Chapter 62 - The Shadow Game of the Six Crowns - III
** Frozen Peaks Karak
Nestled in the heart of the Icy Mountains of Atlas, the dwarven capital, Frozen Peaks Karak, stood with enviable elegance and unshakable grandeur.
The city was a marvel of engineering and resilience. Carved directly into the mountain's core, the fortress was protected by walls of black stone reinforced with ancient runes that glowed softly with a bluish hue. The main entrances were guarded by massive gates made of rare and powerful metals, engraved with ancestral symbols that told the story of the dwarven kingdom's founding.
Inside the mountains, the city stretched across interconnected levels, each dedicated to a specific function. While Chaos, the imperial capital of the demonic realm, was built outward, Karak was sculpted inward, a masterpiece of dwarven engineering.
The upper levels housed residences, markets, and taverns, where the sound of songs and the smell of craft beer filled the air. The streets were illuminated by crystal lamps that emitted a warm, cozy light, contrasting with the intense cold outside.
At the heart of the city, a massive central forge, known as the Forge of Legends, burned perpetually. Its fire, fueled by ancient magic and coal from the depths, never extinguished. The forge was so hot that its warmth could be felt throughout all levels of the city, keeping the mountain's ice at bay.
Below the forge, on an even deeper level, was the Council Hall, a majestic chamber carved from black stone and adorned with mithril columns. At this moment, the hall hosted a tense meeting. A heavy atmosphere hung over the round stone table where the leaders of the dwarven clans were gathered.
Their serious faces reflected the light of the crystal lamps hanging from the high ceiling, so high it vanished into the darkness. The floor was covered with a detailed mosaic depicting the great battles and conquests of the dwarves.
At the center of the table, maps and reports were scattered, showing trade routes, mining areas, and records of recent activities.