Chapter 43 - Alliance
"Alright, Rygar Adoldia, correct? Let's take this conversation to a more appropriate place," GodBard said, cleaning the excess coal from his hands and walking toward the forge's exit.
As they left the forge, the entrance was surrounded by armed dwarves. The dwarven guard, Fortwind, stood at the forefront, seemingly preventing them from storming the forge. Their armor was dense and solid, with the dark sheen typical of mountain iron. One of the dwarves stepped forward, raising a calloused hand to block their path.
"God of Ore," the dwarf said with a slight bow, his voice hoarse. "Who is this stranger?"
GodBard raised a hand to calm the group. "It's alright, Galdar. This young man is an esteemed guest of the Coal Mine tribe. You can return to your posts."
Galdar eyed Rygar suspiciously for a moment but then nodded, signaling to the other dwarves. They dispersed, some returning to the forge and others assuming positions around the tunnel.
A few dwarves approached and greeted Rygar, thanking him for saving them at Zant Port. Rygar was surprised, but after some thought, he realized it made sense. He had visited Tinaver and taken his time along the way, the dwarves who traveled directly to their homeland must have arrived much earlier.
These interactions helped ease the other dwarves' acceptance of his presence. Many regarded him with admiration and skepticism upon hearing of his feats.
Rygar observed the scene of soldiers moving in an orderly manner, impressed by the dwarves' level of organization and discipline. "The dwarves' strength surpasses my expectations," he commented, attempting to lighten the tension. But he was genuinely impressed; the dwarves were all equipped with excellent weapons and armor, and their average mana levels seemed higher than the beast race.
"We do what we must. It wouldn't be feasible to have such fine weapons without warriors to protect them," Godbard replied as he resumed walking. "Our people have suffered greatly because of thieves, slavers, and raiders. Much like the races of the Great Forest, the strategic location of this city and the alliances we've forged with some powers in human territories ensure that, at least within this city, you won't be attacked."
"Indeed, it's certainly a difficult place to lay siege to," Rygar remarked while imagining ways to invade. "But it's not invulnerable. And as you said, you're confined to your territory, aren't you?"
Godbard gave Rygar a cautious look. "That's right. There are some monsters that could wipe this mountain off the map, rendering any siege defenses useless. I've heard about what you did outside Zant Port."