Chapter4: Dwarven troubles

Once the wall was closed, the dwarf leaned his head against the cool stone. His thoughts turned back to when he was pulled into this mess. He grumbled to himself as he pushed away from the stone and walked home. 

**Flashback**

It was during the height of winter when he returned home from the stonemasons guild. When he entered his house, the place was completely smashed up. The smell of blood permeated the area. It felt like he was walking in a goblin raid site instead of his own home. He did not say a thing, he just removed the hidden dagger at his waist and with great care and searched the house. It took him hours to find the note stuck to the back of his front door.

'If you wish to have your wife returned to you, then come to Mayfair bar and inn at nine in the morning. Ask the barkeep about Tom. He will bring you to us.'

He cursed a long string of curses before sitting on the stone floor. He was going to need more than this rusty old dagger. He closed his eyes and focused on the stone around him. A section of floor opened showing stone steps that lead down into a secret cellar. 

He dragged himself off the floor before stumbling down the stairs. He cursed at his fumbling legs. If he hadn't worked so hard at the guild that day, then he wouldn't be so tired now. Once he was down the curving stairs, he used stone magic to cover the exit. He passed out.

When he woke up, he struggled to remember why he went into the vault. He shot up as he recalled coming home from work the night before. Instantly, he grabbed an ax off the wall, as well as a set of leather armour. He ignored his rumbling stomach as he quickly readied himself for battle. He opened the way out, climbed the stairs, closed the vault and headed out his door. As he looked at the morning sun, he realized there was time to grab a bite to eat. He walked up to a stand with fresh bread and waited his turn before buying the bread. Then he went to a meat stall and bought some ham. He split the warm bread in half and placed the ham in it and ate as he walked.

The bar was actually in the high class area of the city. He ignored the buildings and artwork around this part of town. He had a mission and may the stone help anyone who interfered. He did not bother with being gentle with the inn door. It slammed open as he stormed up to the bar. " I am here for Tom."

The young human's eyes were wide with fear as he stuttered, " This way sir." He followed the young man while grumbling profanities in dwarvish. He could tell that he was making the boy even more terrified, but he didn't care. The lad opened a door and gestured for him to go in, which he did with his ax in hand. The room was empty and before he could ask, the lad was gone.

A voice came from behind him, " Just like a dwarf to rush in with a weapon in hand." He quickly jumped around and faced an illusion. His eyes narrowed as the voice continued. " I am not foolish enough to be in the same room as an angry dwarf." He remained silent and studied the image. There must be something within it that he could use to find his wife. He could see wooden walls behind the man, as for the man himself, he was certainly a cunning fellow. He was hidden in a dark blue robe. So much so that not even the color of his skin showed.

The man continued, " On the table you will find a map of the city. There is a mark along the city wall. I need you to open that section of wall at the day and time written on the back of the map. Once the job is complete, your wife will be returned to you after a week." The man paused. " If you inform the guard, then your wife is dead." Then the image disappeared.

He picked up the map, turned around and left the inn seething in anger. He stopped in the training grounds and attacked several training dummies for a few hours before going home. Once home, he cleaned the house up and then went to the vault. Closing the vault behind him, he moved to a tall black stone in the back. The illusion man had said to not alert the guard, he said nothing about alerting his kin. 

He walked through the black stone, feeling a familiar cold chill as he entered into a long room with hundreds of the same black stone along one wall. " Master Stone Smith, is there anything I can help you with?," a little female dwarf asked. " Where is the head of the stonefist family right now?" he replied.

The girl's eyes clouded over for a second before clearing and she replied, " He is in the war counsel. Apparently the king has called all the heads of all the clans. I am uncertain if you will be permitted inside at this time." He narrowed his eyes and nodded at the girl before heading out of the room.

He walked the maze of hallway while lost in his own thoughts. Why would the king call the heads of all the clans? Would he have to put aside looking for his wife? If it was war, then he had to focus on that first. He reached the correct door while thinking. Outside stood two dwarfs in full plate armour. He stopped before them and before he could ask to be let in, one of the guards opened the door. 

" You're free to enter Master Stonefist." He couldn't stop the confusion from showing on his face, however he didn't let that stop him from entering into the loud room. It was pure chaos. Many dwarves were yelling about not allowing this dishonor to continue. Many were sharpening weapons or banging their cups of mead. He moved through the crowd while looking for the head of his clan. During his search a loud gong sounded and the room fell silent.

The king stood at the end of the hall and spoke. " You all know that King Leo of the country Arline is my and my queen's blood brother." He paused and then continued, " I will not rush into war with him without proof of him personally being a traitor to his blood sworn family." He looked over the clans, " I believe that the Stonefist clan has a member within the capital city. We will have him investigate the matter. Clansman Stonefist?"

An old dark haired dwarf stood, " Aye, Clan Stonefist is ready to serve. I will call the boy as soon as this meeting is over."

" There is no need to call me Grandfather, I am here and I am ready to fulfill my duty to the clan."

Every eye turned toward him in surprise, many with weapons at the ready. The king was the first to get over his shock and gestured him closer. He walked up to him as the king spoke. " I am wondering what has brought you back to the mountain?" Once he was directly in front of the king, he bowed his head and answered, " My heart has been stolen away..." 

Several fists hit the tables, the sound of chairs moving as many dwarves stood up, most were kin to either him or his wife, though there was a surprising number of unrelated dwarves who stood as well. " This can not stand!" His grandfather said loudly. Many also shouted war cries.

" SILENCE!" The king bellowed. After the noise died down the king looked angrily at him.

" Young Stonefist, you will take my hammer to King Leo." As he said this, he removed the hammer from his back and handed it to him.

"Everyone else, call back every dwarf across all the lands, blacksmiths start either making new arms and armour or repairing the old. Everyone will take turns training in the warrior training halls. I leave the masters of those halls in charge of making our armies ready." The king fell silent for a bit as dwarves cheered. He raised his hand and spoke again.

" Young Stonefist, after seeing King Leo, come back here and meet with me. There is much that I will need you to do." After saying that he roared, " Everyone is dismissed."