Deep in the Iron-Spine Mountains, gray-black mist lingered all year round.
Thick scale-leaf trees tangled together, their crowns blotting out the sky. Only scattered shafts of daylight filtered through the gaps, casting mottled shadows across the damp ground.
The air carried a mingled scent of sulfur, earth, and wild beasts. Occasionally, a low beastly roar sounded in the distance, echoing through the mountains in rolling waves.
Two dragon-kin slowly followed a mountain trail, occasionally adjusting their route according to the traces around them.
"Just ahead."
After several more hours of walking, Harta lowered his voice and reached up to push aside the scale-leaf branches blocking their path.
Once they passed through the last stretch of dense forest, the view suddenly opened up.
A village concealed among the mountains appeared before them.
Strictly speaking, it could hardly even be called a "village."
The entire cliff face had been hollowed out. Caves of every size layered the mountainside, connected by stone bridges and walkways. Massive stone pillars supported the upper structures, while ancient dragon reliefs adorned the edges of the caves.
The patterns were not elaborate, but they possessed a rugged, desolate beauty.
Firelight shone from deep within the caves, bathing the entire cliff face in flickering light.
Below the mountain lay a leveled clearing.
Several enormous horned beasts were tethered beside stone pillars, feeding. Heavy bone armor covered their backs, and hot breath steamed from their nostrils. Whenever they growled, the sound rumbled through the air like muffled thunder.
Concealed in his phased state, Benjamin floated silently among the high treetops. His three eyes slowly swept over the camp as his mental perception spread soundlessly outward. Soon, a stream of information surfaced in his Spirit Sea.
Total population... one hundred and twenty-seven.
Average life energy level of adult dragon-kin: Level 3