Role

Chapter 4

"They're 'ere, they're 'ere!" rang out voices of small children who had lined
the mountain passes waiting to get the first glimpses of the black fire giants.
"A'right lads, let's beh stiffenen' up dem ranks, git yer scabbard loose dere
Vrondrek! Move, move! Dey almost 'ere!" Da's shouting could probably be heard
all the way to Voralian it was so loud, but no one complained and everyone did
exactly as he said. Drothgar only hoped Ergrenye had the good sense to stay out
of Da's sight and not get caught staring at the giants right out in the open.
She'd feel the bite of his belt if she did, that was for sure! But all thoughts
left his mind as just then from around the corner and entering the gates past
the guards was a being so tall, so big, he almost could not believe it. Never
before had he seen a giant and even knowing their size in his mind he was
stunned to see them in person, real and up close. Almost immediately his eyes
went to their gear, their weapons and armor, strange yet obviously sturdy and
well made. One held a sword longer than Drothgar is tall, making him wonder
how much mining they must do to have all that metal. Brestplates that could
make a roof for a small dwarven home, vambraces and greaves that could match a
dwarven polearm in length. Incredible.

Fifteen of them there were, fourteen guards and functionaries of one sort or
another, and one, in the front and center, obviously in charge and the reason
for all the others' presence. Not a cheeful creature, and while it probably
meant for its smile to be genial it looked more to Drothgar like the viscious
predatory grin of a wild beast. But even if he were a coward - which he is
not - still he would not be afraid for these giants were alone, in Drothgar's
world, and surrounded by his Da's elite troops. Nothing bad could or would
happen.