The carved walls, about 150 feet tall, supporting a board ceiling of intricate patterns, depicted the dwarves at a forging. Due to the erosion of time, large parts of the walls were covered in thick white dust and many sections had fallen into state of disrepair. Taking up Liam’s torch, Ryaren shone it over the wall as she walked, placing the fire close to the dust. She was awed by the exquisite details carved and the architecture of the chamber.
Talin glanced at Liam who was sitting on a flat stone facing the wall. The guardian had not spoken a word since he wedged the torch in a crack. “What are the pictures about?” Talin asked curiously, knowing the guardian had an answer.
Liam did not seem to hear him. He stared transfixed at the spot, submerged in the flow of events of the past. Ryaren completed her inspection and joined them.
Talin repeated his question.
“The making of the Kendarila.”
Talin and Ryaren watched him without a word. Talin could tell Liam was in a talking mood and he was about to reveal something significant; a history lost so long ago that no one remembered.
“About a thousand years ago, the Kendarila was made. Requested by the elves, humans and dwarves alliance, it was a weapon to aid them in their darkest hour. Because the weapon was so powerful, a guardian was assigned to it, and for some unknown reason, whoever chosen as the guardian was given a prolonged life upon making of the contract.” Liam’s voice dropped, his hand caressing the wood of his staff.
Ryaren fingered the Kendarila as the enormity of Liam’s job and the potential of the horn sank in. But then, what was her part in this?
“The guardians could not use the horn. Our job was to guard the instrument, not to guide its purpose.” He looked at Ryaren with piercing eyes. “The Kendarila only resurfaces in needy times and its user has the responsibility to use it wisely.”
“Big job,” Talin commented.
“How am I supposed to use this?” Ryaren said, her voice exasperated. “Do I spend my entire life looking after it?” she was beginning to think her fate had taken a cruel twist.
“We do not know. But the one to spend an entire life looking after it would be me,” Liam said softly, in his own way comforting Ryaren.