8th Slate
Though the going was incredibly slow, the fortress was slowly being emptied of its remaining, inferior furnishings. While the Warriors took turns patrolling the border or finding comfortable spots to sleep in their empty Barracks the civilians went to work.
On a morning in Mid-Spring, Kanet was shaken roughly awake. Weary from a recent fight with skeletons it took several seconds for his mind to start working again as he scrambled to his feet. Sable was standing next to him and looking quite agitated.
"Whats the problem?" Kanet asked, knowing that look well.
"Some Dwarves have been sighted at the border. Unfortunately, its Nobles, led by the new Count of Flamebanner." The Warrior responded, shaking her head in disgust. "We need strong workers if we're to rebuild, not a bunch of cocky idiots who just want us to do what they say."
"You know as well as I do that that isn't how things are done around here. Fireheart never took any pushing around from the Nobles and neither will we." Kanet said as he headed towards the door.
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As he emerged into the sunshine, the sounds of yelling Dwarves drifted to him on the wind. At the gates he could see Derek arguing with a man dressed in the fancy robes of a Tax Collector.
"Derek, stand down." He said as he came over. The Decapitator looked as annoyed as Sable and muttered very unpleasant things under his breath as he stalked away.
"That man should be hammered for his insolence." The new arrival said. "As should you all. Killing Dwarves and taking over a fortress is the worst crime possible."
"Excuse me?" Kanet said, wanting to believe his ears were deceiving him but knowing it was not true.
"Yes, we've heard the news in the Mountainhomes." The taxman said, not noticing the furious look overtaking Kanet's face.. "We heard how this place sank into chaos after some of it's so-called "protectors" started slaughtering their fellow Dwarves, starting with their leader."
"Count Imbid and Hammerer Dumed will be responsible for restoring order and punishing every one of your band of traitors." The Dwarven Noble's next words were lost to a terrified scream as Kanet grabbed the front of his robe and dragged him close.
"Traitors? You happen to be addressing Kanet "Fireshield" Whipsystems the Gilded Frost of Equality and Leader of Thunderclan! This place has been through chaos but it it due to the never-ending assaults by Uktang's skeletal allies which robbed 14 brave Dwarves of their lives and led to the deaths of almost every single soul within Flamebanner." Kanet spat at the terrified Dwarf.
"Currently there are 13 of us who survived and I am leading them in the rebuilding of our home. Anyone who threatens this place will be dealt with as though they were an enemy."
"But...The facts were clear!" The Noble stammered.
"What is going on here?" Kanet turned to see a group of Dwarves standing in the gateway, all dressed in the garb of Nobles.
"Count Imbit." Kanet said with a small bow. "I regret to say that your Tax Collector has a very poor view of how Flamebanner currently stands."
"Sibrek." The Count said in a tired voice. "I told you I wanted to hear what any residents had to say before I decided if the rumors were true."
"Well, if they are the same stories this fool has been telling then I can assure you that they are either false or not completely accurate. I would swear it by my honor and my position as Leader of Thunderclan." Kanet said.
"I'm afraid we won't be much help with rebuilding but I'm sure we can find some way to help." Imbit said. "Though I think we should talk once you're through with Sibrek there." A small smile crossed his lips as he waved his people towards the fortress entrance.
Giving the still terrified Tax Collector a final fierce look, Kanet released his robe. The Noble fell into a huddled ball as Kanet headed inside...
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We have Nobles again. A full batch though STILL no Duke. What is the deal!
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Topic: Flamebanner: The Battle of Flamebanner! (Read 133230 times)