Chapter Twenty Three: The Gutter of Despair

Opening his eyes and slowly rising from his feet, Boru saw that they were now inside a dark, storming world.

The sky all around thundered, the purple covered expanses, flashed with bright lighting.

The ground had dead, yellowish grass, this place seemed worse than a nightmare.

Kneeling down where the other men were lying, Boru attempted to rouse them. "Comrades! Awake and see this place of death we are encompassed in!"

Halu woke, and stirred Toru to consciousness.

"What is this place?" Halu asked, gasping in shock.

After quietly looking around, Toru walked over and knelt towards Avery, who was still unconscious.

"It is as I thought. Have you men heard before, the stories of The Gutter?" He asked, laying his hand on the Prince's forehead.

"It could not be true, can it?" Halu asked pensively, looking at Boru.

"It is so. I have seen it myself", Boru answered.

"I have listened to the legends of the terrible Gutter of Despair, but I have not believed them. Now it is a fact, that we are here", Toru spoke gravely.

Avery had now, opened his eyes.

"I feel very sore", he said, still lying down.

"Can you not walk?" Toru asked fearfully.

"Yes, I can. But first, where are we?"

"This hole of putrid death, is known in legend, to be The Gutter of Despair. This is where Azackton banished those who oppose him from life", Boru answered.

"My father used to speak of these stories. He said that no one can ever get out", Avery said in exasperation.

Halu shook his head solemnly.

"Be on your guard, all of you. There are beasts unknown to the world residing in here. We must also decide what is to be done", Toru spoke.