"Vanadheim"

It wasn’t an easy feat by entering Vanadheim. Like a needle under a massive haystack, one must conform to its rules and regulations. And with massive restrictions comes with a massive tribute. The problem from the nameless village did not end there, for it was only the beginning for the brothers. And worst, they have a suspicious looking individual inside their wagon, a stranger to the kingdom, a stranger to their world. But luckily enough, the achievements of the dwarf brother’s saved their predicament once more from the vanadian guards, their influence within the city walls and fame proved to be a useful tool, earning them a bit of respect, even though both sides are just playing mind games.

“Aye! Good eve there!” Welit said to one of the guards, while Banduck just recently finished talking to one of the gate guards.

“Hmm…that was very awkward me brother.” Banduck said shortly, as Welit now slowly guided their horses through the crowd, being careful not to bother anyone, especially of nobility status, for causing unnecessary commotion will hinder their way of transportation.

“Yer too tense me brother…at least for our small achievements gained some trust from those fools.” Welit replied, not in the good mood.

The sudden groan and rustle from inside the wagon told the brothers of their stranger’s current wellbeing. Soon Lucius will awake! And they must get to their headquarters as fast as possible, for they don’t want the lad to suddenly panic and wander around.

“Looks like yer pal there is about to open his eyes!” Welit laughed. “And me thinking we should probably go to a shortcut towards the ‘Exile,’ surely they will take care of em, before we set off for our business meeting.

Banduck nodded, and patted his brother’s shoulder, as they now continued their way through the crowded cobblestone road.

Compared to the other kingdoms in Kindraire. Vrepia, Uthragon, Tel’anurr and any other lesser territories cannot be compared to the likes of Vanadheim, for it is known for its endless wealth and influence throughout this magical world. Uthragon also called “The Land of Barbarians,” is probably the most least developed of the four kingdoms, residing north in the chilly and barren wasteland. And at the very middle of Kindraire, where the elven kingdom of Tel’anurr hides its presence, with the help of nature itself, well-hidden and shrouded with mystery, a very common trait, especially for the likes of the elven race. Compared that to the dwarves of the south, with now their scattered tribes everywhere, mostly residing where they can and muster to survive inside a hierarchy of races. Sadly, the southern lands are now plagued with wild beasts, orcs and the last remaining draconians, a land formerly driven with many brutal wars from all fronts. And with the already occupied southern territories, comes a new ruler in charge. The same king hailing from Vrepia kingdom of the eastern lands. Varagor “The Brutal.” Opposite of Vanadheim, the eastern part of kindraire is another hell of a wasteland, and indeed similar to the chilly mounds of Uthragon. With a difference of craggy landscapes, sharpened earth and hot reddish sands that burns whoever touches it, a literal hell on Kindraire manifested. The infamous ruler is currently building his army of beasts, conquering the southern lands is not enough to quench the thirst of the draconian king, for it is only a small part of a bigger picture, the domination of Kindraire under the race of beasts. And Varagor will not stop his plans nor let any hindrance block his progress, by taking over all three kingdoms, it is only a matter of time before another war breaks loose.

This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

The mentioned headquarters was just a literal run down of an old tavern, or maybe a well-planned disguise by the dwarven brothers and the so called “Exile.” The wagon stopped its course just beside the ominous establishment. Where they now slowly lifted Lucius, making sure to not suddenly awaken their strange guest. Opening the locked double doors is foolish enough for the brothers, forcing Banduck to perform what seems a coded stomp on the hard wooden floor. What greeted the tired trio was a young lady in her mid-twenties. A brunette so slim and tall, wearing linen dress and hood. The almost laughable sight as she towered them both with a mocking smile.

“What in the blazes Banduck and Welit?! What’s up with the rush, and who mig—? “She tried to asked, but quickly dismissed by another coded signal from Banduck via handsign.

It was very obvious to her that they needed immediate care, for the dwarves were heaving from the weight of Lucius. She opened a single door using a spell that draws a key, from way deep back at from the front desk on the old tavern, she led them straight through dark straight corridors. And finally a left corner room, equipped with fine bright lanterns and a double bed. Both Banduck and Welit slowly lay the man, while quickly lay themselves also beside, for they were weary and tired, catching their breathes every effort they can muster. The lady went back shortly with a tray of newly baked bread and beer for both dwarves, ending it as she put a steamed towel on the forehead of Lucius. The duo finally slept, groaning from the long day of work, waking in intervals just to drink beer until the cycle continues. The hours went by, and now it was morning.

“Aye! Nothing like a fine beer after lifting that lad here, ahahahhaahah!” Welit blurted, still slightly drunk while also laying there, full bellied.

“Thank you very much for that Nina! Yer sure the best guard maiden we can have! Thank youuuu—.” Banduck drunkenly said, while he wobble walked for another round of beer.

Nina covered her smiling face from the embarrassment, while she stared what’s in front of her, two drunken brothers being foolish of themselves while their strange guest lie there hopeless, and might awake from all the noise. She slept on a nearby desk until morning came.

“HHmmmf—“ Lucius groaned, as he slowly turned sideways.

Nina was caught by surprise and nearly held her hidden dagger from the right boot. And by the time their drunkenness passed, Nina finally asked a question.

“Banduck and Welit…can you please explain what happened? And who in the blazes is that man?!” She asked, holding her temper for the dwarves.

Banduck stared at the man for three seconds before answering.

“We we’re just about our way on the main road as usual, when we spotted him, and it seems he had a much worse one…” He said soflty.

“And yer still wantin’ to drag his sorry ass in here? Me brother is wanting to be a good dwarf without being realistic! Aye we could’ve arrived here much faster without yer yapping!” Welit drunkenly said.

“And without his belonging, HIS own belonging! We could’ve died at those scummy vanadian knights! Whether we liked it or not, the main road still passes that nameless…” Banduck tried to continue, but instead lament from those sad memory back on that event.

“The nameless village? I heard recently from one of the city folks that the king finally ordered the golden hawks to make amends with the mayor from those parts, the knight led by Garlandth...” Nina revealed.

“Amends…AMENDS?! They killed the villagers Nina! They killed ol em…” Welit upsettingly said while bursting in tears.

“So that’s why his cheeks are wounded! He got himself to a fight!” Nina realized, as she now patted the dwarves head, and embraced them like a younger sister that cares for her brothers.

“Dang it…if only we can strike back on those scum! What is the news from the underground Exile?” Banduck asked Nina, while they stare at nothingness.

“They are planning to form an alliance with the local vigilante group and city rebels, a massive revolution against the king…” Nina revealed to them, making both wide mouth opened.

“But that’s risky and dangerous! Can’t they wait for us to have the deal with the mayor, we have connections as traders?! If they move now, many people will get caught in a deadly crossfire!” Welit warned.

“And doing nothing is not any better Welit! How many more innocent villages will have to slave themselves without a fight? You witnessed it yourself, nobility here in Vanadheim doesn’t equate to dignity! They are only working for dirty money, a status, a label so fake while their lords, especially while the king control his people, this is reality, accept it.” Nina said bluntly while staring intently at him.

“Agh—“Lucius groaned, now gaining consciousness by each passing second.

“Welp, there goes your friend, finally awake!” Nina smiled at both.

“Thank the mountain smiths…” Banduck replied, as they all watched Lucius rise slowly to stretch not fully opening his eyes.

“W-where am I…" He groaned clutching his stomach, with blurry visions.