The Gift

Fang - Sedgena Chasm - Two years ago

The Odonine had long shun the ruins and caves of the Ypogeios, for dozens of generations now. With the advent of Noraura's faith upon the mountain clans and the eradication of the old ways, even the Fire-Shrines of Fosia, stood empty.

Where possible the clansmen avoided all caves and ruins that could be connected to the Deep. Those places were no longer their domain. Try belong to the terrors of the underworld and the strange Neph-Kin.

Still a few places still held traditional power over the mountain folk. Sedgena Chasm is one of those places. Where clan leaders are still required to visit as pilgrims upon their ascension to power.

Situated in the northern reaches of Fang the Chasm was a cave in the heart of a valley, with a narrow tunnel that led from the surface down a few metres below. A hole in the cavern ceiling ensured it was dimly illuminated by some natural light, crystals and crystalline minerals protruded from its walls. The cave itself was not large but the silvery pools that it hides hold great fascination to the Odonine.

At the heart of the cave a dozen or so cracks on the floor pool with quicksilver. Its dull brilliance and fluid nature were an enigma to the clans. Liquid metal. Only the coolest temperatures made this metal solid.

Koshnem, Warchieftan of the Odonine knelt besides one of the pools. He removed the Naylmo's horned skull from his belt. The mountain-ape empty sockets appeared to glow in the darkness. He had made this trophy into a shoulder guard, with leather strips and iron buckles.

Shalia Nix watched as her Warchieftan dipped the large horned skull into the pool of quicksilver covering every surface of the bleached bones. Once he was satisfied with the coating he brought it up as the metal liquid ran down his hand and arms. He rose from the cavern floor and turned to his protégé. His weapon...

He strapped the shoulder guard into place around her arm and watched with a smile as the quicksilver hardened when in contact with her skin. He traced the pattern of the skull and its horns. It suited her. Made her look even more implacable. A trophy fit for a warrior of her skill and power. A gift made from the liquid blood of the mountains...