Despite a continuing fear of dying horribly which kept immigrants from making the trip, Flamebanner continued to slowly recover from past events. The craft shops were turning out trade goods at a rapid speed while Mayor Cerol continued to meet with the traders. The forges were still severely understaffed, with only Kol and Dungeon Master Illral seeing that weapons and armor were kept in good repair.
Kanet was looking over the model of Flamebanner in his office when a knock at the door announced Argonnek's arrival. As Thunderclan's Deputy stepped into the room, Kanet noted the grim look on her face...and the similar look on the Dwarf that followed her in. Dressed in fine spider silk clothes and with the heraldry of Queen Manorspread stitched on the breast, it was obvious that this was someone important.
"A messenger from the capital Kanet." Argonnek said, directing the Dwarf into a chair.
"Thank you Arg." Kanet said as he slid into his own chair.
"I am Ritas, royal messenger in the service of our Queen. I have been sent to bring you news that effects all Dwarfkind." The stranger said, pulling a roll of paper out of the bag at his side and passing it across to the Leader.
Picking up the roll and breaking the seal revealed a lengthy message from the queen as well as reports from several sources. His eyes widened as he quickly scanned the writing.
"Are you to wait for a response?" Kanet asked.
"No, the Queen's wishes are simply that you continue doing what you have been, fighting against Uktang's forces." Ritas replied.
"Then I hope you won't be offended if I ask you to leave us to discuss this." Fireshield said. "Feel free to rest before you return to the Mountainhomes."
"As you wish." Ritas said with a respectful bow before taking his leave.
Kanet looked over at his Deputy and she could see the concern in her lover's eyes.
"Spiderthorn has fallen. Uktang's forces laid siege to the city and exterminated everyone inside the walls." He said slowly. "Reports that were made by a handful of survivors reported Goblins, Kobolds and Undead making up the bulk of the army with Vampires, Werewolves and some sort of strange insect creatures providing backup."
"So Uktang is stronger then ever." Argonnek said slowly, her mind processing this information. "At least a siege would have cost them dearly."
"They took the city in two days. Over three thousand Dwarven soldiers and civilians were killed." He said, holding up a hand to halt Argonnek's next words. "It gets worse."
"The other clans were present as well with most of their Warriors. Iger, Num and Anriz were killed and Shedim is presumed dead as well."
"Even four clans couldn't hold them?" The Deputy shivered as that horrible thought went through her mind.
"Not only that, the enemy forces continued their victory streak. They moved on to take and destroy the fortresses at Shadowkeep Island, Windmist Moor, Riverview Point and Skyedge Forest. The other clans have been completely decimated and any survivors are either in hiding or in the capital." Kanet added, passing the papers to Argonnek.
"What hope is there for Thunderclan then?" Argonnek asked, concern filling her voice.
"Plenty, provided we prepare." Kanet answered. "Gather everyone in the courtyard for an announcement."
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"Dwarves of Thunderclan." Fireshield said as he gazed out over the crowd gathered below the stage. "Uktang's forces have not been seen in our territory for many months and I know that some had hoped they had given up."
"They have not, We have recieved word that they launched a series of attacks that destroyed not only a large number of Dwarves but the other four clans as well." Kanet had to wait a minute to regain silence as shocked conversation broke out among the crowd. "We will not allow this to go unavenged!"
"As of now Flamebanner is on a war footing. We will be looking for as many new recruits as we can get as well as new additions to the Metalworking and Masonry teams." Kanet continued. "There will be a constant guard on both the South and East gates as well as the Watchtowers."
"Now." The Thunderclan Leader said, gesturing to Kol, Gasis and Derek to step onto the stage. "See one of these three if you wish to become a Warrior or join the Masonry and Metalworking teams. We'll review and choose the best roles for everyone and make the announcements tomorrow."
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Feel free to request new Dwarves, I have no limits on how many a person can have (Plus, it saves me the trouble of coming up with names for them so I can tell them apart.
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