Rise Online: Return of the Legendary Player

Chapter 820: Ice Dwarfs

The group advanced cautiously through the village of the ice dwarves, the facades of the houses carved in stone and ice revealing the mastery of the local builders.

The forge resounded through the narrow corridors between the dwellings, creating a metallic symphony that seemed to echo throughout the region. The flames of the forges illuminated the outer walls of the houses, casting dancing shadows on the surrounding snow.

Og'tharoz, Jayaa and Xisrith approached the central square, where a large cauldron was boiling, emitting a thick steam that mixed with the cold mist. Ice dwarves worked together, pouring molten metal into intricate molds. The heat generated by the forges contrasted with the icy atmosphere, creating an almost cozy microclimate in that small space.

As they approached a dwarf who was skillfully hammering a piece of metal, Xisrith raised his hand in greeting. The dwarf, whose face was almost completely covered by a fur cap, could barely see through the layer of ice that had accumulated on his eyelashes. He blinked several times, rubbing his eyes with the backs of his calloused hands.

"Hey, buddy!" greeted Xisrith, making himself noticed. "We've been walking around this icy place and we're looking for information. Can you help us?"

The ice dwarf looked up, trying to focus on the newcomers. His nose was red from the intense cold, but a curious expression was drawn on his face when he finally recognized the presence of the visitors.

"Foreigners?" muttered the dwarf, surprised. "I don't remember seeing faces like yours around here. Where did you come from?"

Og'tharoz, Jayaa and Xisrith exchanged quick glances, taking advantage of the intense cold to keep their identities hidden.

"We have come from the distant lands, seeking information about what is happening here. I have heard that you ice dwarves are wise and knowledgeable in this region, but that you are suffering at the hands of a lord."

The dwarf, his vision impaired by the accumulating snow, accepted the explanation without further questioning

The dwarf nodded slowly, his focus divided between the conversation and the work in progress. "Ah, yes, we know these lands, but we don't always have news from further afield. The cold makes communications very difficult. However, I can try to help."

Xisrith decided to proceed carefully, knowing that the dwarf's trust was precious. "We're looking for information about this lord who rules these lands."

The dwarf pondered for a moment, hammering slowly as he thought. "A lord, you say? I've never heard of it."

Once again, the adventurers exchanged glances. They couldn't tell if the dwarf was trying to avoid trouble for himself or if he didn't actually know about it.

"But if you're looking for answers, Talfor, the village sage, is the one who can help you."

"Where do we find him?" asked Jayaa, leaning forward to listen better.

The dwarf pointed to a passage between the stone houses. "Follow that path and, when you reach the hillside, you'll find a steep path. Climb to the top and there you'll find Talfor's dwelling. But be careful, foreigners, the snow is treacherous in those parts, so wear something metal, like this sword in its scabbard, girl, so you don't step in a hole." He said, looking at Xisrith's sword.

Thanking the dwarf for the information, the group followed the indicated path. The passage between the houses was narrow, and the atmosphere grew colder as they moved further away from the forge. The snow, now deeper, was up to their ankles, and the biting wind howled between the icy buildings. The path took them to the side of a small hill, where a path marked by metal rods and flags led upwards.

The steep climb took effort, but the group persevered, determined to find Talfor and get information about the mysterious lord of this region of Niflheim. They knew almost nothing about this world and any great information would be of great help.

Each step left a temporary mark in the snow, which was soon covered by the incessant gale. The panoramic view of the village was impressive, but the persistent cold reminded them of the harsh reality of the world they were in.

Finally, they reached the top of the hill, where a solitary building, carved out of the rock, stood out against the icy sky. The dwelling of Talfor, the wise dwarf, awaited, revealing itself as an austere refuge from the freezing vastness of Niflheim.

The three intrepid adventurers knocked on the door, hoping that the elder's wisdom might shed light on their questions.

The door creaked open, revealing the interior of Talfor's dwelling. A faint light shone through the oil lanterns inside, and the air inside the house was considerably warmer, impregnated with the scent of earth and rock.

Talfor, a sturdy dwarf with a mining helmet on his head and a face marked by coal dirt, welcomed the visitors with a solemn nod.

"Welcome to my abode," he said in a deep voice, tinged with the echo of the mountains. "What brings you here?"

Og'tharoz, Jayaa and Xisrith sensed the weariness in Talfor's voice, and that exhaustion was also noticeable in the eyes of the dwarf with the long beard and dense muscles.

Xisrith, taking the lead as spokesman for the group, decided to reveal the purpose of their quest.

"We have come in search of answers, wise Talfor," Xisrith began, bowing respectfully. "We're looking for information about the lord who rules these icy lands. We were told that you could guide us."

Talfor listened intently, his eyes scanning each of the visitors' faces with a penetrating intensity. He nodded slowly, as if assessing the sincerity of the words being spoken to him, turned away and began walking towards a table further on.

"You certainly come from 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."