Chapter 9
Morning mist still clung to the lower branches of the World Tree when Adrian stepped out onto the palace terrace. Verdant Reach had only just begun to awaken, yet life already stirred throughout the sprawling capital. Merchants carefully arranged fresh produce beneath colourful awnings while Forest Wardens changed shifts atop graceful wooden walkways suspended high among the ancient branches. Somewhere below, the familiar melodies of travelling musicians drifted softly through the crisp morning air, accompanied by birds whose songs seemed to greet the rising sun as naturally as breathing itself.
Adrian paused for a moment against the living railing, allowing himself one final look across the Emerald Capital. Only a week ago, this kingdom had existed only as a name spoken by distant merchants and weary adventurers passing through Stonehollow. Now, looking out over the vibrant terraces, he could almost understand why so many people passionately called it home. The forest no longer felt dark or mysterious; it felt deeply, profoundly welcoming.
Behind him, the large carved doors leading back into the guest quarters opened with a quiet, familiar creak.
"You've been awake for a while."
Adrian turned his head. Theron emerged from the doorway carrying Frostrender casually across one broad shoulder, already completely dressed for travel. Unlike the ceremonial robes he had worn during their initial royal audience, today the enormous High Elf wore thick, durable leather travelling gear reinforced with polished steel plates along his forearms and shoulders. A heavy green cloak hung behind him, fastened securely by a simple silver brooch shaped like a detailed oak leaf, while his enormous greatsword rested comfortably against his back as though it weighed little more than a wooden walking stick.
Adrian smiled faintly, turning back to the view. "I couldn't really sleep."
Theron nodded knowingly, stepping up beside him. "Big journey ahead."
"I suppose so."
"You've also been thinking far too much."
Adrian laughed softly. "Is it really that obvious?"
"It usually is," Theron replied, leaning his massive forearms against the terrace beside him. "When people suddenly stop talking, they're either terribly worried... or they're planning something. Which one are you right now?"
Adrian rested his own arms against the smooth wooden railing, staring at the awakening city. "A bit of both, if I'm being completely honest."
The older elf smiled, a reassuring warmth in his eyes. "Good."
Adrian looked over, raising an eyebrow. "Good?"
"The people who worry a little before a battle usually prepare the best," Theron noted wisely.
Footsteps echoed softly on the wood behind them before Princess Elaris stepped onto the morning terrace, carrying two steaming mugs that sent fragrant ribbons of steam into the crisp air. "I had a distinct feeling I'd find you both out here."
Theron accepted one of the mugs gratefully, sniffing the brew. "Tea?"
She nodded, her emerald eyes bright in the dawn light. "And before you even think to ask... yes. There are fresh pastries waiting inside."
Theron's broad shoulders visibly relaxed, and he let out a satisfied sigh. "I knew your father wouldn't disappoint me on a travel morning."
Princess Elaris laughed, a clear, ringing sound. "I sometimes seriously wonder if you're secretly visiting our capital solely because of the palace bread, Bear."
Theron looked genuinely, deeply offended, puffing out his chest. "I'll have you know I also thoroughly enjoy the pastries."
Breakfast passed much as dinner had the evening before comfortably, loudly, and entirely without the rigid constraints of typical court behavior. The royal dining hall buzzed with quiet, energetic conversation rather than stiff, suffocating ceremony. King Eldaron discussed upcoming irrigation projects with two senior councillors while Ruby and Mira spoke excitedly about the journey ahead. Several Forest Wardens quietly shared tactical maps across one end of the long table, occasionally pointing toward steep mountain passes and dense forest roads leading far to the west.
Adrian quickly realised something profound about this kingdom. The King wasn't avoiding his royal work; he simply refused to separate the act of leadership from everyday, human life. People laughed freely, they debated openly, and they fiercely disagreed and then they casually shared another basket of fresh bread. It reminded Adrian completely of Stonehollow's own chaotic council meetings. It was messier than traditional human courts, perhaps, but it was infinitely warmer.
King Eldaron eventually rose from his seat, carrying his own cup of tea as he walked over toward Adrian's side of the table. "May I?" he asked, gesturing toward the empty wooden chair beside him.
"Of course, Your Majesty."
The King smiled, a patient look in his eyes as he pulled the chair back. "I've explicitly asked you not to call me that, Adrian."
Adrian rubbed the back of his neck, a bit sheepish. "Old habits."
"They'll fade in time." He sat down, mirroring Adrian's relaxed posture.
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. Instead, they simply watched the massive city awaken beneath the golden morning sunlight, the leaves of the World Tree shimmering like a sea of jewels. Finally, Eldaron broke the comfortable silence. "I wanted to sincerely thank you."
Adrian frowned slightly, turning his cup. "For what? I haven't actually done anything yet."
The King chuckled quietly, the sound rich and low. "You accepted the request." His smile softened, his emerald eyes holding a look of deep respect. "Many people in your position would have politely, politically declined."
Adrian looked down into his amber tea. "I've seen exactly what happens when people simply sit around and wait for someone else to solve a problem. It rarely ends well."
King Eldaron nodded slowly, his expression turning solemn. "I fully suspected that would be your answer." Another quiet moment passed before the King continued, his voice dropping slightly. "I also owe you a formal apology, Adrian."
Adrian looked up, thoroughly surprised. "An apology? From you?"
"I invited you all this way under the clever pretence of standard diplomacy," the King admitted, looking out toward the western forests stretching endlessly beyond the city borders. "...while secretly, deeply hoping you might agree to help us with our dungeon crisis."
Adrian smiled faintly, shaking his head. "To be fair, I probably would have come to visit anyway."
"I know," the King sighed, a dramatic edge to his voice. "And honestly, that just makes me feel slightly worse about the deception."
Suddenly, the enormous doors of the grand dining hall swung open with a resounding echo. A young, polished Forest Warden stepped inside before bowing respectfully to the room. "Your Majesty. The expedition force has fully assembled at the lower gates."
King Eldaron rose to his feet, his regal bearing returning instantly. "Excellent." He turned his gaze down toward Adrian, a proud spark in his eyes. "It would appear... your next great adventure is officially waiting for you."
The western gate of Verdant Reach stood wide open beneath the vast, towering emerald canopy.
Unlike the grand entrance Adrian had first passed through days earlier, this gate felt entirely practical rather than ceremonial. Sturdy supply wagons stood ready beside neatly packed wooden crates, while experienced Wardens checked ropes, climbing gear, medical supplies, and enchanted lanterns with a calm efficiency born from decades of routine. Theron was already standing near the front, speaking in low tones with several veteran hunters.
Nearby, Ruby adjusted Mira's travelling cloak for what felt like the tenth time. "You will stay absolutely close to your father," she instructed firmly.
"I know, Mum."
"You won't run ahead."
"I know."
"And you definitely won't explore any mysterious caves."
"I know." Ruby narrowed her eyes. "Mira."
The young elf offered an incredibly innocent smile. "I'll only explore the safe mysterious caves."
Ruby let out a heavy, defeated sigh. Behind them, Theron laughed so hard he nearly dropped Frostrender off his shoulder. Adrian couldn't help but smile at the display. The genuine, unforced warmth between the family members reminded him painfully of something he had never truly experienced growing up not until Grandma Lilly had taken him in back on Earth.
Suddenly, the deep, resonant tone of a horn echoed across the clearing. Every conversation immediately ceased. King Eldaron stepped forward, a commanding yet serene presence before the assembled expedition force.
There weren't hundreds of heavily armoured soldiers, nor were there dozens of famous, loud adventurers. There were only those who were absolutely needed: experienced people, trusted specialists, and seasoned scouts. It was exactly the kind of streamlined expedition Adrian would have organised himself back in Stonehollow.
The King looked slowly across every single face before speaking, his voice carrying flawlessly in the morning air. "For generations... the people gathered here have carried the profound responsibility of protecting not merely Verdant Reach... but every single village that rests beyond these forests." His gaze shifted toward the distant western horizon, where the treeline eventually faded into mist. "The dungeon has not broken in nine hundred years. It will not begin today."
In perfect unison, the assembled Wardens placed one fist over their hearts. The veteran hunters gave quiet, firm nods. There were no loud cheers, no dramatic battle cries, and no speeches designed to inflame them only an unshakeable, quiet confidence.
King Eldaron finally turned his head, his emerald eyes locking onto Adrian. "Our guest..." He smiled warmly, the regal distance vanishing. "...is no longer merely a guest to our people." He extended one hand toward the assembled expedition force, his voice rising with authority. "From this exact moment until your safe return... you stand as one of Verdant Reach's own."
For just a fleeting heartbeat, every single member of the expedition looked toward Adrian. It wasn't with the political suspicion he was used to, nor the intense curiosity he had faced the day before. It was with complete, unconditional acceptance.
Adrian felt the weight of the moment press into his chest. He placed one hand over his own heart before bowing respectfully to the King and the gathered warriors. "I'll do everything I can... to make sure every single one of us comes home safely."
Theron smiled proudly. King Eldaron gave a deep nod of approval. Even the oldest, most cynical Forest Wardens exchanged quiet, approving glances with one another. No one applauded, because they didn't need to; they simply believed him.
Moments later, the great wooden gates of Verdant Reach slowly groaned open, revealing the ancient western road winding through the endless emerald forests toward the distant, dangerous frontier. Without another word spoken, the expedition began its march into the unknown.
The great gates of Verdant Reach slowly disappeared behind the expedition as the western road carried them deeper into forests untouched by the bustle of the Emerald Capital. Unlike the carefully tended woodland surrounding the palace, these ancient woods possessed a quieter, wilder beauty. Towering trees stretched hundreds of feet into the sky, their immense trunks so broad that several people linking hands could scarcely have circled them. Thick roots rolled across the earth like sleeping serpents, while moss-covered boulders and crystal streams interrupted the road often enough that every traveller remained alert without feeling threatened.
Adrian found himself walking near the centre of the expedition beside Theron, whose enormous frame seemed to put everyone around him at ease. Ruby walked only a few paces behind with several Forest Wardens, exchanging stories about healing herbs that grew throughout Verdant Reach, while Mira wandered enthusiastically from one side of the road to the other, constantly discovering something new despite her father's repeated reminders not to stray too far.
"Mira," Theron's deep voice echoed through the trees, a parental warning implicit in his tone.
"I'm on the road!"
"You are standing on the very edge of the road."
"I'm mostly on the road."
"The definition of 'mostly' concerns me."
Mira laughed before skipping back toward the centre of the trail, her young panther companion trotting faithfully beside her with its tail swaying happily through the tall grass. The sleek black beast was still growing, barely reaching the girl's waist, but its bright golden eyes remained constantly alert, watching every movement within the surrounding forest.
Adrian smiled at the sight. "They're inseparable."
Ruby looked toward the pair with unmistakable affection. "They found each other three years ago."
Mira overheard immediately. "I found him."
The panther looked up at her before nudging her hand with its nose.
Ruby laughed. "I believe he remembers the story differently."
"He was stuck."
"He was."
"He was scared."
Ruby nodded. "He was."
"I helped him."
"You certainly did."
Mira folded her arms triumphantly before looking toward Adrian. "See?"
Adrian chuckled. "I wasn't arguing."
Theron looked over his shoulder. "You learn quickly."
The expedition continued westward for several hours beneath an increasingly dense canopy. As the morning slowly gave way to afternoon, the road gradually widened until signs of civilisation began appearing once more. Small hunting lodges emerged among the trees, followed by neatly maintained watchtowers standing high upon sturdy wooden platforms overlooking the surrounding forest. Adrian noticed every structure shared the same purpose: protection. It was not from invading armies, but from whatever lay farther west.
Eventually, the road climbed a gentle rise before the trees finally parted. Adrian stopped walking. Spread across the valley below stood a town unlike anything he had yet seen in Eryndor.
Massive timber walls reinforced with polished stone surrounded a bustling settlement built around practicality rather than beauty. Watchtowers overlooked every approach, while enormous gates stood permanently open as caravans carrying ores, monster materials, and supplies travelled steadily in both directions. Blacksmiths worked openly beside the main road, the rhythmic clang of hammer against anvil echoing throughout the valley, while hunters cleaned freshly harvested monsters beneath covered workstations before merchants eagerly negotiated prices only a few steps away.
Smoke drifted lazily from dozens of chimneys. Children chased one another through muddy streets. Adventurers compared scars outside busy taverns. Miners pushed heavy carts overflowing with glittering crystal ore toward warehouses bearing the crests of several different kingdoms.
The place was alive not despite the dungeon, but because of it.
Theron smiled at Adrian's expression. "Welcome..." He rested Frostrender comfortably across one shoulder. "...to Ashroot."
Adrian slowly nodded. "This whole town exists because of the dungeon?"
"It does."
Ruby stepped beside him. "The Cycle Dungeon created the settlement generations ago." She pointed toward several enormous warehouses standing near the western wall. "The permanent dungeons nearby keep it alive between cycles."
Adrian watched another mining caravan rumble through the gates. "So even after a Cycle Dungeon disappears... people stay."
"They do," Ruby smiled. "The permanent dungeons provide ore, herbs, crystals, and monster materials all year."
Theron nodded. "Every kingdom needs places like this."
Adrian couldn't help smiling. "It's almost like a frontier mining town."
"That's exactly what it is."
The moment the expedition entered through Ashroot's gates, the atmosphere changed. People noticed. Hunters stopped sharpening weapons. Merchants paused their conversations. Several experienced adventurers quietly lowered tankards of ale outside the nearest tavern as Theron strode confidently through the streets.
One elderly dwarf blacksmith grinned broadly. "Bear!"
Theron raised one hand. "Still making ugly swords?"
The dwarf laughed so loudly nearby horses startled. "They're prettier than your beard!"
Theron looked genuinely offended. "My beard has character."
"So do goblins."
Laughter erupted throughout the forge. Adrian quickly realised Theron wasn't merely respected here; he was family.
As they continued through the town, more greetings followed. Forest Wardens exchanged handshakes with veteran hunters. Children waved excitedly toward Ruby. Shopkeepers called Mira by name. It became obvious that the Sylvaris family had visited Ashroot many times over the years.
Finally, a broad-shouldered human wearing weathered steel armour stepped out from the Adventurers' Guild, his scarred face breaking into a welcoming smile. "Master Theron."
The two clasped forearms firmly. "It has been too long."
"It has." Theron smiled. "You've got more grey hair."
"So do you."
"I earned mine."
"So did I."
The older hunter laughed before turning toward Adrian. "So..." His weathered eyes studied the young Mayor for only a moment. "...this is him."
Adrian extended his hand politely. "Adrian Cole."
The man accepted it with a firm grip. "Garrick Stone. Guild Master of Ashroot." He smiled. "We've been hearing stories about you for months."
Adrian sighed dramatically. "Please don't mention the bread."
Garrick looked confused. "...Bread?"
Theron immediately looked disappointed. "I haven't told them yet."
Ruby covered her face. "Oh no..."
Mira burst into laughter. "You actually forgot!"
Theron stood silently for a moment before looking toward Garrick with complete seriousness. "We'll discuss it over dinner."
Garrick nodded just as seriously. "I look forward to it."
Adrian pinched the bridge of his nose. "I have made a terrible mistake."
As the laughter faded, Garrick's expression gradually became more businesslike. "I'm glad you're here." He looked toward Theron. "The reports weren't exaggerating."
Theron's smile disappeared. "No. They rarely are."
Garrick motioned toward the western wall. "The dungeon's changing."
Adrian immediately noticed the shift in everyone's expressions. Even the cheerful atmosphere of Ashroot seemed quieter now. Hunters passing through the streets instinctively lowered their voices. The easy laughter that had filled the town only moments earlier faded into measured conversations.
Everyone here understood the truth. This wasn't simply another expedition; it was the final one. If they failed, Ashroot would be the first place swallowed by the Dungeon Break.
The Guild Master looked toward Adrian once more. "I imagine you'll want to see it."
Adrian nodded, his expression hardening. "I do."
Garrick turned toward the western gate. "Then come with me." His voice remained entirely calm. "But before you lay eyes on the dungeon itself..." He glanced up toward the towering walls surrounding the town. "...there's something you should understand."
Without another word, he began walking toward the western battlements overlooking the endless forest beyond. The expedition quietly followed behind him, their footsteps rhythmic against the stone. Every single step brought them closer to the place where 10 years of waiting would soon come to an end.