Naveck and Charles looked at Malik expectantly.

Malik cleared his throat, “How do I say this —” he paused and took a breath. “As you both know, we are in grave danger. We all need to know that we can count on each other.”

The dwarf and Shape Shifter glanced at each other and nodded their heads in agreement.

“Naveck, I think it’s important that you tell Charles of your predicament.”

The dwarf took a deep breath and explained how they came to meet Malik and his idea to send a human to tell his son to meet him here. His son could then find trusted friends and relatives to come as reinforcements against the beetles.

Charles was a good listener and sat deep in thought before answering, “I must say, that’s a tall ask. It could take nearly a month before your son and any reinforcements arrive?”

Naveck nodded, “Yes, I understand that the risk is high. But, if this settlement can hold out until reinforcements arrive, we may have a chance to save everyone here. And I must admit, the opportunity that Malik has presented to us seems worth the risk.”

“The opportunity to settle down and be accepted by my neighbors is all I’ve really wanted. To give my children a chance at carving out their own legacy has certainly been a dream of mine,” Charles said, staring past Malik and Naveck, perhaps visualizing a future for his family. “I won’t risk my children on such a journey. I’ll be needed here for combat. That leaves my wife. She’s capable enough and I think the cause is worthy. I’ll ask her,” he finished with a sigh.

Malik had been listening with a clenched jaw. The stakes were high, but he needed them to choose to stay here on their own. He wasn’t strong enough to force them to stay and he was in desperate need of true allies.

“So, can I consider you both citizens of Stone Wing Spire?” Malik asked, trying not to sound desperate.

Charles simply nodded in response and engulfed Malik’s hand with his in a hearty handshake.

Naveck clasped Malik’s hand as well, “Aye, I suppose so, should my son join us.”

“Good, I will introduce the two of you to Zahid soon, but I need to work some things out between the two of us first. Now, let’s move on to the war effort.”

Charles cleared his throat, “Excuse me, who is Zahid?”

Malik retold his origin and what he knew of the Grand Mage. Charles wore a deep frown and Malik wondered if he had already soured their relationship.

“Zahid the Severe is stuck inside your Altar?” It sounded more like a statement from Charles than a question.

“I wasn’t aware of the nickname, but yes,” Malik’s head wrinkled in confusion.

Charles began to laugh. It started as a chuckle and slowly crescendoed into a full belly laugh, “And now, the most murderous bastard to ever walk the land is immortal,” Charles’ laugh echoed throughout the valley.

It was Malik’s turn to frown, “I don’t know of his alleged crimes, but he is under my control for now. What did he do to earn such a nickname?”

“He spearheaded many campaigns to conquer the surrounding kingdoms and lands on behalf of the Branam Empire. Some of the other commanders were able to negotiate a peaceful surrender and incorporate the people into the Empire. Anytime Zahid was in charge, it led to a lot of bloodshed, including the deaths of many innocent people. It’s rumored that even the Emperor himself was scared of Zahid and there are stories of the pleasure he took in his work. I’d be very interested to learn what happened for him to end up here.”

“I intend to ask him for a more detailed history,” Malik said, briefly considering never calling upon Zahid again.

“Malik, I’d be very careful with him. Next time you two speak, I’d like to be present,” Charles grew serious as he said this.

“Yes, I think that would be wise,” Malik conceded. He needed someone with knowledge of the outside world with him and hopefully safeguard him from deception. Although, how could he be sure that Charles was trustworthy? At the very least, he would be able to hear two perspectives on any given subject and make his own conclusions. This was just another thing to add to a growing list of concerns.

“What else did you want to go over?” Naveck asked, rubbing the hilt of his pickaxe, apparently itching to go back to work.

“We can’t wait idly for the next attack. Starting in five days, I propose that Charles and I take the fight to the beetles, thinning out their nests and patrols. Naveck, I will need you to be in charge of setting up the defenses — as well as building necessary structures. I want Aisha to shadow you and take note of everything you do.”

Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“Why wait five days to cull the infestation? You said yourself that we can’t wait around,” Charles interrupted.

“Three reasons. The first is that I would like to ensure that I am here when the egg hatches in the Incubation Chamber. Next, I want to learn as much as possible from you, Naveck, and the others about the necessities of a city so that we can properly prepare. Lastly, I need to harvest my blood for a class skill available to me. I don’t want to go on the offensive until I am fully recovered and pleased with the defenses we put in place.”

Charles and Naveck exchanged a worried glance.

“Lesson one, Malik. Blood magic makes most people nervous. I wouldn’t advertise it too loudly when the reinforcements arrive. It’s somewhat forbidden amongst dwarves, but the lads here won’t say nothin. We’ve all seen what you’ve used it for. Also, I should congratulate you. It will be good to see another gargoyle.”

Malik was about to ask why it was forbidden but bit his tongue. He just didn’t care. It was what he knew and what was given to him. Malik would use it proudly regardless of whatever stigma was associated with blood magic. Still, he didn’t voice his thoughts, wanting the dwarf to continue to speak freely with him.

“Well, I think that’s all for today. I will check in with you later,” Malik said, leaving the pair and approaching the Altar to look at his Founder’s Log. Charles went to speak to his wife, Sigrid, about going to The Runesmith clan. Naveck followed him to meet his family and discuss details.

First, Malik went to check his Citizens page to ensure that there was no special ceremony required to gain citizens.

Citizens of Stone Wing Spire:

7

With some confusion, Malik turned the page and found a list of the Citizens. The two gargoyles, Naveck, Charles, and his family were all listed with one exception. Sam was not on the list. When Charles announced that he would be a Citizen, Malik had assumed his family would follow. It was another reason to keep a close eye on Sam.

Next, he checked his buildings pages.

Dwarven Burrow

Housing

8/20

Durability

High - Unaffected by naturally occurring elements

Upgradeable

Obtain Blueprints

The description was pretty simple, but he wondered how he could upgrade the building. If reinforcements arrived, he would need more space The runes that he knew covered the building were also not a part of the description, which was disappointing. Maybe he needs to advance in his class to obtain more detailed information or simply have the dwarves give him the blueprints.

The page also listed “under construction” buildings such as “Malik’s Home” and “Guard Tower”. Both of those also indicated that he needed to “Obtain Blueprints”.

Below that, he had completely forgotten that the new citizens upgraded his Incubation Chamber.

Level 2 Incubation Chamber

Production:

2 Citizens per week (Hatch schedule not synchronized)

Altar Generation:

1 Altar Point per Citizen hatched

Activation Requirement:

Gargoyle Blood

Durability:

High - Unaffected by naturally occurring elements

Progress to Level 3:

(7/15 Citizens)

A quick glance at the building told him that there weren’t any notable changes if any. Aisha was standing in the doorway, looking at him. Dismissing the book, he hustled to the building.

“Anything change inside?” Malik asked

“There’s another bowl,” Aisha said, stretching her wings in excitement.

Immediately, the egg he and Aisha created drew his eye. It had grown much larger in the short time since he had seen it, filling him with pride. Next to the egg was another fleshy bowl. Malik didn’t ask Aisha to join him this time and unceremoniously sliced his finger open. Again, the pull was intense but he was ready for it. When he thought the bowl had enough, he gripped his hand shut and pulled it away. Another egg emerged, this one had a yellow tint to it.

“Why didn’t you wait for me to help?” Aisha deflated in disappointment.

“I want to see what the difference will be,” Malik shrugged.

Aisha didn’t appear to like that answer as she inspected the egg with a frown, “The color is new,” she conceded.

“Yes, and I think it’s time for you to leave the room for a while. You need some food and fresh air.”

Aisha sighed, “Yes, I think you’re right.”

Malik smiled, “Good, I’ll teach you how to fly, or at least glide — If you think you can handle it,” he said with a wink, excited at the prospect of flying with another gargoyle.