After several weeks of seclusion, Khamero emerged carrying a dolomite scepter.
Several of his many children gathered around him to gawk at the new bauble. It was always interesting to see the art of a dwarf.
"Behold my masterpiece, the Snarling Gills!" cried Khamero holding the dolomite scepter high in the air before them all.
"Oh," was the unenthusiastic reply.
"Sun berries, Queen Cog, the demon that destroyed the old Blockedlance, and a random goblin thats been dead for thirty years. I dont get it." said Imhotep studying it closely.
"You dont get it? How can you not get it?!" Khamero nearly shouted. "It's modern art! It has meaning on so many levels!"
"Well.....like?"
"Well....for instance..." Khamero began making shit up off the top of his head in order to relate the disparate images to one another. "The sun berries are like...a representation of the prosperity of Blockedlance, see? And then below that....its like....all the challenges our people have overcome here at Blockedlance. Goblins, demons, evil queens. And I say to you all! This scepter shall be held aloft by one of you when you rule this land after Urist!"
A gasp went up from his children. Was this to be spoken of openly?
"Father it is a lovely scepter, I wish to wield it one day, just as you say," said Airag. "But do we dare move against the queen? What about grandmother Slemsvamp? Or uncle Travolta? Would they support us? We would put their lives in danger if we were found out!"
Khamero shook his head. "No! It was my job to provide my children a path to the throne. It is your job to make your way there!" Khamero stared at them fiercely, especially his eldest son Airag, his most titled son Baron von Freden, and his wisest son, Imhotep. "Swear it to me now!"
"Father?"
"Swear it to me, whether you stab her, poison her, or simply wait till she dies. Promise me you will seize the throne when you have the chance!" There was silence as the shock of the moment sank in. This was a moment they would remember for the rest of their lives...the moment when their father gave them their mission...their entire reason for being. "Promise me we will never again suffer under the boot of a tyrant....powerless to find justice. Promise me you will prove to Armok you are the strongest! Promise me you will seize the kingdom!"
"I swear it father!" shouted the young Baron von Freden.
"Yes! I swear it too!" cried Airag, not to be outdone by his little brother.
"I will assist my brothers, and never work against my family. We are stronger together," said the wise Imhotep. "Whoever ascends to the throne father, I swear to you it will be a member of the House of Khamero!"
All of his brood agreed, and responded likewise. Khamero was proud of them all. He had done his work well. He had began life as a peasant, but had managed to give his children the lives of pampered nobles with a shot at the throne. He smiled and hugged them all. Family was truly a gift from Armok.