Arilee, Chip, and Leela sat by the fire and ate breakfast while they waited on Tallus.

“What do you think is taking them so long?” asked Chip.

“Maybe Rorick doesn’t want to go?” said Leela.

“Probably can’t get him to wake up,” joked Chip.

But just then they heard a series of footsteps stomping up to the campfire.

“So it seems you all need a tour guide of sorts?” said Rorick, as he walked to the group with his gear and armor on. His chestplate was a little too tight, and his axe hung loosely at his belt.. Arilee noticed he had a pouch of wine tucked next to the axe.

“That rights, Rorick” said Arilee, overly cheerfully trying to play the part. “We were hoping you could bring us to the Tomb of Stormstrong.”

“I’d be happy ta.” he replied. “He’s one of my favorites too, but never visited myself. Pack yer bags and lets get going. No time to waste if we want to get back before the rest leave.”

“We are already packed and ready,” said Chip.

“Let’s be going then.”

The group followed Rorick out the back of the campsite. He explained that they were in luck. The tomb was a little over a mile walk from where they were. The path from the campsite led to a wooded area but with a clearly marked path. A sign pointed in both directions. One arrow pointed said “Tomb of Stormstrong” while the other pointed “Town of Norribuk.”

“See, I told ya this would be an easy trip,” said Rorick. “I’m gettin’ a little bit excited myself as we get closa.” His words were starting to slur. “The stories say that his mighty Thunderaxe is buried in the tomb with him. Only the worthy may wield it.”

As they neared the end of the path, it opened up into a small open meadow. In the middle was a hill. Elegantly carved into the hill was a series of pillars and columns. A massive door stood in the middle with a large axe carved into it and 5 inlaid gems of different colors below it. Next to the door was a small mechanism on a pedestal.

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

“Alas, we are here!” said Rorick. “Gaze upon the magnificent of dwarven craftsmanship.”

Arilee walked to the door and ran her hand down the smooth carving.

“It’s amazing,” she heard Leela whisper.

“How do we open it?” asked Arilee. “Is there a magic password?”

“No, no. Dwarves wouldn’t use magic. There’s usually a puzzle of some sort to solve.”

“What this thingy?” said Chip, who was tilting a square mechanism back and forth. Arilee walked over and saw that there was a series of mazes carved onto the service with a small ball rolling around in it.

“It’s a puzzle. I knew there would be a puzzle.” said Rorick. “I will handle this.”

Rorick nudged Chip out of the way and attempted the puzzle. The group watched excitedly, but slowly their excitement grew to caution as Rorick’s face turned to frustration and anger. More than a few minutes passed before Tallus tapped Arilee and signaled they should go sit and wait somewhere else.

Not to far and within eyesight of Rorick, the group sat down. Chip pulled out some bread that he had packed and passed it around.

“Best to give him some time,” said Tallus, shaking his head. “I’ll be able to solve it if he can’t. It’s more of an honorary lock than meant to dissuade visitors to the tomb.”

Tallus continued, “I’ve known Rorick for a long time. We go way back. My dad worked for his dad. We both continued the family business you could say.”

Tallus paused, taking a bite of bread and swallowing it.

“What I mean to say is, he wasn’t always like this. People used to adore him, and he adored them. A dwarf of the community, he was. But after the usurper came, he hasn’t put the drink down. He blames himself for what happened. The corruption, the famine, the plague. All of it.”

Just then, they heard some angry shouting, followed by some banging. Arilee looked to see Rorick with both hands around the pedestal trying to tear it from the ground. It wasn’t moving, but Rorick’s face was red and sweaty from the effort.

Tallus raised his hand to the group to signal he would handle it and walked over to Rorick. Arilee couldn’t hear what they were saying, but after a few minutes, Rorick nodded, and then somberly walked to the group.

“Any luck?” asked Chip.

Rorick just grumbled while fumbling for the wine at his belt. Realizing it was empty, he threw it angrily on the ground. The group sat quietly, not wanting to disturb him.

Not too long after, Arilee heard a loud click from the door. Tallus turned to the group. “All finished. Are you all ready?”