Northern Barrier Range

Mikkin inhaled and noticed the change in the air. It was fresher, lighter, less damp. His heart thumped in anticipation. Daylight. It would be the first true light in nearly a month...or longer? Perhaps two? It was almost impossible to tell without the sun and moon. With the time he'd spent first in Shadowkeep's cells, then in Safuil, followed by their time on the Great Stone Road and its subsequent cities, he'd given up. Now he simply took things as they came.

He often wondered if by the time he stepped out of the mountain tunnels, whole years would have passed. Perhaps by then, Dragonwall would no longer be at war with Kane and his dragons. Perhaps by then, things might have settled.

"Best to keep the cloth down over your eyes at first," Fik warned, his voice echoing down the tunnel to the rest of them.

Beside him, Berbik cleared his throat. "We Dwargs don't much care for the light. But it is a nice treat now and again. And Fik will want to take advantage of the ravens to send a message to Lord Dubrael."

Fik and Gro had become something of friends to Berbik, Mikkin, Jamie, and Unka. Their other companions had grown closer too. Bul and Moz weren't much for talking. They communicated in strings of grunts when they didn't wish to be bothered with speech. They mostly took to scowling. But they were smarter than they let on, and quite skilled with blades. Mikkin was sure they had come along as guards, more than anything. Most impressive was when they'd singlehandedly disarmed Kisteg's patrols. It felt like weeks ago, now, when they'd first arrived on the outskirts of the Dwargen city that came after Safuil.

Kisteg's guards had mistaken them for intruders and had charged without warning. Bul and Moz made quick work of the lot before the rest of them pulled their own weapons free. It was all a misunderstanding. One quickly cleared up through a few rushed conversions in Dwargish. But it certainly impressed him.

Than, Net, and Bur were the diplomats of the group. They talked plenty when warranted, and their smooth speech was much like what Mikken expected a politician's to be. They were the ones that did most of the work in each great lord's hall, working to convince each Dwarg lord to rally to King Talon's cause. Despite their skill at persuasion, they'd had less luck than they'd hoped.

Kisteg, being Safuil's neighbor, had close ties and was willing to pledge. Unfortunately, the two cities that followed weren't so eager to risk open support. Fauthiel and Tulian both refused. The setback had done little to lift Mikkin's mood. But there was still Yberg and then Proaloth before they came to the coast. Port Ice, as the Dwargs called it, or Ice Port as most commoners said, would be the end of the road.

The torches dimmed as light began to filter into the tunnel. Mikkin's legs burned something awful with the mix between stairs and upward inclines. His breathing wasn't the only sound permeating the tunnel. Everyone's breath came in short bursts now. Beside him, Jamie was gasping.

"Thank the gods!" he managed to growl as light brightened around him. Even with the covering over his eyes, he squinted and his eyes watered. He kept them narrowed to filter out as much as possible. And then the tunnel flattened, the air turned fresher and he felt wind. Blessed wind.

They spilled out of a doorway carved into the side of the mountain onto a wide stone platform. He was so busy squinting against the bright daylight that he didn't realize at first how high up they were. Beside him, Unka had doubled over and was cursing under his breath in some form of Gobelin gibberish. He almost laughed, laughed because he was so happy to be out of the dark oppressive tunnels he'd been subjected to for weeks.

Jamie had collapsed onto his knees but remained otherwise silent. The other Dwargs were speaking rapidly in Dwargish and he didn't bother trying to make out any of their words. He'd learned a few during their travels.

As his eyes adjusted, the watering stopped. He continued to blink. When he felt comfortable enough, he removed the covering completely and gasped. No longer was the world around him dark and fuzzy. He saw the height of their platform clearly, and the smaller peaks stretched out before him. Those gave way to hills, and beyond that, the grassy plains of Vestur to the south. "Well, that's a sight that takes getting used to," he muttered, almost trembling with relief.

"I fear I'll never get you back underground after witnessing it, Master Mikkin," Fik joked. "But it is truly grand. We can stay a while, if you like, but then we best be getting on our way. I'll see to the ravens."

Mikkin nodded and took a seat on one of the stone benches placed around the perimeter. This was as good a place as any to have a bite to eat. He intended to soak it all in.

Berbik came to stand beside him and began talking about the Dwarg's method of communication. The ravens in question were kept on the mountainside in outposts like this. Carved into the side of the mountain behind him was an aviary where Fik trudged over to introduce himself to the keepers. He planned to send a message to Sky Fall, the mountain outpost above Safuil, where Lord Averaen and his team had been escorted to exit the underground tunnels. From Sky Fall, messages would be taken below. They intended to inform Lord Dubrael of their progress.

This outpost here was Hawk Eye. It was one of the only Dwargish sky doorways between here and the coast. There would be one other, Bird's Nest, before their journey ended. He'd been looking forward to this excursion for days. And it was well worth the four hour climb.

Jamie and Unka took seats near him as they tucked in to more of the same—dried meat and water. Fortunately, when they arrived in Yberg, a feast could be expected. If there was one thing he'd learned about Dwargs, it was their love of drink and feasts.

***

Returning to the Great Stone Road brought melancholy felt between those used to the daylight. Mikkin tried not to be bothered, instead thinking of all the food they'd soon have. He also tried to occupy himself with conversation. Unka never strayed far from his side, especially after the cold welcome he'd received from the Dwargs they met in each city. This time, he turned his attention on the Gobelin.

"Tell me of your home, Unka. Of Pavv. You miss it, no?"

Unka gave a grunt. "Much desert there. Lots of sun. Unka like to return, yes."

"You have family?" Jamie asked.

"Family. Yes. Three wives. Twelve...how say, kosh."

"Children?" Mikkin said at the same time as Jamie blurted, "Three wives?!"

In the torchlight, Unka's eyes darted between them. From behind, there came several grunts from the Dwargs, including Berbik. Multiple wives wasn't a custom here in Dragonwall.

"Children, yes. Kosh. Twelve children. Gobelin families big."

"But...don't your wives get...I don't know..." Jamie fiddled with his tunic. "How do they get along? I can't imagine my father taking another woman. My mother would go after him with a wooden spoon, or worse."

A bark of laughter burst from Mikkin's lips at the thought of Mary going after Tynen with a wooden spoon, chasing him around their cottage.

Unka grunted again. "All Gobelins have many wives. I take three. Plenty. Good friend Grog have eight."

Jamie swore aloud. "Eight? Gods above!"

"Unka warned Grog. Hands full. Many...children. Never peace."

Mikkin laughed again. "I would imagine that you wish to return to your kosh and your wives when this is all over?"

"Return, yes. But considered traitor?"

"Because you've helped us?" Mikkin asked. Unka didn't respond. "I suppose so, but if we can bring about an end to this war, I don't think anyone will fault you. I'm sure we can work out some kind of story to bode well in your favor."

"Kane promised new land, land to expand."

"Pavv isn't enough?" Jamie asked.

"Many children. More Gobelin land," Unka answered.

Mikkin mulled this over. If the Gobelins killed off enough of their numbers warring in the east, population control would kick in. But he kept this to himself, instead letting Jamie and a few of the Dwargs keep up the conversation as they continued to question Unka about his different culture. While he couldn't see much sense in the Gobelin way of life, and considered them rather disgusting creatures, Unka had somewhat opened his eyes, leaving him intrigued as to the differing ways Gobelins lived. He couldn't deny he'd somewhat warmed up to Unka in the time they'd spent together. Knowing the little urchin had a family back home did help.

***

They reached Yberg a day and a half later. As they walked towards the city, the Great Stone Road widened. The glow baskets increased in frequency, and the steady sound of mining vibrated up through their feet. Mikkin had come to recognize this with each city they visited. The sounds of industry and productivity as Dwargs pulled Ice Metal, gems, and other precious metals from the ground to sell in Ice Port.

A contingent of Dwarg soldiers met them and spoke with Net and Bur in animated speech. One of the guards clapped Bur on the shoulder. "Bur's cousin lives here in Yberg," Berbik said, keeping his voice low. "He's well liked among this Dwarg clan."

Mikkin hummed. "Perhaps that will bode well for us, no?"

"Let us hope."

They were taken to Yberg's great hall to meet its lord. Lord Umdod. He had dark hair, and like all Dwargs, plenty of it, decorated with beads in all sorts of colors. His beard was down to his knees. And much of his hair was streaked with white.

"Some say he's nearly two hundred," Berbik uttered, speaking out of the corner of his mouth while Than, Net, and Bur took their places up near the front of the group.

"How old do Dwargs live?" Jamie asked in a hushed whisper.

"If we're lucky, three hundred is a fine age."

Jamie all but choked in his surprise while their group offered respectful bows. Lord Umdod focused his attentions briefly on Than, Net, and Bur, speaking rapidly in Dwargish. He then turned to the rest of them, switching to the common tongue. "Tonight we feast, tomorrow I will turn my attentions to the matter you have brought before me." He stood then, lifting his arms, smiling.

They weren't alone in the hall. There were other Dwargs scattered about, watching, both males and females. The hall looked much the same as the others they'd visited. Much the same as Lord Dubrael's hall in Safuil. Stone columns spanned its interior, expertly carved from the rock beneath the mountains. Flaming braziers cast dancing orange light throughout the room. And the large chair sitting upon the dais was carved to perfection.

Two Dwargs approached, and when one began hugging Bur, speaking loudly and excitedly, Mikkin knew this must be his cousin. Bur introduced him to their party as Jagnon, or Jag for short. It was a warm greeting.

"I will show you to your accommodations," Jag said, his voice rumbling with pleasure, thick with his accent. "You will be staying in mine house whilest you are here. Mine family will give you a warm welcome."

They were ushered from the hall and taken through a series of corridors to a large entry chamber. "Welcome to mine home." Jag spread his arms wide as several children rushed forward, squealing with glee. They threw themselves upon Bur, babbling in Dwargish with excitement as Jag's cousin swept them up into hugs. Mikkin couldn't help his sad smile at the display. It was the same way his sons would have greeted him.

Another male Dwarg appeared in the opposite doorway wiping his hands on an apron, brow furrowed as he took in the new guests."Ah! This is mine husband, Azoul," Jag said by way of introduction, eyes sparkling with warmth. "But you may call him Az."

"Az and Jag foster many children in Yberg," Bur said, hoisting one of them up on his shoulders, much to the child's delight. "Those who have lost parents to sickness, or to mishaps below in the mines. But come, I will show you all to your sleeping accommodations." It was clear that Bur was as comfortable in his cousin's home as his own.

Mikkin was eager for a bath, so he couldn't help his delighted smile as Bur led him and the others to their own individual rooms, each with bathing chambers. "Because they foster so many children, they've been given one of the largest dwellings in Yberg. My room is just down the hall."

Jamie cleared his throat. "How...how large is this home?"

Bur laughed. "There are—" He hesitated, as if doing a mental calculation. "—twenty seven sleeping rooms."

Jamie's eyes went wide.

Mikkin hid his snicker as he ducked into his room and shut the door behind him, shedding his belongings. It was grander than he might have expected, had he not already spent several nights in each respective Dwawrgish city along the Great Stone Road. Dwargs were proud of their mining prowess. They liked to decorate their dwellings with the fruits of their labor. His room was furnished with a bed, table and chairs, a writing desk, a number of glow lamps, and several large decorative gems the size of dragon eggs. Or at least, he imagined dragon eggs to be of a similar large size. He went to examine one, a deep ruby red—a small boulder. It was beside the bed with its top sheered off. A night stand, he realized, tracing his finger over the cloudy surface.

He let out a soft laugh picturing Unka in the room next door. The little Gobelin was no doubt wrapped around one of these giant gems, arms and legs, clutching it for dear life. He'd probably never get the creature out of his room for dinner. But...no matter.

He shed his clothes and padded into the bath chamber. This room did impress him. It was all stone like the last, but much of it was carved. A bathing pool, pit toilet, and stone table with a mirror. But here, gems were everywhere, pressed into the stone, making the room glitter with color. He gazed, transfixed. Clearly Az and Jag were wealthier than some of the others. None of the places he'd stayed in had boasted bathing chambers quite this...lavish. He made a mental note to check Unka's room before they departed in a few days, just to make sure the little urchin didn't pop some of the gems out to take with him. A grunt slipped from his lips at the thought.

Drawing a bath, he couldn't help his groan when he sank into the hot water. He didn't bother marveling at the ingenuity of it. Dwargs had surprised him at every turn since making their acquaintance. No doubt, some hot underground spring fed these bathing tubs and he was glad of it.

Hours later, they were led back to the great hall where tables had been placed. Roaring fires and platters of food had him all but rushing forward with his party to feast. Lord Umdod gave them a place of honor at his table. That was one thing he'd quickly learned. The Dwargs treated their guests like their own family and never hesitated to offer up the best.

The most common course that night was roasted mountain trout, stuffed with earthy herbs that grew well underground in limited light. Much to his surprise, the Dwargs of Yberg had a vast underwater lake fed by several mountain rivers and the trout had made a home beneath their city. The flaky white meat was complemented nicely by roasted potatoes and...not surprising whatsoever, mushrooms. But these were done differently than some of the mushroom dishes he'd had before. They were sautéed in goat's butter. There was goat meat too—considered a special treat, as the mountain goats were not butchered for food until they reached old age. Food was never wasted in places like this.

Lord Umdod was pleased to have their company. He told stories of his people and asked them questions of curiosity, especially Mikkin and Jamie. He even treated Unka with a politeness that surprised Mikkin, given that the past two lords had all but ignored the Gobelin. Lord Umdod seemed to respect the little creature for switching loyalties, or at least, regard him in higher standing.

All too soon, talk turned to that of the impending war in Dragonwall. Although their diplomats, Than, Net, and Bur, were supposed to speak of these matters the day following, it seemed Lord Umdod was eager to begin the discussions now. They were happy to oblige, and as the drink flowed more freely, so too did their tongues, outlining all the issues Dragonwall would face if Kane came to power.

As they talked, Lord Umdod's scowl deepened and his good mood darkened until he was all but sputtering with rage. "The absolute gall!" he roared at one point, when they elaborated on Kane's involvement in taking Fort Squall. Mikkin took this as a good sign, even if the vast quantity of drink Umdod had consumed was likely fueling the Dwarg lord's passion.

"I will stand with Safuil and Kisteg in this," Lord Umdod said at last. "Even though mine neighbors have refused, let none say that Yberg is cowardly. I will join in the efforts to see this sorcerer defeated."

At that, his party of Dwargs lifted their tankards and roared with delight. Mikkin and Jamie shared a silent exchange, nodding with relief. He couldn't help the sigh that left his chest, or the way his shoulders sagged. All too soon, dessert—sweet bread—was brought forth. Its scent was heavenly. With the good news, he allowed himself eat into a stupor, glad that they'd had some more success, after all. 

⭐️🌟⭐️🌟⭐️

Hey Bookdragons!

It came to my realization after my friend Kat mentioned it, that I never addressed Mikkin's escape in Kane's chapter last week. It was just one of those minor details that completely slipped my mind when writing Kane's chapter. So at some point when I embark on editing this book, i'll make sure to put a sentence or two in Kane's POV at how sour he must be about Mikkin getting away.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed Mikkin's first chapter of this book. Next week, we will be returning to Esterpine. I still haven't had a chance to write a Talon chapter yet. So back to Claire! Next week's chapter is titled, "Mastering Elements," so i'm sure you can guess what it's about. 

Also, I realized that the word count for what i've written so far has officially reached 50,000 words! That means we're about 1/3 of the way through the story...wait...what?!?

Have a great weekend! 

Mel

ps. A quick note about the map at the top of the page. I wanted it to be in a format that will fit on a paperback book page, which is why it's vertical. But if you pay attention to the compass, you'll see that up and down correspond to east/west since the mountains run east to west. :)