safety.
Before them stretched another gate, leading downward into deeper shadow. Mamir drew a steady breath, his voice firm.
— "Now… the Terolvon Layer awaits."
Together, the three descended. Behind them, freedom lingered. Ahead, only darkness and the next trial of hell awaited.
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