Tradition schmaditionBarons converged upon the coffin of the late Besmar the Crybaby. Olin (the Vain) was using a silk rag to polish his steel gauntlets and whiffed it at the webs and dust, even as everyone could see the stiff walk of someone who never would accustom to the armor. Minkot (the Fat) happily gulped down last bits of delicious mussel roast (with 3 kinds of mussel used to make it). Ushrir (the Rambucious) came as he always did- clanking and cursing, making a scene rivalling that of Olin's. Kogan (the Cold) just waited as his three peers approached.
- Where's the valkyrie? Ushrir questioned the absence of warrior baroness, Kadol.
- She's down below hunting for giant olms. We won't wait, she is... not of like mind.
- So. What are we here for, Kogan? Minkot had started to dig around his backpack, and wasn't totally paying attention.
- We four know that war is at hand. So does the king, and everyone else. But what do they do? The Grand Apples is open still for everyone, spies and other delinquents. King accepts petitions of all sorts of... adventurers who wish to stay in our dominion. The mayor, she has even hired some mercenaries to bolster our militia! This is unacceptable breach of tradition in my mind, and I know you are of same mind.
- I think the mayor has too much influence on king. She even dismissed my wishes of green glass bed! For a week, missus didn't g- she did a number about that, you know. Olin swiped the coffin lid with his "rag", and sat down attempting to look angry, but managed barely to look uncomfortable.
- And what more! He insists that we go... Outside! To work! The nature... The rain, not to mention vomit!
Minkot stopped rummaging, and drew a chop of great elk meat out. He munched at it, looking thoughtful.
- MM-- We could *chomp* mknow, talkm *glmp* to the *chomp* khing about *glmp* this breach of tradition. *chomp*
- Don't you know I did already?`He is adamant about "strengthening the ties to outside world" being wisest move. I mean how it can be? And not to mention there are armies of dwarves marching under his name, sent by kings before, and lords who haven't been here to even consult him. It's quite chaotic situation. Mountainblanket's under former king's champion, and she has denounced our king's rule. We are effectively in state of civil war, in addition to being war with almost everyone else! Kogan's normally cool demeanor started to crack at thought of such heretical action towards law and tradition.
- He isn't going to deal with the rogue champion? Minkot even stopped eating. Ushrir interjected:
- No. He is sending a diplomatic message. Also, he is reaching out towards goblins in the west, hoping to get them to attack their kin to our east. At least, he isn't going to respect the deal made with traitor elves. Even as we speak, road is being paved north, south and east, towards our mountains and human lands- the humans are so short-sighted that their declaration of war is as good as nothing.
- Are we cut off completely? Goblin army of Ozud Uslang is already camped a day's march away, their scouting parties coming in more and more force. Elves of Cutheteeletha and Dur Conu to north- with such an alliance they soon will surround us. Olin was clearly distressed, promise of warfare didn't fit his world.
- Again, no. Our king has actually managed to use the visitors to create some contacts in Dur Conu, as well as our baronies. There are... individuals who wish to use the situation to their financial advantage, and our supplyside advantage. We can use our stores of crafts and, in case of emergency, stored food to buy what we need, even on black market prices. I personally have seen that our craft situation is at level with times.
- Gentledwarves. We must be very, very careful how this is dealt. We must convince the king of logic in locking the gates from strangers, purging the fortress of spies, and preparing for retaking the mountainhome-
Kogan's carefully prepared speech was disturbed by a clink of metal, not coming from dwarves arrayed before him. A shadow, clad in leather cloak, sprinted from the crypt. But not before Kogan had seen her face.
- As I said, we need to convince the king of wisdom of tradition. And we need to... deal... with anyone who isn't of like mind. Secure your following, but do it with care. We cannot seem to do anything traitorous- not that we are, but still we are disrespecting king's wishes.
The three others nodded. They were of like mind, for various reasons. Olin could not bare thought of bloodshed, particularily his own. Minkot relished the steady flow of rums, wines and beers from back home. Ushrir wanted to take over the general planning and glory of expansion from the mayor, who seemed to be favored by the king... Especially after the resounding success that is the silk farm.
And Kogan... Kogan saw war with humans, elves and goblins as distractive business. Actually, dealing with them at all was illogical. Dwarves should seek the riches of the underground, forge, cut and shape them to their glory, and live life of peace and tranquility without outsider interference.
He sighed slightly as others made their leave. With his hand, he brushed along the line of coffins, in alcoves of one or two. Every other had a dwarf in them. They would be alive without Onul. They would be alive, if Bellwaxes would not have been. He paused at the beautiful orthoclase door, behind which was the first champion of the fort. His bones had been interred into first rose gold casket of the fortress, despite his crime, despite his failure.
Kogan wondered, would he get same treatment when gone? Would his tomb be his, or would he be tossed into the pit where bones of animals and foes who had died in Bellwaxes lied?
No matter. He had taken a course that would bring safer, more prosperous living to his kin. But first... He would have to have a talk with his wife.