Lich for Hire

Amidst the ruins of Alkhemia, a brand-new palace was rising at an astonishing pace.

The desert dwarves truly were masters of construction. Though the palace appeared to have been carved entirely from stone, it was in fact shaped by magic. Desert dwarf mages possessed near-unmatched control over rock and sand; they had completed the palace's main structure within three days, achieving a perfect balance between durability and artistry.

Hoffmann Ironfist stood some distance away, watching the palace change by the day. Turning to Heki Stone beside him, he said, "What a shame. We just don't have enough time. Give it another half a year, and this would make a fine new royal palace."

Heki Stone replied, "Well, who knows? This war with the elves feels abnormal. They aren't short on land. Alkhemia might very well end up in dwarf hands after the peace talks."

Hoffmann Ironfist snorted. "From the very start, you've said that the elven campaign was suspicious. More intel from that friend of yours? But you always refuse to tell me any more than that."

Heki Stone hurriedly explained, "I'm not hiding anything on purpose. He didn't tell me either. That old fox knows I'm on your side, so he keeps me completely in the dark. Still, he did promise he'd do his best to ensure the dwarves get what they want and bring this war to an end as quickly as possible."

"And you believe him?" Hoffmann asked.

Heki hesitated, then nodded. "I think he's trustworthy."

Hoffmann fell silent for a moment, then smiled. "If you trust him, then I won't doubt him either. But listen, old friend, you should still remind him of one thing. If he wants to play the mediator, he has to eliminate any potential variables. This business with the hell worshipers can't continue. If there's another ambush on either the elves or dwarves, who's going to be held responsible?"