The Deep Forge awakened in stages.
First came the furnaces. Orange light spread through channels carved beneath the floor, illuminating a chamber large enough to contain several of Blackwater's surface buildings. Then water began moving through elevated pipes. Steam escaped from joints that had remained cold for generations.
Helmar stood before the central controls with the ring locked into a circular mechanism.
Only the two guards who had escaped with Helmar reached the Deep Forge. They stood beside him with their weapons drawn, watching the ancient machinery awaken around them.
"Do not move." Helmar ordered.
The command was not directed at Rod.
Armored figures stood between the furnaces. They resembled dwarven soldiers forged entirely from dark metal, each carrying a shield and blunt-headed weapon. Smaller machines moved beneath them on eight articulated legs, clearing debris from tracks and replacing damaged components.
None obeyed Helmar.
