The dimension they walked now was far preferable to the realm of the Fish King. For one thing, the walls around them were more real and grounded. It was like a greenish glowing rock, and though it led down, it seemed to twist around along the path. Sahshir glanced back at one point and saw the stair was gone.

Yet, as he walked along the floor, he found himself disoriented. Glancing back, he saw that gravity seemed to be shifting. Their group was walking in a spiral. Nagos and Amasara, directly behind him, were on the wall to the left. Further back, Isamu, Oresa, and Urus were on the ceiling, and Tuor was on the opposite wall.

The group was walking in a spiral, constantly moving around. And the passage itself was moving upwards, then down, and so on.

"So what's this Road of Ancient Stone like?" asked Oresa.

"It's a dimension below the world's surface," said Urus. "It extends into other dimensions. Those who walk it experience it differently each time. Once the goblins dwelled within it until Anoa the Bright exterminated them. Now it is subject to the whims of whatever demon or creature is near it.

"We'd best go and quickly."

"Tuor, will you lead here?" asked Sahshir suddenly.

"Of course," said Tuor, drawing out a rope. "Stay close and tie this rope around your waist. We cannot afford to get separated."

It took a minute or two to get the rope around everyone. For one thing, the distorted nature of the passage made it difficult to coordinate. When one person moved toward another, they shifted and bumped into one another. Eventually, they managed it by passing it into a line.

"Now, lead on," said Sahshir.

"That I will," said Tuor.

Sahshir went to the rear of the group, walking alongside Oresa. Oresa, however, looked disturbed.

"What's wrong, Oresa?" asked Urus.

"Well, um, I was hoping we'd get to go back to Sorn," said Oresa. "Are we sure about this?"

"About what?" asked Sahshir.

"Entering the Dark Land of Gel Carn?" asked Oresa. "Things have only been getting more dangerous, and now... well, we're almost there."

"I agree," said Cadas.

"Oh come on, Cadas," said Isamu. "What's the problem? We head in, snatch the Heaven's Eye, and head out."

"But Isamu, Gel Carn is the heart of Anoa the Bright's power," said Oresa. "It's said that every part of that land is awake and hunger for blood. Pandora, the Sorceress, controls the flies, and Gail Arengeth roams there.

"What's more, I heard...

"I heard that the spirit of a legendary knight inhabits the castle of Gel Carn. A being who cannot be killed cannot be defeated. No one may face him and live."

"Alright, now this sounds like a challenge worth fighting," said Isamu. "If this knight guy is invincible, that's just because I haven't beaten him up yet."

"Though crudely delivered, you speak the truth," said Tuor. "Nothing is invincible. Even one without weaknesses may be drawn out into exposing themselves.

"How do you know so much about this, Oresa?"

"Well, um, I used to talk with travelers when they came to visit us," said Oresa. "Back when I lived in the palace, anyway. Nagos was one of them."

Tuor nodded.

"You are correct, Oresa," said Tuor. "Gel Carn is a dangerous place. I would never consider going to seize the Heaven's Eye with Pandora and Arengeth present.

"Fortunately, neither of them are there.

"The Heir of Kings has taken her forces north to Escor. And Gel Carn is guarded only by those defenses erected by Anoa. Formidable to be sure, but then, so are we.

"Still, I cannot see why one with your lack of martial ability needs to invite himself here, King Nagos?"

"I've always wanted to see Harlenor, visit the sacred sites," said Nagos. "Since you plan to profane one of them, I figure this might be my last chance.

"Hey, Amasara, how are we doing?"

Amasara spoke again, and her words did not hurt as much as they did. Sahshir was able to get the general meaning. Amasara seemed to be saying that she had seen far worse.

Even so, they spoke little as the passage led on.

Little by little, however, the dimensions returned to normal. The rock became gray stone, moist with water. Pools of water could be seen on either side, and gravity returned to normal. Soon, a strange moss grew on the path around them. Vines were growing down from the ceiling. They had many beautiful red flowers on them that sent out waves of golden pollen now and then.

The water now became gold with the pollen pouring into it.

"We've entered the Road of Ancient Stone," said Nagos, translating Amasara's language. "This area is inhabited by many lizardfolk, who draw on the fear of those who dare not enter. We're approaching one of their settlements now."

"Nagos, are you sure you should be getting to know her?" asked Oresa.

"Hmm, what do you mean?" asked Nagos.

"Lizardfolk survives through mystery," said Oresa. "Aren't you endangering her health?"

"Not really," said Nagos. "In my experience, the more you know someone, the more you realize how you don't understand them. As long as you pay attention, every mystery you solve leads to more mysteries."

"And what happens when you achieve enlightenment?" asked Tuor. "When you achieve total understanding of the universe and all things?"

"You can't," said Nagos.

"...That's an unexpected answer," said Tuor. "A cynical one as well. You're a Reasonist?"

"I think the philosophy is pretty good," said Nagos.

"What philosophy?" asked Sahshir, who had not had much in the Reasonists.

"Reasonists maintain that enlightenment does not exist for individuals," said Urus. "True enlightenment doesn't exist. Every person has their view on everything that exists. Two people can have the same experiences and view them differently."

"Your point?" asked Sahshir.

"If you were able to fully understand all perspectives, you would cease to exist," said Nagos. "I am a pure spirit with a limited understanding of the universe in which I dwell. To exceed those limitations and gain an understanding of all things would kill me. Nagos would no longer exist, for I would be everyone and no one."

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"In essence," said Urus. "To become truly enlightened is to cease to exist as an individual. And if you are not an individual, you do not exist.

"Enlightenment is only useful if you are an individual. It is not worth seeking."

"Two men became King, one by war, the other by peace," replied Sahshir. "One spent his reign fighting off enemies of his kingdom, the other building in times of peace. Both ruled wisely and well and were hailed as heroes. Both gained an understanding of the universe beyond normal men and achieved enlightenment.

"Can you tell the difference between them?"

"I see," said Urus. "You're saying that the result is irrelevant in the face of what is done to get there."

"Precisely," said Sahshir. "What you do to achieve greatness defines the greatness you achieve."

"Well, yes, but couldn't attaining enlightenment hurt the lizardfolk?" asked Oresa.

"Perhaps," said Sahshir. "Or perhaps attaining enlightenment would reveal new and greater mysteries. Thereby leading to the fulfillment of their prophecy."

"What are all these plants?" asked Cadas suddenly. "How are they growing? There is no sun in here."

"They are unnatural," mused Tuor. "The power that sustains them comes from above in the mountains on the surface. I sense a powerful presence, one I have not felt since..."

"What do you sense?" asked Sahshir.

"There is power here. We should be cautious," said Tuor.

On they went, but as they did, they seemed off their right road. The tunnels always seemed to lead away. Sahshir attempted to use the Sword of Order to determine the way, but the natural order here was weak. When he tried restoring it, he came to a yawning void and stepped back.

It seemed this dimension was held together by will alone. The will of innumerable different beings within it and the dimensions it crossed with. Which meant there was no natural order to restrain. "Tuor, Amasara says that the road has shifted. We're unable to go any further."

"I see," said Sahshir. "I take it this is not a regular occurrence."

"The vines have solidified the tunnels in a way that she does not know," said Nagos. "She can't lead us any further."

"Very well then," said Tuor. "You have our thanks for leading us this far. Go in peace."

Amasara turned to walk away, then halted and looked back with pure black eyes. She spoke, and Nagos translated. "One more thing. She smells something nearby: goblins."

"Goblins?" asked Urus. "Impossible, they were exterminated ages ago. Anoa the Bright annihilated every settlement they had. Then he connected the road to the hells to ensure none got away."

"Nothing is impossible, Urus," said Tuor. "One should deal with what is." He looked down the passage and into the darkness. With a frown, he looked at each member and then spoke. "Let us go forward and speak to them as we may."

Sahshir felt bad about all of this, and it only worsened.

As they moved down the passageway, they heard the scrambling of many feet. Soon, out of the gloom came many green-skinned humanoids. They moved together in a phalanx, like those used by Harlenorians. Many spears were lowered toward them, and slingers were behind.

At their front was one wearing a steel mask and holding a stick. "Stay where you are! We no seek battle!"

Tuor stepped forward. "I am Tuor, Disciple of Baltoth. Who is it that stands before us?"

"I Marzbus!" came the reply. "Grandfather lead clan through Stone Road here! We follow in Einheroth's footsteps! Rebuild Empire!"

"You must have been journeying for decades then," said Urus.

"Weeks," said Marzbus. "Father die yesterday. Now I lead."

"And you mean to reestablish the old goblin dominions then?" asked Tuor.

"Yes," said Marzbus. "You not get in the way."

"Far from it," said Tuor, a faint smile on his face. "Indeed, I believe we may be able to help one another. Tell me, where do your people hail from?"

"Generations ago, the Living Einheroth came among us," said Marzbus. "He performed great wonders and healed many. He asks for one to walk among us, and Marzel is selected.

"Together, they walked long time, and Marzel realized that our ways were wrong.

"He return and reveal Living Einheroth's demand we no longer eat infants. Then, when Marzel very old, he and his followers see vision. I feel Living Einheroth doing battle with Iron King and Iron King is worse. All enemies in Iron Kingdom are destroyed, and goblins free.

"But Living Einheroth go back to Harlenor.

"Marzel, tell followers to seek out Living Einheroth in the ancient realm of Harlenor. Lead expedition, but die before reach. Goblins seek Harlenor for generations and meet Flower Maiden."

"The Flower Maiden?" mused Tuor. "Who is she?" Sahshir guessed it had to do with the growth in this region. Some sort of spirit or demon? Perhaps a union of both?

"She is around us," said Marzbus. "Tendrils grow everywhere; she empowered by Laevian. Goblins spread her seeds throughout road, and plants grow. Able to eat fruits.

"Now await the return of Living Einheroth to show us the way."

"Can you take us to the entrance to the surface?" asked Sahshir.

Marzbus frowned. "Surface? Why go there? Not allowed to eat infants anymore."

"What are they saying, and how do you understand them?" asked Isamu.

"Quiet, Isamu," said Tuor. "We are negotiating by the languages afforded to servants of gods."

Then he looked back to Marzbus. "We desire to retrieve something that was stolen from our master. Help us to do this, and it will assuredly speed the return of the Living Einheroth."

"What you mean?" asked Marzbus.

"We will retrieve the Heaven's Eye," said Tuor. "A weapon used by Anoa the Bright to drive your people from these realms long ago, before it rejected him. Once we have it, we may be able to use the power to make contact with the Living Einheroth."

"What are you doing, Tuor?" hissed Sahshir. They had no plans to search for such a thing, and it was doubtful they could find them if they did. Sahshir had numbered days; the others here wouldn't put the work in. And Sahshir suspected Tuor was lying.

"And all you want is us to show you why?" asked Marzbus, who seemed to guess as much.

"Indeed," said Tuor.

Marzbus frowned. "Very well. We seek Flower Maiden's permission, then return."

Then he moved off, and a tense silence began. Sahshir glared at Tuor, who met his gaze. The others said nothing, and the goblins held their spears ready.

"What is this Flower Maiden, do you think?" asked Oresa.

"A minor demon, perhaps some creation of Laevian. It matters little," said Tuor.

"You were quick to make promises to the goblins. Ones that you might not be able to keep," noted Sahshir, feeling it was an understatement. He wasn't fully prepared to call the man a liar, but it was well within what he knew of him.

"On the contrary, we will be able to do so," said Tuor. "Both of us are of the lineage. And performing such a ritual here will draw Harlenor's attention to this place. Covering our tracks."

"So you lied," said Sahshir.

"I intend to fulfill my obligations," said Tuor.

"The letter was true," said Sahshir. "Not the spirit. This Living Einheroth may not even exist. And now you want to call down Harlenor on the last survivors of this culture."

"What's going on here?" asked Isamu.

"Nothing, the goblins are deliberating over whether or not to help us," said Tuor.

One more lie.

At that moment, another goblin, younger with a short beard, returned. He bore a sling and bowed. "The Flower Maiden wills that you be taken to the outside. Your walking will spread her will beyond. Me to lead you."

"And who are you?" asked Tuor.

"Mazmus," said the goblin. "Follow."

And they did follow. Sahshir kept alert, wondering if he was walking into an ambush, but there was no sign. Now and then, the flowers sent forth waves of pollen onto them. They walked in passages that led away from the flowers and moss and into ancient halls. Some bore the emblem of Harlenorian houses, long since dead. Others showed splintered chairs and tables that ought to have rotted away.

This realm seemed to exist in a state of decay without end. Everything was rotted but not rotting.

"A question, Mazmus," said Sahshir.

"Yes?" asked Mazmus.

"What is the name of the Living Einheroth?" asked Sahshir. If he did exist, Sahshir meant to make Tuor's lie the truth.

"We not know for long time," said Mazmus. "But on dying day, Marzel speak to Lucius and learns it.

"He is William Gabriel."

Sahshir shuddered at the name. It was as if he'd heard the name of an old friend but in the idenity of an enemy.

"What's wrong?" asked Tuor.

"I have heard the name William Gabriel before," said Sahshir. "He engineered Garacel's resistance against us in the Islands of Power. Now, these goblins declare allegiance to him."

"I've met him," said Isamu. "Good warrior, amazing healer. Helped us rescue Oresa from some thugs when we were down here last. You'd like him."

"He was very courteous and kind to me," said Oresa. "And a very good diplomat, too. Well, when he wasn't throwing Blackguards off cliffs by the belt."

"Don't worry yourself needlessly," said Tuor.

"Why not?" asked Sahshir. "He is a powerful agent of our enemy."

"Yes, but he's not here," said Tuor. "And his goblins are helping us. Never concern yourself about things you cannot affect. Remain calm and focused on the task, and the solution will present yourself."

Sahshir took the words to heart.

But they worried him nonetheless.