The scene at my mother’s house was what I expected, more or less. After I told them that my fiance was dead they were all slightly, politely, sad for me. Except Jarim, who seemed to genuinely feel bad about it. Bad might be an understatement. When I informed them that Jade had been a Kathaldi spy who deceived me they were all aghast, except for Val, who made enough snide remarks that Vone had to grab my arm and hold me back before I did something I’d regret later but enjoy a lot now. I offered Jarim the job as Welst’s assistant, and a bedroom in the palace compound office, which he accepted joyfully. We stepped outside while he gathered his things and said his goodbyes.

“I’m glad that’s over.” I said to Vone while we waited. “Jarim’s the only one I like even a little bit. I don’t think I’ll ever talk to any of the others again.”

“Who knows?” Vone said with a chuckle. “That may change as you get to know them better. Jarim will probably be inviting them over to the office for meals now.”

I hadn’t thought of that. Unintended consequences. Jarim came out the front door with a pack on his back and one in each hand. A giant smile split his face and it made me smile, too. I tousled his hair. “Come on brother, it’s time to show you your new home and get you to work.”

“I can’t believe this, Dirk!” Jarim said happily as we headed back to the office. In a way, I couldn’t either.

Jarim was like a little puppy when I showed him around the office. He heaved a sigh of relief when he was able to set all of his bags on the floor of his new bedroom. “This place is amazing! Thank you so much!” He flew into my arms to hug me. I returned his embrace, unable to keep from smiling. He would do a lot to keep me from moping as much anymore.

I took him to meet Welst and asked him to put Jarim right to work on the letters. I knew he could read and write well enough; I had paid for all my siblings to be schooled, through my mother, of course.

Triona showed up and delivered a note to me. “It is for you, Delik Slin and Vone.” She said as she held it out to me.

It was from Rithers and asked that we report to the throne room where I had first met Lord Tarin. It didn’t say why. I grabbed my friends and Triona grabbed the same guards who had accompanied us to my mother’s house then we were off.

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Rithers smiled when he caught sight of us as he stood in front of the doors and waved us on. We were already hurrying but I sped up just a little because he seemed so excited. “What’s going on? Why the rush?”

“Just a little good news that Lord Tarin wanted you to be on hand for. Come on!” Rithers gestured and one of the four door guards opened the double doors wide and announced us all. “Lord Dirk S’Vig, Delik Slin and Vone of the House of Pevik.” He said loudly and we entered.

Lord Tarin sat on his throne and he was also wearing a large smile. At the bottom of the steps facing me were Thilos, Imprid and Sir Aryoss, and they were all wearing stupid grins too. What was going on? “Go ahead and join your friends.” Rithers said. Vone, Delik Slin and I looked at each other then walked over.

“Line up beside us.” Imprid whispered, so we did, putting our backs to Lord Tarin and facing the rest of the room.

There was a small crowd gathered in the throne room, staring at us and whispering to themselves. I saw Generals Murock and Kixton, and a bunch of other military officers. There were knights and warders. They gave me no clue as to what was going on.

The double doors slowly opened again and the same guard that had announced us stepped forward. “Kralnik of Bear Clan, Prince of Naugbar, and his officers, General Sutnik and Major Jilnik.” The room was quiet as could be as three dwarves entered slowly, clad in gaudy platemail armor engraved with the namesake bears of their clan. Kralnik had a fancy fur cape that was attached to the shoulders of his armor and it did make him look very regal, but still short. They came to a halt about three feet in front of us and stopped. The two officers bowed as low as they could in their armor but Kralnik merely nodded slowly and deeply to Lord Tarin. “Lord Tarin, we have brought two hundred dwarven warriors to assist against the drants, as well as any other enemies you may face.” I wonder who he was referring to? A master of discretion.

Ansdron’s lord rose from his throne and came down the three stairs. We all had to sidestep several times to get out of his way. “Well met, Prince Kralnik. All of Ansdron is grateful for your assistance. Three cheers for Naugbar!” He lead the crowd in happy yells of support for the dwarves. “Now, I would like my military commanders to meet with yours and get them up to date on our situation. You, Prince Kralnik, I release to the company of your friends.”

“Thank you, my lord.” Kralnik said with another formal head nod. Rithers approached and led us to a small conference room I had never been in before. A large circular table stood in the center, ringed with chairs. On the table sat a small feast.

“Will someone help me out of this stupid armor so I can eat!” Kralnik growled loudly, holding his arms out to the side. Sir Aryoss and Vone had the most experience with armor so they stepped forward to begin the process of removing it.