ALONG THE OUROS HIGHLAND

If Civerdell is the trading center of Nefertyland today, then the Ouros highland is quickly juxtaposed as the center of civilization of Nefertyland after the fall of Nepheel to the hands of Tarnath. Not without reason, the dwarven kingdom that stands majestically there is famous for the glory of its architecture and literature. They are educated people and good at producing stuff.

In addition, these dwarves are also good at fighting. They used to fight on the side of the enemy, storming Neferty palace. All as a result of Tarnath's cunning that incited King Arganor, the King of Ouros at the time who was very jealous of the Nepheel's fame.

He wanted Ouros to be Neferty's only beautiful jewel, not any city or kingdom. However, after realizing Tarnath's pettiness, Ouros withdrew his forces. The Nepheel has fallen, and the era of Ouros superpower has arrived.

Dominating a vast land full of natural resources certainly makes many parties envious. It has been more than fifteen years that Ouros has waved the flag of power, and more than fifteen attacks have come to try to tear the flag. They all failed. King Arganor has a strong military, strong economy, prosperous people, his influence even exceeds Tarnath (for now).

An army of orcs will not be enough to break down the stone wall that stretches as far as the eye can see. Even in the last few decades, the dwarf currency, Ouros' gold has become universal medium of exchange that sells everywhere. It is not surprising that the axis of trade in Neferty relies heavily on Ouros, although most of the transactions take place in the cities of Civerdell.

There is still so much supremacy of Ouros that makes it dominate the entire land. However, this government has a weak point. Fragility that if used by its competitors will immediately remove all the advantages that have been extended before.

King Arganor is too old, sick, and has no heir to the throne. His wife and daughter died of the plague, long before Neferty great war began. He only had one younger brother, who later also became a casualty in the great war. The only hope of the people now is the son of Arganor's younger brother, Yugo who just turned seventeen two months ago.

Unfortunately, this one red-haired dwarf lacks the glare of the throne of Ouros. The palace officials had persuaded him repeatedly, but negotiations with Yugo always ended with a shake of the head, or the words "no, I'm not interested" coming out of his mouth over and over again.

As if the uncareness about thousands of souls who are begging to be led, Yugo is busy forming his own group. Mavrick's army, or Ouros' mountain-climbing dwarves. They are not part of the official military, but their behavior is a hundred times more brave than the army.

Just for example this morning, when Yugo suspected the valley of two rivers was being used as a reconnaissance base by the enemy. He immediately took his friends down the slope, hiding behind the jungle, along with a number of weapons.

Their actions bear sweet results, indeed. Hegoss and the orc forces were successfully repulsed. The only problem is the response of the people of Ouros themselves. Yugo still remembers how happy they were when they arrived in front of the fortress. Very tall, sturdy, guarded by huge statues of dwarven kings. Only twenty one so far. It will be twenty-two monuments if King Arganor dies.

Mavrick's soldiers began to enter the main gate. A number of dwarven warriors stood guard there, in steel armor and large pickaxes. They bowed respectfully to Yugo. Not appreciating the results of his exploration today, but indeed his attitude as a dwarven nobleman.

"Young master, I have permission to deliver the news," said one of the gatekeepers. "Captain Zulk has been looking for you since morning. He is waiting at the palace."

"Okay, thanks, Fergo. I'll meet him," Yugo said, wiping the forest apple. They passed from the city gate. "Or not," Yugo whispered to his friends.

While enjoying an apple, the dwarf as tall as a grown man walked around the city. Today is very busy. The beginning of the week is always like that, at least for the dwarves who like to be quiet in the city. Yugo is not that type of dwarf. He likes to go on adventures, explore the vastness of nature, then return only to admire the splendor of Ouros.

"Hey, Yugo. Yugo!" Eoryl who was walking behind hurriedly approached his leader. "Didn't you tell the guards about what we found in the valley of the two rivers?"

"Tell what?" Yugo protested. "No one will believe it. We will be branded as stupid storytellers for the umpteenth time."

"Or it could be worse," continued Galmdir. "Yugo will be forced to become King and leave our group." That sentence made the dwarves shudder in horror.

"The king's work just sits on the chair. No laughing, no walking, no fighting. It's so boring!" Yugo grumbled, which was immediately approved by his group.

They crossed the intersection of the city. If want to go to the palace, take the left lane. But the dwarves kept walking straight. The seven of them passed by pony riders carrying a cartload of tobacco, as well as mountain goat herders visiting to sell milk.

However, the two meetings were not as surprising as the next meeting. Drifting away enjoying the bustle of the city, the dwarves didn't realize that Yugo in front of them suddenly stopped. Theryl (orange hair) who is in the second row accidentally bumped into him, followed by Clovy, Fowy (blue hair), Hamldir, Galmdir, and Eoryl. The seven dwarfs suddenly fell to the ground.

A dwarf with a thick brown beard chuckled. His posture is stronger and taller than them—because he is more mature. The dwarf then held out a hand, helping them all to their feet.

"Looks like I managed to get the guards to fool you," he joked, pointing at the large hacksaw head.

"Captain Zulk." Yugo patted the bottom of his dirty pants.

"Where are you guys from?" The dwarf, Captain Zulk, asked.

"We just returned from the valley of the two rivers, raiding an army of orcs riding sabre-toothed jaguars. They seemed to be stalking our kingdom from afar. But luckily we came and drove them all away." Eoryl explained at length.

Zulk suddenly widened his eyes. His big hacksaw was no longer the focus, but he held it with two hands. Eoryl was sure that he and his friends would be praised. However, the old dwarf in front of them actually laughed loudly.

"Nice story, little Eoryl!" Zulk said. "Who taught you to compose that great story? Halmdir? Galmdir? Yugo? I think you're gifted as a storyteller. All of you!" The armored dwarf burst out laughing, irritating Yugo and biting Eoryl's ear for talking nonsense.

"Forget whatever he said," said Yugo. "Now, can you stay away? We want to go to the city forest."

"Can not." Zulk shook his head, his laughter ended. "Yugo, you must see King Arganor now. His pain is getting worse."

"Isn't it like that every day?" Yugo fought.

"Never like today. Come on!" Zulk grabbed the young dwarf by the hand and dragged him away from the straight path at the crossroads of the city, turning onto the road leading to the castle.

Yugo's friends also followed behind, although their movements did not escape Zulk's gaze at all. As far as the captain and potential heir to the throne goes, the community always shows respect.

Sometimes there are also those who secretly look at the cynics, because they think Yugo is being sold at a high price when the people need it the most. Yugo was actually careless with that perception. He just wants to be himself, nothing less, nothing more.

Galmdir whispered to his twin brother, Halmdir. "What do you think the King will tell him?"

Halmdir mumbled for a moment. "In my opinion, nagging." He shrugged.

"The last time we listened, King Arganor said Yugo can't be trusted. It hurts to hear that. Even though he's good at swinging an axe and casting magic." Fowy the fat dwarf joined in.

"But, Fowy, normal dwarves don't play magic. We use axes and hammers. Only special warriors are allowed to learn magic," snapped Clovy, the only female dwarf among the seven.

"Clovy right. Axes and hammers are the dwarves' pride. We always take them with us wherever we go. From childhood to adult. But I'm also interested in magic, anyway. Guess where Yugo learned it from, huh?" Theryl—the tallest dwarf in Mavrick's army—rubbed his chin curiously.

"No one knows, Theryl. Yugo himself is the same. Maybe he's born with talent," guessed Eoryl, the youngest dwarf (fifteen years old).

They finally arrived at the palace of Ouros, an incredibly spacious and glamorous palace. The courtyard alone contains large pavilions as soldiers' posts. There is a separate garden planted with rare vegetables and flowers.

The exterior of the dwarf castle is built from red sandstone which is known for its solidity and aesthetics, so there is a charming reddish orange color effect.

The entrance is high, made of the best teak. When the guard opened the entrance, there was a wavy green marble floor and golden pillars. Not to mention the layout, so magnificent with gold and silver decorations.

Zulk took Yugo up the spiral staircase. Floor two, three, four, and they stopped at five. Fowy, who was struggling to carry his bulging stomach, could only sigh. A dwarf's small feet are not designed for long journeys, especially for a fat dwarf. Arriving in front of a room, there were many palace officials gathered outside. They were anxious, but slightly relieved to find Yugo there.

"Where are you going, brat?" snarled the dwarf in the white dress. Her hair is braided, maroon.

"I go wherever I want," said Yugo angrily.

"Ereli, you won't win an argument with him." Zulk mediates. "Come on, Yugo. I think this is a critical situation."

Zulk and Yugo pushed open the door, entering King Arganor's private chamber. There was a bed with red velvet netting, golden ornaments and a dwarf in a long clothes sitting by the King's bed.

He looked at the two visitors to the room and whispered to someone behind the net. A few moments later, Yugo was invited to approach the King's great bed.

King Arganor left his youth long ago. A hundred year is not a small age, nor is it the ideal criteria for a giver of orders. Moreover, this one king is infected with a foreign disease.

His skin is getting shriveled, wrinkled, pale. His proud beard used to be just a few strands, white and dull. His eyes were still flexible enough to look at Yugo sitting next to him. The wrinkled lips were about to speak, right after his thin fingers felt the warm hands of his nephew.

"Yugo," he whispered.

"Uncle, if you want to lecture me again, please don't now. Better save your energy to breathe, or rest your mouth to eat when you're hungry," Yugo said.

King Arganor smiled faintly. "Today I don't want to be your personal advisor," he said. "I will only be a slave who bows to his master."

"What do you mean?" Yugo winced.

"My condition is getting worse, Yugo. This disease is attacking me from inside. There is no healer who can help. I ... feel the footsteps of our ancestors starting to approach me. Guess what they are talking about up there? Among the twinkling stars and beautiful moonlight."

Yugo who didn't understand at all just looked away. He thought this was just a waste of time, serving an old dwarf who raved a lot. "Maybe they're talking about when I can go out and see my friends right away. It could be, right?"

King Arganor smiled again. "Is that how boring you see me, Son of Erganor? Your father used to be a great commander. He fought fearlessly. Hit every enemy that came—"

"Uncle." Yugo snorted lazily. "How many times are you going to repeat that story? I know who my father is, or how great he was on the battlefield. Now, I just don't know why you called me at such an inopportune time."

"This is the right moment." King Arganor coughed hard, then gripped Yugo's hand even tighter. "Could you temper your ego a little for the sake of your people, Yugo, Son of Erganor, my beloved nephew? The enemy's grip is growing stronger. There is no way Ouros can survive without a King of the Garranor line. I ... we ... your people need you."

Yugo suddenly pulled his hand from his uncle's grasp, then shook his head quickly. "It hasn't been in the past, and it's the same today. Becoming the King of Ouros is not my destiny, Uncle. I'm a free person. Go anywhere, come back anytime, do whatever," he explained.

"I bequeath this kingdom to you. Every brick of its walls, its soldiers, its brilliant starry sky, the prosperity of its people ... all are yours now. Please accept this bequest with an open heart, Yugo." King Arganor's voice grew weak and whispered.

"Bequest?" repeated Yugo in surprise.

The king did not answer again. His eyes opened, looked up, and never blinked again after that. The old dwarf's hands were freezing cold, matching his pale skin that was getting more and more pale. At that moment, Yugo realized that something was wrong with his uncle.

"Uncle. Uncle? Uncle! Wake up, Uncle! Captain Zulk, help! Uncle Arganor isn't moving!" he screamed in panic.

Zulk, who was waiting near the door, suddenly ran closer, as did the dwarf in long clothes who was standing not far from there. They tried to wake up the dwarf. However, King Arganor has decided to rest himself on the couch of eternity with the ancestors he has missed all this time.

Yugo's eyes were red and glassy, ​​he still couldn't believe that today was the last day he talked to his uncle. Moreover, the words that come out of his mouth are often impolite and rude.

Arganor son of Girvanor, King of the highlands of Ouros is dead. His death was witnessed by his own nephew. Soon this sad news will spread like fog in the middle of the night. The kingdom of Ouros was definitely in turmoil.

Who else but Yugo will be forced to ascend the throne in order to safeguard the prosperity of his people. However, is the dwarf's decision to be a free man still strong? Or will he really dim his ego for the sake of the people? Only Yugo will decide.

(To be continued)