The Tinder Mines

They party walked through much of the night. With the dwarves guiding them they made good time and were for the most part unhindered. A hungry wolf pack started to stalk them just before dawn but a roar from Erik saw them scampering off into the darkness.

Balar took in the vast expanse of the night sky as they walked. The Seers taught that the sundered worlds the eight orbs shaped by the All-father at the dawn of timer were out there. Each twinkling star a blazing ball of fire, a sun like their own, and around each sun a thousand, thousand worlds like their own. He shook his head at the thought. Nine worlds seemed too much for him. At times Midgard was more than enough on its own!

He glanced over at Tiella. She was animated, a real spring her step. He was used to seeing her imbued with power like this, or at least he had been years ago during their adventures. Each life the dagger absorbed, had its own flavour, its own energy and the effects could be unpredictable. The effects from the Valkyries life force was like nothing he had ever seen before, and what it had done to the giant. For a moment he thought she was going to kill him.

Erik as if sensing his thoughts glanced over and gave the warrior a nod. Such strange company he was keeping. The elf girl, the thief, the dwarf and the giant. It was the stuff of legends he mused.

"Light ahead." cried one of the dwarves and Balar was torn from his thoughts as he stared out into the night. Sure enough in the distance lamp lights were dotted around a shadowy structure.

"Nearly there." said the dwarf, "Lets press on and we will break our fast in the great hall before day break."