SEVERAL NORBOTDS RAN ahead of the group like a pack of excited hunting dogs. Cabal and the others followed Clarence down the steep tunnel toward the netherworld. Clarence stopped before a tall wooden door marked with iron studs and covered in dwarven runes. Cabal’s heart pounded as they opened the heavy door. The hinges creaked and moaned warning anyone on the other side that visitors were coming.
As soon as they stepped inside the door the entire atmosphere changed. The air was no longer stale and musty, it was clean and fresh. The stone walls were clear of cobwebs and sprouting roots. The floor of the tunnel appeared to be polished stone. There was no doubt in Cabal’s mind that the dwarves were indeed alive and well.
Clarence stuck to the main tunnel. The norbotds stayed close, no long
