Chapter 180:

“An additional eighteen Master Smiths,” Anton mumbled aloud. The dark and narrow corridors of the lower levels of The Dwarven Isles channelled his soft voice to sound like he was shouting. Anton winced slightly, the Dragon-Guard Dwarves didn't appear to mind. “Aren't the other Dwarven Clans aren’t going to miss them?”

Umikgruid shook his head. “No. Well, yes. But not anytime soon.”

Anton’s eyes snapped to the falling droplets of water cascading from the stone ceiling. Apparently, as winter approached, water began to condense near the peaks of the tall mountains, forming small rivers of water by the time reached the bottom. Despite the Dwarves technical skill and generations of work some always managed to find its way down into the depths. It was easier to send teams of Dwarves to keep the lower areas from flooding. Dragon-Guard Dwarves, of course.

“You’ll be glad to be rid of this.” Anton murmured. “How is the expansion going?”

Umikgruid nodded. “Good. Very good. None of those Insects and we almost have the forges working again, though all the lights now are.”

Anton leant back into the chair, Cetina shuffled back while keeping her hand on the pommel of her sword. “Can’t wait to actually have those weapons.”

“You do know that we haven’t tried to start replicating them.” Umikgruid frowned. “It’s going to take a while before we can make anything like that. Right now we’re just upgrading the forges, they’re a lot older than we thought. There’s a lot of work to do before we even start.”

“Not like we’re running out of money anytime soon.”

“You’d definitely want pickaxes for Balefire,” Cetina said quietly. “Do you have magical pickaxes?”

“We do. But they’re expensive. Even for us.”

“Might want to skimp on-”

Someone knocked loudly on the door. Cetina readied her sword.

“Umikgruid!” Someone yelled, the voice sounded familiar. “There’s a whole bunch of Clan Leaders. Right now. They don’t look happy.”

Umikgruid clicked his tongue. “Guess they’ve started to question where everyone’s going.”

“We couldn’t keep it hidden forever.” Anton mused. “Do you think it will turn violent?”

Umikgruid shook his head. “Shouldn’t. But please don’t do anything to antagonise them. We still have to get all of our people through. “

“This…Won’t be like last time.” Anton rose from the chair. Thankfully the room was tall enough that neither he, nor Cetina, had to stoop low.

Outside, alongside the dozen or so heavily armoured Dwarf guards, stood the young Dwarf they had first met upon reaching one of the Dragon Guard quarters. He was an excitable specimen, doubly so after his leg and fingers had returned. His friends were equally perplexed and awestruck to see him moving normally. However, that excitement had all but evaporated.

Currently Anton, Umikgruid and Cetina stood in one of the largest Dragon Guard Quarters. Verona and Kal remained in Atros, given the trip to the Dwarven Isles should have only take a few minutes, to assist preparing a home for Mezot and Axia. They had returned to Graterious to prepare teaching materials for absolute beginners in addition to basic literacy and numeracy material. Almost all of Atros couldn't read, it simply wasn't a necessity in the face of the Goblin threat, and it was a basic requirement for Principle Magic.

“Where are they?” Umikgruid asked.

The young Dwarf pointed to a large open area near the entrance to the habitation block. A small wall of heavily armoured Dwarves, wearing Chelium and Bosciycium armour with Adamantium weapons, stood before a line of older Dwarves wearing extensive amounts of gold and silver adorning their fine clothes.

Anton leant down to Umikgruid. “Anyone that’s particularly bad?”

“Not really.” Umikgruid’s lips curled into a sneer. “They’re all really shitty people.”

“I wonder what they’re going to say when they see me.” Anton mused.

“Not like you have any chance to hide.”

Umikgruid and their guards led the way through the Dragon Guard civilians to the Dwarven soldiers. They righted themselves and pulled their weapons close.

“It’s a strange day when you venture down here.” Umikgruid smiled at the Dwarven leaders. “For what reason have you decided to bless us with your presence?”

“Why do you have humans with you?” A Dwarf leader asked.

“Are they forbidden from venturing this far down?” Umikgruid retorted. “I don’t recall that being a rule anywhere.”

“True…” The Dwarven leaders looked at Anton and then to Cetina. “What are you doing here, human?”

Umikgruid raised his hand before they could answer. “They are our guests. They have helped us greatly and we are repaying their favour with our utmost hospitality.”

Again the Dwarven Leaders said nothing. A different Dwarf stepped forward, a female Dwarf slightly less impressively dressed than her male counterparts.

“We are hearing that many Dragon Guard Dwarves are no longer working.” She began. “In fact, it sounds like they are no longer working anywhere.”

Umikgruid shrugged. “Does that matter? We do have the right to choose where to work. Unless you’ve taken that right from us too.”

The first Dwarf’s eyes narrowed. “Of course not. We are simply wondering. Nearly all of the smiths working for the Iron Jaws have disappeared.”

Umikgruid forced his face flat. “We’ve found better employment. And we have the right to work wherever we wish. Unless you’re planning to force us to work for scraps, the first Dwarven slaves, like the Seocurian’s treat the Beast-kin, there’s not much for you down here. We have a choice and we chose to make them.”

“Who can pay you more than us?” The female Dwarf asked. “These humans? Do you honestly expect the duplicitous humans to actually pay you?”

“I take that the United Empire worked over the Dwarves too?” Anton asked.

The Dwarves’ eyes narrowed but refused to answer, though it was as clear as day that was exactly why.

They live for several hundred years so their grandparents probably saw the United Empire during its prime. And, more importantly, their desperate attempts to cling to power during their fall. Unlike the Dark Elves, someone might remember what they’re talking about.

“So is there a problem?” Anton asked. “Regarding anything? I understand that I don't know all of the Dwarvish customs but I am trying my best to not offend.”

The Dwarven leaders shuffled nervously. They had no authority to demand anything of the Dragon Guard, even though they lived and worked in the Dwarven Isles at their behest. However it would look bad to force them to work, and a great way to instigate a clan-wide rebellion.

“No. There isn’t.”

“Do not worry, honourable Dwarves.” Anton bowed low. “We mean no harm to you or your people. Over the next few days, we will be exploring the Dwarven Isles and purchasing equipment and materials. I can guarantee you will not notice our presence, but you may notice our spending.”

It wasn’t the best ruse but it appeared to be enough, the promise of gold was always enticing. The previously annoyed Dwarven faces softened slightly.

“Very well.” The male Dwarf looked to Umikgruid. “Just make sure they behave themselves.”

“We shall.” Umikgruid gave a curt nod.

The Dwarves grumbled lightly and left. Umikgruid sent the younger Dwarf forward to ensure they were gone. He returned with a simple nod.

“I thought that might turn out bad.” Umikgruid stroked his beard. “They haven’t found the portal yet, but that’s only a matter of time.”

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“Probably should slow down the movement for now,” Anton said softly. “Expand the hold first, and then leave all at once. That way they can’t stop you.”

“I’m sure they’ll try something again.” Cetina tapped her sword. “I don’t know what they could do…Is it taboo to enslave a Dwarf? I didn’t see any in Seocuria. Haven’t asked any of the Beast-kin…”

Umikgruid nodded. “It is. Though I'm sure a rich Seocurian merchant could afford one. No one would fret over the odd missing Dragon-Guard Dwarf.”

I wonder if Rafiki has any? He tried to make a Quarter Beast-kin...

“While you do that, we'll head up and spend some money. Make it look like we're following our word.”

“We are,” Cetina added. “We are buying weapons and armour. For humans and...Beast-kin. Mostly.”

“They won't suspect a thing until it's too late.” Anton frowned lightly, eliciting an odd look from Cetina. “Marion told me the Beast-kin have traitors and informants in their midst. In these conditions, I wouldn't be surprised if someone did the same.”

Umikgruid glumly agreed. “It is a possibility. I'll make sure everything remains as vague as possible until the last moment. Now, you two, head up there and buy something. Make your faces seen.”

---[]---

Anton was becoming very used to the smell of the salty ocean spray. This time he and Cetina had some time to explore the Dwarven markets, markets designed for humanoids. The layout was far more open and spacious, even though Dwarves were wider than most humanoid species, barring a few Beast-kin. Glittering trinkets and jewellery were laid out to entice the eyes of passer-by’s. Cetina’s eyes were drawn to several necklaces, her curled finger pressed against her lips.

“Which one?” Anton asked.

“What?” Cetina chuckled. “Oh, I don’t…”

“Which one,” Anton asked again, his voice a little more stern.

Cetina murmured something and pointed to a golden chain with a small blue and purple gem pendant.

Anton retrieved a hidden purse of gold. The Dwarven Jewellers eyes lit up at the sight. It was a little expensive but Atros still had a chest of precious gems and soon a nearly endless supply of silver, a few coins wouldn’t go amiss. With the Dwarf eagerly checking the gold coins for their validity Anton motioned for Cetina to turn around.

“I can…Alright.”

Anton placed the necklace on Cetina. She gently held the pendant, smiling at the small gems as Anton fastened the clasp.

“Thank you,” Cetina said softly. “Do we…” A sly smile, almost like Verona’s crept up her face. “Do we have a little time before we go back?”

“We do.” Anton kissed the back of her neck. He had to stand up slightly but Cetina still flushed at the public display. “But the Dwarves will probably say something if we borrow one of their rooms.”

Cetina patted his hand, her fingers turned tense. She gently pulled him forward and nodded towards the far end of the dock. Wood Elf ships had taken over an entire section of the Dwarven docks, even though there was more than enough room for forty ships. Golden-haired people moved through the Dwarves, the Dwarves bowed and parted like water, while the Wood Elves walked through with total impunity.

“I wonder if they’re the same Wood Elves as those at the Red Spines.” Anton mused. “Let’s see what they’re here for. Have a bit of a wander through the market and see what else we can find.”

Anton saw many things useful for Atros; weapons and armour of a higher quality than those found in the land of humans, with a price to match, but Anton needed a ship to disguise the massive purchases. There was no way he and Cetina could use three hundred crossbows and thousands of bolts, let alone carry. Nevertheless, he made a note of the good weapons, those that looked functional rather than needlessly ornate and garish, as they reached a division before the sealed off dock section. A small restaurant, with open seating near the sea, lay nearby with a clear view of the Wood Elves.

Anton took his seat where he could overlook the Wood Elves without interruption. Cetina first stood behind him, it took a moment until she realised she was to sit opposite him.

A young Dwarven woman approached, small rough obsidian-like notepad in her hand and a thin piece of chalk in the other. “Welcome. What can I get you two today?”

“A beer for both of us. Something that humans can handle.” Anton smiled, the Dwarf woman nodded. “And…What sort of food do you have?”

“We specialise in pastries and meat.” The Dwarf woman was very proud of the establishment.

“Then two of your best.” Anton smiled. “I’ve never tried Dwarven cuisine but I know it won’t disappoint. Nothing of yours has so far.”

“A water for me please.” Cetina smiled. “I really shouldn’t be drinking alcohol.”The waitress nodded.

“I’ll have those sent to you in just a moment.”

Cetina watched the Dwarf slowly trundle away. She leant forward, raising a hand to block out her voice. “What did we actually buy?”

Anton shrugged. “Not sure. But we need something otherwise they’re going to kick us out.” Anton nodded to the nearby dock. “And those Wood Elves aren’t going to wait forever.”

Cetina gave a cute nod. “I’ll take the food then while you do your thing.”

Anton turned to the dock. A leading procession of Wood Elves were speaking with some rather rich Dwarves. Thankfully they weren’t the ones that they had just encountered, neither were they the Elves from The Red Spines, so they shouldn’t recognise him. Anton enchanted his hearing to listen in.

“You kept us waiting, honourable Dwarves.” The lead Wood Elf couldn’t speak with more condescension if she tried.

She, like the rest of the Wood Elves, clearly held themselves as superior beings. Unlike those from the mainland, these were far better dressed for combat at sea; small interlocking silver scales formed the foundation of their armour, covering their most vital and vulnerable areas, the rest covered with a thick green cloth material, too shiny and soft for cotton. Silk perhaps? Strange for armour but certainly not for comfort.

“Forgive us.” The Dwarves bowed low. “We weren’t expecting you until tomorrow.”

“And is that an excuse to delay our departure?” The Wood Elf ran a hand through her long, straight blonde hair, hidden underneath a silver helm made from the same silver scales.

“Of course not. However, there was a small rainstorm last night. I’m sure you would not desire potentially damaged goods.”

“Enough.” The Wood Elf sighed. “Just get everything loaded as quickly as possible. We are expecting dignitaries from the mainland. And I, personally, don’t want those degenerates to touch any of our equipment.”

Internal strife? That might be useful…But they certainly look tough. Atros, still, wouldn’t survive.

Anton smiled, he was sure Cetina raised a brow but he dare not look lest he vomit from disorientation.

Give us another two years and I’m certain we’ll crush you.

“We have all of the refined steel and Adamantium blades and bows you requested.” The Dwarf eyes narrowed as he took a deep breath. “Now comes…The question of payment.”

The Wood Elf threw a small pouch at the Dwarves feet. “That should be more than sufficient. I’m sure your stubby fingers can appreciate a Sidreadish fruit.”

The Dwarf, though clearly annoyed, snatched the pouch up. He hurriedly loosened the string and glanced inside. Anton saw a small blue fruit, like a blue strawberry with green seeds. The Dwarves eyes widened, as if he found a huge nugget of pure gold, and quickly stashed the pouch in his pocket.

“You’re not going to check?” The Wood Elf smiled. “How do you know that’s real without trying it? Of course, they might not want to see you rolling around the ground, spraying your liquids for miles around.”

The Dwarf grew a little hostile, the Wood Elf backed down, however slight.

“We will begin loading immediately.” The Dwarf waved to the workers waiting far behind. They effortlessly picked up the large crates and waddled towards the awaiting ships. “Is there anything else you require?”

The Wood Elf’s lips curled up. “Do you know why they are sending them to us?”

The Dwarf raised a brow.

“They consider us inferior and weak. Cut off from the main Kingdom.” The Wood Elf scoffed and folded her arms. “Push all of the crap onto us all because…”

“You fell?” The Dwarf asked softly.

The Wood Elf’s eyebrows twitched violently but she didn’t, couldn’t, deny it. “We received nothing from the homeland as the humans and Beast-kin over-ran our lands. We’re just lucky that they left us alone after they won. The same could be said for you.”

The Dwarf chuckled. “Unlike you, I’m not old enough to remember such times. Not even my grandfather could, maybe not even theirs. But we made quite a pretty coin from them.”

“As did we.”

Both laughed. Anton was conflicted, seeing them bond was nice, not so much that it was through the mutual hatred and mistrust of humans.

“We could use some Chelium ore.” The Wood Elf rubbed her chin. “Can that be arranged?”

“Of course. There is some money left over after these.”

All that for just a few pieces of fruit?

The Dwarf turned to leave. The Wood Elf sighed lightly, rubbed just behind her ears and returned to the boats. As she and her entourage left she looked towards the rest of the dock, towards Anton. Slowly her eyes scanned the people, completely uninterested by what she found. Her eyes flicked over Anton’s, he forced himself to keep looking towards the boat, and she simply moved past. Anton followed them until they returned to the ship without them speaking a single word.

“Interesting.” Anton mused, deactivating his enchantments and returning his attention to the table.

A plate of a steaming food lay in front, a large pie and three large sausages, with a large mug of beer besides. Anton glanced back but the Dwarven waitress was nowhere to be found.

“What did she say?” Anton asked.

“She was a little worried.” Cetina had already begun nibbling at the food. “But I told her you were just enjoying the scenery.”

Cetina smirked. “And the Wood Elves. She thought you were trying to perv on them. Even though they’re so skinny.”

“They are very slim.” Anton rubbed his bearded chin. “Every move is graceful and without any unnecessary movements. Without my special project, we’d definitely fall if we ever came to blows. I wonder how the United Empire managed to beat them?”

“Just keep throwing soldiers at them.” Cetina shrugged, a half-eaten sausage in her mouth. “I think that’s the only way.”

“But for them to have such numbers…”

Anton shrugged and turned to his meal.

“I wonder if Nithroel’s going to talk with us. If these dignitaries are going to meet us. One day we’ll have to consider that.”

Anton spoke in jest but the thought lodged in the back of his head. If these armoured elite warriors were reinforced by something that required so much material and time…Was Nithroel finally planning to attack them head-on? He found himself forcing down his food while Cetina slowly picked up on his growing distress.

“We'll be fine. Anton.” Cetina tapped his leg with her boot. “I know we will. But I don't think we should try and fight them at all.”

“I hope so too.” Anton smiled. “We all have to look after our home.”

His thoughts drifted back to Atros, to the two women waiting for him with his children slowly budding in their stomachs. Though they hadn't said anything yet he was starting to notice some changes in their bodies, slight but unmistakable. That thought alone brought a smile to his face, one that Cetina silently question, but Anton didn't answer as they ate their meal in silence.