Hail to the King

[Barendd]

Barendd, King of the Dwarves, looked onto his people. They had all assembled for him. A detachment of dwarves had just returned. They claimed to have found gold. Gold was a precious mineral. Very valuable to everyone. There was one issue though about this gold. The location of it.

The gold in question had been found on the Surda border. It was still on the Dwarf half of it but still close. They could try to make a claim. They would make a claim. Surda was a small country and it needed the resources. Dwarves, however, give gold to no one. That was certain.

"My people," Barendd bellowed so all would hear. The clans silenced for him. "I am proud to tell you all. We have found gold once more. It is on the border with Surda!" A gasp rippled through the crowd. "But do not fear. It is ours and I shall let none take it from it's rightful owners!! The dwarves!!" The crowds cheered.

They always did. Barendd was in every way, a true dwarf. He always did what a dwarf would do. So he would send out his miners to the gold. And with them. Would come him and part of his army. Surely Surda was not foolish enough to fight a dwarven army. Especially on their own ground. Let's not forget also... The dwarven king was a monster in his own right. Killing him would be a challenge all it's own and he was ready to take on any challenger. Barendd came down from his great throne to walk amongst his people. Something he always did.

[Otik Shalemace]

The mug of ale was raised slowly and brought to Otik's lips, the warming liquid flowing slowly down his throat. Taking a large swig, he tilted his head back, finally pulling it away from his mouth and slamming it down onto the wooden bar before him. It was a year since his last excursion out of Tronjheim, and since, his commanders hadn't forced him to do much of anything. Spending the last while by himself drinking had helped numb the loss of his friends and brothers. Sighing, he wiped his chin with his sleeve, hearing the familiar sound of the flourish of the king. He downed the last of his ale, placing a coin on the bar and then exiting the tavern.

Once outside, he looked up at the dwarves king, his eyes hard and staring. Gold? Hmph. It would be just like Barendd to want to excavate and find more gold. At least it helped their kingdom. Yawning, he leaned against the wall of the tavern, watching as all of the army officials assembled. He should be up there... should. He was technically on a break, so he didn't mind much. Catching the eye of his commander, he got given a glare and he snorted slightly, averting his gaze. He couldn't be bothered with this sort of thing. Surda though... that was... interesting. If the king went through with taking this gold it could cause an uproar, a war even. Otik didn't cheer as everyone else did. His mind was working far too quickly. They could not allow themselves to suffer another such heavy loss. Was he out of his mind!? Otik didn't say anything though. Power was in numbers. He'd bring it up to his commander.

Bah. He didn't want to stay here anymore. Turning around as the King came through, he went to go back and enter the tavern, intent on drowning himself in more ale. Mmm...

[Barendd]

So the people once again enjoyed his leadership. Times were good. Except for that rather nasty business with the Empire last year but that wasn't his fault. The Empire had to be stopped and he was sure those families of the men who had been lost were proud of their brother's cause. The Empire HAD been stopped. Dwarven steel had stopped them in their tracks. Dwarven pride and a little touch of drunken dwarf. Always a good combination at times.

Barendd noticed a certain displeased dwarf that looked like he was a little bit more than a pint under. Another drunken soldier. Some of them had been under the bottle ever since the Empire. Guess they just couldn't handle the mental anguish. Some were sturdier than others when it came to their minds. This one wasn't. Too bad. He'd probably be one of those he would send to the front once more. He'd toughen up. He better. He'd be under his king's command and Barendd didn't take pity on fools.

"Soldier, the bottle won't make you a better fighter. Nor will it dull the pain. And I don't allow for drunken fools in my unit. Sober up..." He pointed an accusing finger at the warrior in question. The commanders that were playing guard looked at the drunk.

[Liro]

"Barzul!" Liro cursed as Barendd, their king, walked forward into the crowd. Slightly irritated, he shouldered his way through the thick, cheering wall of dwarves. "Coming through, sorry," he grunted as he pushed his way towards the king.

When he finally reached their leader, he was panting. Giving a sharp, curt bow, Liro narrowed his emerald eyes and gripped the handle of the axe clipped to his side. "Not to sound rude or spiteful, King Barendd," he growled irritably, "But if you continue with these ventures into the crowd, you might wake up with a spear through your gut. These are still harsh times."

He stroked his auburn beard thoughtfully, considering. Then Liro's eyes fell upon Otik, the lazy drunk, and he couldn't hold back a roaring laugh at the older dwarf. "You lazy bum, what do you think you're doing here? Gone to go drink another pint or three? I think not! Come with me Otik, we can get some battle training in at the very least! We'll get you on your feet and sharpen you up in an instant!" His laughing subsided into a deep giggle that he could not hold back. Otik just looked so ridiculous. "If we're going to go all the way to Surda to get some more gold, then we have to be sharp as knives and harder than stone if we want to get back without too much of a fuss! Bah, you lazy haggard! Up I say!" He gestured with his hands for emphasis, still holding back peals of laughter.

[Otik Shalemace]

Otik heard the booming and rather annoying voice come to a close behind him. Oh wonderful. He didn't turn around, listening to what their leader said. Once he was finished his litany, Otik turned, leaning against the door frame and regarding the leader with a cool, stoic look. A single brow was lifted on his face, giving him a lopsided expression as he looked at the man. Drunk? He wasn't drunk. Scoffing lightly, he gave him an unamused look when the even more annoying voice pierced through the crowd. Oh dear God. Why hadn't he just stayed in the tavern? He saw Liro come through the crowd and he began to berate Barendd. Otik watched silently folding his arms across his chest and still looking rather unamused, but clearly sober. It took a lot to get the dwarf drunk and rarely did he drink that much. A few mugs never hurt anyone.

If Barendd had been anyone but their leader, Otik would have said a lot more that was on his mind, but he didn't. Taking in a deep breath, he stood up straight, his eyes shifting from between Liro and Barendd. "Regretfully I must inform you both that I am not in fact lazy, or drunk. Secondly, I do my own training, you know that Liro. Thirdly, I'm leaving. S'long and good luck." Otik frowned, turning and walked past Liro, murmuring a soft "shove it up your arse" in his ear, and then pushed his way through the crowds, wanting desperately to be free of the king and his band of annoying merry men.

[Barendd]

Barendd didn't much like being told what to do. Not at all, especially from that one particular dwarf. What was his name? Otik? Sounded right. Hoped that dwarf had enjoyed his break cause he was going on this mission. He could promise him that. Otik was going to be put on the front lines with Surda if Surda made a move to fight for the gold.

Barendd, with a shake of his head, turned and walked up to the stairs to the lower floors. On the way to the armory. He was going to arm himself and pick out units to deploy. The plan was defense, not offensive, so he would have to set up accordingly. Perhaps one of the clans would be better equipped for this mission than the others. Though knowing his people he would have to send a unit of each clan so they were all equally represented. Spoiled children.