The Tower of Walgoth Episode 5
The following takes place following: The Tower of Walgoth Episode 4
The spiraling staircase stretched endlessly before Travers, its narrow steps disappearing into the shadows above. Each step felt heavier than the last, the oppressive atmosphere pressing down on him. The flickering torchlight cast long, taunting shadows that danced on the stone walls, giving life to the darkness that seemed to close in around him. The air grew cooler, and the distant sound of dripping water echoed through the staircase, a constant reminder that he was not alone in this labyrinthine ascent.
Hours passed, and his legs grew weary. Occasionally, he stumbled upon remnants of those who had attempted the climb and failed—a broken shoe, a discarded scarf—grim reminders of the tower's challenges. The sight of these items sent a chill down his spine, but he pressed on, driven by a determination to reach the top.
As he rounded yet another bend in the staircase, Travers spotted a couple descending the stairs. They were both overweight and red-faced, clearly frustrated. The man wore a sweat-stained baseball cap, and the woman clutched a small backpack. Their expressions were a mix of frustration and fatigue.
Travers: “Hey there. What’s it like at the top?."
The man grunted, barely acknowledging Travers, while the woman sighed heavily before speaking in an American accent.
Woman: "No idea. We never made it that far... It just goes on forever so we turned back about an hour ago.”
Man: “Lousy tour guide… Never ever anything about having to climb the whole damn thing. Seriously, is an elevator really too much to ask in this day and age??"
Travers: “Yeah, an elevator would be nice, no doubt.
The man leaned against the wall which seemed to grown as he put his weight against it while the woman started pulled out a handful of chocolate bars from her backpack and shared them with her husband. Travers, started to become a little anxious about the strain they were likely putting on these old wooden stairs and was concerned that they could give way any minute. It then dawned on him that the old Travers would have made some callous remark about their weight by now.
Travers: “Anyway, I should probably push on.”
Man: “Do yourself a favour, little buddy, turn back now. You’ll thank us later. No view is worth this effort.”
Travers: “Maybe you’re right, but I’m looking for a little more than a nice view. I’m on something of a quest for enlightenment. And I’m sure Ed will give me the strength to push on to the top."
Man: “Enlightenment, huh? Hmph. Well don’t say we didn’t warn you.”
Woman: “There's a rest stop about thirty flights up with some places to sit and get a snack and even some rooms to rent supposedly, but good luck with that... The joker at the desk is a real piece of work..."
Travers: “I see… Thanks for the heads-up. Well, so long...”
Travers left them and started to climb again. Soon, the oppressive silence returned, broken only by the sound of his footsteps and the distant drip of water.
As he climbed higher, the shadows seemed to whisper secrets, twisting into odd shapes that played tricks on his mind. With each step, he felt the weight of the journey pressing down on him. The flickering torchlight cast eerie patterns on the stone walls, and the air grew colder. He focused on the steps ahead, driven by the faint hope that the rest stop.
Just when he thought he could go no further, the narrow stairway opened into a wider area, a welcome reprieve from the oppressive climb. The rest stop was a curious sight. The space was larger, still dark and torchlit, but more open and inviting compared to the claustrophobic staircase. It resembled a reception waiting room, complete with a desk, several chairs, and a few tables laden with food and drink. A wooden sign near the entrance read, "Rest Stop: Rooms Available. Inquire at Desk." Past the desk, locked double doors suggested the presence of rooms beyond.
Travers arrived, exhausted, to find several humans sitting around waiting in the chairs and at the buffet table. One man, caught his attention. He was tall and good looking, yet wearing a goofy straw hat and a Hawaiian shirt, with a camera around his neck. He was skulking around the shadows like he was looking for something.
Travers approached the desk, hoping to hire a room and take a nap before continuing his journey. The official at the desk bore an air of authority, his demeanor formal and commanding. His presence immediately exuded a sense of bureaucratic absurdity.
Clerk: “Greetings, traveller. State your purpose.”
Travers: “Uh, I’d like to rent a room for a few hours, maybe take a nap before I continue my climb.”
The official raised an eyebrow, pulling out an impossibly thick ledger.
Clerk: “A room? That is not a simple request. There are forms to fill, approvals to obtain, permissions to be granted.”
Travers blinked in disbelief.
Travers: “Forms? Approvals? I just need a place to rest.”
Clerk: “Nothing in the Tower of Walgoth is simple, traveller. First, you must fill out Form 27-B. Then, I need your signature on waivers 34-A through 34-G. And don’t forget the Room Request Application, which must be notarised by our head monk. Finally, there’s the Matter of Intent Declaration, which requires a personal interview.”
Travers: “Is all that really necessary?”
Clerk: “Of course. We must maintain the sanctity and order of the tower.”
Travers sighed, deciding to help himself to some food instead. As he reached for a plate, the mysterious man in the hat and Hawaiian shirt sidled up next to him, a broad grin on his face.
Man: “Hey there, buddy! I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation with the desk clerk. He’s a really something, ain’t he?”
Travers: “Yeah, that’s one way to put it.”
The man eagerly extended a hand.
Herb: “Name’s Herb Saunders from Baltimore… You’re American too, right?”
They shake hands.
Travers: “That’s right. Travers. Harris Travers… So what brings you here, Herb?”
Herb chuckled, seemingly unfazed by the dark and oppressive atmosphere.
Herb: “I’m here to take in the sights of Waldonia. I heard the view from the top of this tower is incredible, so I figured I’d get a photo. But this climb... man, it’s something else.”
Travers nodded.
Travers: “I see.. So, you’re also waiting for a room?”
Herb: “Yeah. Been waiting for a while now. The clerk’s got us all stuck in bureaucratic limbo. But hey, at least the food’s good!”
Herb grabs a piece of chicken and bites into it.
Travers: “How long have you been waiting?”
Herb: “Cripes! Feels like hours. But I’m not giving up. I’ll get that photo from the top floor if it’s the last thing I do.”
Travers admired Herb’s determination. “Well, good luck with that. I think I’ll rest here for a bit and then try my luck with the clerk again.”
“Sounds like a plan, pal,” Herb said, raising his chicken leg in a mock toast. “Here’s to conquering the Tower of Walgoth, one step at a time.”
Travers found a chair and sat down, the weight of exhaustion settling over him. As he closed his eyes for a moment, the sounds of quiet conversation and the flickering torchlight created a surreal, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The Tower of Walgoth was a place of mystery and challenge, but Travers knew he had the resolve to see it through. The journey was far from over, and the climb would only get harder, but for now, he allowed himself a brief respite, gathering his strength for the trials that lay ahead.
****
Travers awoke with a start, realizing he had dozed off in his chair. The flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows on the walls, and the quiet murmur of other travelers filled the room. He looked around and noticed that the others waiting had gone.
Stretching his stiff limbs, Travers approached the desk once more, hoping for some guidance. The official was still there, his expression as inscrutable as ever.
Travers: “Excuse me, I was wondering if there are more rest stops further up the tower.”
The clerk looked up from his ledger with a slight sneer.
Clerk: “There are rest stops, yes,”.
Travers: “Could you tell me where they are? What floor is the next one on? ”
Clerk: “The locations are known to the few who possess the fortitude to reach them. My advice would be turn back now.”
Travers: “Gee, thanks… You’re a big help… Alright then, I guess I’ll start climbing again. Oh, are there any forms I need to fill out before I go?”
Clerk: “No forms are required to ascend. Only determination.”
Travers gathered his belongings and began his ascent once more.
The staircase ahead was as daunting as ever, the oppressive darkness and the flickering torchlight creating a sense of unease. After several hours of climbing, his legs grew weary, but he pushed on, driven by spite towards the clerk as much.
It was then that he came across the skeletal remains of a human. It was sitting in corner propped up against a wall. Apparently this climb had become too much for this human. Travers pushed on, refusing to end up like this unfortunate character. However after a dozen more flights, he was exhausted. He cursed his tiny goblin stature for making each step that much more effort. He took a seat in the corner and said a quiet prayer to Ed for the strength to push on.
Suddenly, he heard female voices screaming from below. Finding a boost of energy, he raced down the stairs to find two women, gasping in horror at the skeleton he’d passed.
He recognised them as Hilda and Greta - the two german girls who had come to Devlin Manor a couple of days ago. They were both still wearing their bikini tops and daisy dukes. They are speaking in german to each other as they attempt to slip past the corpse without disturbing it.
Hilda’s sharp eyes then spotted Travers hopping down the stairs above them.
Hilda: “Herr Travers! Is zat you?”
Greta turned to look, her face lighting up with recognition.
Greta: “Oh, it is! Travers! What a surprise!”
Travers: “Hello, ladies. Are you alright? I heard a scream...”
Hilda: “Oh, ja… Ve are vell. Ve just vere startled by zis…
She points to the skeleton.
Greta: “Such a shame. Ze poor soul… How can he just be left here like zis?”
Travers: “I’m guessing the monks think it’s too much effort to reclaim bodies in the stairwell.”
Hilda: “Ah, good point. Is like Everest, ja?”
Travers: “Yeah… I didn’t expect to see you here. You climbing too?”
Hilda nodded, her ponytail bouncing with the movement.
Hilda: “Ja, ja! Ve are climbing. The whole class sent us. Ve must reach the top und leave a special note for Ed!”
Travers raised an eyebrow.
Travers: “You’re here on a mission from your class?”
Greta: “Yes, yes! To honour Ed and deliver our messages for the class. It is big journey!”
Hilda: “It is a great honour to be selected for such an important mission. You are climbing to ze top zen too?
Travers: “I was, but to be honest, I’m not sure how much I’ve got left in me.”
Greta: “Ve understand. Is a great effort… And must be more difficult for you to mount zese steps too?”
Travers: “Yeah…”
Greta: “But you’ve come so far. Would would be a shame to give up now. Vhy don’t you climb vith us?
Hilda: “Ja! Ve vould love ze company...”
Travers: “Thanks but I think I might be done. I doubt I could keep up...”
Hilda: “Nonsense, ve vill help you!”
Hilda picks up the little goblin and cradles her in her arms against her large chest. Travers blushes. Time was, he might have relished the company of these adventurous women, but his confidence had waned since losing his moustache. Still, this was an offer he wasn’t going to pass up this offer of help.
Travers: “Alright. I suppose if it’s not too much trouble.
Greta: “Is no trouble. Ve vill take turns until you are rested. I believe zere should be a rest stop soon.”
Together, Travers and his new party pushed on.
****
After what seemed like an eternity, they finally reached the second rest stop. The trio observed that this rest stop was strikingly similar to the first one, right down to the monk sitting at the desk. The girls stopped to catch their breath as Travers hopped onto the floor and darted across to the desk. To his astonishment, he quickly realised it was in fact the same clerk as before.
Travers: “You?? How did you get up here before us?”
Clerk: “The ways of the Tower are known only to the true followers of the Editor,”
Travers: "Have you got an Ed damn elevator back there??”
Clerk: “DO NOT use the lord’s name in vain in this holy sanctuary, young goblin… We do not take kindly upon it.”
Travers: “...”
Clerk. “And as for an ‘elevator, don’t be preposterous. We, the monks of Walgoth monastery reject such ...unEdifying technology.”
Travers: “Unedifying… Wait. Is that a pun?”
The monk shrugs.
Clerk: “I’m quite sure I have no idea what you mean. Now, state your business.”
Travers: “Uh huh… I’d like to rent a room, please. And don’t give me any nonsense. Clearly no one else is here...”
The clerk’s demeanor shifted subtly.
Clerk: “We have one room available, but forms must be completed. Protocols must be followed.”
Travers grew impatient.
Travers: "Then you better give me those Ed-damn forms because I’m getting a room this time."
Clerk: “What did I just say? Bite your tongue, young goblin or you will be leaving this place directly. And not with the aid of any… elevator...”
Hilda and Greta arrived behind Travers, their chests heaving from exertion. The clerk’s attitude changed immediately upon seeing them.
Clerk: “Oh, esteemed guests! Congratulations on making it this far!”
Greta: “Danke. Ve vould like a room very much if possible?”
Clerk: “Of course. Please, come this way.”
Travers: What the hell? What about the forms?”
The clerk’s eyes darted between Travers and the women.
Clerk: “Different protocols apply. For you, forms are needed.”
Travers: "Oh, I see. So that's how it is,”
Hilda: “Herr Travers vill stay vith us zen. You can share our room. Ja?”
Clerk: “It’s a single bed, madam.”
Greta: “Das ist no problem. Ze three of us vill be very cosy.”
Travers, feeling out of place and blushing, hesitated before accepting the offer. The idea of sharing a bed with the two women made him both nervous and awkward, particularly given his recent loss of confidence. Still, he couldn't help but give the unamused clerk a smug smirk.
The three of them made their way to the room, where Hilda and Greta quickly made themselves comfortable. Without hesitation, they removed their tops, revealing their ample bosoms, causing Travers’ eyes to widen and bulge out momentarily. They then shed their skirts and climbing boots before climbing into bed.
Hilda: “Room for one more, Herr Travers...”
Travers, feeling a mix of embarrassment and hesitation, climbed into the bed, sliding under the covers between them. He tried to ignore the close proximity of the two women.
“Gute nacht!” they said cheerfully as they turned off the lights.
Travers awoke in the bed alone. Getting dressed to step out of the room, he saw Hilda und Greta chatting with the cheerful tourist, Herb Saunders at the buffet table.
Travers approached.
Hilda: “Ah, Herr Travers! Guten Morgan! Zis is Herr Saunders.”
Herb: “Oh hey there. If it isn’t my little climbing buddy. Herb Saunders-”
Travers: “From Baltimore, I remember. Nice to see you again. Did you just get here? I assumed you were ahead of us.”
Climbing up to the table, Travers helps himself to some bacon.
Herb: “Uh… Well I’m just taking my time.”
Greta: “Vell I cannot vait to get to ze top. It’s so very dark und oppressive on ze stairs and in here, but I hear it is much nicer at ze summit...”
Herb: “Oh, I dunno. I kinda like it here. I guess I’m used to the dark.”
Greta: “You are very strange but also quite positive, Herr Saunders. I like zat. Would you care to join us? Ve are hoping to reach ze summit today!”
Herb: “Well...I...”
Hilda: “Herr Saunders vill be joining our party, if zat’s okay with you, Herr Travers?”
Travers: “Sure thing. The more, the merrier.”
****
Travers, Hilda, Greta, and Herb pressed onward, their footsteps reverberating against the wooden walls and staircase as they climbed higher. The wooden steps creaked under their weight, adding to the sense of weariness that was setting in. Their breaths came in ragged gasps, and the cool, thin air seemed to bite at their faces. As they neared the summit, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation and fatigue. Hilda, who was up front, stopped and turned to the others.
Hilda: "I think I see ze top of ze stairs!"
Suddenly, bats, disturbed from their roost, emerged and flapped noisily around her head. The sudden swarm caused Hilda to scream and panic, her eyes wide with terror. In her frantic state, she stumbled backwards and collided with a wooden railing. The old wood gave way under her weight, and she began to fall into the abyss below.
Herb, reacting instantly, lunged forward past Travers and Greta and grasped Hilda’s ankle. With a powerful yank, he pulled her back up to safety, his grip firm and unyielding. Resting her down on the stairs, Hilda’s face was pale and she was shaking as Greta embraced her.
Greta: “Oh, Herr Saunders! Danke...You are a hero!”
Travers, still in shock from the sudden turn of events, turned to Herb with a mix of admiration and envy.
Travers: “I’ve got to hand it to you, Herb. Those were some quick reflexes.”
Hilda: “Ja… Thank you so much...”
Herb: “Just got lucky. Then again, maybe all those Tai Chi lessons paid off after all.”
Travers: “Lucky or not, we owe you one.”
Herb gave a shy nod and helped Hilda to her feet. They resumed their climb.
Finally, they reached the top of the staircase. The corridor ahead was dark, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows. They moved cautiously, their footsteps reverberating through the narrow space. Travers could feel a palpable sense of anticipation building as they pushed open a pair of grand, ornate double doors.
The doors creaked open, revealing a vast hall that took their breath away. The high ceilings and expansive space were reminiscent of ancient, grandiose structures, with intricate designs etched into the woodwork. The hall was bathed in the soft, silvery light of the moon that streamed through large, open windows.
As they walked through the hall, they noticed a wide balcony at the far end. Travers, Hilda, Greta, and Herb stepped out onto it, their eyes widening as they took in the breathtaking view. The moonlit landscape of the Waldonian world stretched out before them in all its glory.
Greta: “Vunderbar! Look at zis view! It is beyond anything I could have imagined!”Clerk:
Hilda: “Ja, it is like a dream. I cannot vait to see it during ze daytime!”
Travers stood silently, taking in the scene. The view was everything they had hoped for and more. The journey had been grueling, but the reward was magnificent.
As they stood there, a monk approached them from the shadows. His robes were simple, yet his presence commanded respect. With a warm, welcoming smile, he addressed the group.
Monk: “Welcome to Walgoth Monastery and congratulations on your fortitude in reaching the summit. The path is not an easy one, but you have shown great perseverance.”
Travers, still absorbing the grandeur of the view, nodded appreciatively.
Hilda: “Zis view is incredible.”
Monk: “The summit is a place of reflection and insight. Here, one can see the world in its full splendor and find clarity.”
The group exchanged looks of shared accomplishment and excitement. As they continued to take in the awe-inspiring landscape, the monk led them further into the monastery, where they would soon learn more about the mysteries that lay ahead.
The Waldoverse continues in The Tower of Walgoth Episode 6