The Tables of the Histories of the Stoneborn of Dynkyr - Table V

In the years that followed the reunion of Mya and Clan, and the defeat of the Frost Giants, it came to pass that many of the Dwenir left their homes and made long journeys to Dynkyr, there to take wives and to raise children in the land of plenty which Mya had found. So the distant Duns became like outposts for their warriors. 

Then one day certain traders reported giants within a day’s walk of the wall. It became clear to the Dwenir that sons of the Yotinir had pursued Clangeddin to his last refuge from distant battles.

There was also an emissary in Dun Dynkyr at that time. His name was Caros, and he had recently come from Dun Ur, the redoubt of Duma the Regn. He was a prophet full of wisdom, able to see things afar off, and an interpreter of dreams. He arrived bearing the ear and confidence of Duma, and thus enjoyed the same from Mya and Clangeddin. He was one of few from that Dun for it had fallen silent in recent years.

At his counsel they sent forth their remaining sons from the hearth as captains of hosts of spear and hammer. These went to the Duns of their people, to relieve those sorely pressed and to bring back news of their holdings. Thard, Dugma, and Martham went out to relieve their brothers, and Verga went first to Duma and then to Bathor, to aid his distant kin.

Thus Dun Dynkyr learned that Dun Ur had fallen into shadow and would allow none, neither friend nor foe, to enter. Those within had delved deep into the ground to escape the predation of the giants and were seen no more upon the surface.

Then Caros beheld a vision: the stor-yarl of the giant throng was encamped in the Salt Marsh. Clangeddin led three companies to surprise him, perchance to strike down their ancient foe. But while the sons and spouse of Mya were gone, along with the spears and hammers that had defended the wall, Dun Dynkyr was attacked by the very throng that Clangeddin sought.

And there was treachery behind the wall, for Caros was not what he seemed. In the eye of deep night the gate was unbarred, and the giants were let in. Two companies of spear and hammer remained within Dynkyr, and these were forced to face the giants without benefit of the wall, while sleep still lay upon them.

Before his treachery was discovered, Caros counseled Mya that all was lost. She gathered the women and children into the Deepward of Mir Vath while the sounds of battle raged above. Caros gathered with them and spoke words of deep malice into her ear, urging that they take their own lives and thus deprive the giants of victory.

So Mya relented. All those who sheltered in the Deepward drank the draught that Caros prepared. One by one they succumbed to sleep, and then to death itself.