Of Beginnings and Destiny
In the beginning there was nothing. Then the great smith, Armok, came and upon his anvil of creation he forged multiple worlds with multiple stories. Many were thrown away, unsuitable for his needs, but one pleased him, for it had the potential to become something great. He sat down and watched as coincidence and destiny took hold.
It was the year 480. Enough time had passed that there was no one alive anymore that saw the beginning except for the most evil and vile creatures and the mortal races did their best to live their lives to the fullest. In the mountainhome of one of the mountain civilizations, otherwise known as dwarves, a commotion was taking place.
"You can't stop me Ast, I have to leave" "Don't be stupid Urist, why would you throw away everything you have achieved and leave. You are the best miner we got. You can mine entire tunnels in the same time it takes Destot to brew a barrel full of dwarven beer….mmm beer". These two are Urist and Ast, friends since early childhood. "You know I can't stay Ast, I have to go and I won't back down now. And Destot is leaving as well". "WHAT, I can't live without his brew….fine have it your way, give me a minute to pack my things." While Ast ran quickly down to the lower levels, Urist smiled a little to himself. "Knew I would get him that way".
Half an hour later Urist looked at the six dwarves before him. There was, of course, Ast, a masterful smith and passionate lover of drinks, who was currently looking at the barrel that was loaded on the wagon. Beside said barrel sat Destot, brewer and cook, who glared at Ast to make sure he would stay away. The brew had to last a few days after all. On the wagons other side stood Lokast, butcher and farmer, who was currently throwing one of his kitchen knives into the air only to catch it again at the handle. Most dwarves felt uneasy after watching him do that more than 10 times, but so far he never hurt himself. In front of the wagon were the three female members of the group. Ning, doctor and hobby fisher, Shin, woodcutter and carpenter and Comnith, mason and crafter. Urist felt proud that only the best, brightest and thirstiest (in Asts case) joined his noble cause. "So why exactly are we going to travel for DAYS under that hideous daystar again Urist?" Shin sure likes to complain a lot, but she is definitely worth her salt. "I never thought you would have a problem. Your name translates as "bright" in the common tongue after all". "Yeah, I will never know what my idiot of a mother thought when naming me that".
A round of laughter was her answer. "I told you all the reason and it has not changed. The nobles" he spit on the floor after saying that word "believe me to be a threat to their power and want me out. It seems I have too many supporters here" "Or it could just be the fact that you spent an entire week with two of the baron's daughters in the mines. I hear they were so sore they could barely walk when they came back" Comniths smile and Urist's red face were enough to send the rest into another laughing fit. "ANYWAY, I found a pretty good place to settle I believe. Take a look at this"
The map Urist showed the others was very detailed. It showed the picture of a mountainside, a small plain and a river along with a list of ores and stones. "How do we know that it's accurate?" This time it was Ning who voiced her concerns. "My father made this map. They say he could even see into the deepest parts of the mountain and know what he will find". Of course that was just a rumor, but usually Urist's father was indeed right. Some say it was plain dumb luck though. The other six nodded and soon they were heading out.
At first they felt nauseous and sick to the stomach and soon all seven of them where retching and throwing up everything they had eaten. Cave adaption sure was awful to deal with. The days of travel were hard, especially for Ast since food and drink were rationed ("I'm more than a drunk you know") but after a week the seven arrived at their destination. The land was indeed beautiful, lush green fields, a sparkling river and a mountain with smoke coming out of it. "Why is there smoke coming out of the mountaintop?" Ning looked up a little uneasy. "Ahhhh, very nice location Urist", Ast was rubbing his hands and, turning around to Ning, he answered her question with a bright smile "Magma, the blood of the mountain. No need to cut down trees for the forges". "You got a problem with cutting trees Ast?" Comnith looked at him with surprise. "Oh no don't get me wrong. I don't care for the trees but now all that wood can go directly in Shin's caring hands" He looked towards that dwarf in the back, wiggling his eyebrows. Shin stared back without batting an eye, saying nothing. "Ok enough with the bland pick-up lines (Hey!), you guys unload the wagon, Ning can go catch some fish for dinner (Yay) I'll mine us an entrance". Urist walked straight for the mountainside with his pick and started. For humans and elves, who never saw a true master a work, this must have looked like magic. The stone seemed to melt away in front of Urist while he sang a happy song about booze and plump helmets. It took him only a few hours and the others could move all the stuff from the wagon inside. While they all sat together it a temporary meeting area, Comnith turned around "So Urist did you find anything of value?" "You could say that" he pointed to a wall where he stopped his work for the day "that's Galena. You know what that means?" She shook her head, but this time it was Lokast who had an answer "Silver". "Correct, now we just need to find a suitable name for our new home". A big discussion followed that lasted until deep into the night. In the end it was decided the new name should be "Ralurist", or in the common tongue "Silverdagger".
The next years saw Silverdagger prosper. Obsidian was found, as it was natural in a volcano, and promptly used to build every workshop. The dwarves honor this stone above all others, for it is the blood of the mountain made solid. As predicted by Urist, silver in enormous quantities was excavated. Ast, though usually more concerned about his drinks, personally calculated the size of one room so the maximum amount of forges and smelters could be placed. He even measured the correct tunnels beneath so all workshops could be best connected to the magma pool inside the mountain. Destot was given enough plump helmet seeds and space to create farms that could supply 100 dwarves. His brews became even better the more he made. Lokast, in an untypical bright moment, placed cage traps all around the plains. When a wild herd of unicorns came through, they were captured and Lokast spent hours talking to them until, at last, the animals were tame and could be placed on the meadow outside. Crafts from unicorn horns, cheese made from their milk, soft clothing from their hair and tasty meals from their flesh were made. Shin and Comnith both got their own workshops and stores of wood and stone. They created beds, tables, chairs, mugs, barrels and everything else that was needed. Ning continued to bother Urist to carve her a room for a hospital, so she would be ready if something happened. He refused until a boulder he was hauling fell on his toe. No hospital was ever build quicker, completed with a well. Ning treated him ("You big baby") and the others whenever they hurt themselves, which happened fairly often, rising in skill and profession.
Trade became regular. Nish, the emissary and caravan leader from the mountainhome, brought them whatever was asked for and more. He was also more than happy to share information and the newest gossip. In exchange for his wares he always walked home with bags full of silver figurines, rings and crafts.
Trade with the humans was also booming. Daratan, the human trader, was a little shocked when he suddenly found dwarves so close to his usual resting place by the river, but soon learned that trading with them was indeed well worth it. The dwarves would ask for weapons, animals, drinks and fruit. The wagons were indeed lighter after a few days. Daratan himself, having been a curious guy since birth, learned a lot about the way the dwarves lived, their religion, their values and thoughts. In turn he taught them about his race. In time a close friendship between the humans and dwarfs formed.
The first meeting with the elven caravan was…cold….to say the least. Urist was well known for his hatred of elves, so it was no wonder that the gate (5 retractable bridges places atop of each other, one retracting to the left, the next to the right and so on, a true masterwork made by Comnith) was closed. Urist himself stood in front of the gate, his pick in hand. When he saw the elven trader though, something changed. The young elf reminded him of someone, like a friend he forgot about long ago. Many words were spoken between the two just outside the hearing range of the rest of the caravan. Suddenly Urist slapped the elf on the arm and turned around. "Open the gate Comnith, Ce and his buddies wish to trade". After the gates opened two dwarves rushed out, the female one taking Urist by the arm and the hauling him inside, while the other stood in front of the traders. "My name is Ast and I ask you to stay here until this is sorted out." Meanwhile Urist found himself in the hospital with two female dwarves looking down on him. "This reminds me of something that happened a while ago…" a slap on the head silenced him. "He wanted to trade with the elves Ning". "WHAT" she rushed to her laboratory and then back to him, giving him multiple colored drinks and feeling his pulse and head "Have they given you something Urist? Have you eaten something they handed to you? Maybe they used some kind of toxic vapor?". "Will you two calm down please?" Both still looking slightly disturbed motioned him to continue "Believe me I still hate elves but this trader is different. I have spoken with him and I think we can trust him.". "He's delusional, clearly". "Agreed, maybe we should hit him with a rock or something" "Enough both of you." His tone made it clear that the argument was over "We will trade with them and ONLY them, no other elf will set foot inside Silverdagger while I live". That at least sounded like their leader again. So, as always, they trusted his word. And so the trade with the elves began. Other elven caravans came but, just like Urist said, they were sent away immediately. Only Ce and his entourage were ever allowed to enter. Because of the massive income, Ce was given the "honor" of becoming the new diplomat. When he next arrived, he went straight to Urist, looked him dead in the eye and said just two words "tree quota". After just two second both started laughing like maniacs and went to have a drink. Later that evening Shin came up to them to ask what had bothered her the entire day, "Sooo...does that mean we have to cut less trees now?" Urist threw back his head and started laughing so hard he promptly fell backwards from his chair. Ce just smiled and answered her "Cut as many as you want. They are just trees, they'll regrow". From that day forward, Ce and his friends were treated like any other resident of Silverdagger. With just a few words the elf had eradicated any mistrust that had remained.
Migrants arrived and the population grew and after only ten more years more than 200 dwarves called Silverdagger their home.
It was at this time, that destiny decided to mess around a little. Ce and his caravan have been absent for more than two years and Urist was getting restless. "What's keeping him? Do you think something happened?" Ast, who also though highly about their friend, was standing beside him on the lookout atop the gate. He put an understanding arm on Urist's shoulder. "I don't know old friend but I doubt he is hurt. After all he once took down a Werebeast alone right?" That was indeed true. A few years ago a Weredeer attacked the fortress. The dwarves were just getting ready to defend when suddenly Ce and his caravan arrived. One shot from his bow and the werebeast was dead, arrow to the knee, ahhh head. "I know Ast but I can't shake this uneasy feeling. Something is brewing and it's not Destot." As Urist turned around to go inside Ast stopped him "What's that over there? Seems like someone is coming" Urist was back immediately looking in the direction Ast was pointing. His shoulders sank when he realized who it was "Just Nish...might as well have a drink with him and order a few things" Urist went back inside while Ast looked up toward the stars "Wherever you are Ce, I hope you are alright".
It was indeed Nish that ran towards the fortress and what was more important, he was alone. While this was unusual, it wasn't unheard of. Sometimes Nish was so full of energy that he ran ahead of the caravan. This time however, it seemed more urgent. Nish ran inside and straight for the count. "Count Nosim, I wish to talk to you" "Nish, has it been a year already?" The count was a good guy. Even though he was a noble he cared more for the dwarves of Silverdagger than his own needs. He almost never issued a mandate and when he did, it was always for stuff the fortress needed more of anyway. "You know how things go here, everything you can possible talk about, you can talk to Urist." Yes Count Nosim but still, its important news.". "I'm sure Urist can take care of it" and with those words he walked away. A good man true, but an ass and lazy like any other noble. Nish immediately went to the lower levels where Urist's office was located. He went inside and, after a quick greeting, sat down in what felt like centuries. "You seem a little out of breath Nish, long travel?" "You could say that" Nish smiled a little while his breathing slows down. "Here you go boys, two drinks". A beautiful female dwarf handed them their drinks. "Thank you Comnith, I see you are expecting. When's the big day?". "A few weeks from now actually" She smiled sweetly while caressing her stomach. Turning around Nish looked directly at Urist "Your first?" "Yes and we couldn't be happier. Even though she constantly threatens to geld me if a look at other females". Nish let loose a healthy laugh while Urist looked a little uneasy, but the cute and understanding smile of Comnith never vanished.
"Now Nish, the usual?" "Actually Urist, I have something to tell you." "Oh?" Urist never liked it if Nish had to tell him something because usually they were bad news. "What happened?" "The king died". "Well that's good" Nish and Urist looked a little surprised to hear Comnith say that. "What? Everybody knows that the seven of us only left and founded Silverdagger to escape that old fart". "Well she is right Nish. The king was old already". "That's not the problem. He fell in combat". "Since when can't the mountainhome take care of a simple invasion anymore? We had our fair share and we are still here." Urist was surprised. Sure the royal guards were, for the most part, children of nobles with no battle experience, but still the mountainhome had a standing military. "Did the goblins somehow get their hands on steel weapons?" "It wasn't the goblins." Nish now had a bright fire burning in his eyes. "We could have taken that filth. No, we got attacked by the elves from "The Growing Sapling" forest retreat". Every sign of joking vanished from Urist's face when he heard that. "Tell me everything". Nish took a deep breath and began.
It had been such a nice day for the king of dwarves. He had a good meal, good booze and spoken some sophisticated words with the nobles. His wife had of course been with their daughter again. Did that woman not know that the child would be raised by the matrons? Her place was at his side. But she would learn soon enough. She was still young after all. He had also had a talk with an ambassador of the elves. The diplomat thought he could make unreasonable demands, but the king had just thrown him out. He was just about ready for another drink in his royal chambers when the news arrived. "My lord" the messenger was a little out of breath, so it took some time until he could form a full sentence "an elven army has been spotted just close to the moutainhome. They seem to be an invasion force." "WHAT. Those dirty tree huggers. So the threat about an attack was not just a bluff." He closed his eyes in thought. "How many? What about the military?" "About 400 elves, my lord, just archers and fighters. 500 dwarves are equipped and ready at your command" "Good tell them to assemble immediately" "As you wish" The messenger ran off, while the king went to his chambers to put on his armor. Finest dwarven steel. HA. Those elves carried nothing but wood, they would be very surprised he was sure. Such a small force would be no problem for him. "Did something happen?" The consort together with their child had just walked in. "Nothing of importance. Just a few elves that will soon find their maker. Come and take the child with you. She should see her father return as a triumphant hero". The child was standing behind her mother, nodding as the king spoke about her. Together they moved to the front entrance, where the military had assembled. "My lord" the captain of his royal guard came and kneeled before him "I do not think they have shown us their whole strength. Maybe we should attack them from the distance first" "NONSENSE. I will not show any weakness in front of those elves. If you are too scared to fight, fine stay here and lose out on the chance to gain honor." The captain wanted to answer but the king's face made sure he stayed silent. The king was an accomplished hammerdwarf himself, nothing was going to beat him. After a few words with the outpost liaison he walked to the front of the forces and led them outside. The consort, her child along with captain of the guard and Nish went to the lookout post atop the gate to watch.
"Why did you not fight my friend?" "Are you insulting my honor Urist?" Nish was standing and looking at his friend with unbelieving eyes. "I would have fought, but the king told me he did not need me. I would be in his way and I should do what I do best and just stay behind" Nish's words were full of bitterness. To be told you are unfit to fight was a massive insult in dwarven culture. "I am sorry friend, I did not mean to insult you, please continue." Nish gathered his thoughts "Tell me first, what do you think of the king?" "I thinks he's an ass, so I'm definitely not sad about his death". "And the consort?" "Alis? Well I was always on good terms with her. Never romantically of course" He looked at Comnith with a little fear. Her smile was still sweet but she was playing with a kitchen knife the whole time, throwing it up in the air and catching it again at the handle (a little trick she learned from Lokast). "Oh? And what was between the two of you then?". "Nothing, honest my love" Urist was sweating heavily now "she saved my life when we were young. I thought myself better than my teacher and caused a cave in. She pulled me back at the last moment. Since then she was like a sister to me and Ast". "Fine, you get off easy this time". "May I continue?" As funny as watching those two was, the story was not yet finished. "Go on Nish".
The king led his forces in a direct assault right into the elven army. While overpowering your enemy with brute force was the dwarven way of fighting, this time it proved fatal. The elves had position themselves at the far end of a clearing. Due to the dwarves cutting down the trees in this area, a small "bay" of sorts had formed. From his position Nish could see the on either side of the army, something was moving in the dense forest. Without any way to warn the king, Nish had to choose what to do next. He turned to dwarf next to him "You are the captain of the royal guard, correct?" "Yes, my name is Sodel" Judging from the expression on Sodel's face, he was aware of the danger as well. "We need to get the consort and her child out of here and quick." "You are right" Just as he said that, arrows from both side started flying at the dwarves. The barrage hit them unprepared and a third lost their life immediately, hit in the small openings between the armor plates. The king was the first to fall, having worn no helm. Just after that tigers jumped out of the woods and started attacking the rest of the dwarven army. Defeat and death was all they got that day. When the first arrows had hit, the consort had taken her child and immediately followed the two beside her to a secret passage that led out the other side of the mountain. On route they met four royal guards that promptly followed them.
"After the kings death she took the throne by law. Since Silverdagger is the second biggest fortress, she decreed it to be the new mountainhome. We separated two days ago. I move faster on my own and I wanted to prepare you for her arrival". "When can we expect them?" "Most likely tomorrow". Urist closed his eyes to think. "Thank you Nish. Take one of the free rooms to rest. I'll take care of the rest" Nish nodded and walked out. He could definitely use some shut eye "I need to talk to the miners. We have to prepare a room for the queen before she arrives. Go to bed love, you need to rest" Urist looked at Comnith with compassion. "I will, but don't take too long ok?" She gave him a kiss and both left the office. Just after they separated, Urist going to the meeting area and Comnith to their quarters, both had the same thought "Armok, what is your plan with us?"
That same evening Urist held a speech in the meeting area, telling everyone that the new queen would be arriving soon. Most dwarves in Silverdagger were not thrilled to have ANOTHER noble to care for, especially a monarch, but when they heard that the new queen was the old king's consort, they stopped nagging. It seemed she had quite a good reputation. In the same night work on the royal rooms started. Due to good management Urist had always made sure that only the ones with a knack for mining where actually assigned that job. He also made sure that they would not be distracted by other work. So most of the time the miners hung around the meeting area drinking and doing nothing. When there was work to do however, they would always be quick and precise. It was no wonder that, when morning came, four massive rooms where carved out of the obsidian layer. The stone was smoothed and engraved because, after all, the queen should be properly housed. There were picture of the founding of Ralurist, pictures of artifacts created, runes for protection and, for some reason, a very small picture of Urist and two females walking down into the mines. While most of the fortress had a good laugh, Comnith was not amused. The offending engraver was immediately delivered to Ning with a mild concussion. The smelters were burning hot combining gold and silver to create a metal worthy of the queen, Electrum. Chairs, tables, chests, cabinets, statues, sarcophagi, armor and weapons stands were created and placed strategically for the most effect. A bed, made from cat bone by a VERY strange dwarf in a VERY strange mood completed the royal cambers. Everything was ready for the queen.
Sodel, together with the last of the honor guard, was running through the woods. They were close by he knew it, they wouldn't give up. The child on his back was getting heavy. "Hurry up, you lazy idiots. They can't be far behind". He should have just left them. All the good fighters fell in battle, the only four left behind were children of some baron or count, and he couldn't care less. They started grumbling, but Sodel just picked up the pace and soon he heard nothing but heavy breathing. They didn't want to fall behind it seems. Suddenly the forest became lighter and before them appeared what seems like a paradise. A river just to the right of them, green fields with grazing unicorns and, a little bit further down, a giant gate in the mountainside, clearly of dwarven design. Sodel felt so relieved that he slowed down for a second, an almost fatal mistake. A wooden arrow passed his head just by a hairs breadth and he started running again. He could hear the others behind, their metal armor clacking with every step, yelling for someone to help them. Weak fools, screaming like little babies was not the dwarven way. Their armor was strong enough to deflect the arrows but there were gaps everywhere. The armor didn't cover their entire body and those bastards had learned where to aim. Of course the main problem was the child on Sodel's back, who was wearing just a robe. They were getting closer, but their pursuers were not far behind. Over the years of battling goblins Sodel had learned to listen even to the softest of sounds, for that could mean the difference between life and death in battle. And he could hear them, stepping on the tree branches softly, more gliding that running, bows ready. Without a miracle, they would not make it. Just as he broke through the bushes out into the open, that miracle came in the form of a dwarf military squad patrolling the area. Sodel heard their pursuers stop, they would not dare to attack a full squad with only their little numbers. The dwarf who was currently talking with the squad leader turned around and a big grin appeared on his face. Then a sound made Sodel's heart stop. A bowstring being released and the unmistakable sound of a flying arrow directly aimed at him. He tried to turn around but knew it was too late, with the heavy armor he was not fast enough. The child, already beaten up, bloody and hurt, would not survive this. A sudden flash in front of him and a metallic sound was all he heard before tumbling over.
Urist was wondering how long the convoy would take. Evening was approaching and still no sign of them. He was currently outside together with "The Ripe Apples", a squad of axedwarves, patrolling the area. He liked doing that from time to time, it took his mind of other things. The tree line where they patrolled had bushes planted along it. It served as a natural barrier in case one of their animals wandered off. He was just about to tell the warriors to return home for a good drink, when six dwarves, one being carried by the first in line, ran out of the forest beside them. Urist immediately recognized the armor of the royal guard and a smile appeared on his face. For a miner noticing the small things was very important. A wall suddenly cracking could later lead to a cave in, if not taken care of immediately. So when Urist heard the sound of a bowstring being drawn, he immediately knew what was happening. All dwarves where in full armor, but the small one being carried was not. This was the most likely target. He stormed off, drawing his steel battle axe from his belt just as the arrow took flight. Suddenly, the world around Urist slowed down, the arrow, the dwarf trying to turn around, even the wind. With five big steps he stood in the arrows path and as soon as it got close enough he split it apart through the middle with a giant swing. The world started moving again, the dwarf behind him tumbling over, swinging the child around and desperately holding it to his chest.
Sodel was sitting on the ground, the child pressed to his breastplate and staring at the dwarf before him with wide eyes. Such speed combined with hitting an arrow mid-flight and that faint blue glow could only mean one thing. "Martial Trance". It is said that this power resides within every dwarf, but can only be awakened by the most seasoned warriors after years of harsh training. But the one in front of him didn't look like a warrior. He was not even wearing armor. The dwarf turned around, smiled and helped him up while the axedwarf squad ran into the forest to search for the attackers. "You're right, and luckily I can control it otherwise your child would have died." He looked a little closer, noticing the wounds. "Poor thing, we should get her to the hospital immediately". As they set off towards the gate, rest of the honor guard in tow, Sodel though it better to clear the starting misunderstanding. "This is not my child". "Oh? Who is she then?". "This is the new queen".
Urist's eyes went wide as he heard that. "I thought the king's consort was supposed to be the new queen?" "She was but…" It pained him to talk about it. "Let's take her to the hospital, afterwards we talk." Sodel could just nod. Urist led him down the stairs into a hallway that ended at a massive stone door. He pushed it open to reveal a really well stocked hospital as well as two female dwarf currently in talks. "You need to take it easy Comnith, you can't just hammer the stone like you used to". "Oh please I'm far better now, this was just a fluke". "Fine have it your way, but don't come crying to me when Urist…" Ning turned around in time to see a trio of dwarves enter. "Urist! We were just talking about you". She smiled but immediately realized that something was up. There was no smile in Urist's face like usual. Instead he looked grim as he lead the other dwarf inside. The newcomer put a little girl, no older than 13, in the table before her. With medical professionalism she scanned the girl over. "Who did this to her? The poor thing is almost dead. Don't worry, its nothing I can't fix." She shot the newcomer a quick smile. "She will probably be out for some time though". "Do your best Ning" Urist was already turning around, leading the other dwarf outside "the new queen's life is in your hands now". "Yeah, yeah I'll take care….WHAT?" but her yell only hit the already closed door.
Outside the rest of the honor guard were getting restless. They had noble blood after all and should be treated as such. When Urist and Sodel returned one of them stepped in front of them. "I demand to be brought to the highest noble in this hole. Being treated like a commoner, it's an outrage! We are of high blood and..." He didn't get any further because Urist's fist was already hitting him on the cheek. "You will demand nothing in this fortress, boy. You will do as you are told, or I'll make sure you patrol the caverns for the next year. ARE WE CLEAR?" The guard was sitting on the floor holding his cheek and could do nothing but nod. "Good, get to the meeting hall, there they will tell you where you are needed." He turned around and started walking again.
Sodel was lead down further into the mountain, past a giant meeting hall, a graveyard and a prison, finally arriving in a small office. He was gestured towards a chair and the other, Urist the female called him, sat down opposite of him. He put a mug full of a bright yellow drink in front of him. "Sunshine, it helps against the pain". So he did realize then. "Who are you?" "My name is Sodel, I am the captain of the royal honor guard". Urist nodded to himself and looked at him again. "I am Urist, leader of this fortress. Tell me Sodel, what happed while you were traveling here?" Sodel took a large gulp, emptying half the mug. The brew indeed seemed to unwind something inside him and he began to talk.
The sun was just beginning to rise as the eight dwarves packed up their things. Sodel was currently talking with Nish "You are faster without us. Silverdagger must be informed." "Don't worry Sodel, I will be swift" They shook hand and Nish ran off. "Where is Uncle Nish going?" The young girl sure was perceptive, Sodel thought she would be too preoccupied to notice him leave. "He is going ahead to inform Silverdagger about us". "OK, does that mean we get a party?" Sodel could just laugh and shake his head a little. Everything they had to go through and that child was talking about partying. "Maybe, young one. We will see". Alis came up to them together with the rest of the honor guard. "Don't worry sweetie, Urist will make sure you won't be bored". "Yay" The girl was hopping a little with her arms stretched above her head. "We really shouldn't be going there. I still remember what that guy did while he lived in the mountainhome". "You should not talk bad about him, after he left there was no one who got even slightly close to his skill in mining." Alis turned around, looking daggers at…she couldn't even remember his name, not that she cared anyway. Sodel meanwhile was amused. Getting put down by the queen in front of everyone sure hampered your will to speak up again. He had always liked her much more than the king. At least she had fire. "Pack up, we need to move. Your highness, you and your daughter will be in the middle. You four take up the rear. Don't break the formation." They stared moving again, always trying to stay in open areas where they could spot any enemy. The day went on, and no attack came. Maybe they did outrun their pursuers. The following night was the same. It was quiet, too quiet to be precise. Not even the animals dared to move. When the sun finally rose again, the group was glad to be able to move again. They had just set out, when the ambush hit. At first the quiet hit again, as if even the wind forgot to blow. Then the sound of arrows in flight reached their ears. "ATTACK, TAKE COVER". Sodel himself ran in front of the queen and princess while the rest hid themselves under their own shields. "Useless cowards. PROTECT THE QUEEN". They did not move, while wooden arrows were still raining down on them. Alis had taken up a shield herself and did her best to block the barrage. Then a sound behind her made her flinch. When she turned, she saw an elf, standing above her daughter. The child had grave wounds on arms and legs and was bleeding heavily. Motherly instincts overpowering reason, she threw her shield away and with an almighty scream, threw herself at the attacker. Having learned the old art of fighting, Kisat Dur, she broke the arm holding the weapon with one swift punch, kicked and broke one knee and just as he came down took hold of his head. With a swift and resounding crack, the elf's neck broke. "So much fighting. This doesn't scare me". Just as she finished him off, another barrage of arrows came. Her shield was too far away, so she did the only thing she could. Alis threw herself on her helpless child, blocking the arrows with her own body. Sodel, as he saw what happened, immediately went to her side. She looked up at him, eyes clouded "Take my child to Silverdagger, Sodel. Make sure she survives". "But I can't just leave you here, my lady". "GO, that's an order from your queen. Protect her, protect Kinem…" Sodel grabbed the unconscious child and called his man to follow. Holding her on his back, he began to run.
"We were able to destroy the old bridge of Casem on the way, so their main troop couldn't follow us, but some just made it across. You know the rest. We ran and finally made it to Silverdagger where you saved us." When Sodel finished the story, he looked up and saw Urist sitting with closed eyes and a pained look on his face. One hand was on his heart and a single tear rolling down his cheek into his beard. "She was like a sister to me. But you carry no fault Sodel." He looked straight at him, no sign of hatred on his face "I left her behind, who knows what those beasts did to her body". "You followed her order and protected what was most important to her." Urist put a hand on his shoulder "You need to forgive yourself friend. It was not your fault". While it would still be some time before Sodel could accept what happened, this night he made the first step.
Meanwhile Ning was having different problems. "Why, in Armok's name, are you IDIOTS even here?" Before her stood four dwarves in royal armor. While that armor would normally look good on any dwarf, theirs was full of a bright green substance. The one in the front held up his head high and looked at her "We were told you needed help. Why nobles such as us should do such menial tasks, I will never understand. You could have told us, that we were not supposed to touch this closet." The closet in question was smoking and different colored substances were running in every direction. "You were not touching it, you were RUNNING AROUND LIKE CHILDREN AND KNOCKED IT OVER. NOW GET OUT". Ning started throwing scalpels and boxes and everything she could get her hand on. The honor guard high tailed out of the hospital, passing a few dwarves in the process. Soon the story about how Ning almost killed four nobles could be heard all around the fortress. "You would think that after Urist decked one of them, they learned their lesson" Comnith said while carrying the soap bars, sutures and a bucket of water over to the bed of the queen. "They are little, pampered noble babies, what did you expect?" Comnith smiled before looking at the child with worry in her eyes "So young and already so much responsibility". "Poor thing indeed. She's in for quite a shock when she wakes up. Well, let's get started shall we?" Through years of having to treat smashed fingers and toes, broken arms and legs and various form of poisonings, Ning has become quite a legendary doctor. Most of those injuries were thanks to a hellish contraption of Urist, called the "Danger Room". A squad of new recruits would be put inside this room and then, with the pull of a lever, multiple wooden training spears hidden underground would shoot up. Ning had to agree it was quite effective in training dodging, armor and shield usage as well as using the weapon to deflect an attack, but until they figured out which combination of armor protected them best, the injuries skyrocketed. When Urist came up with another idea, the "Shaft of Enlightenment", Ning took Shin's mallet and hit him over the head so hard he was in the hospital for an entire month. After he woke up, he had totally forgotten about it and no one dared to remind him in fear of Ning's wrath. The two of them worked the entire night, Comnith taking the occasional break because of her situation, cleaning wounds, suturing and setting bones. When morning came, the young queen's treatment was complete. Urist and Sodel walked in just as Ning finished. Sodel ran up to her with pleading eyes "How is she?" "I did everything I could for her. Now we have to wait." While Sodel went to the queen's bedside, Ning walked over to Urist. "Can you tell me now what happened to this child? And what's this about her being the queen?". "No worries Ning, I'll tell you but let's wait for the others." Just as he said that, the door to the hospital opened again and in walked the Count Nosim along with Nish, Destot and Lokast. Shin and Ast came in last, holding hands like they always did. They were talking quite loudly while still outside, but as soon as they crossed that invisible line into the hospital, even the count got quiet. Ning made it clear that patients needed rest and quiet and no one dared to cross her. Ast was the first to speak up "So why did you call us Urist. Has Alis arrived already?" "Alis won't be coming…" Urist closed his eyes for a second to gather strength and before any more questions could be asked he began to retell the stories Nish and Sodel had told him. When he finished shock was written in the face of everyone present. Count Nosim had to sit down through the story and was currently holding his face in his hands. The faces of the rest were a mixture between fury and sadness. Ast however looked like he was thinking hard. "Nish, you said the elves came from "The Growing Sapling" right?" "Yes, why?" Ast turned to Urist, looking unsure how his friend would react. "That's Ce's home". Urist looked down "I know. I don't want to believe that he has a part in this, but…we should make our peace with the fact that it could be possible." While all of them where thinking about what they just heard, a small voice spoke up. "Does that mean my mommy won't come back?" Urist looked up and saw the young girl, no queen, look at him directly, small tears in her eyes. "I'm afraid so. Your mother died a hero, but sadly even heroes can't return from the dead." The queen looked down to the ground, shaking and sniveling a little. Then she suddenly rubbed her eyes and looked back at the group again, her eyes hard. "She told me it was possible. She said that if the worst happens, I have to run and get here as fast as I can. Urist and Ast will protect me." The two dwarves in question stood straight and walked over in front of her. Then both simultaneously got down on one knee, lowering their heads "We will put our lives on the line for you, my queen". "Have no fear, we will crush your enemies. No one shall lay a hand on you while we live". The young dwarf reached out and put one hand on each head "I accept your vows and I shall trust you unconditionally. Now rise." Both of them stood up again. The queen's hands were shanking a little, something that did not go unnoticed by Comnith. "While I appreciate the need a strategy meeting, the queen needs rest. Can we talk about the rest tomorrow?" The bell for lunch had just sounded, but everyone present felt a little tired already. All of them nodded and left, thinking and coming to terms with what they heard. After some quick words from Ning, Sodel left as well. After the door closed, only Comnith, Ning, Shin and the young queen remained. The three adults stood around the bed of the girl, who looked up at them with questioning eyes. Suddenly the queen found herself softly embraced by all three of them while Comnith whispered "Even for a queen it's ok to cry if she lost something precious. You don't need to hold back anymore. There is no one here but us." At first the girl still fought with herself but after Ning and Shin told her the same she finally gave up and started crying. Big round tears where rolling down her cheeks while she called for her mother. Just outside the door, Urist, Ast and Sodel stood, listening. "Why did they tell us to leave?" "We are males, warriors, she didn't want to appear weak in front of us. We can be glad the girls noticed it. If you keep feelings like that bottled up, they can eat you." "But aren't they warriors too?" "Yes, but only a female can understand a females mind." Urist looked surprised at that rare insight from Ast. "I always told you I'm more than just a drunk" he said as he turned around and walked away. Sodel was still standing there, clutching his chest as if every sob from Kinem was tearing him up a little as well. "There are a few rooms on the lower levels with old furniture. We don't need that stuff anymore so if someone were to smash them apart, I'm sure no one would care" Sodel nodded and walked away as well. "Hope he understood that Ast meant him as well". With one last bow to the door, Urist left. He needed a plan, and a good one.
The rest of the day passed uneventful. The girls rotated in staying with the queen, who, after crying for hours, was back to sleep now. The others were aimlessly wandering around the fortress, working, thinking, planning or, in Sodel's case, throwing a tantrum in a locked room.