The laughter around him faded.
“I’m leaving with them.”
The words dropped like a hammer. The hall fell silent.
Spoons froze midair. Conversations stopped mid-sentence. All eyes turned to Timmy—then to Elron.
The king didn’t speak right away. His expression didn’t harden, but changed—quietly, deeply. His warmth faded, replaced by something unreadable. Behind his gaze, concern and judgment stirred, silent but heavy.
Queen Despara’s posture straightened. Her hands paused over her wine, brows tightening. She glanced toward one of her sons, who shifted uneasily and let his fork drop to the plate with a soft clink.
Fronan clenched his jaw. Across from him, Arlep’s fingers dug into the table’s edge. A few guests murmured at the far end, but no one dared speak aloud.
Timmy held Elron’s gaze, steady despite the tension in his chest. He felt the unspoken questions ripple through the room.
Why now?207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6nLplMQus
Why leave?207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyaS0oIW0B9
What does this mean?
The fire crackled. For a moment, even the hearth seemed to hesitate.
Slowly, conversation resumed—but softer, more strained. Laughter came thin, and the comfort that once filled the room now felt hollow.
Timmy’s words had shifted the mood. The feast continued, but the warmth had gone. What remained was the unspoken truth: something had broken.
Across the table, Despara met Timmy’s eyes again. She didn’t look angry—only searching. Her fingers tapped lightly on the stone. It felt like a signal. A request for honesty. For vulnerability.
And in her gaze, Timmy felt something familiar. The quiet understanding of a mother who saw more than he said.
Fronan gave a subtle nod—respect, perhaps, or farewell. Not to the boy he’d trained, but to the man that boy had become.
Then Timmy felt Arkin’s gaze. Still. Measuring. Deep.
And he realized—he wasn’t just leaving the table. He was stepping into something new, and he wasn’t sure who would follow… or who would let him go.
King Elron’s reassuring, sorrowful smile broke the tension for a moment. His gentle words carried genuine concern, marking the exchange indelibly.
“I see ye’ve made yer mind up, lad,” Elron said with a comforting smile, though worry lingered beneath his warmth. “Ye certainly have a knack for bringin’ seriousness to any matter,” he chuckled, steadying his gaze as he sought to fathom the depths of Timmy’s resolve.
Beside him, Queen Despara’s soft laughter briefly lightened the room, a thread of warmth woven into the heavy air.
Fronan and Arkin exchanged a glance, their shared understanding unspoken—their mission’s gravity pressed hard upon them. The threat of alien invasion loomed like a dark tide, ready to swallow their kingdom’s future.
Timmy met Elron’s gaze with steady resolve, prepared to reveal the burden they carried. The king’s unwavering presence was a quiet anchor, a promise that he would face the storm beside them.
“We have an army,” Arlep broke in, pausing to measure Elron’s reaction. “My brother, Prince Turon, holds position in the Fields of Forever—ready to meet the invaders.”
Fronan hesitated. Elron was king of the Tower Dwarves; mention of another monarch could tread on dwarven pride. Timmy, Fronan, Arlep, and Simo knew little of dwarven politics, but Arkin’s studies had hinted at a broader, more complicated map of loyalties.
Elron brushed aside any concern for protocol. In his mind, survival came before ceremony—unity among the races was the only path through this.
Fronan pressed on, turning the discussion to the king of Pridesa, the human kingdom that dominated the continent. Centuries ago, humans had claimed sole rule, but long wars had cooled into an uneasy peace. Borders were now respected—at least in name—between humans, elves, and dwarves.
But Fronan’s voice sharpened. “The king’s made this whole thing our problem. He’s pulled the bulk of his royal army back to Pridos.”
Pridos, the island capital, lay apart from the mainland—a natural fortress and a choke point for trade. Its distance made it a prize for defense, but a poor seat for protecting the rest of the realm.
“The rest of the army,” Fronan added after a pause, “is with the prince, stationed outside Roldoc.”
Once a modest port called Royal Docks City, Roldoc had swelled into one of the kingdom’s largest cities. Its coast made it a lifeline for trade and war alike, and its meteoric growth told of its value to crown and country.
Arlep slammed his fist against the table. “His own safety matters more than his people’s!”
Timmy waited for Elron’s reply, the weight of the moment pressing in. Fronan’s words still lingered like a storm on the horizon—this was more than politics. The choice ahead could shape not just Pridos, but all of Pridesa.
Elron finally broke the silence, voice booming with dwarven bluster. “Bah! No need fer fancy tongues—ye manlings’ve got a sorry shortage o’ proper kings! Not like us dwarves—aye, we always get the pick o’ the lot!” His grin spread broad as an anvil, eyes sweeping the chamber for a chuckle or two.
“Aye, you’re the very finest king to ever warm a throne,” Queen Despara shot back, her tone as dry and sharp as a fresh-honed axe.
Timmy bit down on a laugh at the queen’s jab, the brief spark of humor cutting through the gloom. But the levity didn’t change the truth—Elron and Despara knew full well the stakes. The storm wasn’t just coming. It was already here.
*
Elron’s eyes twinkled with mischief as he savored the moment. His knack for finding humor amid hardship revealed a strength that anchored his leadership. Queen Despara’s sharp tongue was the perfect counterbalance, easing the tension with precise, well-aimed barbs.
Around the room, the others exchanged amused glances—briefly unburdened from the weight of their duty.
Timmy felt a flicker of hope. Elron’s steady presence was a reminder: they were not alone. Together, they could meet whatever came.
But Elron’s grin faded fast, replaced by grim resolve.
“Enough o’ the jests,” he rumbled, voice heavy with the seriousness of their plight. “These vile invaders need dealin’ with. That’s no jokin’ matter.”
He locked eyes with each of them, pressing the urgency home.
“So out with it—how do ye and yer kings plan to put these filthy pillagers in their place? My hammer’s ready, but steel alone won’t win without some stonewise strategy.”
Timmy nodded firmly, matching Elron’s determination. United, they would face the storm, no matter the cost.
Arkin leaned in, voice grave.
“As Fronan said, Prince Errin and Lord Turon have ordered us to hold a front. Lord Turon’s camp lies in the Fields of Forever.”
He drew on his pipe, the faint scent of smoke trailing behind.
“Prince Errin’s sent about ten percent of his forces to support Turon—against the king’s wishes. The rest remain near Roldoc, obeying orders, even as it risks open conflict with the crown. Prince Errin doesn’t agree with it, but he’s bound by duty.”
Elron, Despara, and the others listened closely as Fronan and Arkin laid out the grim situation. Arkin’s furrowed brow and sharp eyes spoke volumes of the tension in the room.
“To get to why we’re here,” Arlep said, voice steady, “we must travel to Convota, gather our own army, and bolster the fight against the invaders.”
Elron furrowed his brow, the weight of their proposal pressing down on him. He pondered the possibilities and consequences, the burden of leadership heavy on his broad shoulders.
“We’re already settin’ our plans in motion…” he began, stroking his braided beard thoughtfully, uncertainty flickering across his gruff features.
Leaning back, the dwarven king’s piercing gaze swept between Fronan and Arkin, weighing their mettle like a blacksmith judging iron.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlHhFkGdMmi
“Truth be told, I’ve naught more to report on that front. But tell me—did either o’ you stop at Torin’s Passage afore joinin’ us here?”
“Yes, we did.”
“Aye, and?” Elron pressed, impatience curling his voice when silence lingered.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oc5wP3LME
“What did old Arlin have to say?”
Arlep’s lips curled in amusement as he replied,207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjxcokTlJI
“He said to ask you, and he’ll do what you believe is right.”
Elron threw back his head and roared with hearty dwarven laughter that shook the very stones of the chamber.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3bztPpALxm
“Har har! I’ll admit, I didn’t much care for the lad at first,” he chuckled, wiping at his eyes with a calloused hand.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYFfv293jw
“But I like ‘im more with every passin’ day!”
The king’s booming laughter echoed once more, briefly lifting the heavy weight that hung over the room.
Darwin set down the boar leg he’d been gnawing and asked,207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eEuDtazTB
“If you’re headin’ to Convota, ye reckon to try recruitin’ from the goblins or trolls?”
Timmy let out a half-laugh, half-curious smile.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjeSMOZQNDq
“We’d be attacked before we got a word out, I’m afraid.”
The moment lightened but edged with the hard truth of the road ahead.
Elron’s laughter faded into a gravelly growl, rolling through the chamber like distant thunder.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31RkpQPfyS
“Not quite true, Timmy,” he said, voice rough and slow, each word weighted by years carved in stone.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIUGukHAlW
“Back before the days o’ man, when only dwarves, elves, goblins, an’ trolls walked this earth, we lived in shaky peace. The Ancients still roamed then. When they vanished, each folk took its own stubborn path.”
Queen Despara’s voice softened, calm and steady like a warm hearthfire.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawDWpVgk7u
“There be two kinds o’ goblins and trolls now,” she said gently, eyes full o’ quiet wisdom.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa1KEckIRoU
“Some twisted and wild, chasin’ after the Ancients’ power, and the others… well, they’re different. Fierce when ruffled, aye, but they hold the world close, just like us.”
Durbeth, a young dwarf with bright eyes and a hint o’ eagerness, piped up,207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJb1Xyjfoc
“I’ve heard the goblins call these aliens the Sky-Scourge, or the Star-Borns. Not sure either name fits ’em proper.”
Elron’s face darkened, the weight o’ ages pressing down on his broad shoulders.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVISt3W0Ltr
“But truth be told,” he growled, voice thick with concern, “if I send me dwarves to stand with ye, it won’t come without cost. Our hard-fought peace could crumble underfoot. I can give ye warriors, or I can’t—and either way, ’tis a bitter toll to pay.”
The chamber fell silent, the old dwarf’s words settling like stone in their hearts.
“Been attacked by the feral ones before,” Arlep said dryly, “an’ we don’t have the luxury of time to visit any of ’em and figure out which is which.”
Elron’s hand unconsciously strayed to the aged pommel o’ his hammer, fingers brushin’ the worn steel as if drawin’ strength from battles long past.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolhxa0XBHU
“Make no mistake; I believe our efforts stand strong as they are. But I’ll say this—we’d do better workin’ side by side than splittin’ our forces asunder.”
He fixed ’em each with his unyielding dwarven stare.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFg2ZQtHBF
“But that’s not to say we need be joinin’ as one whole, if ye catch me meanin’. We dwarves fight seminauled to none but our own kin when battle rages close. I’ll not see me beards marched off halfcocked just to swell someone else’s ranks—no matter how well-intended.”
The finality of Elron’s words echoed like ancient stone carvings, leaving no room for doubt. Though willing to fight alongside them, his dwarven warriors would keep their autonomy, refusing to fall under another’s command.
Fronan nodded thoughtfully.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpLF2Xy78Q
“Yes, Timmy mentioned you just came from an encampment in the east?” he asked, tone tinged with curiosity.
“Aye, since our last meetin’,” Elron rumbled, leaning forward with hands splayed on the stone table.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xagLGKGm4
“Those cursed alien ravagers started croppin’ up everywhere like mold on stale bread. So we’ve been pushin’ hard towards their foul holes, aimin’ to make the bastards think twice ’fore pokin’ their wretched hides out again.”
He punctuated his words with a mailed fist banging the table, the impact causing flagons to jump.
“As it stands, I’ve got over three thousand o’ my stoutest dwarven warriors stationed at the outer edges o’ these blighted woods, awaitin’ the signal to advance.”
His voice hardened further as he detailed his forces’ position.
“An’ I had it minded to send at least another thousand beards to fortify another two encampments—let those alien curs be surrounded!”
“Make no mistake, we mean to grind those invaders ’twixt the hammer an’ the anvil till naught remains but ashen ruin! Any objections to drownin’ their filthy trespasses in a crimson tide?”
Elron leaned back on his throne, stroking his braided beard.
“I’ll not turn away wise counsel when offered,” he rumbled after a moment’s pause.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZbZwNMoee
“But if truth be told, I’m of a mind that stickin’ to my current battle plans is likely our surest path to victory.”
His free hand unconsciously drifted to rest on the carved pommel of the great hammer lying across his broad lap, as if drawing strength from the ancestral weapon.
“That bein’ said, we’d be dwarven fools not to coordinate in this comin’ struggle,” he allowed with a gruff nod.
Elron’s piercing gaze swept over the gathered leaders, his expression as unyielding as the mountain roots of his ancestral home.
“So let it be this way—you muster your armies, and I’ll keep my bearded ranks pushin’ ever inward to corral these filth-spawned invaders. Then, when the time is ripe, we strike together from every side!”
Punctuating his words, the dwarf king flung his thick arms wide, as if to physically trap their foes in an unbreakable vice.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWJC6fr2A9
“Aye, we’ll come at those bastard aliens from every pass and tor! Someone’s bound to gain the upper hand and break their spine with such a relentless onslaught!”
Elron’s eyes sparked like forge fire, knuckles whitening as his fists clenched—ready to shatter stone and bone alike.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWryWfBPR7W
The chamber’s stone walls seemed to pulse with his words, torches casting flickering shadows like ancient spirits stirred from long slumber.
Arkin and Fronan exchanged thoughtful glances, weighing the implications of Elron’s plan.207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36WrjLxAxB
Finally, Fronan nodded and said, “Smart. I’m inclined to agree with your approach.”
Smoke drifted from iron braziers hung on thick chains, curling toward the rafters. The scent of scorched pine and heated steel lingered, clinging to stone and cloth alike. Above, blackened chandeliers groaned with age, their iron frames flickering with torchlight.
Elron sighed—a deep, rumbling sound that seemed to rise from the mountain itself. He stood, slow but deliberate, and the room quieted. Behind him, the tattered Banner of the Four Hammers shifted in the warm air. Its colors were faded, edges frayed, but the hammer-emblazoned crest still gleamed with stubborn pride.
“No more dancin’ round the bulrush,” he said, his voice gravel-thick. “Time we speak plain—as plain as the crooked noses on our faces.”
His gaze swept the table—past dented platters of roast tunnel boar and deeproot stew, iron goblets beaded with condensation. Every eye turned toward him.
“We haven’t seen true war—not the kind that leaves scars in the earth—since before I had whiskers on my chin,” he went on. “What we fought before was child’s play. Goblin raids. Bandit scuffles. None of it prepared us for this.”
Elron slammed the butt of his warhammer to the floor. The impact echoed through the stone hall like a drumbeat of warning. His eyes flashed, hands clenched.
“These invaders bring more than soldiers,” he growled. “They bring change. They mean to remake our world.”
He tightened his grip on the hammer, knuckles white.
“But if they think dwarves are here to take lessons in war—” His eyes narrowed. “They’ve picked the wrong pupils. We don’t bend easy. We don’t break clean.”
Simo knocked his mug against the table. “Now that’s a plan I can stand behind.”
Fronan, Arkin, and Arlep nodded in quiet agreement.
Elron stroked his beard, eyes distant. “It’s sound. I’ll give you that. But let’s not count our hatchlings before they’ve cracked their shells.”
Darwin leaned in, eager. “So… you’ve seen their camp? What are we up against?”
Fronan answered. “Roughly a thousand soldiers. Another five hundred workers—clearing land, building fast.”
Arkin scratched his chin. “Might be two thousand now. They weren’t hiding—they wanted to be seen.”
Darwin sat upright, jaw clenched. “Then we strike now, before reinforcements arrive.”
Elron said nothing, but his stare was hard.
Fronan raised a hand. “Hold on. That was just what we saw. They’re preparing for more. They have a portal. We don’t know what’s on the other side.”
Arkin nodded. “Could be double that number. Or ten times. An army—or worse—waiting to pour through.”
Simo pushed away his plate. “Might be a whole empire.”
Darwin’s shoulders sagged slightly. “I… hadn’t thought of that.”
Elron nodded grimly. “Then we prepare for the worst.”
Timmy leaned forward, voice taut. “That’s why this mission matters. We can’t wait. We need allies—every sword we can muster—before the next wave hits.”
Elron took a long pull from his tankard, then lowered it with a heavy clunk. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and fixed Timmy with a long, steady look.
“Aye, lad. On that, we agree.”
It wasn’t just the look of a king—it was a father sending his son into a storm.
“This venture might well hang on your shoulders,” Elron said, voice rough with emotion. “Your success—or failure—could tip the balance of the world.”
He let that hang for a breath.
“So bring back more than promises. Bring back warriors."207Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqz06waaQw
and then Add to home screen.