Malik saw the source of the argument. The three dwarves were arguing with their brethren over the construction of the guard tower. Naveck wasn’t there to de-escalate the situation.

With a sigh, Malik approached them, “What’s the issue now?”

Werander spoke up, red in the face, “They think that just because we’ve been allowed to stay, they get to relax and order us about. These lazy sods’ll think it’s a vacation for em!”

Grazel barked back, “That’s a load’a crap. They just don't wanna move any of the heavy stone like we’ve been doin fer days!”

Malik cut everyone off before they went for each other’s throats, “Everyone shut up. You all need some distance from each other. I’ll be needing Werander, Bogart, and Eltig elsewhere anyway.” Malik turned his attention to the three former traitors, “Since you’re already packed, be ready to leave in one hour.”

The three dwarves looked confused and a bit scared.

“Don’t worry, you’re not exiled. I need you for something else,” Malik said with a roll of his eyes. Not waiting for them to reply, he made a beeline toward Charles’ camp.

Naveck and Charles were speaking to Sigrid who had a large pack on. Sam and Elle were off doing their own things. Sam was writing something in a book while he stared at the Rune of Truth. It was actually quite impressive the way Sam held the book between his ring and pinky finger and wrote with his thumb and forefinger, adjusting his grip as needed.

Elle was practicing archery. Malik thought it was odd that they weren’t seeing their mother off, but maybe they had already said their goodbyes. Milly was standing next to her with a smile, appearing paler but well on her way to a full recovery.

“Glad to see you back on your feet. Sort of,” Malik said, noticing that she was leaning on a wooden staff.

“Thank you for pulling me out of there. I thought I was going to die an embarrassing death,” She said, letting out a faint laugh.

Malik waved his clawed hand, “It was my fault to begin with. You were doing just fine on your own before I showed up.”

Sigrid broke off from her conversation with Naveck and Charles, “Malik. I wanted to thank you for bringing my Milly back in time to heal her. I don’t know what I would have done if we were too late,” she sighed then brightened up. “That little needle I’ve seen you carry around isn’t going to cut it. Charles is too bulky and could never wear this, but I think it will fit you,” she held up a scabbard attached to a small strap. Inside the scabbard was a shortsword.

“I don’t know how to use this, Sigrid. I might not be as large as your husband, but even I don’t think I would fit in this. But… Thank you for the thought.”

“You’ll learn, Malik,” she said with a laugh. “ The strap goes around your leg. You might not be a master swordsman, but it just might save your life. It would be a sight to see you swoop out of the air with a sword in hand.”

“Ah, around my leg,” Malik said, looking at the strap and sword with new eyes. “Thank you, Sigrid. This looks perfect. I’m sorry for my ignorance.”

Sigrid shrugged, “Don’t worry about it. Here, let me help you,” she began tying the strap around Malik’s thigh. Malik felt a reaction stir within him but didn’t react outwardly. Sigrid glanced up, giving an amused, knowing look. But she was quick in her work and was done before he could embarrass himself. “The sword may not be flashy, but it’s well-crafted and won’t break easily. Just make sure you sharpen it once in a while. The dwarves should be able to show you how to maintain it.”

Naveck crossed his arms and appeared ready to argue then rolled his eyes, “Aye, she’s right. We’ll be able to show ye.”

Malik looked between the two and shrugged, “You’re traveling Northeast, correct?”

Sigrid nodded, “Yes, and I need to leave soon if I want to make it far.”

“I saw a battle to the Northwest while you were all asleep. It’s quite a ways off from here, but there was an army of Kobolds fighting a large number of beetles.”

The group stared at Malik slack-jawed. Charles was the first to speak, “Uh, where exactly was this? Do you know how many there were?”

“Thousands. They are far enough away that I don’t think there is any danger to us for some time. Especially if they keep killing each other off. They were fighting in a large hole in the ground. It looked as if a giant hand scooped the earth out a mile across.”

The group furrowed their brows in thought. Naveck was the first to speak, “Well, either the Kobolds found something, or they’re protecting something valuable. Our clan goes to war with them over valuable ore veins all the time and they defend them ferociously. Most Kobolds are pretty weak and stupid, but they have some intelligent leaders.”

“Whatever it is, we won’t be getting it anytime soon,” Malik said, then had a thought, “What if Sigrid tells your clan that the Kobolds have found something valuable and points them in our direction?”

Naveck shook his head, “It would be an all-out war. I know that I’ve committed myself to Stone Wing Spire, but I wouldn’t want to see so much bloodshed of my people.”

“Naveck, we need allies. Even if they’re indirectly helping us,” Malik said.

“I would have to agree,” Charles chimed in.

Naveck stroked his beard, “Well, Malik. Tah be honest, I worry that my clan would want to seize what we found beneath Stone Wing Spire. You’re sitting on immense wealth here. While we do need more manpower to extract it, some would likely just try to remove us to get to it. If you know what I mean”

“Hmm. Would it be better if we asked for aid?” Malik asked.

“Malik, nothing is free. They’ll want payment and try to convince you that the wealth beneath our feet is a ‘start’ in repaying them for their help,” Naveck explained. “That is if they don’t just kill ya and take it anyhow.”

Malik nodded. He had thought about what to do on his flight back and it seemed that he would need to stick to that plan.

“Well, let’s see Sigrid off then and I’ll let you in on what I think we should do,” Malik said. “Sigrid, please bring Naveck’s son and any of the other family members here safely. This includes the Werander, Eltig, and Bogart families. If their family is here, they may be less inclined to make any poor choices going forward.”

“Good idea,” Naveck gave an approving nod.

With that, everyone said their goodbyes to Sigrid. Malik hoped he would see her again. Traveling alone into unknown territory to find people of another species that she had never met had to be terrifying. He mentally applauded her bravery and her family for believing in her so wholeheartedly.

“So, let’s hear your plan,” Charles rumbled, maintaining a stoic front as he watched his wife disappear through the mountain.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

“Walk with me. Sam needs to hear some of this too,” Malik said, walking towards the one-armed Shape Shifter who was still scribbling in his book over the rune.

Naveck interrupted again, “Malik, can you describe that hole the kobolds and beetles were fighting in again?”

Malik relayed the battle once more, and the circular hole where the battle took place.

Naveck stroked his beard, “Charles, ever seen anything like that?”

Charles furrowed his bushy brows, “No. I’m very curious to see it. I wonder if the Kobolds or beetles created such a thing.”

“That’s something we’ll try to learn in time. For now, it’s better that they are killing each other off,” Malik said.

“Not necessarily,” Charles interrupted. “The survivors of such a battle will grow in Level and power, creating elite Kobold forces or evolved beetles with varying abilities.”

“Ah, just another headache,” Malik lamented. “We don’t have any control over it at the moment, so let’s focus on what we can control today.”

Charles and Naveck both nodded in agreement as they approached Sam.

“How is our new gargoyle?” Sam asked, still looking down at his book.

“Ah, he’s large. Perhaps larger than you and your father,” Malik said with a smile. He hadn’t expected Sam to be the first to ask him about the hatchling, “He still needs to choose a name. I hope he does before we leave.”

“Leave?” Sam asked, finally tearing his eyes away from his notes and looking at Malik.

“Yes. Currently, the beetles are busy and seem to have vacated the area for a larger fight. While they are preoccupied, I propose that myself, Charles, and three of the dwarves go and close the tunnels near our settlement.

Naveck, is it possible to draw out inactive runes and an explanation of what they do? I want to make sure that they are doing as I ask.”

“Sure, we can get ya a cheat sheet.”

Malik nodded, “Good. Now, this is important,” Malik paused, making sure he had Naveck’s full attention. “While I’m gone, I’d like to put you in charge of Stone Wing Spire. Aisha is too focused on the hatchlings and I need you to direct the other dwarves in building up our defenses.”

Naveck puffed his chest out a bit, “It’s an honor, Malik.”

Sam’s eyes narrowed a bit at Naveck’s temporary promotion.

Malik turned his attention to Sam, “You. I do not want you to use this Rune of Truth while I am gone. Understood?”

Sam nodded reluctantly.

“Good. Now say the words, ‘I will stay away from the Rune of Truth until Malik gives me permission to use it once again.’”.

Sam rolled his eyes and repeated the words. Malik waited for the smug Shape Shifter to collapse in pain. Nothing happened, both satisfying and disappointing Malik.

“Ok, Sam. I do have an important task for you, should you accept,” Malik said.

Sam raised his eyebrows, “I’m intrigued.”

“I’ve noticed that not much escapes you. You seem to be one step ahead of me most of the time,” Malik said, then pointed at Sam’s book. “You also appear to be organized. I want you to make a list of what we can improve quickly with the resources we have. While you’re at it, make a list of resources we need and ideas on how to get them.”

There was a glint in Sam’s eyes that made Malik feel like he had found the right man for the job.

“What’s in it for me?” Sam asked, quickly crushing Malik’s confidence.

Malik held in his frustration. He had hoped that Sam would have jumped at the opportunity, “What do you want in return?”

Sam thought for a moment. His lips twitched as he tried to hold back a smile, “I would like my own spire. Built by my exact directions in a location of my choosing. Don’t worry, I won’t prioritize it over everything else, but I would like construction started on it before any other living quarters are built.”

Malik thought for a moment, “That’s a tall ask for temporarily helping, Sam.”

“Ah, but if you approve of the work I’ve done while you’re away, would you allow me to maintain the job? Perhaps give me a title?” Sam asked, bobbing his eyebrows up and down.

“Yeah, sure. If I approve of your work, you can keep the job and have your spire.” Malik said. It was an easy decision for him. He was the Founder. If Sam started to fail in his job or do anything to earn his wrath, Malik could simply take it all away from him.

Sam was suspiciously jubilant, “Thank you, Malik. You won’t be disappointed.”

Charles gave his son a stern look but didn’t say anything.

Naveck cleared his throat, “Uh, Malik? What are you going to do about Zahid and the Altar while you’re gone?”

Malik had thought about this too. He didn’t like the idea of the Mage conspiring while he was away and shuddered at the thought of Sam and Zahid meeting each other.

“He stays in the Altar for now.”

Naveck let out a breath he had been holding and nodded, “A good choice, I think.”

“There is one important thing I need both of you to understand,” Malik said to Sam and Naveck. “If Aisha or the hatchlings ask for anything or need anything at all, you provide it to them to the best of your ability. Their needs are a priority. Also, Naveck, please remind Aisha to get some fresh air and a bite to eat once in a while. Delicately,” he added.

“Speaking of eating,” Charles interrupted. “I’m starved and can’t stand the thought of having another bite of dried meat or beetle crisps. With your permission, I’ll have Elle get some fish and cook them up?” Charles pleaded.

“Yes!” the other three chorused.

Charles called out to Elle who trotted over and happily obliged.

Before they could continue their planning, Aisha and the large hatchling emerged from the Incubation Chamber, as if summoned by the promise of food.

“Our hatchling has chosen a name,” Aisha said with a big smile, exposing her bright white fangs.

“Oh?” Malik said, turning to the muscled hatchling.

His eyes darted between the four men of various races in front of him. It must have been an odd sight.

“Go on, tell him,” Aisha urged.

He cleared his throat, “Yes. I am Aziz.” The gargoyle’s voice rumbled. It would be a close competition to measure whether or not Charles or Aziz had the lower voice.

“Aisha and Aziz,” Malik whispered. “It’s beautiful. I have much to show you and little time to do it. Aisha will have to guide you through your first few days. I am leaving to make the settlement safer,” he said, patting Aziz on the shoulder.

Aziz appeared puzzled, wrinkling his forehead in thought.

It was Aisha’s turn to say, “Oh?”

“I was going to speak with you next,” Malik said and went over his plan with her. Thankfully, she was agreeable to having Naveck and Sam take care of most of the duties. She wanted to focus on Aziz and the other egg.

“You must start the next hatchling before you leave,” Aisha demanded.

“Hmm, I was hoping that the dwarves would officially become citizens so that we could upgrade the building,” Malik grumbled. “Naveck, do you think you could convince the others before we leave?”

“I’m sorry, Malik. You’re going to need to follow through on your promise to bring their families. Otherwise, I’m afraid they’ll all return to the clan once we find Garok’s remains.”

Malik’s stomach fluttered. Garok was still alive. He was standing directly on top of the Rune of Truth, so he needed to be careful here. “Understood,” was all he managed to reply. After all, Garok could still die down there before they found him.

Quickly changing the subject, Malik announced, “Today I will start the new egg and gather blood in the bottle. Naveck, I’ll leave the bottle with you so that you can use it on any buildings that require it while I’m away. Also, I’ll need you to remember the rune guide.”

“It shall be done,” Naveck bowed formally, taking his temporary position as professionally as possible.

“Charles. You and I will leave early tomorrow. Can you let Werander, Eltig, and Bogart know the plan?”

“On it,” was his only reply before bounding off.

“Good. Sam, you’re dismissed,” Malik said, hiding a smile as Sam’s face turned bright red before burying his nose back in his book and walking away. Turning his attention to Aziz, “Aisha and I will show you how to make a hatchling now,” Malik said excitedly. Confusion was still painted on Aziz’ face.

Aisha clapped her hands and made her way back to her beloved Incubation Chamber.