OUTLANDER
Chapter 31
RETURN OF the HEROS
“I have two reports; one from the mage in Lagdian and another one from Neven Salas in Jav” Ceric said without his customary greeting, as he walked into Lord Daka’s office.
“I hope it is what we were hoping for?”
“And more I would say. I will let you judge if you think it is what we hoped. According to the Morden, King Magdar is incredibly pleased. Commander Dax arrived with some of his Wolf Pack, as we had requested, but he also brought a large contingent of Sand Walkers with him. A veritable army, as General Hersal reported there were hundreds of Sand Walkers on horse and camels; and with them came a force we did not know existed. It seems as if there were a society of men living in the Dry Sea of Lost Souls who were fugitive men from the Waste who have Long Tooth lions, similar to the Dire Wolves that Commander Dax and the Wolf Pack have as partners; and some of them have these huge thunder lizards that the legends talk about. According to Hersal’s account, this Army started a campaign at the east end of the Fertile Triangle and marched to the west, fighting battles, and pushing the invading Pelian Army westward until the last of the Pelians were forced to surrender near the western end of the Triangle. Then they were marched by that army of Sand Walkers and General Hersal’s Army until they were across the western most bridge over the Arna and back into Pelian borders.”
“Then that is what we wanted. Yes, there were unforeseen peoples in the war, but the Pelians are out of Magdar’s country.”
“What is not in that report specifically is what happened after that.”
“What do you mean happened after that?”
“According to Neven Salas, Hersal did not follow them past the Bridge. This Army of Sand Walkers, men from the Dry Sea and Commander Dax’s men marched the surrendered Pelians all the way into the city of Pelia itself and forced Damna the Great into a precarious position to abdicate his Throne or be overthrown. Fortunately, his mother killed him and then his own guard killed Pollocan, his Mage. The Waste is now governed by a council consisting of the High Holy Man of the Sand Walkers, the leader of the people from the Dry Sea and Jamin Jaise Damna’s mother.”
“Gads Bones, and where is Commander Dax in all this.”
“He was there and instrumental in the overthrow, but now he and his men have left for Borland. And there is one thing more. My old friend Neven Salas has been asked to be the new Mage of the new ruling council.”
“We need to go and have a meeting with Thane Erik this moment.”
“I agree, I wanted us both to have all the same information before he did.” I heard he is in the courtyard talking with Queen Daneen.” They both strode out of Daka’s office and headed in the direction of Thane Erik’s courtyard.
Thane Erik had his wife stay during the discussion; when Ceric and Daka had finished, Erik asked several questions, two seemed to vex him the most. How would rulers in the other realms react, could Marden be blamed for the eventual overthrow of Damna the Great. Also, he was concerned on why Commander Dax left for Borland without coming and delivering a report to Thane Erik himself. Both Lord Daka and Ceric said he probably felt his real duty was there keeping the Thanes citizens and land safe. Erik did not seem convinced but accepted their opinions reluctantly. Both of his high councilors then left the Thane and Queen to themselves.
“You seem to still be troubled my husband; do you not agree with their opinion of your Commander in Borland?”
“I have no reason to doubt him, Daneen; he has done as I gave him orders to do. But he has been gone now for a long time. I would have felt much better if he had come and reported to me himself before he returned to Borland.”
“But every report you have ever received about Borland has been positive. He has made sure its existence is still secret, as you wished. I also wish he would have come to see his Thane, but I can see how he might feel compelled to keep the secret from the world as more important.”
“You are probably right, that is why I value your opinions so dearly, my love. You always see into the corners I do not see. Thank you, I will not let this worry me further.”
“I am glad of that my Thane and Husband. We are blessed in so many ways already.”
*****
King Amish Magdar was sitting in his royal chamber with General Hersal. “I am thinking we should send an emissary to Pelia. Since we were not at the overthrow of Damna the Great, I would like to be the first realm to recognize the new council there. We could send our congratulations and see if they are willing to enter into trading negotiations. Perhaps even establish an embassy in Pelia.”
“And who would you think we should send, my King?”
“I think you and Morden should go. That should appear as the highest of expressions, sending my commanding general and mage as emissaries.”
“The only thing higher would be if it were you my King.”
“Yes, and tell them I would welcome such an invitation. But for now, you have met all three that make up the council and could talk to them on a level of comradeship. I will have Morden draft formal introductions of you both and my personal sentiments for me to sign and present to their council.”
“When would you like for us to leave, my King?”
“Tomorrow morning, I wish Lagdian to be not only the first realm, but one who is recognizing them quickly and with honor.”
“I will be ready, should I tell Morden you wish to see him, my Lord?”
“No but thank you. It would be best if I send a page myself. He might begin to feel slighted if it is any other way, you know how he sulks if he does not feel your equal.” Both men stifled a slight laugh at the Mage’s insecurity.
*****
Khaled al Gimal tied his horse to the post at the bottom of the steps leading up to the entry doors of the Neder council house. Once inside, he went to the woman at the Table to introduce himself and asked when he might be able to talk to the Council.
“You are in luck; they are in the chamber discussing business right now. If you follow me, I will announce you?” Once inside the doors and having announced the visitor, she left and closed the door behind her.
“Welcome to Neder, Mister Gimal, how may we help you?”
“Please call me, Khaled. I am from Pelia of the Waste. You may not have heard that Damna the Great has been overthrown.”
“Well Khaled, we have heard of this recently. And excuse my bad manners. My name is Damin Gawl, I am one of the councilors here.”
“I am honored to meet you. I may assume that your friends are Jawn Mesa to your left and Phran the Younger on your right then?”
“You are well informed. Have we met you before?”
“No, but you were all described to me by Commander Dax of the Wolf Pack before he left The Waste for his home.”
“Dax, I had heard he was promoted to Commander and that he had helped in the past war between Lagdian and Pelia. If you are a friend of his, then you are welcome in Neder. Now how may we help you?”
“Councilors I have been sent by the new council of Pelia and the Waste to announce that they wish to formally recognize Neder as a true and independent Realm. They also wish to establish formal trade agreements and alliances with Neder. It was with Commander Dax’s assistance that we have established our new government in a manner closely akin to your own.” At saying this Khaled took a step forward and presented the three men with documents stating the same and naming Khaled as emissary to negotiate the agreements.
The three Councilors briefly read the documents and exchanged knowing looks before returning their eyes toward the Sand Walker.
“We would be most pleased to enter into such negotiations with the council of Pelia, Khaled. I assume you will agree to accept our hospitality for coming. While we all meet, and your proposals can be told to our citizens.”
“I will be most honored to accept such a generous offer, Councilors.”
“Your Council does know that no other realm has ever made Neder such an offer?”
“We know, it is our hope that with our recognition, others will someday follow. Once we have come to rewarding mutual agreements, we would like to ask that both our realms have embassies in each other’s homelands and be of any assistances possible.”
“We will most heartily be in agreement to that as well. Would you join us for a mid-day meal and then we can show you to some acceptable accommodations for your stay in Neder?”
“Yes, I have been anticipating dining on some of the foods of your land while I journeyed here.”
*****
“Captain Slogin.” Was heard from the crow’s nest watch.
“What say you, Mister Vernyn?”
“The shoreline of Jav has disappeared from the eastern horizon, Captain.
“Do you see any sails following us?”
“No Sir. The horizon is clear as far as I can see.”
Thank you, Mister Vernyn. Keep your watch.”
“Aye, sir.”
The Pelians, had wondered why the men in the different crow’s nest had been looking to the rear of the ship instead of out to sea. Now this yell from the one on the main mast seemed even more curious.
Captain Gaben Slogin first turned to the Helmsman and to the Boatswain. “Steady as she goes, Mister Downs. Mister Ersh, it is time to put the ship back in order.”
Both men acknowledged the order with “Aye, Sir”.
It was the Boatswain that turned and shouted orders to certain men of the crew, who in turn scrambled about the main deck and began opening a few stored containers and moving short barrels to points along the main deck railings. A few of the former palace guards started to stare in amazement at what they saw. Several new iron objects were installed where there had been indentations in the railings at the points where the small barrels were being moved to. They were short in length and round in shape with holes in the ends pointing out to the sea and there was a lever of sorts on one side of them. Then the men at the barrels opened them long enough to retrieve scoops of a black powder and pour in into the openings of the iron objects putting some kind of wadding in and tamping it down with rods. Then they placed what looked like iron balls with more wadding on top of the powder.
Bashir, who was standing beside Dax and Ruthor, turned and asked about the new objects being placed on the Rails.
“They are weapons that no one knows exists. We keep them hidden when we are not in Borden.”
“What kind of weapon, if I may ask?”
“Of course, you may. But it would better if we show you and that we will wait to do for a few days. I want to be sure that we are not being followed. If and when we have need to use them, I want it to be a complete surprise to those we use them against. When we reach Sovladen you will meet a young man there, he was an apprentice Mage when he came with us and his name is Syngyn Wiles. He is the one who discovered the special properties of the black powder you saw. Then he and one of our blacksmiths devised the cannons and iron balls. For now, let it suffice to say that when we put a spark to the powder it explodes sending the ball toward a target we aim the cannon at. Say like a catapult or Hwacha, but with more direct crashing effect.”
“You are right, I have never heard of such a thing. If this works as you say, it could be a devastating weapon.”
Dax and Ruthor asked Bashir to follow them below deck and he followed the two men. Once there he saw men undraping several much larger weapons similar to those, he saw on the main deck rails. Each one pointed at one of the closed portals on both sides of the Half Deck. Each now with larger barrels close by and pyramid stacks of iron balls several times the size of those on the outer main deck.
“You have this many of these cannons, a Catapult, Hwacha and a Ballista on one Galley. This ship is a marvel, Dax.”
“It is just one of our four ships in the Borland Navy, all of them are equipped this way. As is our watch towers and fort above the bay in Sovladen. Not to mention we have armaments on our whaling ship for its protection.”
A quarter moon passed before the former Pelian guards got their first demonstration of the cannons aboard the Phoenix by its most experienced armorer, Chaz Smythe.
During the three moons of the voyage the Wolf Pack members and the crew of the Phoenix became accustomed to talking with the former guards of Pelia in both Sand Walker and translating for them that language into the common language so that all aboard became fluent in both. The guards worked hard at becoming fully trained in the Wolf Pack tactics, maneuvers, and ethos. Being long standing guardsmen, they were well trained in army tactics and very experienced combatants. Their eagerness though had been unexpected. Many of the Wolf Pack and crewmen were becoming friends with the men from Pelia and becoming close to some of their family members as well.
Finally, the watch in the crow’s nest sighted Borland on the horizon. By early the next morning they were tying up to the dock in Sovladen. A huge crowd was gathered to welcome everyone home. Melody was in the front with Dax’s children, she was holding his new son in her arms and beaming with a huge smile for her husband. Dax was the first man down the gang plank and ignored all else until he had Melody in his arms and gave her his welcome home kiss; then he picked up his son and kissed him as well while kneeling to kiss Ginger. Ruthor was close by greeting his family the same way as were many among the Phoenix crew and other Wolf Pack men.
As Bashir walked down the gang plank followed by his men, he stopped between Dax and Ruthor. Dax made heart felt introductions to Melody, Gala, Commodore Cavidar, Delpha and Mesan and of course Syngyn Wiles. Then he turned to the assembled citizenry and introduced the new men and families who had traveled here to join with them all. Applause erupted from everyone in welcome.
By the time for the evening meal, a welcome festivity was planned in the town hall and square. The new men had been shown to quarters. The single men were given quarters in the Wolf Pack barracks. Married men with families were shown to houses close to the garrison. Bashir was seated with Dax, Ruthor, the Commodore, Delpha and Mesan. Dax told everyone early on that he and Ruthor had decided that Bashir would have the rank of Captain in the Wolf pack instead of Lieutenant as Dax had originally thought. They had waited until this to even tell Bashir, who was visibly grateful for the higher rank.
It was Ruthor who spoke about the decision. “During the past almost four moons since I first met Bashir standing atop the steps of the Palace in Pelia; I have come to embrace him as not only a very accomplished leader of his men but as a new friend and brother in arms. Bashir will need to appoint his two best men as lieutenants under him to lead the two full patrols that have accompanied him here and have completed full Wolf Pack training during our voyage. These accomplished men bring our Wolf Pack to over one hundred and twenty fighting men and brothers in arms.”
Commodore Cavidar spoke before anyone else could. “Which would mean our Army is at least the equal of any realms thousand men, and probably many more. As everyone knows, one Wolf Pack soldier is the equal of ten from any realm; and we are not even counting for the Dire Wolves themselves. Along with the strength of our Navy and quite substantial defenses, woe be to any who attempt assault our lands.”
“My men and I are forever grateful for your welcoming us into your lands, homes and hearts. Not one of us will ever give you reason to be sorry for allowing us to join you here in Sovladen and Borland. As for myself I cannot wait to see much more of our new land.”
It was Dax who stood and spoke next, this time in a tone that all in the hall could hear. “My fellow citizens of Borland, friends and all our extended family here, Melody and I would like you all to know that we have decided to name our son Vlad Feron in honor of our long now fallen brother and my father. Let not their names ever go unknown in our hearts.” The Town Hall erupted in gleeful yells, applause and cheering. Melody handed their youngest up to her husband, a tear of joy rolling down her cheek and a broad smile beaming across her face. Dax held young Vlad close to his chest for all to see.
It was well halfway unto the dawn before everyone started to adjourn to their homes. Tomorrow would have an unusually late start to the day for most of them.
Over the following moon Dax and or Ruthor accompanied Bashir and his two patrols on many excursions around Borland, getting them accustomed to their new realm. During the last of these journeys one of Bashir’s lieutenants Gimal al Gomma made a remark as they were nearing Sovladen that made the entire company laugh. Gimal simply stated that he was actually glad that there was not even a small desert anywhere on Borland; if he wanted to see sand, he could go to the beach.
Two moons after this journey winter arrived in Sovladen slowing much of the outside work activities. Captain Dorcas Traim and his whalers were in port having made a very good haul on this past voyage. Wives and children were glad to have their fathers at home for a couple of moons. Captain Braden Moule and the Sea Dog had returned the previous day bringing a fine haul of Salt Peter and a small variety of other goods with him which was now in the mercantile store for the citizens to apprize. He and Candace Pregmore were getting resettled into their home as was Devon Wilts and Nester.
Most of the houses’ roofs were covered in snow with icicles hanging from their eaves in long crystalline spikes. The countryside was a child’s delight, every small knoll was a challenge for sledding down. Snow forts and snowball fights were a daily activity for boys of all ages. Men, women, and children savored the heated cider quaffs at the end of each day. It was a season that the recent Pelian immigrants had not witnessed or found joy in before. Their children quickly and happily became wrapped up in these new, even though chilling outdoor activities.
Abindal was pregnant with her and Ofid’s next child, she told her gentle giant of a husband he better be glad that she was enduring this at this time of year instead of a hot summer. Gayla had just delivered her and Ruthor’s second boy a couple of days before winter set in, so they were spending more time in their home keeping young Francher warm and content. They had named the boy for Gayla’s father. Aiela had just started to show signs of her pregnancy. Unfortunately, it would be summer before she delivered their second.
Bashir had started spending quite a bit of time with Pieta Kazar, one of the former captive women. It was becoming an accepted thought that by spring there would surely be a wedding, if the two could wait that long. Which they did not, Commodore Cavidar preformed the ceremony in the Town Hall a half moon later. The entire citizenry of Sovladen were in attendance. Bashir moved his belongings into Pieta’s home at her request. She lived next door to the home Gimal al Gomma, and his family had moved into upon their arrival at Sovladen. Gimal’s wife Seri and Pieta had become remarkably close.
Winter passed into a glorious spring season with warming showers and hills and fields full of blooming flowers. Then spring gradually gave its sway to summer. It was then that Dax, Ruthor and Commodore Cavidar made an unexpected announcement during a meeting at the Town Hall; they and their families had decided to make voyage to Marden. It was their hope that such a visit would show continued fealty to Thane Erik and possibly forestall any visit from a ship from Marden’s navy. What went unsaid was that both families could then visit with their families back in the old world before returning home to Borland. They expected to be gone almost a full set of seasons and returning the following late spring or early summer. They would be leaving in a few days.
The Windlass was loaded with articles that would appease Thane Erik and a few of the more insignificant emeralds, rubies, and pearls for Queen Daneen. They planned to make apologies that Borland had not produced more wealth as yet, but they were still working hard on improving the settlement and its reinforcements. They were surly not going to give up any of Borlands true wealth of resources or already formidable defenses, especially the new black powder and cannon additions to their arsenal.
Two days later the Windlass left port for Marden. Many people turned out to see the ship on its way.
*****
Four moons later Captain Meldon of The Sea Wench was being escorted into Ormish Drofeld’s private chamber where the King of Steldar was perusing some documents at his table.
“What can I do for you, Captain. I don’t remember you having asked for an audience?”
“I am sorry my King, but I just returned from on a voyage from Marden. I made all haste in getting here.”
King Drofeld looked up from his work seeming annoyed. “And that would concern me why?”
“Because, King Drofeld, as we were loading cargo and planning on shipping out the next day for Skalm, that ship we talked about over a winter ago docked at the port of Throgmarden.”
“Which ship are you talking about? The one that no one had seen in so long?”
“Yes, my Liege, the Windlass and it was who came down the gang plank that I knew you would want to know of immediately.”
“That Marden leader of the Wolf Pack? You saw him?’
“Yes, and not just him. It was he and another of his men with their Dire Wolves, their families and that Captain Cavidar, all together.”
“Do we know where they were going?”
“No, but I left my first mate there to keep watching and listening for any news.”
“Good, I want to know everything he can find out. When are you returning?”
“Just as soon as we are unloaded and have sold our cargo. Then I will resupply and return to Throgmarden.”
“No waiting, we might lose him. Tell the Port Master, I have bought your cargo and am paying for your resupply.”
“As you wish my King, then we might be leaving port before dusk today.”
“Good, I will be waiting for news.”
*****
Dax and Melody were having the evening meal with Ruthor, Gayla and her family after he and Ruthor have made their report to Thane Erik and the Marden council.
“So, Commander Dax, how did it go with the council today?” Francher asked in his usual business-like tone.
“I believe that the Thane is now consoled since we have voyaged here and shown our continued loyalty to him. Lord Daka seemed rather impressed with the status of the Wolf Packs increase in manpower and the advancements in our Navy. They were glad to hear that we have built as many fortifications as we described to them and the continued improvements to Sovladen. He thanked us for the goods we brought with us and the jewels we presented Queen Daneen with. He did say it would be an added advantage if in the future, we found higher yielding mines of the jewels or gold.”
“Well, you can’t blame him for saying that. Any ruler would prefer such increases in his wealth. Do you have more audiences to attend?”
“Yes, Ruthor and I will be meeting with Lord Daka and Councilor Ceric over the next couple of days. Then we will be free to spend some time with our families. I want to thank you for welcoming Melody and our children into your home for this visit, it is very generous of you.”
“No need to thank us. We think of all of you as an extension to our family. So, I suppose that you will be journeying then to Eigle when your meetings are over?”
“Yes, we cannot wait to see our families. I am sure they will want to spend time with the children and hear much of our lives since we moved.”
“If you would not mind, I thought Domina and I would join you in your trip. We could all do with a nice holiday in the mountains. We both have families there that would like to see Ruthor and his family before you are all off again.”
“That sounds great, you know they will want to throw a big celebration and would be very happy if all of you would stay there a few days for sharing stories and becoming closer again.”
Francher laughed out loud at this saying, “I have heard many stories of how both Bulb Nose and Iron Beard like to celebrate.” Which in turn made everyone laugh.
“Then it is settled, we will all travel together. If nothing else that will make Ginger and Iban Dom happier, those two become closer with each passing winter.”
It was Gayla who interjected before anyone could speak. “I think one day, my sister of my heart and I will be our children’s mother in laws.”
Melody giggled but managed to answer her dearest friend. “I would dearly love it if that happened. We would truly then be just one family.”
It was Ruthor who spoke next.” I am in no hurry to see our children grown, and they will be who they will become. Besides, in my heart we are family already. Dax is my brother in all ways but blood and we have shared that often enough. Melody, you are already my Gayla’s sister and thus mine as well. Francher, you and Domina accepted me into your family with open hearts. How could anyone think us all not as a family already.”
“I could not have said it better, my son. However, if these two little ones continue on the path they appear to be destined to, who among us here would not be overjoyed with it?”
“None of us, my Father, none of us.” Everyone around the table shook their heads in agreement to what Gayla said.
Two days later, after Dax and Ruthor had spent many hours talking and detailing events and information to not only Daka and Ceric, but Thane Erik as well. Three wagons left Throgmarden for the road to Eigle. Commodore Cavidar, who had been in all these discussions stayed in Throgmarden for a few more days, then he would set sail for Jav. That was where Dax, Ruthor and their families would rejoin him for the voyage home to Sovladen.
It was a good season for a journey up the road bordering the Arn River to Eigle. The men fished at late afternoons when they made camp providing the fresh catches for the evening meal. While children waded at the rivers banks and wives foraged for fresh greens and herbs to add to the meals. Everyone enjoyed the camaraderie and easy atmosphere of the trip. Once they had arrived in Eigle and rested two days, the ladies visiting a few shops while their husbands reprovisioned the wagons, they turned up the trails high into the fire mountains headed for Fire River Cave. Dax had hired and sent a runner to Village Arn with a message for Iron Beard and Estonia to please join them at the Fire River Cave. He was sure his uncle and aunt would be there before this party could make the trip from Eigle to the home of Melody’s mother and father by wagons.
As they rounded the last bend in the mountain trail, they were met by a throng of dwarf well-wishers. Iron Beard, Estonia, Bulb Nose and Daitha standing in the forefront. As Dax helped Melody down from the wagon, taking little Vlad in his arm it was Daitha who took Vlad in her arms to help and marveled at one of her grandchildren she was seeing and holding for the first time. Then when Ginger started to climb down Estonia was there to help her.
“These are beautiful children you two, she is so big already. We are so happy you are here.” Daitha said to her daughter and son-in-law.
“Thank you, Mother, we are just as happy to be here.” Melody answered reaching to hug her mother encompassing both her mother and son both.
Iron Beard slapped Dax on his shoulders and then shook his tall nephew by them. “It has been too long, my too tall Nephew. You both have been missed.”
“We have missed all of you as well.” Then Dax turned to introduce Ruthor with his family and in-laws, but before he could start the introductions it was Bulb Nose who spoke next.
“It seems like forever since we saw you and Domina, Francher. We are honored to have you here at Fire River Cave.”
“It is we who are grateful for your hospitality, Bulb Nose. This my daughter, Gayla and her husband Ruthor.”
“I know Ruthor. He was with Dax when they found Darma and her cubs many seasons ago.” Iron Beard interjected. “I am glad to see he had the good since to marry such a beautiful too tall woman and become family with the dwarves of the fire mountains.”
“It has been too long since we last met, uncle to my brother. But it is I who am the lucky one that Gayla took pity on this poor outsider and agreed to tie her life with mine.”
“Well said, also my Nephew.” Iron Beard replied with a broad smile. “Come now, let’s all go into the village and have the mid-day meal.”
“Yes, we have a feast already prepared, scouts sent word you were near. We can gather your belongings after we have filled our bellies and become reacquainted again.”
With that said, everyone started making their way through the entrance into the Fire River Cave. Ruthor and Gayla marveled at the immense size of the cavern and how it seemed unending. Neither of them had been here before.
After the meal was over, they were shown to accommodations that had been prepared for them.
“We had this building built after Dax and Melody were wed those many seasons ago. The towns people here decided that since some of us have too tall children in Eigle and now even farther flung in the world. We should have a house for any of them to stay in when they visit their families here. Besides, it lets our other children have an idea of the difference between our world and the one they seldom see.”
“We are all humbled by your true hospitality, Bulb Nose, and deeply grateful.” Francher replied.
“Pish posh, you are all too tall to stay in our houses, you take up too much space and get in the way.” This bit of humor made everyone who could hear it burst into full throated laughter.
The three families brought in their traveling belongings. Then the men unhitched the horses and brought them to the stables, currying them and giving them fresh hay and oats. Later there was another town wide evening meal with stories, jokes and dancing. Children started to play in the way children do, all the local children including Dax and Ruthor’s as if they had all known one another all their lives. Finally, everyone took to their homes and went to sleep for the night.
During the second afternoon Dax and Ruthor were sitting with Iron Beard, Bulb Nose and Francher. The wives had decided to go with some of the village and their children on a walk in the nearby mountains. The conversation turned toward a discussion about where Dax, Ruthor and their families lived. The two men and their wives had talked several times about this probably coming up at some time on their trip and had decided that their families needed to understand why such visits would be seldom and maybe even not occurring again, depending on what might happen in the future.
“The four of us have talked about telling you of our new home and agreed you should know more than anyone else is allowed to know.” Dax said in a rather hushed tone. Then he explained to the three men about the voyage and finding Borland while looking for Fargyn and besting his forces. Then how Melody, Gayla, Aiela and Abindal all decided to join them with their children. Then he went on to talk about what it was like on Borland and in Sovladen. He also said that over time as they brought more immigrants there, that every realm was represented there, except that of the Crog and the dwarf people. It was not that they had avoided the dwarf people on purpose, but they still felt they needed to keep the dwarf secret. After saying this, it was Francher who spoke first.
“I am sure we all know your strong feelings in keeping the secret we have all kept for generations. But can I ask, do you think that these people who have joined you would be the same kind of threat in this new world of yours as those here have always been?”
“These are good people, and I have told you how we govern and do things differently than almost every realm here. But they are still people, all too tall people who have come from here wanting a new kind of life. None of them have any idea that the dwarf people exist or that the Eigle are descendants of the Dwarf People. So that we are not without-a-doubt sure of. Why do you ask?”
“Because, Dax, brother to the heart of my daughter’s husband, Domina and I at least have talked about this. I have told Wendor that I wish to retire and that we would like to do so closer to Ruthor and Gayla. He understood why and has agreed to take full ownership of our businesses.”
Bulb Nose spoke next. “I also am certain that if the possibility exists, so would Daitha and I and I might say that there are probably a few others her in the Fire River Cave who would jump at such a chance.”
“Well, if you are going my old and dear friend, then so are I and Estonia, I do not usually speak for her. But in this I am sure she will permit it. As I am just as sure that there are those from the Arn River Village who would as Bulb Nose has said, jump at the chance for such an opportunity.”
“And all of these others would do so, not knowing where they were going until after we left port. That has always been our one firm rule.”
Both Dwarf leaders said yes in unison. All five men looked at one another and smiled broadly.
