Dark One Rising(109)

We have received your dire message, brought from Tarun with the men, led by Brogan. The council convened three days ago and discussed breaking our covenant of non-allegiance and giving aid to His Majesty and the province of Azlyn.

After much debate, we have decided that the situation is grave, and we as a group, even though far from the general populace, and the strife of man, cannot turn our backs on what is to come.

We the dwarves, although a very proud people, have decided that if we are to protect what is ours, namely our heritage, our families, and our future, we must this once ban together and stand with you and His Majesty, King Randor Breslin, for the good of all.

We will prepare ourselves and be at the ready when the time comes for us to fight. I have sent patrols into the lower reaches of the Danstroms in order to keep watch on the movements of Fallon’s troops and the giants in his ranks. I will be informed if anything changes.

Brogan and his men are on their way down from the city, having to wait out a terrible storm that blew through upon their arrival. They should reach the city limits within a week or two from you receiving this message.

I, as well as the other clan leaders, pledge ourselves to you and the cause of ridding this kingdom of the plague that has begun to poison it.

I shall be on my way to you as well, as soon as I situate my orders and help prepare the city for war. My troops will be ready when the call comes.

Please extend my allegiance to King Randor and his guard. The dwarves will stand with you both.

On my word, Dagon, Clan Leader of the Dolmath Tribe, Yarden.

P.S. I hope after this, my debt will be paid in full. I would like to think that my tribes and my axe are payment enough for the debt not yet paid. If not, we will need to discuss a new arrangement when I arrive. Have a warm bed and some hearty ale waiting for me.”

Dain smiled a bit at that last part, remembering back six years ago and the aid he’d given to a younger, but more reckless, Dagon. It was good to know that amidst a time of war and strife, Dagon could keep his wits and his humor in check. It might come as a welcome refreshment in a weary time.

A relief spread over him, but only for a moment. He was asking for help from all of the inhabitants in Aelethia who had, up until this point, kept to themselves and been at peace with man. Now he was asking them to fight, to put themselves in harms way to fight alongside people they had not stood with for over five hundred years. Things were grave, and, in times such as these, he knew sacrifices had to be made by all in order for the kingdom to survive. Fallon would have no mercy on anyone that stood in his way.

Where was Melenthia? Didn’t she know he was home. He wanted to see her. It amazed him that his want to be with her grew stronger with each passing day.

He realized, for the first time in a few minutes, that the squire was still in the room waiting for dismissal.

“I’m sorry, Henri, you’re free to go. Thank you for your haste in bringing this to me.”

He bowed deep. “You’re welcome, Sire. I’m here but to serve.” He started to leave, but Dain stopped him. “Henri, please find Emerick and tell him I want to see him immediately. And if you see Melenthia, please tell her I have returned.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Henri left and he was alone again. He didn’t think it wise that he let his mind wander too much; it made him melancholy and worn. He needed to keep himself busy for a time, to keep himself awake and refreshed. He was looking forward to Melenthia’s company because she was good at doing just that.

Emerick finally entered his office and bowed to his king. “I’m sorry I kept you waiting, Your Majesty. I was dealing with some household problems. Was your trip informative?”

“Not as much as I wanted, but information seems to be difficult to obtain these days. Too many damn tight lipped people. I did receive word that Brogan spoke with the dwarves, and he’s on his way back.”

“That’s good news, Sire.”

“Yes, well, I’ll feel better when he’s actually safe on level ground, away from the hazards of the mountains. I feel guilty enough just sending him in the first place.”

“You did what you needed to do, Your Majesty. If he didn’t feel indebted to you, he would’ve resisted.”

“That makes it harder, knowing he did it just to pay a debt, one that he really doesn’t have. I feel sickened to use that to my advantage when up to now I expected nothing.”

“We all do what we must. He knows that you wouldn’t even ask if not important.”

“Let’s hope I can thank him for it later.” He changed the subject. “Where’s Melenthia? I was hoping to spend some time with her before dinner.”