22 Dwarves village

Simon and his small group moved faster than expected during the journey to Igor's village. Skirting the mountain range made it very easy to cross the river. During the breaks, the soldiers took care of the security of the camp while the two archers hunted some animals to add to the provisions stored in their commander's bag.

Selin took care of cooking thanks to her experience and with her skill it was possible to avoid lighting fires and therefore being identified.

The biggest help on the way came from one of Simon's new derivative skills, 'Alertness'. Thanks to this fantastic skill, not only is the young person able to see and feel better just like the two basic skills, but it is as if he had gained a kind of sixth sense for danger.

By putting together all the information of the five senses, Simon is able to perceive minimal variations in the environment and connect them to some danger.

On the third day, at the edge of a forest, using the skill, Simon was able to notice imperceptible traces and some signs of struggle. Todd, the oldest archer, has recognized the traces as those of a small number of white wolves. But as the boys know, the white wolves do not move in small groups but in packs. By carefully examining the area the group decided to change the route. The choice has taken part in a safe and fast journey.

On the evening of the sixth day, the group decides to make a last effort and cover the remaining section instead of camping. In a few hours, when the darkness had fallen, the group arrived at Igor's house. Even without light, the show is phenomenal.

The village is built entirely of masonry and stone houses. The houses are stacked in a disorderly way on the side of the mountain. The streets are all in stone. Between one house and another one can see pulleys, ropes and platforms for transporting materials. The whole village looks like a huge mine.

Even if the night is moonless the village is illuminated. In the streets, luminous runes release a warm light. In the houses the fireplaces can be seen from the windows.

The entrance to the village is protected by a low wall of about two meters in height, in whose central opening a heavy wooden door is mounted. Being now closed the boys can see ancient runes engraved on the two doors.

Before arriving, Igor had explained to his traveling companions that the village of dwarves lives mainly on trade. Like himself, most of the population entertains businesses even in remote areas.

Long ago the villages of dwarves were more numerous and could often be found near mountains or deposits of precious metals. Over time and the increasing number of borders created by humans, news from other villages has faded.

This village, known as 'Hard oak' in honor of the tree with which the two heavy doors of the door were built, has lost contact with other dwarf villages for the past five years.

The dwarves village, despite being in its territory, is not part of the kingdom of Olmaria. Here lies the problem. After the closure of the borders with Luberistan, trade has drastically reduced. The dwarves trade in well-made weapons and small magical devices. Trade in the near kingdom is suspended and that with Olmaria does not take off.

Olmaria, in preparation for the war, began to buy cheap weapons for the militia and suspended the purchase of devices not purely related to military use.

Igor cheerfully says "Welcome to my house. I really hope you can help us overcome this problem."

The dwarf approaches the door then tracing one of the runes with the finger triggers a device. The heavy door starts to move slowly towards the inside of the village. Two suspicious armed guards peep out asking "Who's going there? Ah, you're Igor, it was time you did not come back."

Igor "Good evening Dhori! I'm glad to see you. I'll introduce you to my traveling companions."

The two guards carefully control the group but thanks to the intercession of Igor the small company can freely enter the village. Igor proceeds at a fast pace to a relatively large house on the east side of the settlement. "Here we are at my house! Take a seat. For tonight we'll have to settle for sleep since I only have two beds. Tomorrow I will speak with the innkeeper."

The night passes and with it the tiredness accumulated by the journey.

In the morning the group prepares to be presentable. Simon wants to meet the village chief.

Igor leads the way through the village streets until they reach an unusual construction. The building is carved out of the same rock face of the mountain. The rooms were literally carved into the rock. Another curious thing is that the structure has no doors or windows.

Understanding Simon's thoughts explains "This is the village hall. This building is the place where we meet and where the village chief is always available. Our ancestors decided not to build doors or windows to avoid finding them closed. Everyone can come in and everyone can hear what is said inside these rooms.

A small crowd of onlookers, especially children, follow the strangers through the streets. Selin greets some children with a smile. George disappointed mumbles "I was curious to see how dwarf women were but I do not see any."

Igor laughs exclaims "Look, those two bearded are two beautiful girls!"

George with his mouth wide open "That's why you decided to travel for business!"

Once inside the village hall the ten are approached by a rather thin dwarf with a gray beard and gray hair gathered in fine pigtails. "Hi Igor friends, I am Velda Firmfeet and I have been chosen to represent this village. I hope you can find what you are looking for."

Igor with the hand that grazes beard and chest greets "Hello to you! I, Igor Brokenhead, return to our village with good news."

The elderly dwarf "Speak up." At these words, the crowd of onlookers and some dwarfs in the room are approaching to hear better.

"Vanein County changed Count. Uden was tried and executed by the troops of the king of Olmaria."

Velda satisfied answers "These are good news, the old count did not believe in the business and being one of the few neighbors with whom they could work, his way of doing has put us in a lot of trouble."

"It is with pride that I bring you this news as I, along with my friends here, are the architects of the event. The Force of Fate company helped the king's troops bring justice."

"So you're now part of this mercenary force?"

"Yes venerable Velda."

"Well, when will I have the honor of meeting your commander?"

"Now, this boy, Simon is the commander of a force of more than one hundred armed men."

Simon advances a few steps and repeats the gesture made by Igor with his hand, brushing his chin and chest "It is an honor to have been invited to this magical village."

"The honor is ours. If I can be honest, I would never have thought that such a young boy could be the head of a mercenary company. Give this old man a question, have you inherited your position?"

Igor "I reply by telling you that less than a year ago was the aide in a small shop in a mining settlement. And I would also like to show you something exceptional."

Simon takes a string with the tips of his fingers and after having engraved on it the rune 'hardness' shakes it like a stick.

Velda "Stunning! The rune skill is tied to the blood of us dwarves, are you a half-breed?"

Simon "No village chief, my skill is a mystery that I am still trying to solve today."

"I would say that you have more than amazed me. Not only for the fact that you know how to use our skill but also for your humility in learning our customs, greetings and even ancient language. I renew the initial question, what can I do to help you?"

Simon activating his new 'minor persuasion' skill says, "Actually, we're here today to offer you our help. For a modest sum to be agreed, I am willing to use my resources to keep your village from dying."

Velda "Young tell me, too."

Simon continues "I have a plan that I have obviously divided into phases, I love phases. First step re-establish the trade with Vanein. I have direct contact with the Count and his daughter serves under my command. Second step set up a special relationship with you for the purchase of weapons and devices for my company and third and last step I would like some craftsmen to follow me to develop with Igor the prototypes I have in mind. On these prototypes I will have the right of first refusal to purchase the production and when I do not need them anymore I want a share of the proceeds collected from their sale."

"Ambitious plan, let's start with the first phase and understand if business can continue." Velda says with eyes sparkling with greed.