Slathbog's Gold

“Hold and dismount,” the voice commanded as the company rode into the shadow of a large hill.

They did as instructed, moving forward to stand in a line with their horses behind them.

“Welcome,” said a round dwarf, stepping out of the shadows. “We seldom see such a company in these times. Your companions have spoken well of you. If you will come with us, we will lead you to the city of King Osrik.”

“You are most kind,” said Bregnest, bowing. “My companions and I are grateful for the hospitality of the great dwarf realm.”

“My lord, King Osrik, will wish to welcome you himself. I am sure he will wish to speak with you about many things,” the round dwarf said, returning Bregnest’s bow.

“We would be honored to greet your king,” replied Bregnest, bowing once more.

The dwarf smiled and then turned and started walking away. Bregnest and the others followed on foot; Thrang and Halfdan rejoined the company after a few hundred yards, beaming with happiness.

“We are in luck,” said Thrang to Bregnest. “King Osrik is an old friend of my father, from years back.”

Alex looked around and saw that the dwarfs he’d spotted earlier were following them. They were moving quietly a short distance behind the company, and they seemed to be watching Alex and his friends closely.

“You may leave your horses here,” said the round dwarf as they approached a large barn concealed near the mountainside. “We have few horses of our own, and they are not allowed inside the city.”

“Sorry, Shahree,” Alex said, leading her into the barn. “I’m sure the dwarfs will look after your needs.”

Shahree nuzzled his shoulder softly as a sign that she understood him, and Alex smiled. He patted her neck gently before turning to follow his companions out of the barn. The dwarfs who were in the barn had noticed Alex speaking to Shahree, and they all smiled broadly at him as he left.

Alex and his companions followed the round dwarf along a wide path that led up into the mountains. The path seemed to flow along the side of the mountain like a strange river, climbing gently upward. The path twisted back on itself several times as they climbed high above the foothills. As they walked around the side of the mountain, the main gates to the dwarf city came into view.

Alex was surprised by what he saw. The two huge stone doors of the main gate were at least thirty feet tall. They were open, folded back against the mountainside. On either side of the giant doorway stood a dozen well-armed guards in bright silver armor. A warm light shone from the large cavern behind the main doors, and it felt very welcoming as the shadows of night covered the valley behind them.

Their guide led them through the giant gates and into the cavern, nodding to the guards as they passed. Alex was impressed with the smooth stone walls and floors of the cavern; the wonderfully carved pillars lining the passageway were beyond description. The roof of the cavern was at least fifty feet high and expertly carved with all kinds of decorations, just like the pillars.

After a short walk, the company entered another vast stone hall, which was lit by hundreds of gold and silver lamps. The stone floor was so well polished it reflected the light like a mirror. At the far end of the hall, the floor rose several feet, forming a large stone pedestal, which was surrounded by neat stone circles that served as wide steps leading up to it. At the top of the steps, sat a very old-looking dwarf in a large stone chair. Alex knew without being told that this was King Osrik. As they approached the pedestal, the dwarf who had been their guide motioned for them to stop and form a line. Climbing the first three steps toward the king, their guide began to speak.

“My Lord Osrik,” the dwarf said loudly. “This company of adventurers has come at your goodwill. Among their number are two of our kinsmen from far off Thraxon. They speak well of their comrades and vouch for their honor. They await your pleasure, King Osrik, as they stand before you—”

“Enough,” said Osrik, waving his hand impatiently. “You are as long-winded as ever, and the feast is nearly prepared.”

Alex smiled at Osrik’s words, but bowed his head so no one would see.

“Tell me your names,” said Osrik, standing and moving down the stairs toward Alex and his companions.

“Silvan Bregnest,” Bregnest answered, bowing to the king. “I am the leader of this company.”

“And an able leader, I daresay,” Osrik replied with a smile.

“Thrang Silversmith,” said Thrang, also bowing to the king.

“Ah, yes, Thrang,” said Osrik in a happy tone. “I knew your father well. You look very much like him.”

“You are most kind,” Thrang replied with another bow.

The king continued down the line until he came to Alex. Alex was nervous, having never met a king before. He started to bow before he told the king his name, then catching himself, he blushed bright red.

“Alexander Taylor,” he managed to say as he finished his bow.

“Don’t worry,” said Osrik, smiling at Alex. “I do hate formalities, but the chamberlain insists.”

Alex returned the king’s smile, liking the old dwarf immediately. Osrik seemed pleased with Alex as well; he took him by the arm and started to walk back through the hall with him.

“Come along, then, one and all,” he said in a jaunty tone. “The feast will be ready shortly, and we can have a good long talk while we eat.”

The king smiled brightly at Alex as they walked, and he would nod now and then to one of the dwarf guards who all bowed as they passed.

“The guards are a custom,” Osrik said in a lowered tone, as if speaking privately to Alex. “Personally, I think all this bowing and nodding is more trouble than it’s worth. But I suppose we have to keep up appearances.”

Osrik led them into another hall, which was almost overflowing with dwarfs. The dwarfs sat at long, low tables, talking happily and loudly. As the king and his guests entered the hall, all of the dwarfs stood up, waiting for Osrik to take his own seat at the head of the hall.

“Well, now,” said Osrik, looking at Alex and his companions. “It seems you have traveled far in coming here. I do hope you have some good tales to tell.”

“As many as you may wish to hear, Lord Osrik,” Bregnest replied from his seat at the king’s left.

Alex thought the king seemed like a kindly old man, and he had to remind himself that Osrik was a dwarf. Osrik was polite to each of the company as the feast was served, asking them about their own lands and travels. He spoke for a long time with Thrang and Halfdan, asking about people he knew from long ago and events in far-off Thraxon. Alex felt comfortable sitting next to Thrang and listening to all the talk.

“I suppose we should all get some sleep,” Osrik said at last. “I’ve had chambers prepared for you all. I hope you’ll be comfortable.”

“You show us great kindness, Lord Osrik,” Bregnest replied for the group.

“Yes, well, we don’t often see travelers, and I do miss the news they bring,” said Osrik. “However, tomorrow we have more serious matters to talk about. You will be summoned to the great hall after breakfast.”

The entire hall rose again as Osrik stood to leave. Alex and his companions stood and bowed to the king to show their respect and thanks. As soon as Osrik had left, the other dwarfs began to wander off as well, though some of them remained and watched Alex and his friends. While Alex was looking around the hall, a young-looking dwarf appeared at Bregnest’s side and bowed to him.

“The king has asked that I show you to your sleeping chambers and supply you with whatever you may need,” said the young dwarf.

“And what may we call you?” asked Bregnest.

“I am called Thrain,” the dwarf replied with a broad smile. “It is my great honor to meet you,” he added with a deep bow.