The deal with the dwarves

Father had managed to set up a meeting for a potential deal with the dwarves. I was to accompany my father to the meeting place, to act as his second and his bodyguard.

We were to travel north-west of Luna Peak, a few miles near the Ganite Mountains, home of the dwarves. We took the few remaining horses in the shoddily crafted stables. The horses we were to use, had strong legs and bigger than average builds, to maintain the weight of a wolvir riding them, and to pull heavy loaded carts.

I rode upon a dapple grey horse, it whinnied as I mounted the saddle and lightly pulled in the reins. We rode out with a small group, totalling eight in all, including myself and my father. Our company were outfitted in armour and weapons, showcasing that we were not to be ambushed, and to look more intimidating, and ready for a fight. It took us a few hours to trot through the snow that had been falling, creating a thick blanket of white on the ground. As we arrived at the meeting place, a small group of dwarves had already been standing to attention, waiting for our arrival. They too were armed and wearing their armour, wielding great battle axes and war-hammers.

As we dismounted our horses, the dwarves eyed us warily, their grip on their battle axes and war-hammers tightening. Their leader, a stout dwarf with a thick beard and a scar above his left eyebrow, stepped forward, his eyes fixed on my father.

“Farex, son of Kantir.” He growled, his voice like the rumble of thunder. “We've been expecting you. I am Grimbold Ironfist, leader of the Ganite Mountains clan. The largest of the dwarven community.” He eyed us up and down, his gaze lingering on the sharp claws that protruded from our fingers. “You come seeking a deal, I presume?”

My father nodded, his tail twitching behind him. “Yes, Grimbold. We mean to offer you our protection, in exchange for your... cooperation.” He smiled, showing his sharp teeth. “We believe it would be mutually beneficial for our species to work together, rather than against each other.”

Grimbold snorted, his expression skeptical. “What makes you think we need your protection? We've managed just fine on our own for centuries.”

Grimbold's eyes narrowed, his grip on the battle axe tightening as he took a step forward, his voice taking on a confrontational tone. “What could you possibly offer us that we can't provide for ourselves?” He eyed my father's sharp teeth, his expression a mixture of curiosity and hostility.

My father, sensing the tension, held up a hand, his claws extended in a calming gesture.

“Let us not be hasty, Grimbold. We mean no harm. Our proposal is one of mutual benefit.” He took a step forward, his eyes locked on Grimbold's, his voice taking on a persuasive tone.

Grimbold's gaze lingered on my father's outstretched hand, his expression unreadable. The air was thick with tension as the two leaders sized each other up. I could feel the weight of the dwarves' skepticism, their eyes darting between my father and me, their hands tightening around the hafts of their weapons. My father's tail twitched behind him, a subtle sign of his own unease, but his voice remained calm and measured.

“We propose a mutual defence pact” my father continued, his eyes never leaving Grimbold's. “In exchange for your cooperation, we offer our protection from the orcs.”

“We have a trade deal with the orcs. Why would they attack us?”

“Because, once they are done with the war against our kind, they will set their sights on the dwarves. You can count on that.” Explained my father in a calm but frightening tone. “It does not matter what deal you have struck with them now, in the further, they will betray you. But I can help you there.”

Grimbold's expression remained skeptical, but I could sense a hint of curiosity behind his eyes. He glanced at his companions, who nodded in unison, their faces set in determined lines. The dwarf leader turned back to my father, his voice a little softer.

“Go on.” Said Grimbold.

My father took a step forward, making himself look taller, practically towering over the dwarves.

“We can offer you a contingent of our finest warriors, trained in the art of combat. Our scouts have been tracking the orcs' movements, and we can provide you with detailed information on their numbers, strategies, and weaknesses.”

Grimbold's expression softened a little, and he nodded, his eyes thoughtful. “And what do you want in return?”

My father smiled, his teeth gleaming in the weak sunlight.

“We seek your craftsmanship, Grimbold. Your dwarves are renowned for their skill in mining and crafting, and we believe that our races can benefit from each other's strengths. We offer our protection, and in return, we ask for a share of your resources and talents.”

Grimbold's expression became intrigued, he nodded, his eyes thoughtful. “Very well, Farex. We will consider your proposal. But I want something in return before we agree to our deal.”

“Tell me, what is it you seek?” Asked my father.

“Women.” Grimbold simply said.

My father’s eyebrows raised as her looked the dwarf in a new light. “Can you elaborate for me.”

“You see, dwarves like pretty things, that’s why we wanted gems from the orcs. But dwarf women aren’t that pretty, it’s one in a thousand that a dwarf woman would be born beautiful, and even then, that happens once in a thousand years.” Grimbold released a booming laugh. “I want pretty human women for my men and I want a particular woman for my bedchamber.”

“I see, please tell me more.” Said my father.

“There is a small town, south of here, called Timbersell. The nobleman’s daughter who lives there is a pretty young thing. I want her, and any other pretty women there to sate my men’s desires. Raid the town and take the women and anything of value from them. Once you do this for me, we can finalise our deal and cut ties with the orcs, they will be our enemies from then.”

My father stroked at his furry muzzle, weighing up the proposal.

“Very well, we will do this for you. My son will lead this task for you.”

“Which one’s your boy, is he here with you?” Grimbold asked looking into the crowd of wolvir.

“This one here.” My father clapped a heavy hand on my shoulder, I then stepped forward.

“Yes. A good build on him, you look like a tough warrior, what’s your name?” Grimbold said to me.

“Fenrin, son of Farex.” I proclaimed in a low growl.

“Well Fenrin, do this for me. And I’ll let you pick one thing of value from the raid.”

“I want a woman.” I said in a bold tone.

“I didn’t know you swung that way.” Said Grimbold, taken aback at my request. “Very well, if you’re successful, you can pick any woman you want, as long as it’s not the nobleman’s daughter.”

We shook on the deal.