Dread Mountain: Dark Cloud over the Imperial City of Mary Ruth (1997)
The torchlight flickered against the damp, jagged walls of the Limitless Fortress, casting long, grotesque shadows across the stone floor. Kyogi Kagimi rested his hand on the hilt of his blade, his piercing eyes narrowing as he turned toward the figure beside him.
"So, tell me," Kyogi asked smoothly, "which side do you intend to take in this little brawl?"
"You haven't made your position clear either," Prince replied, leaning back against the wall with a nonchalant air, completely unbothered by the rising tension around them.
Kyogi offered a light, razor-thin smile. "I'll take whatever side I like best, as always."
"Perhaps I should say that sounds just like you," Prince muttered, shaking his head. "Even as we speak, a dark cloud is hanging over this Limitless Fortress. Who knows which path the future will take?" He paused, gesturing toward the heavy iron gate at the edge of the courtyard. "Look, another man led by destiny has chosen to return."
"What, you want to release more prisoners?" Haru Glory, the Rave Master, cut in, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as he adjusted his massive sword. "Narissa's stronger than ever. Next time the witch attacks, we'll need help safeguarding Prince Phobos."
"Stop grumbling!" Phobos snapped, stepping into the dim light with cold, regal authority. "I am the rightful king of Meridian!"
"You mean we are the rightful rulers," a sharp voice corrected from the shadows.
Will Vandom stepped into the light, the Heart of Kandrakar pulsing with a faint pink luminescence against her chest. Right beside her stood Queen Elyon, her royal mantle flowing as magic crackled at her fingertips. The two sisters stood shoulder-to-shoulder, matching their brother’s arrogant glare with equal intensity.
"Save the speeches, Phobos," Haru shot back, stepping forward. "This is the one night that the Heart of Kandrakar is up for grabs. This is a night of magic and supernatural power—anything can happen."
"Narissa's been steering clear ever since we got Prince Phobos and his sisters on our side," Kyogi noted dryly, watching the heavy mist roll across the courtyard, "but this time, we'll be ready."
Before anyone else could speak, a tall figure clad in worn armor emerged from the shadows near the maps of the realm. Leif, Deltora's King, knelt down, examining the tracks crushed into the muddy path ahead.
"It looks like we're not the first ones to make a trip to Dread Mountain," Leif added quietly, pointing to a set of heavy, freshly made footprints heading directly into the dark, uncharted peak.
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