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

In the days when Urlem ruled Dynkyr alone, he turned his gaze not toward the plains, nor toward the Terani, but downward into the mountain. Where Haren had ordered what was built, Urlem sought to extend it. He caused the bastions of Dynkyr to grow deeper and more far-reaching, and the shafts once sunk for metal were broadened into highways beneath the earth.

The Gunvirega River was explored along its hidden courses, and its tributaries were charted with care. Where its waters drew near to the domains of Neblodi, Urlem founded Nil Duergara, a holdfast and exchange near the Stonekin of the old world. By this he sought to bind Dynkyr and Neblodi in firmer alliance, that knowledge and trade might pass more freely between our peoples.

For a time, this design prospered.

It was in those days that the Grimlock were discovered.

Their origin was uncertain, and much debated in the Arvanaith. Some said they were fallen beings of the old world who had wandered too long in lightless caverns. Others believed they were wrought by the majk of the Fairy Witches, who, having imitated the Gnummorong, sought to fashion thralls of humankind in darker form. Whatever their beginning, they were fierce, cunning, and numerous in the lower reaches of the Durur.

They coveted the rivers and the salt veins, and would not yield them.

Urlem instituted the Derro and appointed his brother Urthur as their captain. For twelve years the companies warred against the Grimlock for mastery of the Durur. The fighting was bitter and without sun. Whole tunnels were collapsed to deny passage. The Gunvirega ran red more than once, and the draftways carried not only air, but smoke and ash. It was a war fought without glory, for no banners flew and no plains were won—only stone upon stone and darkness contested.

At last victory was declared at the Salt Falls. Urlem ordered that many passages be sealed thereafter, but one company of the Derro led by his brother Urthur, was believed lost and sealed up on the Morlock side. These were not seen again and many myths abound that the lost company continued the war against the Grimlock.

Urlem was Regn for thirteen and two hundreds of years before he died, having secured the deep roads and strengthened the bonds with Neblodi. It is said that he died with the name of his brother on his lips.

He was succeeded by Helmgar the Regn.