Anton returned to Atros through the Thessos portal. Cetina stood to the side, clutching the few possessions she had decided to take with her.

“I...Thank you.” Cetina held the small bag close to her chest. “I didn’t think I’d see these again. They’re not much but they mean a lot to me.”

Anton didn’t reply. Instead, he gave her forehead a quick kiss. Cetina smiled as Verona and Kal stepped through.

“Thank you two for coming as well. It might have been a little difficult for me to go alone.”

“It’s fine.” Verona gave her a wink. “It was a pretty interesting trip too. But I think that we’re almost done with our adventures.” She rubbed her swelling stomach. “Maybe another small, little journey, but I think we’re done. At least until our babies are born.”

“Your home was beautiful.” Kal smiled as she removed her mask. “In a cold, but still lovely way.”

“Thanks.” Cetina sighed and bounced her small bag of possessions. “I want to put this in my room and...I don’t know. Maybe just not do too much today. I don’t think I’m up to much.”

The door to the portal room opened. Rasha entered, wearing her metal armour and wielding her halberd, along with a wide smile. Compared to Cetina her armour was decidedly poor, crude even. However, they had a way to rectify that, the Dwarves would certainly love to create something so unique after being constrained in the very bowels of their isles.

“Take the day off,” Anton said. “All of you. I think today...No. I won’t say it.” Anton smiled. “I know that if I say it it’ll all fall apart.”

The three smiled and gave Anton a quick hug.

“We’ll just be at home if you need us,” Verona said. “Or we’ll be with Marion. You know, since she’s had Kal and neither of us has had a child yet.”

“I’ll definitely see you for lunch.” Anton kissed her lips. “I know that you’ll find me for that, if nothing else.”

Verona stuck out her tongue but did not deny his words. All three gave a final wave and walked out of the Portal Room. Cetina put on a smile but there was something about her gait that was a little off. He honestly doubted she would take up the bottle again, their journey to Thessos had been a measure of closure, not trauma.

"So..." Rasha lightly ground her hoof on the slick stones. "Is there somewhere you want to go? In Atros, that is..."

Rasha opened her mouth but slowly closed it without a further word. It was clear what she meant.

"Since we have a bit of downtime, as little as that word means currently, I think it would be a good idea to get your armour improved."

"Me?" Rasha flexed her free arm back and forth. "My armour's fine. Isn't it?"

"It's passable." Anton smiled. "But if you're to be my bodyguard then you're going to need something a little better than that."

"Jonathan is still very busy." Rasha placed the butt of her halberd between her legs and rested her weight upon it. "Even with the Dwarves there's still a lot to do. I think they're putting most of their...Jonathan called it output or something, into securing their hold and not towards Atros." Rasha waved to the surrounding buildings. "Above ground Atros, if you know what I'm trying to say."

"That's fine. Right now we need more construction than just forging, we can still buy weapons and armour for now. I also want to see how they're coming along with my project."

"I haven't heard anything." Rasha stood upright and rested the halberd on her shoulder. "I suppose that's what you wanted?"

"Indeed." Anton clapped his hands. "Since the captain of my bodyguard is feeling unwell, will you escort me to the Dwarven Hold?"

His words did not elicit the reaction he expected. For just a moment Rasha looked dejected and slightly frustrated. It disappeared the next, replaced with a happy smile.

"Let's go then." Rasha opened the portal building's door. "If it's possible can I have my armour look a little bit like Cetina's? That way everyone will know that we're doing the same thing."

"Sure. We'll just need to remind them that you've got a horn to go through your helmet...Does that make it any more difficult to put on?"

Again Rasha fell silent. Anton turned back but only enough to see out of his peripherals. Dejection and frustration covered her face.

"Is everything alright?"

Rasha's face brightened. "Why do you ask?"

"No particular reason." Anton stopped before the portal. "But you will tell me if something's bothering you. Right?"

"Of course." Rasha stood beside him. "I know what happened last time I didn't. Very unpleasant. I'll tell you if something's bothering me."

"Alright. I won't pester you again." Anton's foot hovered over the shimmering white disk. "But do remember that nothing's too small."

Rasha gave a serious nod and prepared to follow him through the portal. She was an adult, after all, and didn't need his coddling or meddling in her affairs. Anton hoped it was just a funny mood and not something more serious.

---[]---

A wave of hot air blasted and buffeted Anton’s face as he arrived in the Dwarven Hold. The portal had been established in the experimental forge, where it would be under heavy guard from prying eyes. Anton hoped the Dragon Guard Dwarves, those not involved with his projects, would not try snooping but the Dwarves were not a hive mind. Someone could very well try and sell the secrets for ludicrous amounts of gold.

Rasha emerged and almost stepped on him. She made a worried noise, pulled and face and stepped from side to side, her hooves clacking on the hard stone. Anton smiled and stepped froward, Rasha shook her head and followed.

“I can’t believe I almost knocked over my charge.” Rasha softly laughed. “So where are the Dwarves that you need?”

Anton didn’t immediately reply. His eyes were drawn to another small cavern, recently dug out judging by the fresh stone. In there Anton watched Dwarves painstakingly work on the smaller components of the rifle. They wore special goggles, lenses of differing focuses hanging by the side on metal arms, and frowned at their work. Though the Dwarves were undoubtedly masters at their work it would take time to properly realise such a device.

A Master Smith approached, alerted by the guards on duty. Anton was a little glad they were not foolish enough to try and harass him. Technically this was still his territory.

“Hello, Lord Anton.”

The Master Smith bowed his head. Like the other Dwarves in the forges, he wore a type of leather apron around his beard. No Dwarf would want their beards to be burnt and frayed by the immense heat from the forges.

“Work is still progressing on the project you assigned us.” He gestured to the new cavern. “We’ve had to expand our operations, to ensure that everything can be done effectively.”

“Were you the one that tried to open the box before I arrived?” Anton softly asked. “The one that Umikgruid specifically told you not to open?”

The Dwarf’s face reddened slightly. “It...It was. But I have learned my lesson.”

He turned away and looked towards a large table with many components of the rifle, the larger pieces and easier to replicate.

“These are pretty simple…” The Master Smith tapped the table. “It’ll still be some time before this is complete. I’m sorry that I don’t have any more or better news for you.”

“I was actually thinking about something a little easier.” Anton held one of the copies of the rifle’s stock. “A custom piece of armour. For the best Minotaur soldier in Atros and my personal bodyguard.”

Anton tapped Rasha’s arm. “It’s alright, for what it is, but I want something better for her. One day we’ll be able to bring Beast-kin beyond Atros’s borders, so she needs something better.”

The Master Smith slowly nodded and motioned for Rasha to kneel. Rasha was almost four meters tall while the Dwarves barely reached Anton’s chest. She chuckled and dropped to one knee, despite this she was still quite high for the Dwarf.

“I see....I see.” The Dwarf nodded and began to pry at Rasha’s armour joints. “This is quite...Yes. I see what you are saying.”

Other Dwarves, not Master Smiths but clearly of some skill, noticed his fascination and slowly gathered, like curious children around a flame. Anton gave them a nod and they crowded near, beginning to mutter and point at Rasha’s armour.

“This is really strange.” Rasha held back her smile as she watched the Dwarves inspect her armour. “I don’t know what I should be feeling…”

“Just relax and let it wash over you.” Anton smiled. “It’s how I felt when the Dwarves were rubbing their paws...Might be the wrong word, but it felt just like you are right now.”

Rasha smiled and shook her head. Eventually the Master Smith waved the others back. They did not respond and moved to another table. Without speaking a word they began drawing diagrams and bringing measuring strings towards Rasha.

“Excuse me.” One of the Dwarves tapped on Rasha’s forearm. “Could you please remove this piece? We wish to get proper measurements, and we can’t do that with your armour on.”

“You guys are really taking this thing seriously.” Rasha smiled as she began to unfasten the armour. The fasteners and locks had been designed for her larger fingers and did not impede her in any way.

“Of course.” The Dwarf smiled. “We do not get many chances to design things...Anything, really. Everything needs to go through the leading Dwarven Clans, and that isn’t us.”

“I understand the need for conformity and standardisation.” Anton chose a nearby empty table to lean against. “It’s one of the things that I’m trying to impose upon you, especially with those rifles, I don’t want you to redesign everything each time you design a new gun...But isn’t what happens in the Dwarven Isles slow?”

The Master Smith left the others and frowned at Anton. “Slow? That’s an understatement. Not to mention that if they don’t like your clan, definitely like us, they’ll ignore you and worse. A lot worse. And if you’re really hated, or do something stupid or fail to live up to expectations, they’ll ban your ideas and never let it be discussed again.”

Anton scoffed. “That has got to be the most stupid thing I’ve ever heard. Ignoring something that could push your people and civilisation into a new age is forever barred because some bearded prick has had a cat-fight with another twat?”

The Dwarven Smith’s looked rather surprised at his words. Eventually they began to smile as they continued on with their work.

“We’ve never been able to say something like that before.” The Master Smith smiled. “We’ve always been too afraid to say something like that outside of our homes.” He motioned to the small but hot forges. “Our work is never in our part of the Dwarven Isles.”

“Never be afraid to criticise your leaders. If you don’t then someone like me could let it all go to their heads.” Anton ruffled his own hair. “Not that I need it to get any bigger.”

The Dwarves remained silent but Rasha laughed. She clamped her mouth shut as she tried to stifle her laughter.

“It’s not that funny Rasha.” Anton pouted lightly. “My head is normal, for a human.”

“Sure, Anton. Sure.”

The Dwarven smiths continued asking Rasha to remove her armour and taking measurements. Beneath her metal plates she wore a shirt and pants of Arachnid Silk, so she wasn’t about to become naked, not that Anton thought that Rasha was foolish enough to do something like that.

The Master Smith slowly approached Anton. Though he didn’t say anything he knew something was on his mind.

“What’s the matter?” Anton fully sat on the table.

“This talk of designs...There is a place in The Dwarven Isles where certain of our creations, those that have not been ordained by the leading clans, are on display.”

“Oh?” Anton hopped off the table. “Umikgruid didn’t mention this.”

The Master Smith smiled. “I believe he wouldn’t think old and bizarre Dwarven contraptions would be of much interest to you. However, given what was just said, and the weapon you are having us look at, I think you should have a look.” He nodded to Rasha. “We’ll still be a while with fashioning her armour.”

“I would like to go.” Anton nodded. “But I can’t just go to The Dwarven Isles without a guide or an escort. The clan leaders were rather annoyed your smiths were leaving.”

“Indeed. I-”

“I’ll stay here,” Rasha said, more of a grumble. “A Beast-kin can’t go there without causing a massive scene.”

“True…” Anton sighed softly. “I’ll ask around and see what everyone has to say. See if Cetina’s feeling a bit better, if leaving Atros for a little while might do her some good.”

Rasha slowly nodded and allowed the Dwarves to continue with their work.

---[]---

The damp and slightly musty air of the Dragon Guard quarters in The Dwarven Isles was not something Anton found pleasant, in any sense. Neither did Cetina, Calo or Sheso. The Dark Elves scrunched up their noses while their ears pulled back.

"This...This is no place for someone to live." Calo coughed, somewhat dramatically.

Sheso glumly nodded. "Worse than our fortress on the worst days."

"Exactly why we're getting them out." Anton offered his hand to Cetina, which she took. "It's not the same type of slavery as the Beastkin but it is a type, more insidious as you can't see the chains around your neck."

The four Dwarves guarding the portal continued to watch in silence.

"Though I think they certainly can feel them coming free."

Anton recognized one of the Dwarves. While he didn't know his name he was the first Dwarf he had healed on The Dwarven Isles and his mother had helped Rasha with her problem.

Just about everything I said only made it worse. The only time I've seen that is when I've been miserable and didn't want to be cheered up...There must be something I can do...

"Hello." The Dwarf trotted towards them. Though young he still had an impressive beard, the number of metal bands were far fewer however. "Thank you for coming. I didn't know if you actually would."

"The Master Smith said we should," Anton said. "Said that it might be of interest to us, these...weapons."

"Yes. We have created many weapons and things over the generations. I was told that they might be of interest to you, since you have them working on something similar."

"Not...Not too loud about that." Anton spoke softly. "But I certainly am interested. What was your name? I don't believe I got it the first time we met."

"Jondomi." The Dwarf smiled. "I will show you the way."

Cetina made a noise, tapping the side of her leg.

Last time we followed someone it didn't end too well for us, did it?

"We have Calo and Sheso with us this time," Anton said, Cetina appeared to be having the same thought as him. "So we'll be fine. Besides, I don't think Jondomi is the kind of Dwarf that would sell out his clan for some gold."

"Why would I do that?" Jondomi appeared to not understand what Anton was implying, the other Dwarves did. "It's horrible down here. And I've seen where we're going, so much better than this place."

The Dwarven guards opened the door and ushered them into the habitation blocks. It was not the same block they had left the portal in, or perhaps it was. They nearly looked identical but there was one way to be sure.

"Have you moved the portal?" Anton asked.

Jondomi nodded. "We had to. A few days after you left the other Clans started looking around here, getting a little too aggressive at wanting to see everything. We chased them off but we've moved it just in case. We're a few levels below where we first met. There's only one more layer down and then it's old mining tunnels a day storage for junk."

"Good idea to move it." Anton returned a wave from a group of Dwarven children. "So long as no one saw you do it."

"I don't think so." Jondomi smiled. "The Hall's of Defiance are near the surface, so humans won't be noticed. We just need to get up there without drawing too much attention."

"A bit hard for us." Anton looked down at Jondomi. "Crouching along your tunnels isn't going to work."

"There are many small access tunnels." Jondomi began walking away, not checking if they were following or not. "No one goes through those, and they lead right to the top. It's how a lot of us have snuck around when we were younger. They're this way."

---[]---

Anton groaned as he stretched out his back, moving back and forth to try and loosen his muscles. Jondomi had not truly explained just how narrow and cramped the tunnels would be. Nevertheless, they emerged at the same level as the dock.

"Next time we'll just put the portal up here." Cetina, both taller and wearing heavier armour than Anton, suffered most in the cramped tunnels. As ever she did not complain, at least until they were free. "My back is killing me."

Anton managed to worm a hand underneath a loosened plate on her back and massaged the area. Judging by her wry look she expected to be healed.

This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

"When we get back home." Anton began. "I don't want to raise too much suspicion, more than we already have."

"Something's going on out there," Sheso whispered back.

Cetina gave Anton a nod and quickly refastened her armour. Currently they stood behind one of the market areas, a place filled with discarded junk and other debris. No rotting food but Anton did catch several rats scampering through the piles. The twins stood at the end of the small alleyway, their ears hidden by a band of cloth wrapped around their heads, and peered out into the market itself. As Anton approached they were whispering to one another, about what Anton could not hear.

The moment Anton leant around them he understood what they meant. "Something's got everyone riled up."

The market was nearly identical to the one that he and Cetina had wandered through. This time, however, the people were different. Human merchants, from Qaiviel, Bebbezzar, Frindal and even Xiam, mingled through the Dwarven stalls with a hesitant gait. They kept their hands close to themselves, just like the Dwarven stall owners. Before they were rather aggressive at trying to attract customers, some to an off-putting level, but were not withdrawn or seemingly hostile. Eyes behind bushy brows and beards flicked between passer-bys, judging them all for some unknown reason.

Calo and Sheso pointed to two of the Qaiviel and Graterious merchants. They too looked apprehensive, perhaps more from the lack of interest from the Dwarven stall owners, and pulled together. They whispered and nodded to the Dwarves walking past, receiving and giving some ire, whilst shaking their heads.

Sheso, without looking back, reached up with her hand and tapped Anton's chest. "They're saying something about Elves...Can't be us."

"I don't think our Uncles would do something like that," Calo added with a nod. "There's...No need for that now."

"A few raiding ships wouldn't put them in this state," Anton said. "But you aren't the only elves in this world."

"Those Wood Elves." Cetina looked around Anton's shoulder. "In the silver armour. They were saying there would be some coming from their homeland."

"That in itself..." Anton turned to Jondomi, closing the door to the access tunnels. "Jondomi? What have you heard about this?"

Jondomi hurriedly finished his work and trotted to their side. He frowned as he looked at the market. "I have no idea. It takes word a long time to reach us down below. But you are right, they are acting strangely. Normally they wouldn't...Normally they would be all over the human merchants."

"Could a Wood Elven procession do this?"

"I...I don't know." Jondomi gently shook his head. "I've never seen one before." He looked into the market again. "But we could just ask. It might be easier."

"It is." Anton stepped around the twins. "But I'd like to have a rough idea what's happening, so I don't look like a complete imbecile."

No one paid them much attention as they moved from behind the junk and scrap. Only when they joined the main thoroughfare did they notice, and certainly not for the better. The hostility felt like it came from everyone and was equally directed at everyone. Calo and Sheso looked Seocurians with their long ears hidden and attracted no extra ire.

Jondomi pointed to a small market stall selling simple tools. "I know them. I'll ask and find out what's happening. Shouldn't be long."

Jondomi gave a quick bow and left. Anton felt slightly adrift, amidst the swirling crowds of people. Thankfully there were many humans so he didn’t stand out too much. Anton only spied one Seocurian so the twins were drawing the most attention.

“While he’s doing that let’s have a chat with some of the traders.” Anton offered. “Better than just standing here like a stunned mullet.”

“A what?” Cetina softly chuckled as they followed him.

The Graterian merchant noticed them approaching first. He subtly raised his hand to stop his Qaiviel counterpart and nodded in their direction.

“Sorry for the interruption.” Anton smiled, putting on his best attempt to act like he was a little bit lost. “But what’s got the Dwarves in such a foul mood?”

“You honestly don’t know?” The Graterian raised a brow.

“Well…” Anton smiled at Cetina. “We’ve only just arrived, really.”

The Qaiviel merchant shook his head. “Honestly. Why are all of your kinsmen so stupid?”

Right, people think that I’m a Graterian when they first see me. Let’s just go with it.

The Graterian merchant rolled his eyes. “Ignore him. You and I both know that Qaiviel merchants are little more than pig sellers.”

The two eyed each other angrily but nothing came of it. Slowly a smile started to form, Anton had no idea if they knew each other but hostility was not good for business.

“The Wood Elves came through.” The Graterian merchant began. “A huge fleet of them. Easily two hundred of their largest ships…” He looked at his counterpart. “They put ours to shame.”

The Qaiviel merchant shook his head. “Gaudy things. Worse than those things that you Seocurians have.”

He looked at the twins. They said nothing and looked to him for a response.

“Perhaps. But a fleet arriving here surely isn’t enough to make them become like this?” Anton held a hand to his chest. “This is the first time I’ve heard of such a momentous occasion.”

“It’s because those damned Wood Elves demanded tribute.” The Qaiviel merchant scoffed. “Basically they just took everything they wanted...I’ve never seen such an arrogant people.”

“Even you?” Cetina asked. “You’re just traders and merchants.”

“Just like them.” The Qaiviel merchant nodded to the Dwarven stalls. “But, yes. Even we were targeted.”

“Tribute.” The other merchant scoffed. “Just thieves...And it’s not like we could do much about it. They had those damned bows of theirs. Not to mention hundreds of those stupid Faries floating about.”

The Qaiviel merchant shuddered. “I hate seeing those little things. Makes me so nervous...I don’t want to have my head explode just because some little floating shit thought it would fun to see what’s happening inside my head.”

So Fairies are real and they’re with Nithroel. Not that surprising...Love little toadstools and all that. But to think they’re aggressive...Maybe not aggressive but just child-like and curious, without understanding what they’re really doing. A dangerous combination.

“Did they take anything in particular?” Sheso asked. “Or were they really like pirates?”

A nearby Dwarf stall owner scoffed. She kept her head down and did not contribute further.

“Everything they wanted.” The Graterious merchant shrugged. “Weapons, armour, food. Didn’t seem to matter. They took some jewellery but not others...I don’t know what they were after.”

“It could be a ruse.” Calo offered. “If they wanted one thing it would be smarter to take a lot of other stuff, so no one really knows what they wanted to begin with.”

The two shared an impressed look.

“That’s...An interesting idea.” The Qaiviel merchant smiled. “How did you come up with that?”

Calo shrugged. “Just a thought.”

“I see...If you are ever free of your contract with this man, consider-”

“No.” Calo and Sheso replied in unison.

“I see…”

“Smooth.” The Graterious merchant could barely hold back his smile. “Really smooth.”

“Shut up.”

Anton noticed Jondomi approaching from behind, he did not look particularly happy with whatever was said to him.

“Excuse me.” Anton nodded towards Jondomi. “But our guide has returned. I wish you both the best in recouping your losses.”

The two gave a curt nod back and returned to their previous conversation. Anton was not surprised when Jondomi gave the same story as the merchants. The Wood Elves had taken vast quantities of goods and materials, seemingly at random, without any interference from the guards or the ruling clans. However there was something else. When their ships were full an envoy was sent to meet with the clan leaders. After a few hours they returned and the Wood Elven fleet departed without further interruption or hindrance, heading towards the north east, towards the Wood Elven colony at the southern end of the Shattered Kingdom.

“Do you think they’re going to invade us?” Cetina asked softly. Jondomi had already started leading them towards the Hall’s of defiance.

“Not with gold,” Anton replied. “No. I don’t think so. Not yet, at any rate. They’d have to go through Surdon and everything else to the south. I’m sure those cultists wouldn’t like the Wood Elves marching an army through their lands. Not to mention they won’t be a threat when we get our project working.”

“I can’t wait to see it.” Calo nudged her sister. “The way they’re talking about it makes it sound like it could kill a dragon.”

Anton merely smiled. If properly used they probably could, especially the larger of his ideas, but for now he wanted to see what the Dwarves had managed to complete on their own.

Jondomi led them through the rest of the market. The markets did not change in attitude, much to Anton's concern. It was extremely odd for a kingdom so powerful to simply steal from another.

Or maybe it's not. They can get away with it, so why wouldn't they?

Jondomi led them out of the market and into the mountains again. The ceiling was still high enough to comfortably accommodate a human but someone like Rasha would have to crouch low.

"Are there no great halls in the Dwarven Isles?" Anton asked. "Nowhere with soaring pillars of finely cut stone."

"Not anymore." Jondomi smiled bitterly. "Those exist down below, under stagnant water or have been destroyed to make space for homes."

"No wonder they're trying to push you out." Anton mused. "But would anyone willingly take your current homes?"

Jondomi did not reply and continued to lead them in deeper. The numbers of humans grew increasingly sparse, Anton only saw two and those were from Frindal, so they began to attract attention. Even more so considering the Frindal's had Dwarven escorts while they...did not.

Jondomi's demeanour changed as the tunnels began to change and widen. He pointed to a large iron wrought gate at the end of a branch, guarded by old Dwarves as a steady stream of Dwarves came and left.

"Why are they mostly children?" Cetina asked. "This Halls of Defiance...Are they that important to show a child?"

"Of course. Even we are shown it when we are young." Jondomi smiled. "To instil upon us the strength and ingenuity of the Dwarves, and to remind ourselves of our hubris. At least that's what my father told me when I was younger. But anyone can come through here...You might have to pay a toll. Shouldn't be too bad. Hopefully..."

Jondomi's words rang true. While they were stopped and briefly searched by the guards, and convinced to pay a few silver coins as a donation, they were allowed in. Great lights illuminated the massive halls, from above and the many columns supporting the roof. Even the floor changed in quality, now a perfectly smooth and shiny light grey stone. Anton made sure his boots did not leave marks. Someone had to make sure the floor was sparkling clean.

Calo tapped his arm and subtly pointed to the side. A small group of young dwarves, carrying buckets and rags, were being ruthlessly chastised by an older couple. The Dwarf boys kept their heads down, staring at the feet and remaining utterly silent while the verbal abuse continued unabated. Everyone nearby simply ignored the scene, even other Dwarven children, and carried on like they weren't even there.

"Dragon Guard children," Anton muttered. "Since they pay your clan so little..."

"Not for much longer." Jondomi smiled. "Not for much longer. But they know how to handle themselves, they're not really listening right now anyway. Come on, there's nothing we can do for them anyway."

Reluctantly Anton turned his head away and followed Jondomi.

The Hall's of Defiance was laid out almost identically to a museum from Earth. Giant statues of Dwarves in heroic poses lined the central area, beneath each lay a large bronze plaque detailing their accomplishment or great deed. None mattered to Anton but he still took the time to hear Jondomi speak of each Hero as they neared the first branch. Jondomi added many smaller details and curiosities about their lives, whether or not they were true was another matter entirely.

"Since you were so interested in weapons and devices." Jondomi proudly pointed to a sign above the door. "I think we should start here."

"Armouries of the First Dwarven Lords." Calo read the sign aloud. "Wouldn't this be...Old stuff? I think Anton wants bigger and better things than an old axe."

"We'll start here." Anton held Calo's head. "Then we'll work our way up. That way it looks like we're actually tourists and not...I don't know what you would call our mission. Reconnaissance?"

Jondomi led them into the large room. Calo's thoughts were on point. Only old weapons and armour were on display, basic by current standards but godly to ages past. Surprisingly the Dwarves moved from bronze straight to steel, without using iron for their weapons and armour.

Must have been lucky with their ore deposits. Something with a lot of Carbon, so it would become steel. Or maybe they were starting to forge iron and someone made a mistake, creating steel? I know a depressing number of Earth's inventions were accidents or mistakes.

Jondomi guided them through. Just like with the statues he gave extra details for the rarer ancient weapons and armour. Most were mundane but several had some impressive stories around them.

While Jondomi spoke of the last piece in the room Anton could not shake the feeling they were being watched. Three Dwarves, dressed like the civilians and traders outside, had slowly followed them, keeping a decent distance but never letting them out of their sight.

Still paranoid about the disappearing Dwarves? Or maybe a group of humans warrants this much attention.

Anton quietly told them they were being followed. The twins were not surprised, Cetina and Jondomi were. However they decided to act like they didn't know and carry on with their tour.

After another three rooms, detailing the Dwarves' early mountain settlements, the first interactions with humans and their first sailors and explorers, they cut across to a very popular room.

"Weapons of Hubris," Cetina said. "Is this the place you want?"

"This contains all the experimental weapons and creations made by Dwarves over the generations." Jondomi gently pushed a Dwarf to one side, there was simply no other way to get through. "I'm sure this is what you want."

As Anton was much taller than a Dwarf he could see over the thick crowds. He glanced back, the three were still following but at a much greater difference. Anton looked over their heads, and never into their eyes, but the three did not notice. They were muttering something to one another but Anton would not risk the hearing enchantment, less the background noise overwhelmed his mind.

"This looks good," Calo said softly. "Is this what you were after?"

Anton looked down, followed her head and stopped dead. It took his mind a few moments to process what he was seeing. Simply put, it was a tank. An armoured, wheeled vehicle.

"W-What..."

Cetina grabbed his arm and pulled him to one side, the others quickly followed.

"What's wrong?" Cetina asked, rubbing his shoulder with her hand.

"I...I just lost myself there."

"Not one of those things?"

Anton smiled. "No. Thankfully no. I just wasn't prepared to see something like that."

After taking a quick breath Anton felt an overwhelming sense of relief. The Tank, or whatever the construct was actually called, did not look to be of Earth origin, at least he couldn't remember a Tank constructed from Bosicyium. It's sloped armour was held together by massive rivets, the wheels looked like drums and made from metal instead of rubber, the turret was actually a massive metal ballista with a loading system for the bolts carried along the back. Four hatches adorned the top, mannequins of Dwarves were installed demonstrating how they used repeating crossbows and a type of hand grenade to fend off attackers at close range.

"Just...Just wasn't expecting that." Anton coughed and flexed his hands. "I thought what we found in The Shadow Isles would have been it."

"Looks very heavy." Sheso idly spoke. "If that's all metal, how does it move?"

"A very interesting question." Anton softly replied.

Of course Earth would not be the only ones to think of an armoured vehicle. And for the Dwarves to do it...But. Do they still use this overseas on land?

“Jondomi. What do you know about this thing?”

“Ahh.” Jondomi smiled and moved towards the Dwarven Tank. “A Dwarven Land Cruiser.”

Right. They wouldn’t have the same naming sense...But if it is a little bit like a ship. At least that’s what the first ones were…

Jondomi loudly cleared his throat. “Built five hundred and eighty-seven winters ago, it represents one of the most impressive and greatest failures of the Dwarves. It-”

“Four hundred and eight seven winters.” A voice said loudly. “You’re telling the story wrong.”

The voice belonged to a female Dwarf, a rather pretty one, all things considered, standing to one side. In one hand she held a mop, the other a large bucket of dirtied water and an old rag.

“Hello, Thomani,” Jondomi spoke through gritted teeth. “I was trying to tell Lord Anton about the Land Cruiser.”

“Oh. So you’re that Lord Anton.” Thomani smiled and bowed. “Welcome to the Hall’s of Defiance. I hope that Jondomi has been performing an adequate job of acting as a tour guide.”

“And who are you to him?” Calo asked. She frowned and tilted her head. “Are...You from the same clan?”

“We are.” Thomani smiled and ran a hand through her hair. “Jondomi and I are together. We-”

“No we are not.” Jondomi grumbled softly. “You just think we are.”

Thomani continued to smile, no hint that she heard what he had said.

“I’m sorry to say this,” Anton nodded towards the Dwaven Land Cruiser. “But it’s important that I know as much as I can about this.”

“Of course.” Thomani bowed again. “I have work anyway, the managers will get angry with me...More than they normally are. By Jondomi. I’ll see you later.”

She waved warmly and scurried away, the bucket slopping droplets over the side. Jondomi held a contorted face as he watched her go.

“What’s...What’s happening there?” Cetina whispered into Anton’s ear. “I know we aren’t exactly traditional, but it’s not…”

“I honestly don’t know.” Anton faintly smiled. “But it’s not that...Nor does it matter really.”

Jondomi cleared his throat again. “Sorry. Thomani always gets me...Anyway. The Dwarven Land Cruiser. Built four hundred and eighty-seven winters ago. It is a weapon of war designed to be used at the front of our armies. On the larger and more open continents, not inside the Dwarven Isles.”

“It’s simply too big for those narrow tunnels,” Anton said, somewhat regretting his obvious remark. “But how does it move?”

Jondomi pointed to a diagram to the side.

“So each…” Anton frowned. “Each wheel is powered by a set of power cubes that cause the wheels to spin? Individually? Not just one and the rest follow?”

“No.” Jondomi seemed quite bemused. “No. It wouldn’t have the strength to move it otherwise.”

Anton moved closer and studied the diagram more. It was horrifically complicated but Anton understood the basics of it. Every wheel acted independently, each had its own power supply in the form of a large cluster of energy cubes which spun the wheel through a series of metal rings connected to the inside of the wheel. Steering and acceleration was governed by a series of levers. With each pull, the cluster of energy cubes would decouple from the rings and the wheel would stop.

“An interesting system…” Anton said softly. “But these levers, gears and couplings. What happens if one of them breaks?”

“That’s what went wrong.” Jondomi smiled bitterly. He led them to the next exhibit, a Dwarven Land Cruiser split almost in half. One side had bent and torn up, like the wheels were still trying to move while the others had come to a complete stop.

“I thought it would have just spun in circles.”

“Not if it hits a boulder.” Jondomi shook his head. “The crash damaged the energy cubes on the left side, releasing all of their energy in a matter of moments. It caused the wheels to spin so fast they ripped themselves free and took most of the surrounding metal with it.”

“If it can move that…” Cetina frowned at Anton. “It might just be easier to release those wheels into the enemy.”

“String a piece of metal between them.” Anton slowly nodded. “I could certainly seeing that working on the plains against the Goblins...Or even human enemies.”

“That was the last of these devices.” Jondomi pointed to another plaque. “The creator was beheaded for his failures and insistence that it would work. Huge amounts of money were poured into these devices but none worked, all worked far worse than simply dragging a ballista on a cart. The Dwarven clans returned to more traditional methods of war after this.”

“I see…” Anton slowly nodded and looked at the ruined Dwarven Land Cruiser.

Some poor Dwarf put his heart and soul into this. Everything he had...Perhaps they were like Ikel, in a sense. Maybe not. But he was clearly too clever for his own good. Instead of powering all of the wheels simultaneously, it would have been far better to have only one set of energy cubes spinning one thing, one drive, the rest running off of gears and spinning shafts from that...Too smart for their own good; lovingly overdesigned and unfortunately so complicated it failed...Dooming their creation to oblivion. A real tragedy.

“I think I might have some improvements.” Anton turned away. “Umikgruid and the other Master Smiths will have something fun to experiment with after I’m done. Now, let’s have a look at the rest of the exhibits.”

Unfortunately for Anton the rest of the pieces on display were not very interesting or enlightening. Atros could already create crossbows and ballista's, with the Dwarves' help of course, but everything else was either too outlandish or simple to take note of. Nothing compared in majesty to the Dwarven Land Cruiser and while there were some odd creations, a type of pointed shield that could cover and entire Dwarf with a firing slit, and a type of chariot that looked more like a sled with repeating crossbows placed along the sides, nothing caught his interest. Whomever created the Dwarven Land Cruiser had not created anything so fanciful again, probably because of his subsequent execution. His name was nowhere to be found, not even on the pieces of the remaining Dwarven Land Crusier. The Dwarven Clans truly wanted his stain removed from all records, yet also wanted him as a warning. Anton merely dispared at such foolishness. Anton was more intrigued to see the types of armour the Dwarves once used, one was built with the strange steel Ikel manufactured in the early days of the United Empire, but it had no reference to that ancient empire. None did. Perhaps that was the most surprising thing.

“No reference to the Blood Hammers either.” Anton mused.

“What?” Sheso tilted her head.

“The Blood Hammer Clan. The hold that’s under us. Nothing about them.”

“We are in a museum of war.” Calo offered.

“True. But they worked with the United Empire. I expected to see something about them. But…” Anton shrugged. “If no one knew about the location of their hold, something very easy to learn if one has access to United Empire maps, then I doubt they would have anything on them. Maybe a name or two, a lost historical footnote at best.”

Jondomi bowed deeply “I’m extremely sorry we could not show you more things you wanted. But this is everything that is available to the public. I’m certain there are other things, hidden in the vaults of the Dwarven Clans, but…”

The Dark Elves held many ‘relics’ from their early days. Only one was of any interest to me.

“It’s quite alright.” Anton patted the Dwarf’s shoulder. “You’ve been a great help. I’ll be sure to let Umikgruid know that we would’ve been wandering around these halls, acting like rural hicks, if it wasn’t for you.”

Jondomi’s face lit up with pride. The twins barely restrained their smiles and gently shook their heads.

“Before we return I’d like to get something quick to eat. Might as well, since, one day, we won’t be coming back. Will we?”

“The sooner the better.” Jondomi happily began to walk towards the door.

“Because Thomani won’t be cleaning these halls and you’ll be able to spend all day with her?” Calo slyly asked.

“She seems nice,” Sheso added. “Surely she can’t be that bad.”

Jondomi scoffed and stomped away. His gait told Anton that he was anything but unhappy with the idea. He and Cetina shared a smile, he gave her hand a gentle squeeze, as they walked towards the entrance.

---[]---

The hot and stuffy air of the secret forge blasted Anton’s face. Cetina, Calo and Sheso had returned to Atros, after eating their full of Dwarven cuisine, while Anton jumped through another portal to the Dwarven Hold beneath Atros, where Rasha was waiting and hopefully in a better mood. When he stepped through he wasn’t entirely sure if she was better or worse.

Rasha stood perfectly still as the Master Smith Dwarf, and nearly a dozen of his assistants, checked and fitted armour to Rasha. They used ladders as she was well over double their height and she needed to be properly upright when she was fitted.

“Hello?”

“Anton!” Rasha smiled, her vacant expression was replaced with a happy smile. “How..How did it go?”

The smile faded, not as sad as before but still quite clearly annoyed at something. She still wasn’t willing to explain what was irritating her. He was going to have to get it out of her, just like last time.

“Pretty good.” Anton stepped off the portal disk. “I’ve discovered something very interesting, an alteration to one of my designs. Something that I want the Master Smiths to investigate.”

Anton spoke loudly enough for the Dwarves to hear but they didn’t notice. They carried on with their tasks, like they were machines, none even acknowledged his presence.

“Have they been like that since I left?”

Rasha smiled bitterly. “Pretty much. But they’re almost done. The last alterations are almost done and then...Then I’ll have a proper suit of armour.” Rasha smirked. “Might even be better than Cetina’s…”

Her face fell. “Not that I’ll have much of a chance to test it out.”

Before Anton could respond the Master Smith noticed his presence, only because he nearly ran into Anton’s legs. Even then he still gave him a momentary glare until he realised just who it was.

“Anton. Lord Anton. How was the journey to The Dwarven Isles? Was the museum of any use to you?”

“It was very enlightening.” Anton folded his arms. “I have something for you to look at later but how is my bodyguard doing? Is she almost ready?”

The Master Smith nodded to Dwarves bringing over the chest plate. “That’s the last piece.”

Beneath his beard, his skin began to turn red. “The biggest problem we’ve had is regarding her...Chest. No Dwarf has them…”

“I can hear you.” Rasha pouted at Anton. “Talking about me like that…”

“An issue that Verona had to deal with.” Anton smiled. “But you’ve found a solution?”

“A metal frame. It’s a little heavier but it stops her chest from absorbing the blows and helps with proper weight distribution.”

“That’s a good idea.” Rasha gently rubbed her chest with the back of her hands. “I don’t want my breasts to act as...Padding.” Rasha grunted. “Any more than they already are.”

Anton and the Dwarves shared another glance, saying nothing as the final piece of armour was passed to Rasha. They fastened the simple framework and the armour and stepped away. Rasha shuffled her shoulders and twisted back and forth, testing the limits of her movements. Despite the thick plates they didn’t impede her movement in any significant manner. The edges of the plates slid under each other while a thick layer of Arachnid Silk provided extra defence in vulnerable areas. Anton had yet to ask the Dwarves if Ulyaa’s silk could be used as bow or crossbow strings, or even for the ballistas.

“This is incredible.” Rasha pumped her arms into the air. “It’s a little heavier than before but it feels really strong.”

Rasha thumped her chest plate. She laughed as she continued to hit it. “Before that would have pushed hard against my chest. Now it’s nothing.”

“Incredible.” Anton nodded appreciatively at the Master Smith.

Crude exo-suit armour? I think only someone as strong as Rasha could use it...Then again the Dwarves do have those energy cubes…

Rasha planted her hands on her hips as the other Dwarves moved back to appreciate their work. Unlike Cetina’s armour the surface was simple, little more than a polished steel. No colour had been added and for that Anton was a little glad. Cetina’s colour scheme was more than a little questionable. There were no gaps except for the very bottoms of her hooves. Those were left exposed but it was only an inch at most.

“Less gaudy than Cetina’s.” Anton chuckled. “I like it. They even gave you space for your horn.”

Rasha rubbed the tip with her metal gauntlet. “They almost forgot that I had this. Did they tell you that?”

None of the Dwarves met his gaze.

“I think it looks incredible.” Anton smiled and approached Rasha. “I think you look like a true soldier now. Not that you didn’t before...And truth be told, I think it really highlights your blue skin.”

For a moment Rasha looked happy, then the wave of sadness overtook her, now with a sense of anger and resentment.

“Alright.” Anton took a deep breath. “You’ve been acting-”

A Dwarf’s shout stopped him dead. They drew their weapons and pointed at the portal. A young human stood on the portal, Anton recognised him as one of the messengers, one that had nearly been killed by Cetina for being too aggressive.

“Forgive me for coming here, Lord Anton.” The young man winced. “But it is an emergency and they told me to find you immediately.”

“Is it the Centaurs?” Anton asked. “They should still be a few days away at the least.”

“Um...No.” The messenger raced towards Anton.

Rasha moved between them and stopped him with her outstretched hand. Despite his speed he stopped completely dead when he made contact with her hand, Rasha did not budge an inch.

“A message arrived through one of the portals.” The messenger waved a fine piece of paper. “It came through the portal to Graterious. The Principle Mage woman.”

“What does Mezot want?” Anton asked. Rasha took the paper and passed it to Anton, allowing the messenger to fall back.

Anton held the paper aloft. “I need help.”

“Does that sound like her?” Rasha softly asked.

“Kind of.” Anton held the paper close. “It’s her handwriting, and if it’s just been tossed through the portal…”

“Sounds important.”

“I need to find out if this is serious or not.” Anton shook his head. “Mezot is not the person to joke around with something like this.”

“I...Can’t go again.” Rasha smiled bitterly. “Just...Good luck. And be safe.”

“Thank you, Rasha.” Anton patted the top of her hand. “When we get back I want to know what’s bothering you, alright?”

Rasha slowly nodded and ushered him towards the portal. Anton hoped everything would be fine and Mezot was over-reacting. After all, what trouble could someone like Mezot really get into?