Standing in awe at the sight before him, Vance could hardly believe he was looking at a castle trapped within the depths of the Tavarian Spine, hidden away from all but those brave enough to pass through the trials. Honestly, if there was anything to make Vance feel humbled, it was the structure before him.

This was no small castle either, nor was it the type one could simply dismiss as being made by Dwarves for the sake of underground cities, no, this was ancient, powerful, and decorative. A tall and powerfully built keep stood vigil, surrounded by nine Massives spires jutted out towards the artificial sky generated by some sort of magic. Each tower a work of art in of themselves as they stood against time and the elements. Each tower was made to look like a white high elf spire that spun around with gold trim carved in such a way to give off the impression gold dragons were wrapping themselves around each of the nine spires, their mouths opening to spew flames that made the tops hued in blue magic; likely the source of the sky. Each building was unique in their design as well, with no one tower being the same as the other minus the gold dragons spiralling upward. Each had the markings related to one of the nine deities associated with the Pantheon ruled by Julia, with the Keep itself representing the sky goddess herself, as shown by the jagged ramparts that formed the shape of lightning bolts shooting up. The walls surrounding the massive structure itself were much like what one might see from Elven structures in their white-faced sheen that seemingly gleamed in the artificial light generated above. Numerous turrets were built into the wall, each one strategically placed to prove a full 360-degree range of protection and coverage from any would-be attackers -if there ever could be.

Indeed, he was looking at a work of art rather than a structure designed for war and defence. But, he could feel that there harboured a protective shield of magic for every decoration that would serve to ward off most that weren't strong enough to stand in its majesty. Yet, the wards cast upon the walls did little to stop Vance as he stopped gawking at the structure long enough to climb down the slope and along the road made of the same black marble as the tunnels before.

Walking further along the winding road, he could hardly believe the change from rocky floors to lush plains that circled the walls. It was a surreal sight to behold, and one Vance was still trying to get his head wrapped around, more so the closer he drew to the main gate.

The gate, for that matter, was very much like the rest of the castle in that it left Vance speechless and slack-jawed as sea-blue eyes trailed up from the metal braced stone doors and up to the peak that ended in a pointed arch of polished white marble. Everything was a work of art, everything! It was far too much for even Vance to fully comprehend -even with all he's done and seen thus far. It was just too much for his brain to process. Having the memories of both his time on Earth and as a young farm boy, he could safely say this was the first time he'd seen something so grand and epic in his whole existence.

"God... I can't even imagine how long this took to build..." Vance whispered as he stepped towards the gate.

Coming up to the heavy double stone doors, Vance reached out, resting his gloved hands on the smooth surface, looking up in wonder. "Incredible..." He said, his voice trailing off into a gasp of astonishment.

Almost as if to further surprise the already overwhelmed High Human, the walls began to groan and rumble with the signs of life as the twin doors split in two, grinding back towards the Keep, opening a path to enter just wide enough for him, and him alone. He didn't understand what it was he was supposed to do here beyond stroll right in. It was odd; he didn't know what to do here. For the first time since arriving here, Vance was utterly at a loss.

Did he go inside and risk attack? Did he wait for someone to usher him in? Did he pull back for now and observe? Far too many questions flooded into his head.

"Shit... But, suppose no one ever got anywhere by just standing around." Vance thought, strolling through the gate.

Having concluded that there was no other option but to press forward, Vance took a chance, rolling the dice. Julia hadn't led him astray so far, and despite the dangers, he'd so far come across, it wasn't anything incommodious as far as he'd suggest.

Stepping through the threshold, Vance came to find himself in a city of buildings, all of which were smaller than the wall and gate that stood towering like the mountains themselves. Each building looked new, nothing out of place, no trash, no dirt, no... nothing. Everything was new. New stores, new homes, new government buildings, as if every building and road was just built. It looked so out of place to him, but given the magic radiating from the spires, it was clear that it had something to do with the ageless veneer of the city. The streets were ordered, and by what Vance could tell from his walk towards the main hold, it was laid out like a modern city. Another strange sight to look into once he had his bearings. For now, Vance walked on.

So far, he'd seen no people, no movement, nothing that would indicate life. "Well, looks like I don't have to use you," Vance said, gently tapping the side of his new sabre.

Before long, Vance had walked through the main streets, coming to the main square. The square was equipped with its own fountain and statue honouring the past heroes, but he didn't waste long there as he continued on. Eventually, he came to a gatehouse that had remained open. Stepping through the portcullis, Vance travelled over a bridge that led to a second gatehouse on the far end of a bottomless pit that circled the castle itself. Another defensive measure during a siege, Vance guessed. Not that it'd be too hard to get past with enough time and materials.

Strolling through the last of checkpoints, Vance finally came to the polished marble steps, noting how a red velvet carpet covered the middle portion. Much like the city, the carpet was spotless and clean... or was until Vance climbed up to the main door.

Pushing through the heavy banded wood doors, the young blonde couldn't stand any longer, having finally been overloaded with beauty, as even the main hall itself was a work of art. Shaped up like a gothic cathedral, its many pane glass windows depicting a god or goddess of the Pantheon, with the last images leading to the far end being those of the past nine heroes and the Emperor himself.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"What the hell?..." Vance breathed, "is this a palace or a freaking church?" Vance wondered aloud.

"Both. If you must know." Answered a raspy voice.

Swiftly twisting around and to his feet, Vance's found himself taking a defensive stance almost instinctively. "Who said that!" He demanded.

Stepping out from a nearby shadow, two figures emerged. Both human in appearance, save a pair of swept-back horns that protruded out their scalps. The first of the two, an older man with medium swept-back grey hair and beard to match, yet despite his age, he stood and walked with the grace of someone in their thirties. The older man stood as tall as Vance, six feet, two inches, wearing a long white robe.

The second, a younger man who looked no older than Vance with a mess of red hair barely covering his protruding horns. Unlike the old man, this horned fellow had a scowl across his otherwise handsome features. Honestly, both were attractive and appeared to be the type to be models or actors on Earth. Both had a distinctive Asian-esque visage about them, though, which only added to their natural beauty.

Straightening up and lowering his guard as the older man waved him down. "Sorry... habit."

"Haha, no need to apologise, child; I'd have done the same were I in your shoes." The older gentleman responded.

"Ah, uh, I'm sorry if I'm intruding; I didn't find anyone living in the city, so I... just assumed the main hold would be empty as well," Vance admitted.

"That's right, you just Assumed! Such is the way of you damn arrogant-" The Redhead started, only to be cut off by a cold glance from his elder.

Stifling back his words, the redhead stepped back, turning away with a cliche, "Hmph!"

Vance raised a brow, only to close his eyes and shake his head, "Again, I apologise there... uh, I haven't gotten your names yet."

The Eldar shook his head, "Didn't give one. Yet." A mischievous grin played at the edge of the older man's lips.

Rolling his eyes as he knew what they meant, Vance bowed his head in greeting before making the customary Kendirewen greeting, "I am Vance Wolfram, explorer, and former Private in her majesties Royal Armed Forces. Fifty-Second Regiment."

"Ho? Impressive introduction, Mr Wolfram." The Eldar started, "But when you say former, do you mean to say you left your monarch's service with honour or dishonour?"

"Neither." He answered

"Hmm? Neither?"

"Technically, I'm listed as being Killed In Action, my entire Regiment wiped out during a battle fought near the hills," Vance answered, his lips folding into a playful smirk.

Shaking his head, the Eldar barked out a laugh, "Hah! Well then, I suppose that would equate to both since you are neither dead nor active in service."

Bowing his head, "That is the general idea, yes. But... I hope you don't mind my asking, but... who are you, and how do you live here?" Vance started, looking puzzled now, "I had to go trek up the slope of a mountain, fight a group of bandits, and survive a series of trials just to get here." Vance stated, trying to get some idea as to who these two were and how they got here.

There were no signs of farming and no signs of animal life in the few wooded areas he could see. So how was it these two were able to live here?

"Ah, well, if you must know, there's a secret doorway that's known only to the stewards and owners of this land." The Eldar replied.

"Eh? So... if I did a little more searching, there's a chance I could've avoided that whole ordeal?" He asked.

Shaking his head, "I'm afraid not."

Casting his gaze down at the floor now, "Ah. So, what happens now?"

"Now? Now we kick your worthless Human ass to curb." Growled the redhead.

Much like his hair, it seemed the younger of the two-horned men had a fiery temper. Vance ignored the comment, looking at the Eldar, who shot another dark glare towards his younger counterpart.

"I'm sorry, we're not used to guests, though... if I may, can I see that blade on your hip?" He asked.

Vance snapped his head to his new blade, looking puzzled if not entirely alarmed at the request. "Why?" Vance asked.

Goldeyes focused on the hilt of his blade, "It looks similar to something I've not seen in... ages."

Gripping the handle of his blade, Vance contemplated his options here and weighed the risk these two posed to him. Just as he began to think of defending himself, a serine feeling washed over him.

Pausing, Vance peered over his shoulder, whispering, "Julia?"

Looking down at his blade, then up at the older man, he relented. "Sure." Pulling his sabre free and offering it to the Eldar.

Instead of grabbing it, the Eldar simply studied it with his eyes, the look of astonishment taking the place of his former calm demeanour. "My... I never thought I'd ever see that blade again..." He breathed. "Thank you... you may sheath your blade."

Vance didn't need to be told twice. As the blade slid back into its sheath, the two-horned men whispered amongst themselves before turning back to their visitor.

"If you don't mind, I'd ask for one more favour, and I promise I'll answer any questions you might have." He asked.

Vance shrugged; he'd already trusted him not to take his sword away, so what was one more favour? "Sure. I don't see why not."

"Good, good. This way." He said, waving Vance to follow.

Following behind the two-horned men, Vance was lead through the main hall and a series of corridors until finally, they came to a throne room by the layout. Much like the main hall, the throne room was extravagant. Still, it appeared to be more intricately shaped to feel more comforting to all who entered while also giving off the impression of power with the trim carved to look like dragons emerging from a sea of stone to strike any that threatened the throne. Meanwhile, the throne itself was sculpted with black and white marble stone, the outer edges being black with the inner body white, and a line of gold trim appearing as though twisted into the rock made out the outline where the red cushion was held. Comfort, elegance, and power were being conveyed here.

Walking inside, the group would move towards the centre of the room, stopping and turning towards the throne, "Please, if you could, try to sit on that chair."

"What, you mean the throne?" Vance asked.

Nodding his head in the affirmative, he turned and focused on the throne. The redhead, meanwhile, just looked on, his incendiary attitude seemingly abated.

With a small sigh, Vance took a breath in, figuring if this was another trap, he'd prepare himself to make a mad scramble for the window just behind the throne. Slowly at first, he stepped up the four rounded steps and took a seat.

"Huh, guess that's it-" Just then, a blinding light illuminated the room, imitating from the chair and Vance, but this light was familiar to Vance.

It was as though he were back in that white space talking to Julia. A peaceful place and a relaxing light that washed over everything.

"Well done, Vance." He heard being whispered into his ear.

"Julia?" As he uttered the name, the light vanished, and all returned to normal.

Snapping his head around and down the steps, he saw the two-horned men kneeling before Vance. Both appearing as though they were two knights vowing an oath to their king. Just what had Vance gotten himself into now?...