Hammer of the Gods

Chapter 24

JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH

Chapter 14

Through sealed gate we must go,

To new worlds down below

In the dark we must flee,

To find Asgard eventually

Growing weaker in the night,

Magic ring comes to light

Tunnels narrow which path to go?

Hidden dangers found below

Stones they glow and light our path

Elves they face the dragon’s wrath

Neutral angels once were they

Through the garden live the Fey

Angelica and Jonah had been falling behind discussing the wonders and dangers that they had faced in the past week.

“Come on you two, keep up.” Hammerhand called back.

The small party led by Prince Festok Hammerhand passed through the streets as his people tried to go about their business as usual despite the battle outside the gates.

Many of the short men and women had concerned looks on their faces as they scurried about. Some would stop and glance towards the gates when there was a large boom or shudder through the stone floor. Hushed voices were asking one another for news about the battle outside as they tried to keep the ill news from their children.

After consulting Hammerhand on the way into the city, Jonah had noted that there was a series of three walls each with their own metal doors. The gates were staggered so that if the first were breached, the invading force would have to turn first right and travel a distance of perhaps a quarter mile down a street between the outer wall and the second wall. Any army would be caught in the crossfire of the defenders. Vats of oil stood at the ready to pour upon any would-be assailants below. The thick liquid would then be lit afire with flaming arrows or a torch. The third gate was the opposite direction from the second. It would be a half mile distance to reach the final entry.

Any invading force would again be met with stones, arrows and burning oil from above. The main difference with the third wall is that a metal grid had been built that reached the distance from the top of the wall to the cave ceiling. It would prevent any invisible gnome from climbing over it while still allowing archers and spear throwers to target the enemy below. Hammerhand explained that the stone barriers had been built so that the first two could be triggered to fall inward towards each other crushing any gnomes caught between them.

The construction included various symbols, but a diamond with the top and bottom cut off was the most common. The royal family bore a different symbol of the trident as compared to that of their enemy. The image of the spear pointing upwards was surmounted by a gem with rays of light coming outward. Hammerhand’s shield had this emblem upon its surface as did his breast plate. The robes of King Grumblemace and Prince Axebringer’s armor had also bore this image.

Jonah had his notebook out and was taking notes and drawing pictures as they walked.

“What’ya doing brother?” Angelica asked.

“The female dwarven shields, did you notice they are of a different shape than Hammerhand’s or the male warriors?”

“No, should I have? What’s significant about them? I mean I thought it was interesting that we’re seeing dwarves and gnomes and that they wear armor and use swords, so I guess I just missed the shapes and symbols.”

Jonah sighed, “Really? You should pay more attention to details Sis, it could be really important on our journey. The diamond shape with the top and bottom cut off was anciently called a Lozenge. The Lozenge is actually a female symbol and represents the Sacred Doorway through which the spirit enters the world of matter. While the common soldiers we’ve passed carry large, rectangular, shields, Hammerhand bares an inverted triangle shield. The inverted triangle is a masculine symbol so it made sense that the men of the royal family would carry this type of shield if they used a one handed weapon.”

“The female dwarven soldiers who seem to be held in reserve are still within the city. They carry Lozenge shaped shields. But look over there, those male dwarves wear robes but carry the same type of bucklers as the women and I only see them bearing war hammers or maces, I wonder why?”

“Well, I don’t see what difference it makes what shape their shields are. I just figured the girl’s were smaller than the men’s so they would be lighter,” Angelica commented.

“You haven’t changed much in that regard since those classes dad used to make us sit through with him on Sundays,” Jonah said, as he frowned.

“Oh, I remember those…I was so bored. I’m glad to hear you got something out of them Big Bro. Can you believe all of this is happening? I still am amazed that this isn’t just a dream!” Angelica said as she ruffled her brother’s hair smiling at him.

“I know, right?! It’s kind of crazy like we’ve walked into a fairy tale. Just think about how many legends have been proven true for us in only the past week. I mean, werewolves, vampires, angels, shape shifters, demons, gnomes and dwarves in only a week? It blows my mind! Dad tried to tell us about this stuff, but you always had to wonder if he was just story telling to have something to do. Mom usually didn’t want to talk about it…” Jonah stopped in mid-thought. “I think the bloodline from Azazyel must have come from Dad’s side, or Mom would have brought it up more.”

“You’re probably right. I wish they were here with us now. I miss them so much,” Angelica said, her eyes tearing up.

“Cheer up, little sister; you have me here to protect you,” They both laughed.

“Well, you do have the staff. After what I saw you do to those gnomes, I feel a little safer. I wish I could figure out how to make this ring do something, though,” she held up the hand with the engraved band on it.

“Whoa! Where and when did you get that?”

It was an angel, named Afriel. She saved me the night we stayed at Konosak’s house. I was attacked by demons and then all of the sudden this beautiful woman appeared in a flash of light, and she cast a blue web from this ring and bound the demons and thrust them through the floor. She said it is Solomon’s Ring and has the power to control Gini or evil spirits but that it would take faith in God and practice to learn to use it.”

“That is amazing Angelica, slow down so I can trace it into my note book real fast. Man, it’s hard to draw when you’re walking. I want to ask the prince something; let me catch up to him real quick, ok?” Jonah asked.

“Sure brother, I’ll just hang back here with Lorne and Atungitok and don’t forget Raphael,” She emphasized the archangel’s name with a wink and a smile.

Jonah grinned back at her and then turned and walked more quickly to catch up to the dwarf and Gabriel.

“Excuse me, Prince Hammerhand. I have a question. Why do the clergy and female dwarves carry the cut off diamond shaped shields rather than the rectangular ones like the guards outside the gate?”

Hammerhand replied, “The clergy abhor violence, and if they must be called into service in times of war, they are given the female buckler. It is a mockery, if you will, for being so soft. If you belong to the Royal House and prefer a one-handed weapon such as mine, then you carry an inverted triangle shaped shield. It allows us to easily be identified by our soldiers in battle. If you didn’t notice, my cousin, Gormund, wore a guard such as this across his back and a one handed sword on his waist. He prefers his great axe, but he’s also proficient with the sword and shield should the need arise.”

They entered a large cemetery. At its far end, there was another large gate guarded by a dwarf patrol who saluted the young Prince.

“Uh, ahhum, the young, red-headed dwarf cleared his throat. “Open the gate by order of the King,” Hammerhand stated with as much authority as he was able to muster.

The men looked at each other and appeared confused and fearful at the request. After a brief pause, the captain nodded.

“Yes, my Lord. Although my orders are to keep the gate closed without the King’s command or that of his son, you are of the Royal House, and I cannot very well get confirmation from the king at this time, as they are in battle.” He walked to a stone safe built into the side of the cave wall. Fumbling through a leather pouch that hung from his belt, he selected a small key and opened the little door. From within he withdrew a slender silver key with a filigree crown carved upon one end.

The gate was crafted with raised reliefs of two dragons attempting to tear through an iron mesh fence. Dwarven runes surrounded the door.

The captain walked across the cemetery with the others trailing behind him. He looked up in wonder at the old doors and paused as if questioning the wisdom of what he was about to do. He glanced once more at the young prince that stood to his left.

Hammerhand nodded for him to proceed.

The captain sighed before slowly extending his trembling hand towards the lock and inserted the key. He turned it clockwise a half turn with a slight click which emanated from within the thick iron. Signaling his men to come forward they began to strain to turn a large rusty wheel which stood upon a metal post. It was frozen in place. After adding some oil, they pushed and pulled using pry bars. The old gears begrudgingly complied with squeals of protest. As the device turned, large bolts that protruded from the gate into the stone could be heard withdrawing clunking back into their slots. Lastly, they removed a large iron bar which rested upon brackets crossing the two doors. A dozen guards took up their weapons and stood at the ready, whilst four pulled at metal rings which were affixed to the doors and pulled. The hinges screeched like fell beasts awaiting just outside. At last the entry was unobstructed and a cool breeze of stale air rushed past them. All was dark beyond and quiet. The pale flickering light of the torches could only press back the shadows a little way. The guards appeared fearful and wary.

Hammerhand showed no reservation as he stepped a few feet forward just to the edge of the light. After standing still for a few moments with his head turned slightly as if listening intently he walked back and stood facing the small party of outworlders. “I’ve always wanted to see what lay beyond the gate. The last time it was opened was when the Jotun giants attacked us five hundred years ago. Then it was, that my uncle, who was but a young dwarven prince, was wounded, and all of his guard were slain about him. If not for their bravery and his enchanted mace, Valdangrer, they would not have survived. Only he and Belegost Broadshield returned years later. They were changed. Not only older, but wiser, and they bore armor of curious workmanship, which was made for them by the immortals. Yet they never spoke of Odin other than in passing as if he was but a name only, yet many a tale they shared of Thor and Heimdall and their battles in Jotunheim. They were forced to take the longer passage through the Tunnel of Terrors which leads to Asgard, as the giant scum blocked the path to Alfheim, the land of the Light Elves. What is it that you seek in the inner earth?” he asked the archangels.

“We seek Asgard and Odin,” Gabriel replied.

Hammerhand looked up in surprise with a twinkle in his eyes as he stared up, deep in thought.

“Asgard…When you enter this gate, we cross between realms. I know why I was selected to guide you; I am still young and inexperienced, and they thought to keep me out of the battle. But the King is not here and I was commanded to escort you, so, I am going with you.”

“No my Lord, it is too dangerous,” the officer blurted out.

“I respect your opinion Captain, but I am the highest ranking dwarf here, and as you said my grandfather and uncle are…preoccupied.”