BlackThorn's Doom by Dewayne M Kunkel

approach?”
    Marcos shook his head. “That would only hasten our discovery and put an end to our mission. There are things more malicious than Morne and evil men watching over this village. To draw their attention would spell disaster for our cause.”
    “Then make yourselves ready.” Connell stated coming to his feet. “Bury the packs here, there little left in them anyways. Wrap your cloaks tight and keep the hoods up. Hide your weapons beneath them, they are unlike any to be found here.”
    “Walk with purpose but keep you heads down,” Suni added shoving his pack beneath the sour smelling loam. “Do not make eye contact, move as the villagers do and stay within the shadows.”
    They walked in among the buildings. The villagers moved about keeping to themselves each going about their own tasks. Hardly sparing the weary group of men a second glance.
    The buildings were crude and depressing. No care had been given to their appearance during construction. They contained no doors or windows, simply dark openings with heavy drapes. The deeper into the town they ventured the larger the buildings became. Until they walked in the shadows of multi storied warehouses and smithies whose furnaces glowed hotly and the sounds of hammers striking steel rang incessantly.
    A deep trench ran along the roadway, filled with stagnant water and the contents of chamber pots. The overwhelming odor made the fetid reek of Havoc’Mor seem pleasant in comparison.
    As they passed through the open space that served as the town’s center the road began to slope upward, climbing higher towards the flanks of the fiery mountain.
    Crossing a low bridge that spanned a fast flowing creek of black water they came to the edge of town. Stopping within the shadows of what appeared to be a slaughterhouse they looked up the long stone causeway that led to a dark cave like opening in the mountainside.
    Thraldur, the gate of skulls and the sole entry to Sur’kar’s sanctuary, Casius moved his gaze away from the looming opening.
    Shouts erupted behind them, spinning about he watched as several whip wielding Morne drove a group of half starved men out of the slaughterhouse. They were weary and covered with deep bloody welts from the Morne whips.
    Casius’s eyes narrowed and his hand slipped into his cloak coming to rest upon Aethir’s warm hilt.
    Connell grabbed his elbow and hissed a warning. “Do nothing, lest you doom us all!”
    Casius stood at the brink of violence for a few breaths. Coming to grips with his rage he let his hand fall from his blade. He knew Connell was right, freeing the world of Sur’kar would free those men, not an attack that was doomed to failure.
    Connell relaxed and turned his friend about. “They will pay.” He said softly, his eyes burning with wrath. “When the time is right.”
    Marcos put his fingers to his lips and pulled them around the corner of the building. A gate swung open across the lane and a force of several hundred Morne marched out. They turned sharply to the right and moved towards the town’s center.
    Casius breathed a sigh of relief as the gate was closed. “We are blessed to have your ears with us Marcos.” Casius said once he got his beating heart under control.
    “Boldness has gotten us this far,” Yoladt said peeking around the buildings corner to watch the Morne depart. “Perhaps it is time for stealth.”
    “There is but one path into Trothgar.” Marcos said with a nod to the dark opening. “Once upon the causeway our enemies eyes will be upon us. I’m afraid that there is no other way before us.”
    “We are going to simply walk up there and ask for entry?” Yoladt mumbled in disbelief.
    “Not we,” Suni said adjusting his cloak. “I.”
    Connell stepped forward. “You can’t do this alone,” He said. “Let me go with you.”
    Suni looked to the gate. “The gate of skulls is warded, Connell.” He said with an uncharacteristic touch of excitement in his voice. “Grel’in bar