"You certainly come from very far away. Any living being in the Priston Region knows that it's dangerous to ask so openly about the lord," he said in a deep voice. "Or is this another test of his? If he's testing us so often, he should at least pay us some wages for our services."
Talfor turned to face the three adventurers with a deep stare as he moved towards the worn wooden table in the center of his dwelling. The rays of light from the lanterns danced on the stone walls. Soon, he saw in their faces how different they were from the guys who usually showed up in the village to pick up their finished work.
Talfor took a deep breath and turned forward again. "It seems you really are who you say you are... Please sit down, strangers," Talfor invited, indicating the chairs arranged around the table. Og'tharoz, Jayaa and Xisrith obeyed.
While the adventurers settled down, the wise dwarf prepared a mixture of herbs in a small pot over the crackling fire. The aroma of exotic spices filled the room, providing a comforting warmth.
Talfor's house was intriguing, to say the least. There were several boxes with stones and ores stacked in the corners. Rudimentary tools hung on the stone walls, along with detailed maps that indicated complex underground tunnel systems. The mysterious atmosphere, combined with the smell of spices, created a unique ambience.
The water in the pot Talfor put on the fire quickly came to the boil, and with a glove he picked up the pot and poured the steaming liquid into small metal mugs along with the spice mixture he had prepared, offering one to each of the visitors.
"This will help them regain the strength they lost on the steep climb," Talfor explained, watching their reactions carefully as they sipped the invigorating liquid. The drink tasted bitter, but it brought with it a feeling of revitalization, warming them from the inside.
"Come on, tell me more about the lord who arouses the curiosity of such fearless adventurers," encouraged Talfor, leaning back in his chair with an inquisitive look on his face. "Do you think you're some atypical group of heroes?"
Xisrith took the lead once again, sharing the details of their quest with the dwarf. He described how they had heard about the lord's authoritarian behavior and that this village was under his control because the lord offered them protection from the frost giants. Talfor listened attentively, nodding occasionally to indicate that he was listening to every word.
"The lord who rules these lands is an enigma even to the natives," began Talfor after hearing the story. "He is like the snow that falls without warning, unpredictable and cold. We don't know his face and probably never will. We've always worked as blacksmiths and miners, for many generations. They say that's what dwarves do regardless of worlds, right...
This lord rose to power a few years ago and everything changed. The weather became more extreme and the cities froze. There are those who believe that he has a connection with the dark forces that inhabit the depths of the mountains, but no one here is foolish enough to climb the mountain and try to confirm it.
We just carry on doing our part of the job, although every year the weather gets more intense."
The adventurers exchanged meaningful glances, realizing the gravity of what they would face on their journey. Jayaa raised her head, looking at the wise dwarf with determined eyes.
"We need to know more, Talfor," he said, his soft voice echoing in the room.
Talfor nodded, respecting the visitors' courage. He stood up and walked over to a bookcase full of scrolls and diagrams. After rummaging around for a few moments, he found a worn map of the region. He unfolded it on the table, revealing trails and paths.
"The lord's servants often descend that great mountain on the horizon to visit the nearby villages and collect parcels. They take this route..."
Talfor pointed with a sturdy finger to a winding path that snaked down the mountain, through rugged valleys and snow-covered woods. His finger moved with a certain firmness over the paper, as if he were tracing the path that the lord's servants regularly followed.
"This is the route they take," he explained, his grave tone echoing in the small room. "They descend to the villages, collect supplies and return to the lord's domain. It's a dangerous journey, even for those who know the trail like the back of their hands. They are strong and yet even some of them die."
The adventurers approached the table, examining the map with fervent interest. Every line drawn and every mark on the worn surface of the paper contained clues about the territory they had to face. Xisrith touched the map, which made the map in her system update and copy this map in question.
"Should we intercept these minions?" asked Og'tharoz, his deep voice echoing in the room like the rumble of distant thunder.
Talfor scratched his thick beard, pondering the question. "I thought they only intended to follow you, but I guess I underestimated them. It can't be by chance that you've come this far, even walking through this extreme world. You'll have to be prepared for a difficult journey and an even more difficult battle," he warned.
"The trail is treacherous, and the lord's servants are not known for their friendliness. They are also skilled and are no ordinary dark elves."
Jayaa nodded seriously, her determined gaze reflecting the group's determination. "We are willing to face any challenge," he declared, his voice sounding like a solemn oath. "Our group is stronger than it looks."
With a nod, Talfor indicated a series of gadgets arranged in one corner of the room. Thick leather clothing, oil lanterns and sturdy ropes rested on a sturdy oak table. "I can't offer you weapons, but if you have the slightest chance of defeating the lord, you can take whatever you want from this house," said Talfor, his voice resonating with authority.
"And may the gods of Asgard guide you on your journey.