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Ensuring that his family was safe Duke Gawain had new guards brought in for additional security. The handful of his guard that fought to protect him tonight would not leave his side and for that, he is grateful each will be handsomely rewarded for their loyalty and bravery. His wife and daughter are safe seeing to young Durin making him comfortable in a guest room and after witnessing his bravery in saving his daughter, he is forever indebted to the brave young man. He will make a fine knight one day he thought walking toward the new arrivals and the giant of a man that came to their aide tonight. His two sons walked close by his side not wanting to leave him alone and again he is grateful to have such fine sons. He realized that after what happened tonight evil abounds and that death could come at any time and strike from any quarter. He is very thankful they were not injured or worse killed.
Seeing the splendor of their armor and weapons, he knew that they were a gift from the light. The dwarfs had a cordon around the giant that looked nearly impenetrable. It appeared that some of them had sustained minor wounds in the fight each wearing bloody bandages. He sighed quietly thinking about the lives lost tonight and vowed to apprehend the traitors who dared to commit such an atrocity. He would talk to Ethan tonight and learn what he knows. If not for his quick thinking and actions, many lives would have been lost tonight. Before he could say anything, a booming voice coming from the main entrance to the hall distracted him.
“Mah dear an' close friend Ah am slighted 'at ye did not invite me tae tonight’s festivities. If Ah had knoon, Ah would hae bathed an' put oan such finery as ye hae ever seen. Oh wait Ah am wearin' my best finery gie a dwarf some furs an' an ax an' we ready tae caroose an' drink aw night as well as anyone,” Brokk laughed striding toward the duke followed closely by Battlebur, Blackhammer, Norelia and Thrumbar. Not very ducal Gawain rushed to meet Brokk halfway for not only is he a good and dear friend he is the leader of the dwarfs.
“Ah am truly sorry mah friend fur th' slight. Ah will reprimain Tyrian fur forgettin' yer nam from th' guest list,” he laughed clasping forearms with Brokk in greeting.
“It appears yer Excellency 'at ye hud a grand fight an' failed tae invite me fur that too.”
“Quite th' contrary Brokk thes was a cowardly fight an assassination attempt tae kill mah entire fowk by cowardly spies in mah own castle. If nae fur Eatin a newcomer they might hae succeeded an' th' bloodshed would hae bin much worse,” Gawain replied grimly walking back toward the group. The dwarfs greeted each other with handshakes and backslapping. Suddenly Brokk took notice of the giant of a man, his armor and the ax in his wide belt. The more he looked he realized who and what is standing before him. Walking up to Hreidmar, Brokk gave him a hard look making Hreidmar became very self-conscious. When Maiko saw Brokk's demeanor she moved forward to stand next to Hreidmar with a look on her face that Hreidmar knew very well. It is the same look he gets when he is about to get into trouble thankfully it is directed toward Brokk and not him.
“Sae ye are the famed protectur ay th' dwarf king, Ah hud wondered which ay ye it would be. Since ye ur his protectur will ye be his queen tay?” Brokk asked in all seriousness. Maiko was taken aback for a moment but Maiko being who she is quickly recovered.
“Th' big oaf ay an idiot 'at he is has not asked me fur mah hand. Hoo dumb can one man be tae let such an eligible woman like me walk aroond unbetroth wi' aw these handsome yoong suitors about. Ah teel ye if th' galoot disnae ask me fur mah hand soon Ah jist might skewer heem myself in 'at big crease of his wi' one ay my arrows an' he willnae be able tae sit fur a month,” Maiko said in mock seriousness. Stunned by her words, the dwarfs just stood there in shocked silence, which in itself is quite new to them, then suddenly as one they roared with laughter. Brokk was laughing so hard he fell on the floor. In a single instant, this woman had won their hearts. All those around them joined in the laughter even Hreidmar had a smile on his face because now he would force her hand. He waited for them to quit laughing and Brokk to regain his feet before he sprang his trap even though he knew Maiko was going to kill him for it. Taking his axe from his belt, he abruptly handed it to Brokk who took it cradling it respectfully.
“Maiko Mah dear Ah hae bin remiss an' not very mindful ay yer feelings oan such matters ay marriage. Since Ah am a dunderheid wi' a big crease 'at would make fur an easy targit Ah propose in front of aw of these witnesses 'at ye become mah guidwife an' ask ye fur yer hain in marriage, will ye hae me?” he asked with all the solemnity he could muster getting down on one knee before her. The silence that followed was near deafening while Hreidmar waited with baited breath for Maiko to answer. Well I guess I deserved that one but I am still going to make him suffer she laughed to herself pretending she really had to think about her answer. Shifting from one foot to the other as if in deep thought she realized it had started to get uncomfortable, and she might be pushing it a might too far. Reaching down she took Hreidmar by the hands gently directing him to his feet looking up into his eyes instantly knowing he loved her with all his heart. Finally, she knew in her heart that for the first time in her life she truly knew what true love is, not all those nights sleeping with different men searching for the right one, she found it in an unexpected way, and she did not have to sleep with the man to discover it.
“Hreidmar mah dwarf kin' wi' th' big crease Ah accept yer proposal ay marriage with aw my heart,” she said with a smile on her beautiful face. “Lit me fur warn ye 'at if ye take tay long fur th' ceremony Ah still may shoot ye in 'at big crease ay yoors,” she said as sternly as she could without laughing. Suddenly, cheers and laughter erupted about the hall with the wounded joining in the happiness that after such a tragic event is welcomed distraction.
“Yer Excellency Ah hae urgent news tae teel ye from up North is thaur a place whaur we can gab in private fur a time?” Brokk asked quietly after the cheering had mostly subsided.
“Yes Brokk even at this late hour we need to talk. I will have refreshments and food sent to my private dining room so you and your friends can eat and refresh yourselves. I will meet you there promptly but I must speak to someone right away.”
“We ur hungry your Excellency, Ah will tak' uir new king wi' us Ah am sure he is jist as hungry as we ur.”
“Thank you Brokk I will be there shortly.”
“M’lord I am going to take Mitch and Leadyl off for a time if you will allow me to do so,” Bilgrammus said walking up. “Oh, and Duke Unther is asking about your health and I assured him you are fine. His wound is not grievous he will be up and around in about a week.”
“Great news Bilgrammus, great news indeed," Gawain responded excitedly then continued in a more normal tone. "You may do as you wish I am certain you have your needs that need your attention during these times.”
“Thank you m’lord I will keep you informed,” he assured the duke, bowing quickly he went to find Mitch and Leadyl who were helping the wounded.
“Come, my sons I see Ethan over by Celedryl and Danielle, oh and Orin and Sakura to I think I need to talk to them as well,” the duke said walking toward them.
“Duke Gawain I hope I am not being presumptuous but I truly need to speak to you if I may?” Ethan asked politely when the duke and his sons walked up.
“Ethan I must thank you for what you have done for me, the dukedom and the kingdom. Without your instinctive help tonight and resourcefulness, things would have turned out for the worse. I am presumptuous to wish to speak to you even at this late hour. I fear that most of us will not get a good night’s sleep tonight. The rest of you please do try to get some sleep for I think tomorrow will be a long day for all of us. Orin and Sakura would you both be so kind as to join Ethan and me in my private study? Doric, please have the cook bring food to my private dining room for our friends to eat and you can meet us in the study afterward,” Duke Gawain asked, heading for his study.
Duke Gawain’s study is sumptuous for a castle but nothing compared to the study in the old manor house that his great-g
randfather built but he liked it still. As a whole, the castle is too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter but the fireplace system built by the dwarfs when they built this castle actually kept it warm enough in the winter. In the summertime, they like to stay in the manor house where it is much cooler. The floors richly covered in carpets from Khuul in a mix of dark rich colors add balance to the tapestries direct from Tordar depicting mountain ranges and vast forests with rivers flowing down the center hanging on the left wall. The wall on the right is mostly closed black oak double wooden doors with brass handles leading to the private dining area. Hundreds of books line the wall facing the entrance from his great- grandfather’s time to now covering accounting, magic, war and countless of other topics. In front of the bookcase, a beautifully finished black oak desk and matching high back chair compliment the room with its elegance and fine quality. Five plush chairs with small tables next to them matching the duke’s desk chair are scattered around the room.
When Doric arrived, he found his father sitting behind his desk with Orin and Sakura sitting close to each other and Dorin and Ethan already seated. Closing the main door behind him Doric took the last seat. Ethan quickly explained in detail what had happened leading him to make the decisions that he made and if not for the suspicious actions of Count Anthor that led him to follow him ultimately discovering his clandestine meeting with Seren he would have been equally surprised. He apologized profusely for the loss of life wishing he could have prevented it entirely. When he finished he waited patiently while those in the room took a moment to digest the information he had provided. He kept his eyes on the duke as his facial expressions changed from shock at hearing these developments, to sadness then anger.
“Ethan the work you have done this evening has been worthy of receiving an earlship for services rendered to the duchy and the crown. As a husband and father, I am greatly in your debt for saving my family from a terrible tragedy. If you will accept I am offering you a position in my court as Earl of Qenildor with no lands mind you, but in the light of the facts presented that may change in the near future. With this, comes responsibility and obedience to the duke and king. Along this line of thought Ethan, I would like you to head security answerable only to me. You do not have to answer right away if you need time to think this through before deciding,” Gawain urged.
“Father, will the king approve?” Doric questioned.
“When I present him the facts rest assured he will approve of it.”
Ethan sat in his chair his mind awhirl with questions. He understood royal hierarchy and if it is anything like ancient Earth, the duke is granting him great power and responsibility. Especially in the light of the fact, he is only answerable to the duke made him a target of any that would want to topple the duke. Another issue is he is still commissioned officer in the United States Navy. He felt confident he is listed as missing in action and not desertion but the fact remains he is still responsible for his duties in the United States Navy. So far, he has done them admirably because any defeat of the enemy here is a victory for Earth. After careful consideration, he came to a decision rising from his chair.
“Your Excellency, I will accept this privilege to serve you with great pleasure and honor since you have placed much faith in me, I will do my utmost to fulfill and surpass your expectations,” Ethan bowed at the waist as he concluded. The room was all smiles at his attempt at formality and of course his acceptance.
“Wonderful Ethan I sincerely and with confidence name you Earl of Qenildor in name only for now but you can rest assured I will have Tyrian draw up the necessary court documents making it official. If time permits, we will have a public ceremony to confirm you as earl. Since you have so graciously accepted this position, I feel the need to find you suitable assistants that will not only help you succeed but perform your duties admirably. If I am not being too presumptuous, would the two of you accept the positions of Viscountess Sakura and Viscount Orin and serve under our new Earl of Qenildor?” the duke asked, looking directly at them with a serious expression on his face. The expressions of shock on their faces were enough to make the duke want to burst out laughing but thankfully, he kept the decorum proper, as it should be.
“Your Excellency, would you terribly mind if we step outside in the hall to discuss your proposal?” Orin asked respectfully.
“By all means Orin do not make a hasty decision, it is not to be taken lightly I am sure you have other considerations that might be in conflict, so take all the time you need. Would you mind stepping into the dining room and ask Brokk and King Hreidmar, I think it is safe to call him that I will have to ask Brokk to confirm that, to step in here if they have finished their repasts?”
“As you wish your Excellency,” Orin said as both he and Sakura bowed leaving the room. A moment later Hreidmar and Brokk appeared taking two empty seats. Brokk quickly told the duke about the humans and the southern orcs in the Northern Mountains and the destruction of the dwarf village. Again, it appears the duke is not one to hide his emotions on his face for they saw expressions of concern, sadness at the loss of more life and anger. They waited patiently as the duke gathered his thoughts and emotions.
“You bring us grim tidings indeed Brokk. I shall have to change plans to counter this, even where to send the thousands of women, children and the aging that will need a safe haven. I had originally thought to send them south to Highmeadow Village, and on to Deepmoor Castle and even as far east as Fort Blackshadow. If the orcs are going to march north from Deepmoor Barrens, then both the castle and Highmeadow Village are in danger of falling. For thousands of years the southern orcs have lived in the barrens content to occasionally raid north of the barrens and with a little coaxing, they would return to the barrens. For them to agree to come out in mass and join the fray, big concessions and promises must be on the bargaining table. If my cousin Duke Unther is up to a visitor, I will need to speak to him of these dire events. On to a happier note congratulations are in order I presume to King Hreidmar and to you friend Brokk.”
“Indeed, yer Excellency we welcome uir new kin' in nam only fur noo, he still needs tae be crowned. Will be leavin' today fur Celedryl’s valley, most ay th' clans should awreddy be thaur. King Hreidmar is more concerned about gettin’ merrit so his protectur disnae shoot heem in 'at big crease ay his,” Brokk said jovially making them laugh with him.
“You will not be going alone Brokk.” Hearing the familiar voice, they turned to see Bilgrammus enter unannounced in his usual fashion. “I beg forgiveness for the intrusion your Excellency but this cannot wait. I would like Leadyl to travel north to Lochhurst Lake Tower as it has come to be named, for she has to enter it and retrieve ancient artifacts destined to belong to her and her descendants. I hope the dwarf king would agree to escort her to the tower then on to Celedryl’s valley to remain for the winter. Likewise, Mitch will need an escort to go to the tower in the swamp and retrieve his. Both quests could be very dangerous as those who would not want them to succeed could very well try to stop them.”
“I would gladly escort Leadyl,” Hreidmar looked to Brokk for approval and got it with a quick nod of his head. The new king would need Brokk’s help in most matters of state and governance but the art of war should not be any concern for him.
“One more thing they will need some time in my study to prepare themselves for the coming trials of the quest and it would give Hreidmar, Maiko and Garrett time to get a little more used to the changes in their lives,” Bilgrammus added.
“Thank you for keeping me informed Bilgrammus it is one fewer thing that I have to contend with at this late hour. The more pressing issue is the sad state of affairs concerning Earl Anthor and his whereabouts. I know not the name Seren or what he looks like, but I do know the earl’s retainers when I see them. When he volunteered his retainers to work in the kitchen I should have known then that something was not right about it. Dorin and Doric leave now, and go to the earl’s estate take what knights you need with additio
nal soldiers. Try not to kill anyone if you can help it and bring Anthor back in chains. I think we have settled on enough for now the few remaining hours' of sleep that we have left before dawn might be in order,” the duke said rising from his chair. Following the duke's queue, they quickly stood ready to find their rooms and get a few precious hours of sleep. Before they could process out of the room, Sakura and Orin returned advising the duke that they would be happy to assist Ethan as Viscountess and Viscount. The duke was very pleased with their decision and so was Ethan for he knew that he would not be able to go this alone.