Legend of the Runeforger: A Dwarven Progression Fantasy

Runethane Ytith is the first to join the debate against him:

"Aside from the fact that we cannot predict if he will even march through Grovik's well-defended realm, you are mistaken about his resources. You seem to have forgotten what started this war—the black dragon's killing of Runeking Halajatbast, and Uthrarzak's subsequent conquest of his realms. Our foe has plenty of resources to equip, replenish and repair his army with. Your argument there does not stand."

Before Duthur can reply, one of the Thanic Guard speaks up also:

"To march so many out is not such an easy task as you assume. You outsiders do not appreciate the effort of organization it took to bring so many of you into our city. We are a city of a million, and to bring in nearly that number again—coordinating the schedules alone—"

"Outsiders?" Lapek stands up, enraged. "We are here to defend you—"

"Silence," orders Runeking Ulrike. "Runethane Duthur will answer what he is asked, not you."

Lapek apologizes and sits down, though he is still fuming. A dozen more questions are asked of Duthur, though, properly speaking, most are not questions but rather harshly worded critiques.

He answers them as best he can, saying that logistical issues can be overcome, and that even considering the resources of the blasted mountain, we still have more. An argument is raised that fighting in our own territory will give us an advantage, since we know the tunnels, and this meets a good deal of agreement.

Other Runethanes and Thanic Guardsdwarves give their own ideas. I listen carefully to the long speeches and longer counterarguments. Water and bread is brought in by automatons, several times. Hours pass, and I begin to see a clear divide emerging.

To attack, or to defend. That's the question here. Do we allow Uthrarzak's forces to advance some way into our territory so we can choose caverns of our own to do battle in? Or do we commit to an offensive campaign, driving deep into his lands, attempting to ravage his cities while we encircle his demoralized armies?

It is a difficult question to answer. Taking the defensive option means we'll be able to stay in a central position, and also be better able to defend against attacks from Runeking Talamak or the Twins, should they decide to ally with Uthrarzak. But it will come at the cost of allowing our own lands to be ravaged. Cities will be crushed, citizens massacred, gold and treasure looted by the ton.

To me, the defensive choice seems more sensible. But perhaps I only think this because my own realm, so far away and deep, is unlikely to be affected. I believe the Runeking factored that into his calculations too, which is why I was ordered to take a full eight tenths of my forces here, rather than the half, or just a third that Runethanes at the border realms moved here.

Those from realms in more immediate danger, though, are keen for the offensive option. They do not want to lose dwarves—nor their wealth and power.

Gaflek is one of these. His realm does not directly border one of Uthrarzak's, but it is still close, and in danger should our foe choose to take one of the more circulatory and unpredictable paths available to him. In fact, there's little doubt that at least part of Uthrarzak's forces will attack there, if only for the great plunder available. He gives an impassioned speech on why we ought to take an aggressive stance:

"How can we call ourselves Runethanes if we do not defend our own realms? We are charged to protect those who have sworn fealty to us. As the strongest, it is our duty to fight on their behalf. To let defenseless ladies and children be massacred because we are too afraid to take the battle to the foe—how could we look the survivors in the eyes after such a shame? And think of your own power too, my friends. You will lose your own homes and wealth, should Uthrarzak's beasts sack your cities."

More than half the hall erupts with clapping and cheering. Mostly Runethanes—the Thanic Guardsdwarves almost all favor the defensive strategies. I clap myself, moved. But when Gaflek sits back down, he gives me a grimace.

"Well, I've said what I needed to. It won't do any good though."

"No? Most of the Runethanes seem in favor—even some on the defensive side. And they hold the power here."

"Runeking Ulrike holds the power."

I glance up the table at him. He remains still in his seat, fingers steepled, brow furrowed in concentration.

"You can guess which option he favors, surely. You're a commander yourself, yes?"

"You're saying he wants the defensive option. That he's gathered so many powerful dwarves here for defense."

"Yes—the defense of Allabrast. That's his priority." The gold-clad Runethane lowers his voice. "Himself."

I lower my own voice. "Should you really be saying that?"

"We all know it. Runethane Grovick does—that's why he's still in his own castle. He's a very noble dwarf, is Grovick. He believes what I just said. Probably he'll switch sides to protect his own."

"And suffer under Uthrarzak's tyranny?"

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"Uthrarzak is no fool. He allowed Broderick freedom in how he ran things, didn't he? And there are other realms that he's subsumed, which he keeps as irregulars. They'll be a pain to deal with."

"But the Runeking—you say he only cares for Allabrast?"

"That's his priority. It's the capital, after all. And it's vulnerable. I get a lot of news in my realm from traders, Zathar."

"I get a fair amount too."

"Not as much as me, I'll bet you. And I know things are not going well in Bolotorok's kingdom. If the Twins attack, and they probably will, it'll fall apart within half a decade."

"I see." I nod. There's no reason to doubt this information—Runeking Bolotorok himself seemed on the edge of collapsing when I saw him. "So we'll have to send forces to the south, too."

"Above, Zathar. They'll come down the Blue Shaft."

"That would be suicide. And they'd have to get through Hyvaen first."

"The humans? They won't stand against two Runekings."

"They might surprise you—"

"If you two will excuse me," a Runethane a few places down the table says, "I am speaking!"

Gaflek and I bow our heads in apology.

The meeting continues. My back is beginning to get sore, and I find my attention beginning to wander. Is every last dwarf here going to speak? Each is convinced his or her opinion matters, and even those who know it doesn't feel the need to make themselves heard—to convince their fellows, as Gaflek said earlier, that they are competent commanders whose heads are not half-buried in the forge.

Hundreds of minor details are brought up and argued over. Which roads will Uthrarzak take? If we attack, where should we march first? What is to be done about the other Runekings, should they decide to join battle against us? Is there any way we can convince them to ally with us instead?

I start to grow frustrated. No overall plan has yet been agreed upon, opinions are still split wide as a ravine, and we're arguing over details, or asking things that have been answered over and again. Overtures have been made to the other Runekings already, and even to separate realms like Heldfast Hill, and the glacier dwarves—none wish to risk the ire of Uthrarzak.

There are more important things that must be discussed. Two factors that have not yet been raised. And if no one else is going to raise them, I must. I grit my teeth. I am the youngest here by far. About half view me as little better than an initiate, no doubt. And my traitorous reputation will never fade.

But I must speak my piece, for the good of my dwarves, and for the good of all in the kingdom. There are two malignant growths that must be lanced, and we must discuss how to lance them.

The next moment a slight silence falls, I stand up.

The eyes of over a hundred of the most powerful dwarves in seventy realms focus on me intently. My voice catches in my throat. I feel dizzy. The Runeking himself is watching me, his gaze boring through me.

I cannot embarrass myself in front of him. I force my fear down and speak:

"I have two things to say. To things I believe we are overlooking." I look around; no one reacts. "The first is the whereabouts and intentions of Vanerak."

"He's gone, his realm gone also," Lapek interrupts. "He will not bother us."

I hesitate for a moment. Someone with such power is against me. I can see hate in his eyes. He reminds me of Vanerak himself. My ruby burns. Does he wish to fight? Can I win? The gold and scarlet hall seems to fade away, leaving him and his axe alone in my field of view.

But he will not cow me. "You've already been warned once not to speak while others are speaking, Runethane Lapek." I say. "Quiet yourself. I am the Second Runeforger—do you wish to feel what they can do?"

"You dare—"

"Silence!" orders the Runeking. "There is a reason I have placed Zathar at this position, Runethane Lapek. It is because he has value, and despite his youth, insight into things others do not have insight into."

Lapek glares, but says nothing more. I clench my fists to stop them trembling.

"Thank you, my Runeking," I say, bowing. "To continue—I believe we should not forget Vanerak. He has gained knowledge unavailable to us, about the creation of the first runes. He will use it against at some point. I am sure of this. To believe him dead is foolish."

A member of the Thanic Guard raises their hand.

"Yes?"

"Don't you have knowledge about runes yourself? What's so special about what Vanerak knows?"

"I can make them, but the process is one of instinct. I still do not know how the symbols can gain their power."

"Then Vanerak does?"

"It is possible. I do not know. We should not underestimate him."

There is some nodding. Most, however, don't seem to think of him as much of a threat. Compared to some Runethanes, he is not so powerful, I suppose. I doubt he will try anything against so many—after the war is when we will have to worry about him.

A few look as if they wish to ask further questions. No doubt they are about my powers, which I will not reveal fully here. So, I quickly continue:

"My second point is this: the masons. Their gradual disappearance should be given more weight. Especially considering recent events." I look down the table to where the Thanic Guard sit. "Perhaps you could tell us of recent events, Odrick."

The mine owner nods, then slowly stands up.

"I know," I say, "that you have made a report to the Runeking, as have I, and perhaps others of the Thanic Guard have heard what happened also. But I think everyone here should hear. And maybe they have similar stories of their own to tell."

Odrick then gives a brief account of his fight against the diamond troll, and describes the strange rock formations he came across. There is no doubt, he says, that they were purposefully made. Especially worrying is the tunnel. More may have been dug that we do not yet know about.

And some of the other Thanic Guard confirm this. The incident with the diamond troll is not the only oddness to have happened with stone recently. Several strangely smooth tunnels have been discovered, and trolls, salamanders, and troglodytes have managed to infiltrate hitherto secure areas.

At first, most of the Runethanes seem somewhat sceptical. Then a few raise their hands and tell of incidents of sabotage in their own realms. Compared to the damage trolls cause, they are nothing, and as such have been overlooked—but it's clear that something suspicious is going on.

"Even so," says Runethane Duthur, after Runethane Ytith tells of odd mutilations to her own realm, "these events seem sporadic and uncoordinated to me. And there is nothing to suggest that these rebel masons have joined the cause of Uthrarzak. For all we know, his realm has been suffering similar. And in that case, we should pursue the offensive option, my Runeking. If we are being sabotaged, positions once thought safe may not be as reliable as thought."

Someone raises their hand and makes to stand. The Runeking looks at him, shakes his head. He stands up—force shivers around him.

"This meeting has gone on long enough," he says. "I have heard your arguments and thought deeply on them. It seems clear to me what the best plan for war is." He pauses. "Defense must be paramount. We will fight within our own borders, for the most part, and attack into his only if a great opportunity presents itself."

It seems that Gaflek was right.

"As for Vanerak and the masons," he says, looking at me, "we will investigate them in time. For now, though, hated Uthrarzak is our priority.