Chapter 1511: Caves

The four Dragonborn spent the rest of the night resting on the cold island. The cold wind continued sweeping across the snow-covered landscape, but the small fire they had built provided enough warmth for them to sleep comfortably. Not that without it they wouldn’t feel comfortable.

After everything they had endured during the journey, they saw no reason to remain awake longer than necessary. So they sleep without anyone setting guard.

By the following morning, the sky had already brightened when Erend opened his eyes.

The others soon began preparing as well. They extinguished the fire, gathered their belongings, and checked the equipment Caelion had provided before preparing to continue their journey.

Erend unfolded the map across the ground again while Eccar, Aesa, and Sylven sat around it.

"We have to be careful now," Erend said as he studied the markings on the map. "From this point onward, it’ll become much easier for us to be spotted because it’s bright already."

The others nodded.

Erend traced their intended route with one finger before pointing toward several clusters of floating islands farther south.

"We’ll have to pass through several nations before we reach the cave. We need to be extra careful because our Magic might not be enough to completely hide our presence if we’re spotted. Just like in Skyhold Bastion."

Eccar frowned slightly while examining the map. "So we avoid everyone?"

"As much as possible," Erend replied. "We’re here to investigate. We don’t need unnecessary attention."

Aesa and Sylven nodded in agreement.

Once they had memorized the route, the four Dragonborn packed the map away and took flight.

Their journey soon brought them toward the territory of another nation.

From a distance, they saw a vast cluster of floating islands arranged across the sky. Unlike Skyhold Bastion, these islands were dominated by enormous iron fortresses. Thick metal walls surrounded the settlements while countless towers rose above them. Massive cannons were positioned along the edges of several islands, pointing outward toward the surrounding sky.

The sight immediately made the four Dragonborn cautious.

Erend raised a hand. The others immediately slowed down and followed his signal.

They moved behind a large formation of clouds and then slipped behind another floating island that temporarily blocked them from the fortresses’ line of sight.

They extended their Magic carefully, creating a thin layer around their bodies that helped conceal their presence.

They remained hidden for several moments while watching the distant territory. But there were no alarms sounded, patrols that changed directions, or airships appeared to investigate their position.

"Looks like they haven’t noticed us," Eccar said quietly through their telepathic connection.

"Good," Erend replied. "Keep moving."

They waited until several clouds drifted between them and the fortified islands before accelerating again.

The four continued southward, carefully avoiding populated areas whenever possible.

Several airships passed through the skies around them. Some carried cargo while others appeared to transport soldiers or passengers between the floating islands.

Whenever an airship came too close, the Dragonborn altered their route or concealed themselves behind clouds and islands until the vessel had passed.

They repeated the process several times.

Eventually, the landscape began changing.

The green vegetation disappeared almost completely. The islands became increasingly barren, with white snow covering their surfaces. Massive glaciers and frozen cliffs surrounded the distant islands and a pale mist drifted between them.

Erend slowed down.

"We’re getting close," Erend said.

The four Dragonborn carefully observed the frozen region before proceeding.

They searched the surrounding skies for patrols, airships, or any other signs of activity. They remained in the clouds for several minutes while extending their perception through the area. Nothing appeared. No soldiers, patrols, or approaching vessels.

Once they were certain the area was clear, Erend gave the signal.

The four descended toward the nearest frozen island.

Their feet finally touched the snow-covered ground. The cold wind immediately swept across their cloaks as they looked toward the vast frozen landscape ahead.

Somewhere beyond these frozen islands was the cave they had been searching for.

Then the four Dragonborn walked across the frozen landscape without hesitation. The cold that surrounded them would have been dangerous to ordinary humans. Temperatures this low could cause frostbite within a short period, while prolonged exposure could eventually become fatal.

But none of the four showed any discomfort.

Despite appearing almost completely human, their bodies were far more durable than ordinary human flesh. Their Dragonborn physiology allowed them to endure extreme temperatures without suffering the effects that would normally cripple a human traveler.

The freezing wind passed over their bodies without causing anything more than a mild sensation of cold.

They had not even needed to reveal their Dragon scales.

They pressed deeper into the southern region, crossing frozen cliffs and wide stretches of snow-covered terrain until several enormous formations appeared in the distance.

The four Dragonborn eventually reached a group of massive caves carved into the side of a mountain. Several entrances were scattered across the rocky surface, some wide enough for enormous creatures to enter. Cold mist drifted from the darker openings, making it impossible to see very far inside.

"There are several entrances," Erend said while examining the caves.

Aesa studied them for a moment before speaking. "We should split up. Searching them individually will be faster."

The others immediately agreed.

They separated without hesitation, each choosing a different cave entrance while remaining connected through their telepathic link.

"Stay connected," Erend said. "If anyone finds something, let the others know."

The four Dragonborn then disappeared into the different caves, beginning their search.

Erend entered one of the caves alone. Darkness immediately swallowed him, but his Dragon eyes easily pierced through the blackness and revealed the path ahead.

The cave extended deep into the island. The walls were covered with layers of ice and stones. Several meters ahead, the ground began sloping downward into a deeper section of the cavern.

Erend approached the descent and looked into the darkness below. He could sense faint traces of Magic somewhere beneath the surface, but he could not determine their source yet.

Without hesitation, he stepped forward and began descending into the depths of the cave.

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