Chapter V
He came to this place in the middle of the night, and Dalama said softly. The only thing left in the sky was the mysterious black moon. The dark elf stared at Palin from the darkness of the hood. This is the legend of your uncle's return to the tower.
Palin did not say anything, because these words had been imprinted in his mind. When they were old enough to start dreaming, they had slipped off there in secret. Now, he looked in awe at the huge iron gate that blocked the entrance and tried to imagine his uncle standing at the door and ordering it to open for him. When the door opened... Palin looked at the black tower.
It was daytime in Palansus City. When they left the Great Wizard Tower of Villais, which was located a few hundred miles to the south, the sky had just brightened. The sky was still dark, and their magical journey had only lasted for a moment. The sun had just risen from the ground and shone on the tower. There was a golden ball between the two red spires at the top of the tower. It looked like a blood-stained finger holding a gold coin greedily. Judging from the warmth emitted by the sun, it was not much different from a gold coin, because no light could warm this evil place. This huge black stone tower was forcibly pulled out from the ground by magic, standing tall in the shadows of the powerful Shucon Forest. Even if each oak tree was replaced by thousands of knights, they would not be able to defend the tower more thoroughly than this curse. This terrifying barrier made no one dare to approach. Unless they had the protection of the black amulet, no one could walk out alive.
Palin turned his head and peered at the tall trees in the woods through the gap of his white hood. The trees stood quietly, but he could feel the strong sea breeze blowing on his face. Legend had it that even the strong hurricane of the Great Calamity could not make a single leaf fall from this forest, but there was not a single tree left standing in Palansus City at that time. The darkness was moving between the oak trees. Cold fog stretched out and turned into cunning tentacles, wanting to pass through the iron door and wrap around the bodies of the people outside.
Palin kept trembling because of the uncontrollable coldness and fear of the trees, but it also made him have a new respect for his father. In the past, Caramon had dared to enter the Shucan Forest because of his love for his twin brother, and he had almost paid with his life for it.
Palin thought that his father must be thinking about this now, because his face became very pale and solemn. Large beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. Let's get out of here, said Caramon hoarsely, his eyes carefully avoiding the cursed sight. It didn't matter if she walked in or whatever…
" Alright," Dalama replied. Although the dark elf's face was once again covered by darkness, Palin knew very well that he was smiling. We're actually not in a hurry. He had to wait until sunset. When Paladin's beloved son, Silver Moon Thorinari, the beloved of the Queen of Darkness, Black Moon Nurintari, and Gillian's crimson moon appeared in the sky, Raistlin would absorb the power he needed from the black moon. If other people made a decision, they might need to absorb Sorinari's power... He did not look at Palin when he spoke, but the young man felt a burst of heat on his face.
What kind of power was absorbed? Caramon grabbed Dalama and questioned him angrily. Palin was not a mage yet. You said you'd take care of everything--
I know what I said, interrupted Dalama. He didn't make any movements or chant any spells, but Caramon suddenly pulled back his hand in pain. I will deal with…the problems that need to be dealt with. However, something unexpected might happen tonight. We better be prepared. Dalama looked at Caramon coldly. Don't disturb me anymore. Come on, Palin. You may need my help to walk through this door.
Dalama extended his hand. Palin looked back at his father, noticing that his eyes were fixed on him. " Don't go in," his father pleaded with a pained look in his eyes. If you go in, I will lose you…
Palin lowered his head in confusion, pretending not to see the clear message. He turned around and put his hand on the dark elf's arm hesitantly. The black robe felt very soft and smooth. He could feel the strong muscles underneath and the slender bones of the elves. Although it would give people the illusion that they were fragile, they were actually very solid and stable.
An invisible hand opened the door. A long time ago, this door was once made of exquisite gold and silver, but now it was only a dark and twisted piece, guarded patiently by a black shadow. Daramala led Palin through the border of light and darkness.
A bone-splitting pain hit the young man. Palin held his heart and bent over in pain.
Dalama's sharp gaze stopped Caramon from running over. " You can't help him," the Dark Elf said. This was the punishment for outsiders who stepped into her holy land after the darkness. Hold on to me, Palin. Don't stop. The pain will be alleviated after we walk in.
Palin gritted his teeth and staggered forward according to the other party's words, holding Dalama with both hands.
Fortunately, the dark elves were leading him. If Palin was alone, he might have escaped from this dark place immediately. In the consciousness of pain, Palin heard a soft whisper. Why did he come in? Only death awaits you! Are you in such a hurry to meet the Grim Reaper? Turn around, stupid thing! Quickly turn around. It's not worth it... Palin wailed. How could he be so blind? Dalama was right…the price was too high…
Courage, Palin! Dalama's voice mixed with whispers.
The magic tower kept absorbing Palin's vitality with its dark demonic power. However, he continued walking, but the red fog in front of him made it impossible for him to see the ground clearly. Did he feel this way the first time he came here? Palin asked himself painfully. No, of course not. When Raistlin first came here, he was already dressed in a black robe. He had come here with his peak strength, as an expert who had mastered the past and the present. The door opened for him…and all the dark, formless creatures that lived in the tower bowed their heads respectfully. According to the legend…
The door was only open for him…
Palin sobbed and fell into the tower.
Do you feel better? Dalama asked Palin, who was trying to get up in a daze. Come, drink some wine first. This was a good wine brewed by the elves, and it was of a good age. I managed to get it out of Sivanasti, though of course the Sivanasti elves had no idea. This was the first batch of wine that was brewed there after the nightmare took over. It had a dark, slightly bitter taste, like tears. I have heard that some of my brethren weep at every drink. Dalama poured a full glass of dark red liquid and handed it to Palin. Even when I drink it myself, I find a sense of sorrow shrouding me.
" Homesickness?" Caramon shook his head and refused the wine that Dalama handed him. Palin could tell from his father's tone that he was very unhappy and worried about his son. However, he tried to sit up straight in his chair and pretend he didn't care. Palin didn't forget to look at him gratefully when he swallowed the wine. The warmth brought by the alcohol drove the strange chill out of his body.
What was puzzling was that this glass of wine actually reminded him of his home. Homesick, said Caramon. Palin thought he would see Dalama counterattack or laugh at this comment. After all, the Dark Elves were the ones who had been driven away from the light in the elven society and would never be able to set foot in their ancient homeland again. Dalama's crime was to be black-robed and seek the power of dark magic. He was tied up, blindfolded, and driven to the border in a car, never to return. For elves, their hundreds of years of life were closely related to the forest or nature. Being driven out of their ancient homeland was more painful than death.
Dalama seemed to be extremely calm and indifferent to everything, but Palin was surprised to notice that the dark elf's face suddenly showed a mixture of desire and sadness. Although her expression disappeared like a ripple, he still saw it. He felt that he was no longer as afraid of the dark elves as before. So there was still something that could move him.
Palin sipped the wine and tasted the slight bitterness. His thoughts drifted to his home in the distance, the magnificent house built by his father, and the hotel that his parents were proud of. He thought of Solas, who was nestled in the tall poplar tree. Like all young mages, he had to leave his hometown and go to a special school to study. He thought of his mother, his two mischievous little sisters. They would steal his bag, try to peek at what he was wearing under his robes, hide his spellbook... What would it feel like to say goodbye to them forever?
... and never see them again...
Palin's hands began to tremble. He carefully placed the wine glass on the table beside the chair, afraid that he would accidentally break the wine glass or overturn the wine. He quickly looked around, afraid that his father or Dalama would notice his loss of composure. Fortunately, the two of them were looking down at Palansus City from the window and discussing in low voices.
You never returned to the lab after that? asked Caramon in a low voice.
Dalama shook his head. He took off his hood, and his soft long hair fell on his shoulders. " I went back the week you left," he replied." After making sure everything was arranged, I sealed it."
Then everything would still be the same, Caramon muttered. Palin noticed that his father's shrewd eyes turned to the dark elf who was staring out of the window expressionlessly. To a mage, I'm guessing there must be many priceless treasures inside. What was inside?
Palin held his breath and quietly stepped on the luxurious soft carpet, wanting to hear the dark elves 'answer.
Festan Tirith's spellbook, Raistlin's own spellbook, his notes on herbs, and of course, his staff-
His staff? Palin couldn't help but interrupt.
Both of them turned around and looked at the young man in front of them. Caramon looked solemn, while Dalama looked amused.
The staff you told my uncle about is gone! Palin said to his father in an accusatory tone.
" Indeed, young man," Dalama replied. The seal I placed on the door is something that even the most resilient rats would not dare to approach. Anyone who wanted to barge in would only die. Even if the famous Mazi Staff was buried at the bottom of the sea, it would not disappear more thoroughly than it did now.
There was another thing in the lab, Caramon suddenly thought and said slowly. The space-time tunnel to the Bottomless Abyss. If we can't get into the research lab, how are we supposed to check the portal and prove to you stupid mages that my brother is dead?
Dalama silently fiddled with his delicate glass, his thoughts seemingly drifting elsewhere. Caramon looked at him and roared with anger. This was a scam! You're not even prepared to prove anything! What are you trying to do by bringing us here? What do you want?
"None of your business, Caramon," Dalama replied coldly.
Caramon roared. No! He sobbed and shouted. Don't look for my son! You damned mages! I won't allow it! He strode forward and grabbed Dalama's collar…and then cried out in pain. Caramon pulled back his hands and kept rubbing them, feeling as if he had touched lightning.
Daddy, I beg you! Don't interfere! Palin walked to his father and murmured. The young man glared at Dalama angrily. You don't have to do this!
I warned him, Dalama shrugged. Think carefully, my friend Caramon, we cannot open the door from the outside. The dark elf turned to Palin. But there was a young man who could open the door from the inside!
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