Buskar led Iklir and the children into the caves. "My kin lived here" he said to them. In these caves we lived and laughed, and we raised familied and protected. What happened then asked one of the children. Buskar lit the fire and he turned back to the children. His face reminiscent of all his people that lived and passed on. The children were a bit scared of what they saw in him. Buskar quickly turned ahead and walked. "The fire simply went out" We got used to the cold, the ever flowing snow he said as they passed on staircases that once flew people from the air to the ground. Buskar waved the fire to either side and grunted a few words. No one lives here now? asked the children. Some do, replied Buskar as he went and stood next to the walls of the caves. There were paintings that adorned the walls. "Some of them still do" he said again. Where, can we see them? the children asked him. I think they are far too gone in their minds to welcome us now, said Buskar. He scrubbed the paintings of the walls with his fingers and walked on. Ilkir walked up beside Buskar. "Are you sure that I do not need a sword in my hands?" he asked the dwarf. Ilkir, these caves would only accept a dwarf to hold one of these. If another was to carry it, I'm afraid he would be swallowed by the caves. Ilkir looked around the caves and felt them closing on him. He took a few steps back and joined the rest. Buskar laughed.
Amidst the darkness the army marched with a single shred of light. "Buskar said a voice" echoing across the caves. Everyone was startled except Buskar. As though he knew who it was or he was expecting the voice to call out to him. However he chose to ignore the voice, Buskar and continued to walk ahead. The children followed him closely. "Buskar" the voice said again as it began to draw near. Someone is near! said the children. Buskar turned back , his face terrifying the children yet again. " Don't you think that it is better to move faster then" he said and gathered his pace up. " Why are you running away" said the voice now it seemed more reasonable since the echo had vanished. It was the voice of a female, the children gasped. Ilkir weaved a sigh of relief and he took his hands away from almost reaching the sword that hung on the dwarf. The children stopped but Buskar walked at a feverish pace. "The old dwarf came and stopped by the children" Stop Buskar, it is your grandmother Andril, she said. Buskar had to stop by then as he saw that the children had stopped on their tracks. He sighed and walked back to the group. "Hello grandmother" he greeted her. What brings you here Buskar? she asked joyfully. To the children it was still anger and resentment that came out of her mouth , but what more can you expect from a women shuddered in darkness. Nothing grandmother, replied Buskar "We were just passing through" he said. And who are these children she asked turning towards them. Her look frightened them and they were prepared to scream. Buskar jumped in and ushered her a few steps away from them. He spoke in a whispering tone and the children thought that it was him reciting the tale that had happened. Oh! she gasped.
The walk continued. His grandmother was still standing there waving them on. The light went out and Buskar reignited it in a second. "Come children" he said ushering them on. The cave got a lot larger now with pathways and stairways and underground passages all interlinking each other. "This is who we once were" said Buskar proudly marveling at it. He stood there and his eyes gleamed with happiness at what had been achieved by them, and a sea of remorse took over, knowing that all this was in the past. What happened here? asked the children. Nothing, I abandoned my people when they needed me most, said Buskar. Why did you abandon your people? asked Ilkir for whom it had turned personal. Buskar stood there and did not provide any answer. Why did you abandon your people? Ilkir asked again as his voice got a little shaky. Some other time, replied Buskar and continued to chart the course. What really happened here, the children asked between themselves. " I think they abandoned you" said Ilkir. What did you say? asked Buskar in a fury. He caught hold of Ilkirs shoulders and jolted him. "What did you say?" he asked as his eyes turned red with anger. He had dropped the fire by now. Ilkir brushed him and took the fir in his hands. " I think you were abandoned just like I was" he said and handed the fire back to Buskar. Buskar took the fire by his hands and he spoke no further. He walked deep into the cave and all his happiness of being in the caves were torn apart. Good job Ilkir! commented some of the children sarcastically. Ilkir sighed and walked on.