Role

Chapter 6

Across mountains, wastes and forests that could not deter any of the Men-ji,
Quird travelled until he reached the Ancient mountainholm. Akan - Capital and
seat of the Dwarven Monarchy.

Like an amethyst geode, it's beauty lay not on the surface but within. From
the air, Quird saw little but peaks, troughs and dents in the rock. But lower
still, and the runletts became streets. The domes became houses. From the
very mountains, their home has been scooped and shovelled. Turrets and
battlements dam the valleys and small bearded creatures peer out from under
shining mithril helms. Quird flew lower, and lower still, into the valleys
until he found himself in a populated place he could ask for directions.

Apparently not unaccustomed to visitors from far away lands, the dwarves
obliged him with a jovial politeness. Most could guess his purpose from his
manner, as even those of other faiths could share the joy of having the Thane
return. An air of excitement amongst the young, and that of relief among the
elders, the pleasure of having their patron return making even those amongst
Ysaloerye's devout more proud! Though Quird wondered, if such a great
philosophy had come from these people, where were the harsh forges that made
them strong? The great daily trials and struggles to survive, that make
everyone humble before the miracle of life? Such ideas were storng in his
people but all he saw was posturing and foolish facadery. Maybe the
difficulty they have speaking clearly is important? Or is that facial hair
more hindering than it appears?

Doubt filled his mind, and for a moment he felt a haze overcome his thoughts.
A moment of opaque clarity that obscured the world but opened him to...

Shaking it off, Quird focused on restocking his supplies. Fresh water for his
skin, and some soft rock the dwarves attempted to pass as bread. A few pieces
of rawhide, and a fresh pelt made of a creature far smaller than a mammoth or
bear. Yes, useful things, for a journey that had no clear length. How long
would he stay here, learning form these dwarves?

Not long.