Door to the Dark
#33 of Estrasa's Tower
These chapters of "Estrasa's Tower" were written as connecting points for what the story was originally going to be: a large collaborative effort between me and other creatives. However, real life got in the way and what we have left are smaller bits. I'll post them to show what could have been. Perhaps I can do something else later with people.
Check out my patreon: https://www.patreon.com/tiktikkobold
Check out my discord Server: https://discord.gg/fA2NeqZ
The doors to the Tower of Darkness dwarf every member of the attacking force. Even though she isn't in the front of the assault, Tik Tik can't help but feel the immense nature of the thing. What manner of monsters lives within those walls? Many dangers live in the darkness of Tik TIk's old home, but even the most cavernous of openings would house creatures not even three-quarters of a size of that portal.
Andra stands at the head of the line with palms out white light glowing from her hands. "Whatever foul mechanism guards this door, we shall break through!"
The doors to the tower creak open, and an aura of menace so palpable that it weighs down on the party emerges from its core.
"What's this?" comes the taunting voice from within, "A gaggle of adventurers here to spoil our fun? Come on in, come on in. But be warned, you won't escape. The Tower of Dark Mistress Estrasa is where good, wholesome people become debauched and monstrous. Let your true inner monster emerge when you step through these doors!"
"Merely a trick," Cynwrig says, thumping his chest. "She means to scare us with that bravado. Well, I can out bravado her! Let's go!"
Others among the party murmur in agreement and Andra stares at the beckoning entryway. She takes a step further and immediately disappears into the darkness.
The quiet that follows chills Tik Tik to the bone. She may have learned much and faced monstrous beasts, but something feels wrong about the tower. As Kera takes a step forward to take the challenge herself, Tik Tik squeaks and rushes to the front, grabbing the catfolk by the leg.
Kera, no! It not good!" she shouts.
"Of course it isn't good!" Kera says, tugging away from Tik Tik. "It's the dark tower of the Dark Queen!"
"No! Tik Tik responds, shaking her head. "I know this! It trap!"
As if to confirm her fears, the scream echoes out from the cavernous opening, only piling on for the horrors that will await them.
"Trap or no, we're a team, and we need to keep each other out of the Dark Queen's grasp!" Luza shouts. "Let's go!"
A resounding cheer from a bunch of the allies deafens out Tik Tik's protests, but Kera stays behind.
Cynwrig flutters past the kobold, only to stop a moment later. He watches the rest of the invasion force disappear into the darkness, but looking back at Tik Tik, he flies back "Alright, Tik Tik," the beetle asks. "If you think this is too dangerous, what do you suggest?"
Tik Tik just stares off into the darkness enveloping the entryway, watching as so many of their numbers disappear into the silent blackness, only for screams to echo out. "I... Tik Tik doesn't know yet. Need Look, I- wait!" She runs up towards the door, grabbing the large wooden barrier. "Push out of way!" Tik Tik shouts.
Both Kera and Cynwrig join her, shifting the massive object out of the way. When Tik Tik peers at the stonemasonry behind it, she sees it. "There! Secret door! That how we get in!"