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“This archdemon has been weakened by a past attack, one that renders him vulnerable. If we can attack his weakness, we can kill him.”
The golems exchange another look. The one Granite called Basalt nods his head, then so does Shale. Granite turns back to Melelea and says, “We can help you leave the mines, if that is your goal. The stones on the mountain are absorbing the malice of the demon. He is infecting our home, and we want him gone as well. I take it your warrior can slay him?”
“Wodred is one of the mightiest warriors in all of Orik,” Melelea confirms. “We also have two other warriors that we brought with us, though we have become separated. If we can be reunited, these three can kill the demon.”
“Our scouts have seen another pair on the surface, battling through the snows,” the one called Shale says.
“Scouts?” I ask sharply. “How many of you are there?”
The golems ignore me, keeping their shared gaze on Melelea. “We can take you through the tunnels to the exit that will allow you to rendezvous with your companions, but we must have some promises first.”
“What promises?” asks the trolless.
“First, that you and your warrior will never speak about what you are about to see or our existence with anyone, even those that you serve. Secrecy is paramount to our survival, and I will not risk helping you if it means a threat to those I protect.”
“We swear,” Melelea says easily enough, but the golems turn to look at me for the first time since we fought.
“Your promise as well, orc.”
I nod solemnly. I would promise them just about anything if it meant that I could get Melelea safely out of these tunnels. “You have my Oath.”
Granite nods. “Then, lastly, I want you to promise that you will take the demons’ body off the mountains. The stones have been through enough. They do not need his evil blood seeping in and corrupting the mountain.”
I don’t know what they keep talking about, the stones being infected or corrupted or whatever nonsense they are spouting. But their requirement is easy enough.
“We understand,” Melelea says to them, even though I do not understand. “We will take the demon’s body with us when we go.”
“Then the pact is set,” Granite says solemnly. “We will take you through the mountain.”
