AN: "Cookies" → Speech / spoken air quotes
"Cookies" → Thoughts
"Cookies" → Spells / Martial Arts
"Cookies" → Message spell speech
"Ale" → Dwarf language
I don't own Overlord
Sorry for taking so long. I was with my family in Bavaria and since I barely see them I wanted to meet as many of them as possible. That leaves little to no time to write.
I also tried something new and hope it works with the worldbuilding in this chapter.
Have fun, enjoy and please review
Chapter 46
→ Karak-Ar-Araz / Ironspine ←
In the early morning Ironspine woke up due to back pain. His wife, half asleep and glaring, decided to stay in bed. Ironspine though decided to get his usual breakfast (ale and bread) before packing for lunch (ale, bread and a 'small slice' of meat). Once it was finished he kissed his wife on the forehead, since he disliked hair in his mouth, and left the house of his, reading his wife's property as he lived after the motto 'happy wife, happy life'.
First he went towards the dueling pit to collect his student, Fargrim. After 'convincing' him roughly 160 years ago to start his training, Fargrim had grown to dueling, strategizing and, at least for Ironspine the most important part, brawling.
After collecting his student, the duo went to an appointment outside of the karaz. Today the engineers, or minions asIronspine would call them, would use a new machine to dig a hole. The hope was to get to deeper levels and collect more ores.
"They still don't remember history. Urgh. Last time we had 150 years of war on our hands and lost the northern part of the do the young never listen to us?" he grumbled and Fargrim simply helped him to adjust his back.
"That is how they are. They don't remember the horrors of the last age of reckoning against the vermin." Fargrim sighed, knowing that he had grumbled the last four days about this plan. Sadly the council had voted for it.
+++Flashback of Ironspine – 240 years ago+++
A gigantic battle was underway. The corpses of dwarfs and skaven were littering the ground around him and anger shone in his eyes. Suddenly a screech came from his left. A skaven shot towards him. It was clothed in a black hood, which he knew was made from dwarven beards, and carried three blades. They shone in light blue and shot towards him. He dodged them as best as he could, but to no avail.
Suddenly both combatants stopped. A shiver of power surged through them and the ground.
Pride felt the remaining warriors and soon it turned to anger and then fury. He could see it in their eyes. The rats on the other hand looked discontent and then it turned to fear and then panic.
Ironspine, in his younger, back painless form, turned around.
Before him stood a mountain of a dwarf. The long beard reached the ground, though it was tucked under his belt, it made it seem like flames engulfed his brother's body. A warhammer was in his right hand while a heavy anvil was crashing onto the floor. Anger thundered from his brother's eyes as he grabbed the ratmen and proceeded to beat it to death by repeatedly bashing the skull onto the anvil.
The skaven at the front of the formation tried to run, but Ironspines brother, Gondoric Firebeard, drew a bit of blood and drawed a rune onto the anvil. Then, with a mighty swing and crash of his hammer, the anvil thundered. The rune disappeared but it didn't end there. A lightning shot towards the vermin, crashed into their ranks, before unleashing its purpose. A chain of lightning shot around until all rats were laying on the floor, their hearts without a beat. The smell of burnt pelt filled the air.
"Thanks for the help, brother." Ironspine sighed.
+++ End Flashback+++
Despite his interjection the council had voted for the extension, probably when he was asleep, and now the preparations were done. The drill pointed downwards, ready to do its destructive work. Crews stretched and were itching to start their work. On his insistence, some dwarven warriors were at the ready and glared at the drill and the place where it would drill a hole.
The machine started to grumble when the workers pushed the winch. First the tip touched the ground and groaned a bit, then the hole started to form and soon it went deeper and deeper. Ironspine and Halfhand looked at the hole, expecting many things, from enemies coming out of it to simply a tunnel from the vermin wars. It continued to dig deeper and deeper and soon the tip of the machine wasn't visible to them.
"Sad that Firebeards notes aren't with us, isn't it?" Halfhand asked.
"Yes. It would have worked in less time. Could have packed my lunch out already." Gongrimm agreed.
+++ Flashback of Ironspine – 210 years ago+++
The dwarven armies of Clan Firebeard, Ironspine and Undergrund were besieging the enemy holdout for the last two years. No end was in sight and it was frustrating the clan heads, throng leaders as well as the high-king. A heated debate was going on.
Meanwhile Gongrimm and Gondoric were enjoying themselves. Gongrimm was reading about the history of his foster-fathers clan. Gondoric meanwhile was crafting a present he got for a battle, in which he had distinguished himself. He had destroyed the enemy leader in battle and then used runes to secure a total victory.
"What is that thing?" Gongrimm asked after he finished a chapter in his book.
"I got this anvil a short while back from my future father in law. I am tinkering a bit, as it is compatible." Gondoric absently answered.
"You marry?" Gongrim asked, completely shocked by the fact that he didn't know about it.
"Yep. Asked her before we went on this campaign. We swore to marry if I came home alive. Though the talk with her father was a bit… awkward." he grumbled as he wrote a rune in his anvil, a Kenaz rune if Gongrimm guessed correctly.
"How so? It was time already. Let me guess. You'll marry Kalea?" Gongrimm asked, giving his brother a shit-eating grin.
It only deepened when his brother sighed and only nodded.
"It was actually the idea of my foster-father. Saying that I already know her since she is my foster-sister." Gondoric grumbled.
"She is good for you. I remember that one time, when we were seventy. She only traveled where you went." Gongrim responded, remembering those times.
Suddenly Gondoric stood up, cracked his finger and sniffed the air.
"I am going to gather the longbeards. We need to prepare for a decisive battle." he grinned. Not the relaxed grin he usually had in the bar. Gondoric had the bloodthirsty grin on his face, which he usually had when he was about to smash into the enemy.
"Are you sure?" Gongrimm asked.
"Of course. I know where the enemy gets his supplies and plan to use that to my advantage. You know, I hate sitting here and doing nothing but watch the walls dry." Gondoric replied and the smile grew deeper.
Ironspine nodded to prepare for battle. Not even halfway through the camp he saw other dwarfs start to prepare as well. Soon the whole camp was moving. It was an interesting development for Gongrimm, as he witnessed it the first time a few battles back.
His brother, despite his comparable young age, had garnered the respect of the longbeards. And once they prepared for battle the younger warriors followed them.
Once he was finished he went to the entrance of the camp. On his way he heard shouts coming from the tent of the high-king, still shouting at the generals.
There his brother stood. An anvil on his hip, a warhammer in his right hand and a wide smile on his face.
"Let's go, Longbeards." he shouted and soon the cheers answered.
First the Longbeards sallied out, then followed by the younger warriors and soon all dwarfs, except the high-king, the dwarfs in his tent and some hammerers, were following Gondoric.
Gondoric walked calmly, sniffing from time to time, sometimes knocking on the ground. It went like that for half an hour when he cracked his neck.
"When are we crashing the vermin?" a shout came from a younger warrior, who got smacked over the back of his head by a longbeard.
"In short time." Gondoric said as his anvil crashed in front of him. He then drew a few runes onto it in blood.
"Let me see, Sowelu, Hagalaz, most certainly Laguz, Teiwaz and Perth." Gongrimm heard his brother whisper. The dwarfs from Ironspine and Undergrund watched confused while the Firebeards gleamed and boasted in pride.
"Did he just combine five runes? At his age?" One of the Ironspines asked, shocked in his voice.
"Yep." came the answer.
Soon Gondoric stepped back and swung his hammer onto the anvil.
Dust engulfed the army and a crazy laughter echoed through the underground.
"It worked, did you see brother, it worked." Gongrimm heard and simply nodded.
As the dust settled they saw a gaping hole in the ground. It went in a 45 degree descent and some of the frontline saw beady red eyes.
"I promised you all a battle. Let's get them then." His brother's voice boomed, filled with laughter. Anvil at his side and warhammer ready he was already charging the enemy, together with his longbeards and firebeards.
Late that night the throng returned to camp. The enemy stronghold was burning to the ground. Some carried the dead and wounded while others prepared a feast. In the tent of the high-king the shouts of anger continued. Gongrimm though had another interest for the moment. His brother was out of his sight during the battle.
He found Gondoric in the hospital, where he sat leaned against a plate of wood. A broad grin was on his cheek as he hammered on a piece of metal.
Gongrimm was shocked when he saw the lack of feet on his brother.
"Don't fret, little brother. It was worth it." Gondoric laughed.
Just in that moment three longbeards came into the tent and gathered him. Soon the hero of the day was carried, on a shield, to the feast.
To the shouts of "Firebeard! Firebeard! Firebeard!" Gondoric drank his cup of ale as fast as possible.
+++End Flashback+++
After a time Ironspine heard the maschine fall a bit. Curiously he looked into the hole and a blue glimmer greeted him.
"Anyone down there?" he inquired, looking at Powdernose, who nodded.
"What can you see?" he shouted downwards.
"No threat. But there are many bluestones." came the reply.
"Get rope and ladders." Ironspine heard.
Bluestone was a material, which had highly mutating effects on living beings. Most didnt know why and usually dwarfs would mine and destroy it, as it was also highly explosive. What only Gongrimm and his brother knew was that those were Data-crystals.
Soon the dwarfs and the maschine were back in the street. Gongrimm hated that there was seemingly an empty space just below Karak-Ar-Araz and decided that it needed to go as soon as possible. Luckily he would get his opportunity in the evening.
→ Arwintar Imperial-palace / Arachne ←
Arachne had a hard morning. She had to, again, convince her old-mother. But luckily the egg got much more attention than her. Leinas, Nimble, Fluder and herself were in a meeting room and did smalltalk. Leinas and Nimble exchanged information about conspiracies etc. within the palace. Meanwhile Fluder and herself had an engaging discussion about faith magic and the results of his experiments.
"It is interesting, so the belief is enough. At least if the last experiment was anything to go with…" Arachne responded to one of Fluders rants when the door nearly crashed into the wall.
"Good morning. We don't have much time. Leinas, Fluder and Nimble. We made a plan to finish the tribes south of us. For that we planned a separate unit, which you belong to. You will also get troops for the task at hand. The details are within this scroll." Jircniv ordered.
"How will you then protect the empress and yourself?" Fluder asked, snickering in his beard.
"She will remain in my palace." Jircniv smirked.
"Leinas, I have something for you. Here." Arachne smiled as she gave Leinas one of old-mothers items.
She was ordered to give it to Leinas, since Arachama wanted to keep both Leinas and Fluder alive. It seemed like a small wooden statue at best.
"What does it do?" Leinas inquired.
"It is called "Saving Grace". In this case it informs me of your location and the danger you're in. I will thus be able to help you and when to help you." Arachne explained and remembered the report of someone called Gazef in Carne.
"Thank you, lady Arachama." Leinas said and Arachne gave another one to Fluder.
"No problem." Arachne smiled and got a hug from Leinas in return.
Soon Leinas, Fluder and Nimble left and Arachne sighed in relief.
"Sooo, what will we do while I am here?" she inquired.
"Well, I think we should start with breakfast." Jircniv grinned and pushed her wheelchair towards a buffet as her stomach growled.
"That would be great." she agreed.
→ South of Sorcerer Kingdom ←
Nothing was heard as the formation of dwarven rangers moved forwards to their goal. THey had spotted a human village, but had to retreat before they could engage. Luckily another group had engaged another village and thus action could be taken by the council.
The group advanced and soon stood in the front of the village. A few humans wandered around, doing their tasks, though the blacksmith almost brought tears to their hearts.
"Such shady craftsmanship," was the general thought as they entered.
Many faces turned towards them and curiosity gleamed in the villagers' eyes. Soon, after a small girl had run over to them, the humans followed. The rangers kept calm, though one now had pain in his chin, as said child had played with his beard.
"What are you?" one of the villagers inquired.
"We do not mean harm. We are here to gather information about this 'Sorcerer Kingdom' and where to find its leader." a dwarf began to talk to the village.
"We are at the south of the Sorcerer Kingdom. If you want to talk to the Sorcerer King, you should probably go to the city E-Rantel." an elderly human answered.
"Hmm. That is ok. Come on lads. Time to report back to Gotrek Softhand." the leader of the rangers grumbled.
They left the village and were on their way back, when a dark elf blocked their path. Immediately the dwarfs got ready, when they felt their beards shiver. Towering figures came out of the forest.
"S-so you are the b-bandits?" the dark elf inquired, holding a finger to her temple.
"What bandits? We are here on the mission for Karaz-Ar-Araz." the oldest grumbled.
"W-what is that?" the elf asked.
Immediately some of the younger dwarfs got a bit more red in their faces.
"It is our home. The home of the dwarfs." The leader of the group answered.
"I-is there a-anyone you would like to bring along?" the elf inquired, casting and opening a portal.
"Yes, Gotrek." the leader replied and gave the youngest a sign, which meant to collect Gotrak.
"T-that is ok. L-lady Arachama agrees to meet with you. T-though her d-daughter can't be with her, as she probably k-knows you better." the elf nodded and gave the undead mountains a sign to back off, relaxing the rangers.
"Then, who are you?" came the question.
"M-mare Bello Fiore." Mare answered.
Not a long while later the young ranger returned with another dwarf. He had a long red beard with traces of gray, an armor made of adamantite and a large ax on his back. One eye was covered by an eye patch. This was Gotrek Softhand, from the clan Firebeard.
"Good day" came the grumbled greeting.
"G-good day. L-lady A-arachama is ready to receive you. I-I opened the "Gate" towards Nazarick, our home." Mare told, more like stuttered to them.
"Make ready." Gotrek told the group as they moved through the portal.
→ Arwintar Nazarick-mansion / Arachama ←
After a relaxed morning, which included caring for the egg, cuddling and teaching her children and relaxing paperwork, Arachama relaxed to a cup of tea.
"L-lady A-arachama? There is a group of dwarfs looking for L-lord Ainz." suddenly ripped Arachama out of her thoughts.
"Do you know what they want?" Arachama inquired.
"I-it seems that t-they w-want to t-talk." came the answer.
"Ok. I make myself ready, and send them to the throne room." she ordered and cut the connection.
Arachama stood up and ran towards her bedroom. On her way she scooped Arche up and brought her along. While she began to change her close Arche looked confused.
"Can I help you, mom?" Arche inquired.
"I will be gone for a short time, can you watch the twins and look after the egg?" Arachama answered.
"Of course. I will also ask big sis Enti to help me." Arche affirmed and Arachama sighed in relief.
"Thank you. You are a treasure." she smiled and kissed Arches forehead.
"No problem, mom." Arche grinned back.
"Good. "Gate", till later." Arachama said and went through the typical portal.
She arrived in the throne room and placed herself on her couch. Not that long after another portal appeared and after a short while a small group came through. First there were only cloaked dwarfs with crossbows and shields on their back. But soon after finding her they lowered their weapons with a small blush on their faces.
Then came another dwarf through the portal, he wore armor and looked proudly. After all of the party were through the portal closed and the leading dwarf, the one in armor, bowed slightly.
"Good day. I am Gotrek Softhand and I am here to talk to the so-called 'Sorcerer King'. Who are you?" he inquired.
"Am I glad I came alone. I don't want to imagine the stress we would have right after that introduction, though it is softer than expected from a dwarf." Arachama thought.
"I am Arachama, the mother of the future heir of Nazarick and his comrade." She introduced herself, giving a soft smile and activating her aura, though the effect was usually smaller on magical resistant beings, such as dwarfs. But it still had a small effect.
"Then where is the Sorcerer King?" Gotrek asked.
"He is occupied with an expedition. To be more precise, he wants to find the northern dwarfs. Tell me, where are you from?" Arachama inquired in return.
"We are from Karak-Ar-Araz and the only dwarfs alive." he answered, though she heard excitement in his voice.
"I hope it doesn't seem too impolite, could I invite you to the meeting room of Nazarick?" she tried.
"That would probably be good." Gotrek nodded and soon Arachama casted another "Gate" to the meeting room of the guild.
She stepped through and was followed by the small party. They entered the room and looked around in awe.
"Quite good craftsmanship." one of the dwarfs muttered.
"Glad you like it. It took some time, and a lot of gray hairs, to build Nazarick." Arachama replied, not hiding her pride.
Soon Arachama took her seat, a reserved place with a couch, at the table. The dwarfs meanwhile seated themself and looked around again.
"Now that we are ready, I will contact a maid to bring food. What would you like? Ale with bread and meat?" she inquired, hoping to be correct in her assumption.
The gleaming eyes immediately told her that her assumption was correct.
"Enti, can you and Ninya prepare some food? Namely ale, bread and meats? I would ask other maids, but we need to tread carefully, just contact me when you are ready. Also, stay calm when you enter." She ordered, using "Message".
"Of course, mom. It will take some time though. But I could bring the ale now." Enti proposed.
"That would probably be best. "Gate"." she thought and cut the connection.
A new portal opened and Enti came in with a barrel and some cups. Once she placed it on the table the dwarfs closed in and each took a cup and got it filled.
Ninya meanwhile brought Arachama a teapot and a cup.
"Thank you." She smiled and kissed Ninyas forehead.
After that she waited till the dwarfs were sitting.
"The food will arrive later. If we had known of your arrival it would be finished." she told them.
"That is understandable and I thank you for the generosity. But could we exchange information while we are drinking?" he inquired.
"Of course." she answered, a gleam in her eight eyes.
"We would be interested in the so-called 'northern dwarfs'." Gotrek told her.
"Thanks to baharut we know of dwarfs in the 'Azerlisia Mountains'. Currently my comrade Ainz Ooal Gown and my daughter Zesshi Zetsumei are parttaking a expedition there." she answered.
"So they were lucky."
"We should contact the council immediately."
"Maybe he is alive?"
And much more happy shouts got through the room. Arachama couldn't help but smile.
"Just like those two were. Just happiness, excitement and a comedic sense of not caring for etiquette." She thought and remembered the two noobs she helped roughly a year before the shut-down.
"Calm down! We can report that great finding of our lost kin to the council later." Gotreks voice boomed.
"I guess it is a day to celebrate for your kin." She threw it in the room.
"Yes. Roughly 200 years ago the underway between the northern part and the rest gave in. We weren't able to rebuild the tunnel there. In the end we hoped they survived, but expected them to be dead." Gotrek sighed and fumbled his beard.
"I can't imagine the relief. I can barely be separated from my children for long." she confessed.
At that moment Enti came back with more ale, this time five barrels.
"They surely are diligent in their drinking." she thought.
"One of mine actually told me about the southern dwarfs. She was known at that time as Amtilene Heran Fouche, or Zesshi Zetsumei." she said, hoping for the best.
"Black and white coloring? For a knife ear she was honorable." Gotrek nodded.
"She fought alongside Gongrimm Ironspine in the underway." the oldest ranger chimed in.
"Yep. The council even let her strike out a grudge she settled for us." Gotrek told her.
"She only told good things about your kin and Karak-Ar-Araz. I hope I can see it in the near future. Maybe under even better relations with your kingdom. Sadly we don't have anything in that regard." she confessed.
"It is glorious, let me tell you. But as you said. Since the Slane Theocracy does not uphold their part of the trade agreement anymore we need to look elsewhere." he sighed.
"What was their part of siad trade agreement?" she inquired.
"They brought us food, wood, coins and information. We in return gave them beverages, though in small amounts, armors and weapons and crafted items." he told her.
"Hmm. Might I propose something?" she asked and Gotrek nodded.
"The Sorcerer Kingdom is currently in the wedlock. It was formed less than half a year ago. As you can imagine, we are building our economy, law system and even the structure to some extent. I know that this doesn't sound good for your kin, but why don't we do the following. We take over the part of the Slane Theocracy for the next ten years. During that time we build a foundation, so that the dwarfs and the kingdom can trade freely?" she proposed and Gotrek fumbled his beard again.
"I would like the promise of military aid there." Gotrek said.
"That shouldn't be a problem." Aarchama replied.
"Then we should write it down." Gotrek sighed and took out a bag.
It contained a gold platter.
"This is oathgold. We use it to write contracts. After that we will swear to uphold the contract or face the wrath of the other." Gotrek stated.
"As expected. Proceed." She agreed and soon Gotrek hammered the content of the contract inside. The old ranger meanwhile brought her the contract the dwarfs had with the former Slane Theocracy.
She was glad for the day, as she managed quite a foothold with the dwarfs.
Soon, in the early afternoon, the oathgold was prepared and both, Gotrek and Arachama, took the oath to make it official.
Enti arrived just in time with more ale, bread and meat. Soon the dwarfs were content, followed by a new restlessness.
"We should bring it back to the council as soon as possible." Gotrek beamed.
"If I may be so bold. Could I inquire about the entrance closest to your council. Then I could use "Gate" to cut your way short." she proposed.
"That would be great." he said and got a map out. He pointed towards the entrance of Karak-Ar-Araz.
Arachama meanwhile gathered a 'Mirror of Remote Viewing' and observed the place.
Not long after she casted "Gate" to drop the dwarfs, and the rest of the feast, at the entrance.
"Mom, why did you risk so much for the dwarfs?" Enti asked.
"I like dwarfs. Once they take an oath they will fulfill it. Runecraft is also another argument for them. I saw what it can do and am curious how far the dwarfs are with it." she told Enti, snuggling her.
→ Karak-Ar-Araz / Gongrimm Ironspine ←
It was early evening when Gongrimm weaved his beard again. His wife meanwhile combed through his hair and weaved it into braids, similar to his beard. Afterwards they changed position and he weaved her hair. She meanwhile combed her little beard.
After finishing his preparation he kissed his wife and went, at his pain induced slow pace, towards the council chambers. Once there he saw a face he didn't expect.
"Gotrik Softhand, I thought you were on a mission." Gongrimm greeted and gave his adopted cousin a hug.
"I was. We ran into one of their agents on our way. She used a spell called "Gate" and brought us to someone high enough to negotiate. But I got more than I hoped for. I can't wait to tell the council about it." the voice of Gotrek boomed of excitement and Gongrimm felt something he hadn't felt in a long time. He felt excitement as new life energy entered his sad heart.
"Let me see it." he asked and Gotrek opened a bag.
There, in oathgold, was a trade agreement. Though, when he read through it, he found the agreement about open economics for both sides.
"That is better than the one we had with Slane." he smiled.
"Indeed. Here, take a sip. It is good stuff. By the way, Does Zesshi Zetsumei ring any bells? The old ranger didn't want to tell me about her." he inquired.
"Of course. She helped me to hunt down the last vermin. Killed Starv Coffinsniffer in combat. Grommli let her strike out the grudges we had against him. Five if I remember correctly. The most atrocious was the kill it did against my uncle, Gotrek Firebeard." Gongrimm answered and Gotrek nodded along.
"Thanks. How is it?" he asked.
"The ale is good. But now it is my turn. Who is this Sorcerer King?" Gongrimm shot back, curiosity in his voice.
"His real name is Ainz Ooal Gown. We negotiated with someone close enough for our taste. Her name was Arachama." Gotrek reported.
Gongrimm meanwhile fought a heart attack.
He knew those names alright. Or at least he knew Arachama. She had helped his brother and him to build their character and their guild base. Sadly the guild was forced to choose sides and thus Arachama was forced to leave the guild. The only regret he had.
"All well, cousin?" Gotrek chimed in and Gongrimm calmed down.
"Yes, yes. We should go. Today is an important day." he sighed and both went to the council chambers.
Soon he sat down, close to Halfhand, Granitetooth and Powdernose. They relaxed for a bit until the high-king entered. The younger clan heads followed the high-king and soon sat as well.
"First order of business. We found large amounts of bluestones from the drilling. It is largely under Karak-Ar-Araz. We are now to decide the next action in regards to it." came the high-kings voice.
Gongrimm stood up.
"I propose the fast mining of it and then we destroy it as soon as possible. We all know of the destructive capabilities and as leader of throngs I have to make sure the Karak is safe." he told them.
One of the younger clan heads got up
"But that way we can profit from it over time. I propose to slowly mine it and sell the bluestones to the humans at high prices once we have another trade agreement." the clan head proposed.
Afterwards a vote was called. All of the younger clan heads agreed and outvoted Gongrimm on this one, to his chagrin.
"The second business is a report from Gotrek Softhand." announced the high-king.
Said dwarf stood up and brought out a plate of oathgold.
"We have a new trade agreement, this time with the Sorcerer Kingdom. Sadly the Sorcerer King wasn't available. But the second highest authority negotiated. We also gathered new information in regards to the empty seats." Gotrek announced. He first placed the oathgold onto a table and then pointed to the seats, which belonged to the northern clans.
Excited grumbling filled the chamber and soon cheers erupted.
"The northern Clans live. The Sorcerer King wasn't available, as he is leading an expedition to our northern kin." Gotreks voice boomed with happiness as tears of excitement filled his eyes.
"We need to get into contact as soon as possible."
"Is there a way to get a new tunnel?"
"Clan Firebeard can finally take its seat back" Gotrek whispered, finally able to fully understand the meaning of his own information.
"My brother could be…" Gogrimm thought, losing his composure and crying tears of sadness, relief and happiness.
+++ Flashback 210 years ago+++
After the successful siege Gondoric Firebeard was given command of a detachment of longbeards, more precisely the loudest and roughest longbeards. Sadly he had lost his left foot to the enemy and was now hammering down on a clump of metal.
He just finished when his troop gathered.
Gongrimm looked at the longbeards and told them the battle plan. Suddenly he looked up.
*clonk*
*clonk*
*clonk*
*clonk*
"Get ready. We move out to smash some vermin." Gongrimm heard the voice of his brother.
"You should go and rest." Gongrimm tried, only for his brother to smirk at him.
"I will not lead the first battle. I am a throng leader from the back. A throng leader belongs in the first line." he laughed and soon the longbeards cheered.
Soon the group marched out and met other forces on their way.
It was a hilly terrain and the longbeards stood on the most right position. The battle ensued and then the elite of the Skaven, Stormvermin, charged their formation. Gongrimm and Godrik fought alongside each other, covering each other's back and holding the line.
The casualties got more and more, until only every fourth was able to continue to fight.
Dwarven warriors began evacuating and carried the wounded and dead away. Soon the younger longbeards were sent away as well.
"Leave son, the future of our clan is at risk." Gongrimm suddenly heard and saw Gotrek Firebeard.
"Then you should leave. I will hold the line." Gondorik said, placing the anvil on the ground, facing the enemy.
Gotrek looked at his adopted son and beamed with pride.
"Only because Kalea already has a son." Gotrek sighed before he left.
A few moments later the last rest of dwarfs continued to fight on. Stormvermin attacked again and again. Then Quagoa, the new breed of the Skaven, charged their formations, trying to get them killed.
With runemagic, determination, fury and sheer unbending wills the dwarfs held the line. Gondoric, despite continuing to lead from the front.
Then the reinforcements arrived. Dwarven artillery opened fire upon the Skaven and soon they fled the field.
Gongrimms last view of the battle was his brother, collapsing due to exhaustion, and the bloody field he had left behind.
+++End Flashback+++
Soon decisions were made in regards to getting contact with their northern kin. Gongrimm couldn't wait anymore. He had missed his brother for 200 years, and gods be damned if he couldn't get a feast with him again.
→ Beneath Karak-Ar-Araz ←
Dwarven miners were working the bluestone for all of the night. Suddenly they heard squeaking noises and looked around. They split up, one part mining while the other performed as sentries.
Soon the torches stopped working. One after another stopped and soon the dwarfs were in the dark.
The oldest one luckily got a reserve and got it working. Just as it started the dwarfs saw a sea of beady red eyes and the yellow glimmering of frontal teeth.
AN:For those who wonder. Gotrek doesn't know that Mare is a trap and assumes him to be a girl. And yes, his name comes from the book series of Gotrek and Felix, though the Gotrek in my story isnt a slayer. ;)
I hope you enjoyed it. If you did feel free to comment/review.