By sunfall Hedarth came into view, the great trading city had blossomed into a refugee camp for all the remaining races of Alageasia. The Dwarves were currently residing in a sea of tents that formed a half circle around the city, it's arc facing west. Makeshift shacks were created as the barracks for the knurlan soldiers and large campfires were the make-do for the blacksmiths, which sputtered thin trails of smoke into the orange sky.
Most of the Dwarven population ended up taking farming up as their jobs due to the lack thereof, deciding to work in the fields outside of the city or as ranchers that herded in oxen and cows from the surrounding land. Because of the jobless atmosphere, the rest went into the mines after it was decided that more miners was better resulting in a boost in quarried stone, granite, and other valuables the earth had to offer.
The thick thudding of galloping Shrrgs burst through the natural sounds, like thunder on a cloudless sky when it was least expected. Large clouds rose behind the wolves like the flowing dress of some giant woman as they quickly covered the distance between them and Hedarth.
Alarm bells and trumpets blarred from the city and, along the southern wall, arrayed around each battlement, were archers. As the minutes passed soldiers began to file out from the opening gate, forming ranks along the arc of the wall, their pikes and spears held out towards the approaching Shrrgs, like the quills of a porqupine.
Mhornar, or Shadow, came to a stop at the front of the procession, standing at attention as Orik dismounted. The black wolf then came to the Dwarf King's side and remained there, towering over him.
The soldiers held their positions, the tense feeling of thousands of Shrrgs standing ready to attack if need be. The humans were even more nervous, quickly glancing between Orik and the wolves. Would there be blood? It seemed intimate, but the human commander appeared and ordered that their weapons be lowered.
"King Orik," Saluted the high ranking officer. He seemed to be contemplating the current predicament, playing it over and over in his mind as if he expected some hidden answer to the question to reveal itself.
"I need someone to feed Mhornar," Orik commanded. "Don't get to close to him, though."
The commander nodded and turned to a soldier behind him. "You there," he said. "Get the Shrrg some grub."
The man's face fell and his hands started quivering. "Yes sir," he quickly left.
(Later)
Orik woke up silently as rays of sun pierced the blue curtains hung over a window on the eastern wall. From his soft, velvety bed he could hear the sounds of a busy city; bustling crowds flowing through the markets, carts driven by horses clopped down cobblestone roads, and the inecsplicable song of chirping birds.
What had happened the day before? That was his first question.
When he led the Shrrgs up to Hedarth, he remembered staying with the soldiers a while longer until Mhornar was taken care of, much like the care a groom would give to a king's mare. Then, unable to overcome the growls of hunger, he went to the nearest tavern, the Salty Dog, and bought a fairily large meal. Word of his arrival must have spread because Dwarves began flowing in, crowding around their king, most of those present were his war councilmen and the few commanders that survived.
They remained at the Salty Dog for hours more, consuming more mead than he regularly would have drank. Soon everything became hazy, almost blurry, and Orik passed out, whether it was from weariness or drunkeness he didn't know.
But he left those thoughts behind and got dressed in a leather tunic and pants he found at the base of his bed. Then he searched for Volund and his belt, which happened to be on the table near the door. Taking the weapon and sheathing it at his side, he took one last look around the room, making sure he hadn't left anything behind. Then he opened the door and left, stepping into a hallway.
The corridor stretched several door lengths until it dipped down via a flight of stairs. A blue and white carpet inter-weaved with intricate designs, covered the floor. Between each door was a marble column that was more decoration than structual support. Friendly forest-green ivy was drapped over these pillars.
He made his way to the stairs and scurried down to the first floor, dodging a maid darting towards the hallway he had just came from. The steps ended at the floor of a spacious room which was most likely used for grand, presidential parties. The granite floor was polished so nicely that it reflected the entire inside of the domed structure. Marble pillars ran parallel with the walls until they reached a raised platform, fitted with a throne and some fancy decorations.
The roof was domed and covered in paintings of ancient kings and events. A skylight breached the middle of the dome providing a column of light that touched the floor.
On the opposite side from the throne was a large oak door standing guard of whatever was on the other side. Two armored soldiers stood on either side of the door, their pikes standing upright in their grasp.
As Orik approached, the soldiers stood at attention then, in unison, they turned ninty degrees, reached for the door and opened it.
The door revealed the highest view point of Hedarth. The city appeared busier than it sounded earlier. The buildings were made of stone bricks and wooden beams, but the plain elements were fashioned into beautiful structures. The steeple of a church stood out the most, it being the tallest building besides the castle towers, a spire-like projection made completely of marble held up by flying butresses.
Throughout the streets he could make out a river of Dwarves and Humans flooding in streams to where they worked. Shops were just begining to open as the rising sun notified them of the approaching morning.
A large staircase made its way downhill, about a hundred feet to the main level where the portion of Hedarth was built. However, the city was seperated from the castle by a fifteen-foot tall wall, a gaurd house built into it next to the portcullis. And standing at the gate was several Dwarven and Human nobles and the human ruler of Hedarth, Lord Kalistor.
Kalistor was nearly over six-feet tall with broad shoulders and a genuinly sturdy build. He was bald, but a beard faded into existence, slightly trimmed. No one knew his exact age, but many claimed him to be in his fifties.
As Orik approached, the Dwarves bowed and Kalistor inclined his head, his hands folded into one another behind his back.
"King Orik," he said. "I hope you found your living quarters spacious enough. I apologize for not being able to supply you with a larger room, but they are reserved for Ayra and Lady Nasuada."
"It will serve its purpose, although I was quite unnerved about waking in a room I had yet to occupy the night before."
Kalistor laughed. "I agree, but I wouldn't allow a fellow King to lay amidst a group of drunkerds," He paused and glanced at the surrounding nobles. "You are dismissed. I would like to speak with Orik privately."
The nobles bowed and slowly walked towards the castle. One of them, however, stopped next to Orik, a Dwarven noble.
"What remains of our home?" He asked.
Orik gave a sympathetic look. "No one but Gûntera can repair the ruins of Farthen Dûr."
The dwarf looked to the ground sorrowfully, then ran to catch up with the others.
"If we make it out of this, I, myself, will help rebuild what I can." Said Kalistor.
"I accept the offer, but us Dwarves are capable of doing what we can." Orik didn't mean to offend Kalistor and he hoped he didn't.
The two Kings left the comfort of the castle walls and entered a sideway path along the hill. The lane took them across the main road to a sucluded lake surrounded by a decorative garden full of colorful scenery.
Kalistor slowed his pace and began to speak. "I'm sure that you'll be glad to hear that the Shrggs have behaved themselves, they hunt far from here and don't bother our herds-men. All in all, they've suprised us. Earlier this morning a group of Shrrgs were sighted escorting some refugees to safety."
"Thats good," Orik replied. "So tell me of Hedarth's status."
Kalistor began to recite facts about the new governmental system as if he had practiced for a part in a play. "At the begining of the attacks, before they started spreading inland, we knew we would be last if it came to total invasion. My councilmen are wise and their suggestions is what helped create a fully functional plan. We planned for every possibility, new farms were constructed, assembly lines for weapons and armor were established, and more recruits for our army were gathered.
"The first refugees to arrive were a group of humans that fled the capitol before it was taken over. They provided important information on the condition of the other cities and how the Dwarves and Elves were responding. Of course, the Beors were hit hard and the Dwarven population was driven from their homes. We sent out search parties and escorted them here. Our soldier then began to scout out the land miles from Hedarth, gathering anyone they could.
"Once everything became a little settled down, the Human politicians created the Dwarven Refuge Act which allowed dwarf politicians to intermingle with Hedarth's government. We did our best to fuse our culture with theirs so problems between the people wouldn't get out of hand. Also, it was a struggle at first, but production of a new wall was enforced. It would circle Hedarth just six miles from the old wall. Our builders wanted it to be larger and thicker, so more and more miners were needed, luckily we had the Dwarves arrive at the right moment, they were eager to help." He ended with a cough.
Orik huffed in suprise. "All this done within a little over a week." He held a little more respect for the human leader.
"Well," Kalistor interrupted. "We did have a substantial work-force to get the job done."
Orik nodded. They had just rounded a bend in the road that followed the arc of the lake. Up ahead was a clump of decorative bushes and a bridge that overlapped a small stream.
"Has any connection with the Elves been established?" Orik asked as the green foilage bright the fair folk to his attention.
Kalistor shook his head. "So far, no. Once, though, we did. The Elves contacted us through our head magician. They were under attack, but no clear cause of the message was given. We took it as a warning that the enemy may be close. Our efforts to reach them have given no hint of success."
"Hmm," Orik thought for a second. "What about a land mission. We could send messengers on foot."
Kalistor shook his head. "That has been suggested, but the problem is that we have no clue of the enemy's whereabouts. Plus, we can't risk any more lives, its best to keep as many soldiers alive in case war follows."
Orik nodded understandingly, stroking the limb of a small tree as he passed it.
"Besides," Kalistor added. "The Elves have the ability to contact us if need be. At the moment, however, we need to focus on keeping Hedarth fully functional. As far as I know, we are the only surviving city left in Alageasia, and an ark to those that are left."
(A/N)
I'M TERRIBLY SORRY, YOU GUYS! The long wait has really taken its toll on me. It feels like years since I last updated, and that is only an exageration. But I am sorry for it, but I've had some personal issues to take care of during the break from Fanfiction.
But some good has come out of the bad; while I've been away I have went ahead and hand-written the remaining chapters to this story. And can I say that I am excited for you guys to read the upcoming action. Pure awesomeness approaches. (There are, hopfully, only thirteen chapters left.)
FINALLY SUMMER BREAK!
Please forgive me for taking so long, I'll understand if you don't.
Replies to Reviews:
Niet boeiend- Yeah, it was a little obvious. Do you think I should have made it less so? I'm glad it felt like a thriller, but personally I think I could have done a little better with it.
Skoilr fanboy- It seems alot of people felt the Thriller, suspense tone to the last chapter. I'm glad you liked it. It was tough to write it the way I wanted it to go, but I feel as though I was a little off when it came to the suspense aspect. Yes you are right about the voice's owner.
Skierider- Yes, Galbatorix. He plays and important role later on, so stay tuned. I have never written a Fanfiction with Galby in it, so I worked some author's magic and fitted him back in. Do you think that it was a good decision?
Restrained Freedom- Thanks for the positive feedback, I'm glad you enjoyed the dream scene. I am a little confused about your question, what did you mean by it?
Luckyponygirl- Of course, thats why I use them. Lol. I had to use the 'traditional house in the forest' when I though of doing a dream/nightmare POV. I'm sorry for taking so long, but I have finally returned, hopfully for good. Did you like the conversation between Nasuada and Galby. #Helives.
Gligor San- Thank you for the review. I'm sorry I disappointed you with the long wait. It was beating me up thinking about you all waiting for the update to arrive, only to watch for nearly a month before it actually does. and Yes it is Galbatorix Revisited. And since I have planned out the remaining chapters, I know for sure that some E/A scenes are coming. As well as a very emotional and sad M/N scene, in a way. Hope you continue to support and provide your thoughts.