The next week brought with it a flurry of activity within the dwarven fort. The Goblin sighting had prompted the fort to go on lockdown. Patrols were doubled, and strict measures were put in place to ensure the safety of the inhabitants. No one was allowed to leave the fort without an escort, and the outposts with semaphore relay sheds were fortified and garrisoned.

Several skirmishes between patrols and goblins resulted in casualties, and the orcish raiders continued to harass trade caravans. The situation remained tense, with the fort's defenses stretched thin.

During an assembly, the captain addressed the gathered dwarves, his voice carrying a note of cautious optimism. "Reinforcements are being sent, my brethren, but it will take weeks for them to assemble. However, the humans have dispatched an advance force of Hussars and Rieters. It will still take at least a week for them to arrive, but they will provide much-needed support."

The captain's words sparked a sense of relief among the dwarves. The Hussars, being light cavalry would make an excellent screening force to protect the caravans. The Rieters, armed with pistols, could utilize ambush tactics and flank the enemy. Combined with the fort's rangers, they would form a versatile force capable of harrying the enemy until further reinforcements arrived.

Noticing the concern among the dwarves, the captain continued, “As this is an emergency, the elves will also be sending several enchanters to build and run a temporary portal to help summon our reinforcements.” Without leylines, creating and maintaining portals would be extremely difficult. Perhaps when the region had been secured the elves can send a proper survey team to map out area’s leylines.

The fort's expansion became a priority, as it would need to accommodate the additional forces. The captain outlined the plans, including the construction of more barns for the horses and an additional storehouse for provisions. However, a question arose about the availability of water for the increased number of horses.

One of the nearby builders voiced his concern, "What about water? Our water stone won't be enough to sustain all those horses."

The captain acknowledged the issue, responding, "Aye, I've considered that as well. We'll have to use the remaining runestones we saved for the mushroom farm expansion and build a Rune well."

Though the builders grumbled at the shift in plans, they understood the necessity of the decision and agreed to carry out the task.

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Garrok who was listening nearby asked Tink who was next to him on what is a Rune well.

“It’s a deep well with runes in the bottom to absorb and gather moisture from underground sources to fill it’s reservoir.”

Ever since the Goblin’s revelations Tink had been staying close to Garrok, helping him in making cartridges for his orders. Since the Semaphore system was almost completed the other engineers have agreed to let her stay with him. One day she moved her bags and bedroll into his workshop. Garrok was happy for the company, and Tink had been helpful in his research on his new designs.

Garrok, with Tink's assistance, had been working tirelessly on his invention. Tink had chosen to stay close to him since the revelations about the goblin threat, and her presence proved helpful in Garrok's research and cartridge-making. While his predence near her insured a sense of safety and security.

Garrok was carrying his new invention to the training fields with Tink when they ran into Sgt. Ironheart.

“Hallo Garrok! Hallo Tink! Watcha got there?” He asks.

“Hi Sarge!” Tink greets happily. “We’re on our way to test this big lug’s new toy.”

Ironheart looks at the strange object in Garrok’s arms. “Oh, well go on then, let’s have a look there.”

As one of Garrok’s inventions, it was a gun of unusual design. It had two thick barrels side-by-side. Each Barrel was 18 inches long, with a short stock. Both lock plates were the same as the lock plates on Garrok’s rifle.

“I call it my ‘Dubbelebois’ or double-barreled gun”

Ironheart being curious decided to tag along, while a few nearby dwarves decided to follow and see what the new gun, the Half-orc Gunsmith had made can do.

When they arrived at the training field, Tink and Ironheart prepared a few target dummies. As they stepped back behind Garrok, he readied his double-barrel and fired.

BOOM! BOOM!

Two shots threw lead at the targets and shreds them. Garrok pulls out a pair of specially made thick paper cartridges, bites and pours the contents down each barrel. He shoves his hatchet down each barrel and cocks both hammers. He holds the gun one handed and points it at a group of dummies.

KABLAM!!!

The deafening blast echoed across the training field as both barrels unleashed their deadly payload, decapitating several dummies.

RAAAGHHH!!!

Fueled by adrenaline, Garrok let out a resounding war cry and charged at the remaining targets, hatchet in his left hand and double-barrel in his right. He swung the double-barrel like a club to the left and smashes a target, he swings it back to the right and hits another with the stock. He smashes all but one target with both weapons.

He stands and reloads the double-barrel once more, aimed and gave fire on the last dummy.

“Hmm, it still fires even after being used as a club.”

Garrok remarked, pleased with its durability.

Satisfied he turns to his audience who look on in astonishment. “What do you think?”

Ironheart clears his throat, with a mischievous glint in his eye, Ironheart couldn't help but ask,

“Can I have one?”