Inside the chest lay the head of Zanak Skullsplitter, the savage greenskin warlord. This warlord, who had caused much trouble and pain at Seagate Pass, now had his head severed, his face still frozen in despair and fear at the moment of death. One of his two tusks had been cut off, and his lifeless eyes stared forward.
"I accept this gift!" King Beornov nodded in satisfaction. A page in his Book of Grudges could now be erased. "But I must remind you, Knight King… uh… King…"
"Ryan, Ryan Malcador," Ryan promptly corrected.
"King Ryan, I forgive your boldness and accept your goodwill. But let me remind you that in the future, such tasks should be left to the dwarves. You only need to inform us. Sending the head over like this is fine, but it shows little respect for our traditions." King Beornov gestured for his men to take the chest away. "I understand it's your first offense, and you may not fully know the rules of Seagate Pass. So, I'll let it go this time. That cursed greenskin met his end swiftly, but our grudges shouldn't be so easily resolved."
Before Ryan could respond, King Beornov stood up and slowly descended from his high platform. "Knight King, Bellegar, I'm afraid I can't stay any longer. I have matters to attend to. If you'd like, we can share a drink now and then part ways. If there's nothing else, you may leave after the toast. May Grungni's hammer protect you."
"To the toast." Three large dwarf beer mugs were placed on the table. Rich Bagman ale was poured into the cups, and the three kings each drank deeply. With that, the meeting ended, and the Hammerer warriors signaled to Ryan and Bellegar that they were free to leave.
As they exited the throne hall, Ryan shook his head repeatedly. "So difficult to communicate."
"King Beornov has always been like that," Bellegar stammered, "And there was… a matter between us in the past… making him a bit biased against me. It affected you, brother Ryan."
Ryan understood. Bellegar had likely borrowed troops from Beornov before, and as usual, lost them all.
Classic Bellegar. This king had already sacrificed nearly everything in his quest to reclaim Karak Eight Peaks.
As they stepped out of the throne hall, Ryan noticed the magnificent carvings and ancestral faces etched above the doorway. The faces of past kings of Seagate Pass were engraved into the ancient rune stone, said to be the strongest material in dwarf fortresses. Ryan knew that during his second assault on Karak Eight Peaks, Bellegar had fought his way back to the entrance of his ancestors' hall. There, he retrieved a rune stone, which he had carried with him ever since, as it symbolized the history and honor of the dwarves.
The two walked along the narrow passageways and stepped out onto the city streets of Seagate Pass. A maze of tunnels and paths stretched in all directions, with a lantern every few paces lighting the way. The city walls towered tens of meters high, manned by dwarf crossbowmen, thunderers, and artillery crews. Over a thousand cannons lined the walls, always ready to defend against enemies from the Badlands. From the balcony outside the throne hall, Ryan could see the city's dining halls, the engineers' guild, the docks, the marketplace, residential areas, and the armories and forges.
"Let's stand here for a while, brother Ryan," Bellegar said as they approached a pool. He turned on a faucet, washing his hands in the fresh water, then signaled for Ryan to do the same. "I can tell you have something to ask me—about Thorgim, right?"
"During the second expedition to Karak Eight Peaks, you received aid from the High King and ten thousand dwarves," Ryan nodded, also washing his hands and face. "But why…"
"Why did I abandon Thorgim and his army, choosing to fight alone and eventually retreat?" Bellegar's expression turned serious. "Do you think I made a fatal mistake?"
Ryan neither confirmed nor denied it. The dimly lit corridor and solid walls, adorned with runes and carvings, told silent tales of the dwarven ancestors.
"Because we couldn't win." Bellegar sighed as he sat on the steps. "Even with Thorgim's ten thousand, we still couldn't win. Even if I had rushed back to support him, it was only a matter of time before we were overwhelmed by the endless greenskin and skaven hordes. When I received news that Thorgim was holding off the greenskin main force, I immediately realized that joining him wouldn't change anything. Reclaiming Karak Eight Peaks was impossible because it wasn't just greenskins we faced."
"Skaven," Ryan said, sitting beside Bellegar.
"So my plan was to destroy the greenskin idol in the ancestor hall of Karak Eight Peaks and see if I could open a nearby treasure vault to retrieve some weapons." Bellegar nodded. "The full set of rune gear for the Angrund Oathsworn was acquired at that time, including my rune stone. But Thorgim couldn't hold out longer. Before the greenskin reinforcements arrived, I ordered an immediate retreat. Believe me, brother Ryan, my decision wasn't foolish. It was just… not very considerate. But that's the dwarven way. Without hatred, what do we have left?"
"Freedom," Ryan gazed at the city's domed ceiling. Seagate Pass, being a city inside a mountain, had only two or three hours of sunlight each day.
"Ancestors, bloodlines, hatred—that's why the dwarves have endured and why we still believe in our resurgence. If we lose those things, we stop being dwarves. Our race has survived by holding onto these values." Bellegar spoke slowly. "Brother Ryan, do you see that over there?"
Following Bellegar's gaze, Ryan spotted a massive warehouse. "Yes."
"That's the treasure vault of Seagate Pass. It contains wealth estimated to be worth over… five hundred thousand gold crowns, possibly more. The treasure there far exceeds your ducal treasury, the Emperor's vault, and even the treasure hoard of Emperor Ludwig the Savior in Nuln." Bellegar's eyes gleamed as he seemed lost in memories. "But do you know how much treasure is in Karak Eight Peaks?"
"The treasure in Karak Eight Peaks is at least ten times the wealth of Seagate Pass." Bellegar's eyes became misty as he recalled. "The ancestor armory holds over ten thousand rune armors, thousands of rune hammers, and rune axes, hanging on the cliffs of the mountain. There are star iron shields engraved with ancestral crests, horned winged helmets, and countless treasures in the vault. When we fought off the greenskin assault, the treacherous skaven unleashed deadly gas and disease into the dwarf strongholds. Sensing the end, the ancestor-king Rorek ordered the treasury and armory sealed while covering the retreat of the people from Karak Eight Peaks. To this day, I've never reached the ancestor hall itself. At most, I've opened a few minor weapon caches and uncovered some hidden treasures in the mines. If only I could…"
At this point, Bellegar couldn't continue. His eyes filled with tears. "If only I could…"
"I will help you, brother Bellegar. I promised," Ryan said softly. "That's why we're here."
"Don't underestimate this war, brother Ryan. Don't be blinded by your recent success." Bellegar's voice carried an unusual tone. "You and your army haven't yet faced Skarsnik and Queek Headtaker. Do you understand that feeling? Day after day, year after year of battles, my people and I have been worn down by centuries of war. Victory brings us no joy, only a faint sense of relief. We've paid a tremendous price. The rebuilding efforts over the years are merely brief respites in the endless war. Blood and pain, punctuated by fleeting rest—that's been the life of every Angrund dwarf for the past three thousand years."
"The glorious age is long gone. The history of dwarves ruling the mountains is over. Now, my people and I can only cling to each other and hold on to that last shred of hope—the hope of reclaiming Karak Eight Peaks. I know the ancestor hall is now filled with Skarsnik's endless greenskin hordes. The spirits of our ancestors wander silently through the galleries, mourning the past." Bellegar's voice dropped to a whisper. "This is our last chance, brother Ryan. I'm tired. Truly tired."
"I understand. I understand it all." Ryan lowered his head. He could feel Bellegar's exhaustion. The desire to reclaim Karak Eight Peaks had once burned like a fire in Bellegar's chest, but now, it was nearly extinguished. The dream of reclaiming Karak Eight Peaks, avenging his father, and leading his people to glory was fading away. "Let us swear upon our fists."
A human fist and a dwarven fist tightly connected.
"Iron and gold as witness!"
"As solid as stone!"
——Iron and gold as witness——
As Ryan descended the long hallway and returned to the inn where he, the Grail Knights, and Veronica's witch coven were staying, he saw the "Sea Dragon's Breath," the finest inn in Seagate Pass. It stood at the edge of the commercial district, near a cliff. The roaring Blackwater River flowed by in the distance
, with dozens of waterwheels constantly turning. The sound of rushing water echoed through the mountainside. Today, the magnificent and vibrant dwarf city was bustling with life. Unlike many other dwarf kingdoms, the population of Seagate Pass had steadily increased over time due to its prosperous economy and nearly impenetrable fortress. Dwarves here often lived wealthy and safe lives, many with ten or more brothers and two or three sisters.
Ryan also saw people from many nations here. There were Arabi and Ind individuals, and even a few Cathayans.
Leading Ryan and Bellegar was Glen Silverbeard, a Hammerer of Beornov. At just 150 years old, Glen was relatively young among the Hammerers and hadn't yet adopted the silence and taciturnity typical of the white-bearded dwarves. He was clearly pleased by the achievements of Ryan and Bellegar. After Ryan's victory, it would take at least ten years for the greenskins of Blackwater Bay to regroup. "King Ryan, King Bellegar, the Sea Dragon's Breath is just ahead."
"Are those Cathayans here on business?" Ryan asked, noticing a few Cathayans gathered at an outdoor tavern, drinking and singing songs that no one else understood.
"Gong jin ou, cheng tian zhao. Min wu xin fu zao. Xi tong pao, qing shi xing zao. Tian gao gao, hai tao tao."
The appearance and attire of the Cathayans left Ryan feeling a bit bewildered. He recalled an image from his past life that was famous in Western culture, as well as a hairstyle known as the "New Dynasty Elegant Politics" look.
"Yes, that's Master Hong Fuchu, Mr. Qishan, and Mr. Jinglu. They are merchants from the Cathayan Empire," Glen Silverbeard said. "But communicating with them is difficult. They speak an unfamiliar language, and no one in Seagate Pass knows Cathayan. They also struggle with the common tongue, so no one is doing business with them. They're reportedly heading to Marienburg."
"Alright." Ryan didn't say more, nor did he intend to speak to the Cathayans. After Ryan made his stance clear, the Hammerers understood and stopped the Cathayans from approaching any further.
With that, Ryan and Bellegar parted ways, as Bellegar stayed in a different dwarf tavern.
The Sea Dragon's Breath Inn was four stories tall and crafted by dwarven artisans. The inn lacked the grand opulence found in the human world and instead had a more rustic and solemn atmosphere. But when Ryan pushed open the inn's door, he was greeted by the lively chatter and youthful energy that filled the hall.
The witches of Veronica's coven were enjoying their dinner. Sitting in groups of four or five, they filled the large hall with laughter and the sound of eating. After nearly a month of grueling expeditions, the witches could finally enjoy some rest. Seagate Pass was a prosperous place, and many of the young witches excitedly talked about where to go next, what to shop for, and what to do during their break.
In addition to the witches, Ryan's Grail Knights, led by himself and Calard, were also staying at the inn. Most sat in groups, with one knight and his squires sharing a table. The more prominent nobles like Fedemond and Antelm had their lady attendants, while Blackheart Rip and his lieutenant Durant sat in a corner.
The moment Ryan entered, the entire first-floor hall fell into silence.
"My king!"
"Your Majesty!"
"King Ryan, welcome back!"
Everyone, no matter what they were doing, stood up to greet Ryan.
"Enjoy the night, ladies and gentlemen," Ryan smiled and nodded. "I declare that tonight is free time."
"As you command, Your Majesty!"
"Thank you for your generosity and kindness, King Ryan!"
The Grail Knights and witches responded in unison before returning to their meals. Ryan scanned the room but didn't see Veronica. Before he could ask, the witch Garland descended the stairs from the second floor, her burgundy high heels clicking against the wooden steps. "Ryan, you're back?"
"Yes, I met with King Beornov. He agreed to let us stay here," Ryan nodded as he took Veronica's hand, drawing envious looks from the witches and apprentices. "So, my chief lady-in-waiting, where's the king's dinner?"
"In your room, darling. Come with me! You'll love it!"
"I'm looking forward to it."
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