Hearth Fire

Riding through the night, Stronric and Indomitable made it to the hold by the afternoon. As the duo traveled the last of the journey they heard “Baaa!”. The cry of a mother welcoming home her missed children. The goats rallied around and escorted Stronric and Indomitable to the hold’s entrance. Stronric was slumped over and Indomitable drug his hooves as they walked to the closed doors of the hold, both were exhausted. Stronric climbed down from the mighty ram and opened the doors. The herd of goats poured into the hold. Beatrice appeared out of the sea of goats, nuzzling Indomitable. Beatrice and the ram followed Stronric to the courtyard. Stronric went straight to the bar and poured himself a mug of beer. He downed the beer in a single loud gulp and slammed the tankard down onto the bar top. Letting out a burp and a sigh, he grabbed his pick-axe and turned back to the room.

Stronric looked at Beatrice and waved her to follow him. They headed upstairs to the stables. Stronric opened the ramp and a chilly wind streamed down into the stables. Stronric wiped the sweat from his brow.

“Beatrice, we have to get ready. We…..” Stronric panted and took a moment to caught his breath. “We are going to have company, some friends, but more of them as enemies.”

Beatrice looked at him with worry in her eyes. She swept her gaze across her herd. Stomping her foot she lowered her head.

“Aye, atta girl! I am going to load some fresh water and feed up here, then we will get to work.” Stronric said as he grabbed a watering bucket.

Taking the bucket, he hurried down into the farming level. He bucketed water up into the stables for the animals. Indomitable joined him, a slight limp remained from his wound and the hard ride back. Beatrice guided the ram to an open stable that Stronric had prepared for him. Indomitable was exhausted and sat and tucked his legs under him. Stronric fed him and brushed him while they both cooled down and caught their breath.

Without the blessing of the hearth, I can feel the difference in my strength. I need to strengthen the blessings. Maybe the other dwarves know a way to strengthen our connections.

Once he finished at the stables, he lifted his pick-axe and started up the stairs. Beatrice’s hooves clicked closely behind him. He spoke to her of his plan. She nodded along as if she understood every word. He knew she had wisdom beyond that of a goat, supernatural wisdom, he just didn’t know the depths her wisdom spread. She had come to his rescue before and his plan required her again. Their journey ended at the troll cave, an important place to Stronric. This was his first test to prove himself and in return gained his first citizens of the hold, Beatrice and her kids. Although not a dwarf, she was the one thing keeping him sane during his recovery after the battle with the troll. He owed much to her and she rarely asked for reciprocations, not that she could.

“Now Beatrice, I am going to get to work. Can ye do as I asked of you?” he asked.

She bleated a “baa” and nodded at him. Stronric patted her head and scratched her between the eyes.

“Ye pretty girl. What would I do without ye?” He said fondly as he walked into the cave.

It was night when Stronric climbed from the cave covered in sweat and grime. He trudged back down ramp and to the pond. He stripped quickly, caring little for where his clothes landed and slid into the calm pool. He barely noticed the chill of the water as it washed over his sore body. He let out a long sigh. I am done. There is nothing else to do but wait. I hope Bauru could convince the lord to take the bait of our plan. Stronric picked up a large crab and set it on his stomach as he scratched its carapace. The crab leaned into the scratches and pinched at his fingers when he stopped. Stronric chuckles and played with the small guy before he heard an angry “Baa!”. Stronric sighed and got out of the pond.

The walk back to the hearth reminded him of being a child again. Beatrice walked with her head up high, bleating at him, scorning him for neglecting his duties. I must be going insane. I feel like I can understand her. She is truly an iron queen when angry. Stronric made his dinner as his clothes dried. Throwing on his armor and checking his weapons, he looked at Beatrice.

“Are the guards in position?” She looked at him, annoyed, and bleated a short “baa”.

“Oh, don't be like that. Indomitable and I rode through the night and half a day. I needed some time to catch my breath.” He said in his defense.

Hearing Indomitable name, Beatrice stopped and looked to be pondering the name. She slowly started nodding her head in approval.

“Oh, you like the name I gave the ram?” he asked, petting her.

“Baa” was all she said as she turned from him.

Stronric was walking to the stairs when he stopped. Something was off. He walked to the hearth and knelt before it. Thoranthana, please bless our mission tonight. If all things go correctly tonight, we will have two more dwarves to join the hold.

BING!

Quest offered: Grow the hold.

Reward offered: to be determined

Do you accept? Yes or no?

Stronric’s eyes popped open, what’s this now? A quest from the hearth. No, that wasn’t right. The Cornucopia was the symbol of Thoranthana. Was she offering him a reward? That had to be it. Was this the way to gain the gods’ favor? Pray to them, and if your cause is noble, they gift blessing and rewards upon you? The warmth in his chest confirmed his assumption. He focused on the yes and the words disappeared.

Quest accepted

0/2 new members of the hold.

I have done it! Stronric jumped with joy throwing his arms above his head, this time allowing himself to look like a fool. I am starting to understand how this strange world and how it works. Improving the power of the hearth will allow me to do so much more. That will be my focus.

Stronric practically skipped as he made his way back to the stable. Inside the stables, most of the goats were huddled together. Indomitable stood guarding the ramp. Stronric walked up to him and padded his back. Beatrice stood at the top of the ramp with her head sticking out. Stronric made his way to a stable wall and slid down.

“I am going to get some sleep while we wait. Wake me when it’s time.” He said as his eyes slid shut.

“Baa!” and a nudge woke Stronric. He looked around and saw the stables were empty expect for the younger goats. Walking up the ramp, he stuck his head out. It was late evening. How long did I sleep for? Stronric looked out, the sun hung low in the sky, filling it with bright colors and outlining an oncoming party. He could make out twenty people. Sixteen walked in front wearing chain mail that covered most of their body with silver polished helms a top their heads and they carried long spears. Trailing behind the small formation, four followed in hunter garbs with bows slung behind their backs. Stronric could hear the rumblings of a voice but the party was still too far out to make out what was said. He scanned the party and gritted his teeth at who was speaking.

An elf with long flowing blond hair rode a mighty white horse behind the formation. He wore a crown of silver metal adorned with sapphires and a purple cloak splayed out over the horse covering the back half of the horses body. He sat on an all white leather saddle covered in filigree. The elf was small of frame, like most elves he was taller than most men. A thin longsword was carried on his hip in a sheath the color of a waning moon. Two dwarves followed the elf lord carrying backpacks with supplies for the lord. Bauru was carrying a long bow and his sister was carrying a quiver.

Rugiel, was shorter than her brother. With blond hair and a slightly bigger frame. Stronric couldn't make out much more than that. Stronric itched to climb out and follow them, but he knew doing so would ruin the plan. The party continued along the path, they were almost in place. The goats and ram had wasted the hunting parties day by leaving tracks that ended suddenly or cut into a cliff. Stronric needed the party to enter the Troll’s cave. His plan required them to be lured in to find the surprise he left for them. He knew the elf would never willingly go into the cave, but instead the elf would send in his guards. The sun had fallen behind the mountains and night crept across the mountain side. The party would need to seek refuge, the cave seemingly a perfect spot. Stronric being a most gracious host prepared it for them. The elf’s voice sounded again and a portion of the guards entered the cave. The rest crammed along the mouth seeking shelter from the chill of the wind.

BOOM!

Bauru's mouth dropped open as the cave collapsed on top of the hunting party. Stronric had told Bauru his plan to lure the guards. He also instructed Bauru to strictly avoid the cave and keep his sister close. He could see the realization in the younger dwarf’s eyes. As the air around the cave settled, Stronric could see the elf pacing his horse back and forth while Bauru and Rugiel looked through the rubble. A cry for help called out. Bauru quickly unearthed the only guard not crushed. The lord leapt from his horse quickly, reaching the man. In one swift movement his sword flashed out as the elf stabbed down ending the life of the remaining guard.

In the elf’s fury his voice rang out clear, “Useless! They were nothing but dead weight and useless.” He continued to seethe through gritted teeth, “I told my father to send me off with real guards. Not this rabble of human escorts”. He wiped the blood from his sword on the dead guard and turned back to his horse.

“Excuse me lord, but we need to take shelter. Night is falling upon us.” Bauru said as he stared at the ground. ( I deleted the comment idk what hte correction was)

A foot caught Bauru in the mouth and he fell to the ground.

“You dare command me, slave?” the elf screamed at him.

“No, mi lord, I simply saw a cave entrance further down the mountain.” Bauru said with his face in the snow.

The elf let out a chuckle taking in the dwarf. “You dwarf slaves may be the worst, but you can find caves.” The elf’s voice was filled with disgust as he continued. “You know my father once told me dwarves lived underground. It makes sense that worms like you would prefer the dirt and dark.” The elf mounted his horse, “well what are you waiting for? Lead me to this cave and prepare the camp.” Stronric’s glee had turned to rage at the elf lord’s words. It took most of his will to stay where he was, but he knew this elf would pay.

“Yes, my lord,” Bauru said as he hide a snow covered bloody smile.

Rugiel

Rugiel thought her brother was crazy. He returned in the middle of the night and spoke of a mysterious dwarf. A massive creature who rode a ram. How stupid was that dwarves weren’t allowed to own animals or even land. They could rent and they could lease land, but they were forbidden from directly owning lands or animals. She was scared, if this crazy plan of his didn’t work and the lord heard wind of it, they would be flayed if they were lucky. How had she allowed her brother to talk her into it?

They found the cave entrance Bauru had spoken of. It was beautiful the way the stone was carved. She had seen nothing like this before. Deeper into the cave, it opened up into a massive cavern hewed from the mountain itself. She was in awe. Is this truly possible? Had our people really been the masters of the earth? Ancient walls and guard towers stood unbroken. Like a mighty tombstone that refuses to erode and break under time. Finally, they came to a smaller courtyard, where a door blocked their path.

The lord’s voice cut through her thoughts. “No knowing what lies deeper inside this mountain, set up camp here and get a fire going. I want my dinner shortly. Now hurry up!” The lord said as he dismounted his horse. The lord spent his time unsaddling and grooming his horse. The siblings set to work making camp. Bauru added ingredients into a large pot over the fire, the aroma of soup filled the air. Bauru wasn’t as strong as Rugiel, so she mostly made camp while Bauru made dinner and poured the wines. With the camp set up and the lord's chair was placed out, they could eat. They wolfed down their one ladle of soup and the ends of a bread loaf.

The elf’s voice ended the silence of the cave. “Your people used to live here, they say, it was one of four major cities. We brought them to their knees for their arrogance. Greedy worms living beneath the ground. Always having gold and wealth beyond any race. They needed to be taught a lesson.” The elf sneered at the two dwarves who sat with wide eyes. “Look at you two in awe of what you could have been. I personally prefer you without the beards.” The prince said between bites.

“They even say there are still some strongholds of dwarves out there, defying their rightful places as dogs. They will soon be routed out. We have become to relaxed on them. After today I wonder if I could convince father to restart the hunts for them. The mountains did kill my men. I could make it seem this was all an attack on me.” Said the elf with a spiteful gleam to his eye. “Yes that just might work.”

Rugiel stared at the ground, knowing better than to speak up to the lord. She knew he would punish her severely. He was in a terrible mood. So it would be best if they were good and didn’t anger the lord.

“Ye wrong, ye disgusting slaver!” Bauru shouted as he could no longer contain his anger.

Rugiel's heart dropped. The lord would kill her brother.

The lord stood and drew his sword. A terrible malice filled his hungry eyes and a serpent smile spread across his face as he spoke. “Oh, you think because it’s just the three of us you can speak to me that way? Are you stupid enough to think, you two could kill me and be free?”

The lord kicked out, slamming Bauru in the chest, sending her brother tumbling backwards. Bauru rolled onto his back but in his hands he held a piece of firewood. The lord’s eyes opened ever so slightly as he watched the dwarf raise to his knees wielding the firewood. He launched himself at the dwarf sword singing through the air. Bauru jumped out of the way as the sword flashed down at him. The wood fell into two pieces easily as the lord kicked out again sending Bauru flying. Rugiel jumped in front of her brother as he laid on the ground and held her hands out.

“Please, my lord, forgive my brother. He’s just troubled from today. He speaks of what he knows not of.” She pleaded.

The lord grabbed her hand and tossed her aside. The lord took two steps and stood over the crumpled body of Bauru. His voice filled with mocking cruelty as he spoke. “Oh, he’s troubled, you say? If you apologize to me and say that dwarves deserve their place in life, I’ll allow this pitiful attempt of bravery go with only a whipping.”

Rugiel looked at Bauru, her eyes filled with dread begging him to do as the lord said. She did not know what that mysterious dwarf had said to him that night, but an insanity had come over her brother. Where was such a mighty dwarf?! He would not rescue them and take them in. It was all a lie, like the cold, cruel world they lived in. Hope wasn’t for slaves.

“Never! Ye bastard, by Thoranthana’s beard! Slay me but I refuse to be yer slave no more. I die a free dwarf today,” Bauru bellowed as he charged forward. The lord smiled and raised his sword.

“No!” Rugiel screamed as her brother rushed forward.

BAM!

A force exploded from the closed door. The power of the explosion blew out their small campfire. Rugiel turn and looked at opening. A monster stood in the doorway. A warm glow spilled from behind the beast into the courtyard.

“HA HA HA, good one beardling” the Monster chuckled as he stomped into the courtyard. The glow from the fire behind the monster made its massive flowing beard of chestnut red shine like fire.

The Newcomer had muscular arms that held a massive two headed axe. With each thunderous step on its tree trunk thick legs, the monster closed with the lord. Its feral teeth shining in the darkness.

“Ye trespass on my Hold, call my kin slaves, and hunt my ram!” roared the monster. Rugiel could not make out his face, but his eyes shone at the lord filled with hatred. The intensity of the monster’s stare forced her to look away, scared that wraith may land on her. The monster hunched forward and braced itself. The lord let out a scoff and brought his weapon up in a lazy stance, taunting the monster, knowing this thing was no threat to an elf.

The monster was suddenly gone. Rugiel let out a breath she hadn’t known she been holding onto when the lord screamed. The lord's eyes went wide in fear and shock as he watched his severed arm spin through the air. The lord’s sword landed point down sticking in the ground, his finger still twitching as if to bring the weapon up to parry the monster. But it was far to late for that. The beast moved again spinning his axe and his body low to the ground. The monsters struck out in a horizontal swing, cleaving the legs from the wounded lord.

Rugiel balled her dress into her hands out of fear. How had he moved so fast? She thought to herself as she watched the monster step onto the chest of the dying elf and lean down. She ran over to her brother, begging silently to get up so they could flee. Bauru held firm watching from his knees wide eyed, a look of hope on his face.

“Not so tall and mighty anymore, are ye elf? Can’t look down on us slaves, now can ye?“ The beast said through a blood covered smile. Blood dripping from his face and beard on the paling skin of the dying. “Didn’t anyone tell ye, these be dwarf lands now?” As the monster’s axe fell one final time.