The guard led them to the front of the room, where another dwarf sat. He was slightly taller than most, with dark brownish red hair and matching beard. His hair was loose down his back, and his clothes were fancier. He had on black pants, but his shirt was under a lavish red velvet vest with emeralds lining the v-neck. The buttons were black onyx, and his shiny boots gleamed in the bright light of the cavernous room. He was smiling at them as they neared, and he quickly dismissed the guard. He sat upon a chair with furs covering it, and his hands were resting on the arms of it.
Brogan bowed to him, then prostrated himself on one knee, Bort following. They remained on their knees, a sign of respect for the clan’s highest honored leader, until he told them to rise.
They stood and waited for Dagon to speak. The silence in the large room seemed more ominous. “Welcome to Yarden, gentlemen, home of the Daiki tribes. It seems the king has a long and vivid memory. I would’ve hated for him to have to leave the warm halls of the Keep to travel a road such it is to reach us just to settle a debt.”
Brogan smiled. “I’m glad you felt that way. I wasn’t looking forward to returning to him with nothing to say, except that an overprotective guard scared us away. Make me look bad, make him slightly put out.”
Dagon laughed deep. “Whom has His Majesty trusted with this important travel?”
“I’m Brogan Knoll; this is my well appointed guide, Bort Waldron.”
“I’m happy to meet you both. You must excuse Borga; he’s not much in the way of wit, but he’s a strong warrior and keeps our gates protected better than anyone before him.”
“Why the extra precautions, Dagon? Not many have traveled this high into the Danstrom’s passes. What is it you’re anxious about?”
“We used to have safer borders, but lately… there are strange things about. The higher passes are still lightly traveled, but the Zairn Pass itself has been a hive of activity of late. The miners in the lower passages have been witnessing disturbing things. Dark things seem to be making their way freely between realms, and they use the Pass for quicker movement.”
“What kind of things?”
“I have no name for them. I was hoping you could tell me.”
“That is partly why we have come, Dagon. There is news all the way from Ashlan to the northern cities near the border, of troops coming through and recruiting men into their ranks. Fallon has grown more powerful in the last few years, and the king feels he is preparing a strike. He has already manipulated King Randor into relinquishing control of his accounts to him and his financial advisors. He’s been using the money to fund an army of mercenaries to destroy any that oppose him. He has also paid the giants, and they’ve joined him as well. They’re moving this way.”
Dagon rubbed his chin. “I did hear a couple of accounts of groups of giants moving through the pass. I can’t believe Fallon would try to infiltrate the province right under Randor’s nose.”
“Prince Kevaan is aware of the hold Fallon has on his father. Fallon has a creature called a wraith, and he controls Randor’s decisions. Kevaan cannot stop the influence he has, but he has been able to stave off the creature from controlling him. King Dainard has asked us to come to you for help. If Fallon plans what he suspects, then no one will be safe from his control. He wants a throne for himself. Aaralyn is first. Azlyn will be next. The provinces will need the help of all the troops they can enlist in order to fight against Fallon and hope to vanquish him.”
“We’re away from most of the stories and gossip, but occasionally we have to travel down the mountain for supplies not available up here. I’ve heard stories about this, but I wasn’t eager to believe it.”
“Believe it. Fallon’s power is growing and spreading like a plague. If we don’t band together, then he’ll be able to thwart us, and all the kingdom will fall. If he takes over Aaralyn and Azlyn, you won’t be safe from his power even up here. We must stand together.”
“I understand. This isn’t the time to discuss this in detail. It’s late; a storm is on the way, and it will be big. The mountain gates must be closed until it’s done. Up here it can subside in a few hours or make noise for days. I’m afraid you’re stuck here until it blows over.”
“I felt the tickle of it when we reached your border.”
“The pass is dangerous enough when the weather is peaceful, but a storm up here is nothing to take lightly. You’ll be safer in here than out there trying to make your way down the mountain.”
“I agree. I would never dream of trying to move around up here in a storm.”