Exodus

Things moved quickly. Braun had no trouble getting an audience with the King, though the nature of it was surprising. You were given a chance to clean yourself, and accompanied the Queen to cordoned area in a large area. It seemed like it could have been a private viewing box for a theatre, or a detention area for a witness in trial. The Queen had been given a change of clothes seperate from her armor or the bathgown she was first handed. It was shocking how well it fit; the dwarves truly are master crafters if they could have assembled this for her custom just in the time you were away on your mission.

"You look stunning as ever, Your Majesty" You speak quietly as a crowd of burly and rancorous dwarves gathers. Even being the only two humans in this great chasm city, you two are not the central fixture of attention.

"I appreciate that Michael, but this feels so weird"

"The material?" You ask, only considering the most obvious

"No. This is fine. Gorgeous even. It's just, still getting used to the idea. This is what Queens and Princesses are supposed to wear, right? Feel like I'm wearing someone else's clothes."

"I assure you, my Queen, that could not further from the truth. You are very much the Queen, and shaping to the role nicely."

"I'd be in no shape at all without you Michael. When this all over, the books will write only of you, which is fine by me." Vercion pauses for a second "there is something that bothers me though."

"What is it? Is it something wrong with the mission?"

"No. Don't you find the timing of all of this convenient?"

"Not really." You reply quietly "Braun and the dwarves could have let us die out there. Do you think there's an ulterior motive?"

"Maybe" she shrugged "Don't you think its strange that your mission just so happened to send you where you can find some secret about me that will upend the social order? He didn't even need you to say anything for him to know."

"I see your point" You look at Braun, standing center of the stage, arms behind his back. "Do you think he's plotting a coup?"

"I don't know" Vercion said vaguely "He doesn't seem to want one, but who knows how good dwarves are at acting"

Before another word could be spoken, a figure appeared from the other side, rising to an immense podium. He was, without a doubt, the King. The jewelry bestowed on his armor and axe was immense, excessive even; neither were effective in real war, by your guess. He was younger than Braun by a number of years; there's not a hint of grey in his tailored beard. Taking a seat, he spoke as a practiced orator, projecting his voice to be heard by all.

"Braun, son of Vaun, son of Graun, you stand before Glough, son of Tough, High King of the Low Kingdoms." His sternness broke for a moment. "Cousin, you approached me with great concern. What is of such haste that you make demands of me this way"

"the Ledger of the Book of Pacts must be opened, oh High King" Braun began, as he turned towards you "a debt is owed to these humans, as well as an apology, by the Hammerdeep Dwarves."

Glough wasn't taking being ordered as high king well, shifting in his seat "And what, pray tell, is the cause for this? What do we owe these strangers?"

"My King, this is Vercion, last heir of Xarga the Golden Dragon, and Sir Michael Mastbreaker, her champion and protector. We owe them everything."

There was a building comotion in the audience, which Glough quickly stamped down as he twice lifted his axe and shoved the hilt into the ground, creating might thuds. "You speak of the defeated kingdom of Agito. If this woman wishes to lay claim to own rubble and rust, let her and her peon do so. Human politics is not Dwarven business."

"Damnit Glough, you arrogant entitled brat!" Braun's temper clearly left in a hurry, something you'll need to note should this continue on "King or not, as your older cousin I should have knocked some sense into you when I had the chance!" The commotion built even more dramatically this time, Braun barely speaking over it "If we turn these humans away without aid, we forsake our sacred honor. A Dwarf never turns their back on a deal, especially not towards a friend!"

"These humans are no friends of mine!" Glough shouted over him, standing up now behind the podium, weapon raised. Vercion seemed scared the king may actually start to use it, as she had reflexively clung to you in anxiety. "I have spent many years overlooking your jealousy of me. You've coveted the throne for yourself your entire life. You may fool the others but you can't fool me. I will honor no pact founded only in ancient folk tales and which promises only more trouble for our kind. The High King has spoken, Braun. Continue, and you will be tried for treason." There was growing uproar as the dwarves began to look towards each other and argue.

"There will be no need, High King" Braun bowed in an exagerated fashion "I relinquish my role as your General, and your kin. I will still honor the pact we made in exile, and will take those who still know what being a Hammerdeep Dwarf truly means with me."