BTtNR - Book 3 - Chapter 033

“If this report is correct, you have the bones of half a giant back in Mighahm,” Stenri said, glancing up from the paper Einar had given him. “You do realize that retrieving any of this right now is basically impossible.”

“I do,” Einar replied. “It is merely a record of everything we currently possess and have for trade. If things go as planned, then we should acquire more in the coming weeks or months, and I wanted to see what you might be able to procure for us in exchange.”

A frown caused the red beard to bunch up around the dwarf’s lips. “The amount of metal you’re requesting is… more than I believe I could hope to offer. Our mining details have decreased, and our current stockpiles are holding steady.  You’d have to help find a way to overcome that problem before dealing with the giants outside the walls. Are you certain your warriors and yourselves are up for that task?”

“He’s already discussed that with me,” Yulgas grunted. The dwarf responsible for the mining side of everything shifted in the stone chair as he pulled a piece of ore from a pouch. The dense rock and metal fragments made a thud when dropped on the stone table that echoed around the room. “We’re going to need a lot more of this and the only way I can see that happening is if his Vikings do what Einar says they will.”

Two bushy, red eyebrows became one as Streni stared at the ore. “You’re not planning on having them descending into the shafts with the goblin outbreaks, are you?”

“I already said we would,” Einar said. “My options are limited and my warriors that are here and the others who will join my warband when I return need equipment forged from the best metal in the world. That comes from here, and only your people know how to make it.”

“I feel like he’s about to ask me out on a date,” Yulgas joked. “Still, I’ve already told him of what lies below. I’m working with Vrádni on securing a half dozen dwarven scouts to join them on this mission and it appears that the one dwarf, Bartia, has agreed to join the Vikings as well.”

A huff came from the quartermaster as he leaned back, resting both hands on his leather armor. Stenri closed his eyes and Einar could see them moving behind his eyelids.

“You’d need at least three mine carts full for me to be able to give one away in trade,” Stenri said. “That would also mean you’d have parts worth trading from the goblins, and I’m certain I could pass on a few of the outstanding bounties on clearing the goblin menace.” Both eyes opened and a green pair that sparkled like emeralds studied Einar. “You could probably walk away with two of the three carts full, which, when melted down and turned into bars, would give you almost half of the amount you requested. But… that would mean you wouldn’t get any armor or weapons, just the ignots.”

“And if I wanted the armor and weapons first?” Einar asked.

“Then I could start some of our crafters working on them. They’d be happy for the work and a chance to showcase their skills. Word of what happened in Mighahm with Orin has spread among those who see themselves as worthy of praise. Only those who truly are worthy of such admiration keep quiet.”

“That’s because the young ones don’t know any better,” Yulgas muttered. “After they live ten thousand years, they’ll start to appreciate not running their mouths and letting their hammer do the talking.”

Einar coughed and turned toward Yulgas. “I’m sorry, did you say after ten thousand years? Just how old are some of your crafters?”

Pursing his lips together, the dwarf responsible for mining shook his head. “We don’t really discuss exact ages, but there are a few that have been around so long, some of our own kind believe they are just descendants of the original.”

The silence after that statement seemed to stretch on and Einar finally made a hand motion, begging for a little more.

“Just tell him a name,” Stenri grunted. “You opened this keg, you get to share it.”

“Fine, but I’ll need you to swear by… well don’t really have enough to call it a beard but let’s say by your runes that you won’t go sharing this with your entire race. Some secrets are best kept but Fotgror spoke highly of you and after that display of power, I think I can let one name slip.”

Einar stood and then placed a hand over his chest. “I swear by the runes I wear and the power they contain that I will keep what you share right now between me and only those who I believe would need that knowledge for us to help stop Ragnarok.”

He watched as both dwarves glanced at each other until Stenri shrugged. 

“That should work,” Yulgus said. “Now then, you know Thor’s hammer.”

“Everyone knows Thor’s hammer,” Einar replied as he sat.

“So… then you know the name Brokkr, I assume.”

Einar coughed and then cleared his throat. “Brokkr?!” 

“He speaks like a dwarf who is about to grow a beard,” Stenri teased.

Yulgas chuckled and nodded. “Yes.”

“Wait!” Einar exclaimed. “You’re telling me that one of the two dwarves who have songs sung about them because they crafted Mjölnir is still alive? How?”

“Uh… because we’re dwarves?” Stenri stated. “But we’re getting off topic. There are dwarves here who have yet to learn what life is about and you’re going to help them find a way to prove themselves. That’s what Yulgas and I are discussing with you. They can make your weapons and armor but you’ll need to clear out the mines first so that we can start gathering ore and begin that entire process. If you and your Vikings go looking for giants first, you’ll be in Kvellholl for a long time.”

Seriously, Thor?! You could have told me that at least one of them was still alive!

It took Einar one deep breath to center himself and focus on the task at hand, ignoring the fact that he had acted like a star-struck fool a minute ago.

“That was our plan all along,” Einar replied. “My warriors and I are planning on leaving in two more days to follow Yulgas and his crew. Tomorrow I have a meeting with Fotgror and then on the third day we’re supposed to talk with Akrini.”

“That should be a fun discussion,” Stenri muttered. “Whatever you do, please don’t let her talk you into a duel.”

“Because…” Einar asked.

“She’s only lost once in the last… how many years?” Stenri asked.

“I believe it's almost been two thousand years,” Yulgas replied.

Shaking his head slowly, the quartermaster grunted once. “Close enough at least. She’s good at what she does, and Akrini is already itching to prove herself after hearing about how you have destroyed two weapons and killed a Troll king on your own. Just know, she doesn’t fight fair and isn’t afraid of anyone. Even the older dwarves.”

Einar couldn’t help but smile, wondering what kind of fight he would experience against the Captain if that fight took place.

“Look at him,” Yulgas said. “He’s smiling like a fool, already considering going against the warning we just gave.”

“What can I say?” Einar asked. “I’m a Viking and we love a good challenge.”

Stenri grunted as he shook his head. “Don’t worry. You’re going to get the challenge of your life when you help with the goblin infestation. Whatever you think you experienced in the tunnel leading to here from Mighahm, consider that a warmup.”

“Yulgas said it would be tough, but not that tough,” Einar said, glancing at the dwarf responsible for mining. “Did you lie?”

Sucking in some air through his teeth, Yulgas winced slightly. “Did I lie? No… I might not have compared them like Stenri did. I was honest and said it would be a true test of your warrior’s ability to fight in closed quarters against an overwhelming number of enemies. I even pointed out that my own people won’t venture down there anymore. That should have been all the warning you needed.”

“And yet we’re still going to clear it out,” Einar said. “We need ore and materials. Leaving here and returning to our home without them would mean we failed on our promise to you as well as my warriors. I’m not that kind of man.”

“Well then, get some rest,” Yulgas replied. “Go take care of whatever Fotgror wants, and in a couple of days, we’ll head down to the mines. Just remember, don’t bring anything you’re not willing to lose.”

“Understood,” Einar said. “If that’s all we have to discuss, then I’ll take my leave. Somewhere is a dwarf I need to talk with.”

***

A pair of black eyes blinked twice before widening.

“You came right here and asked to fight me?” Akrini asked. “Even though it appears those two fools warned you about me?”

“I did,” Einar replied, grinning. “If you want to do it, we’ll have to do so soon. Tomorrow morning I have set aside for Fotgror. But if you want, I’m all yours for the next few hours.”

Laughter came from the Captain of the Guard. She pounded her breastplate and the sound of her bracer striking it rang through the courtyard.  Every dwarf present stopped whatever they were doing and stared at her. It was almost as if a siren had sung a song to entrance them.

“Dwarves of Kvelholl!” Akrini shouted. “I have been challenged and I will accept! Prepare the hall!”

Cheers and some laughter came as the twenty or so dwarves who had been training took off into the hallway on the other side of where Einar had entered.

“I’m assuming they came to watch you lose?” Akrini asked, pointing at the Vikings who were waiting by the entrance.

“Watch me lose?” Einar replied. “No. But if I do, I’ll make sure it’s worthy of a song or two.”

A massive grin appeared on the Captain’s lips, her white teeth showing through her black beard. “Finally, a man with some balls. Come then, let’s see how big they are!”

Einar motioned to the others to join him. Soon Avitue, Thorodd, Skardi, Vidar, Jepi, and Thorve were all beside him.

“Are we taking bets on how this goes?” Avitue asked. “I mean, I might pay to see him lose for once.”

Akrini moved near her and clasped the pack leader of the shield madens on her shoulder with a massive hand. “I can do that for you. Free of charge.”

Thorve smiled, and a silver coin appeared in her hand. “I’ll pay to get to watch that happen as well.”

Groaning, Einar shook his head. “I don’t know what’s worse. Hearing my wife and healer ask for me to get a beating, or knowing you two would bet against me.”

“Even the chosen one of Thor can’t win every time, can he?” Thorodd asked. “Still, I’m with them. I’d pay a few coins to see you lose.”

“I’ll bet on Einar,” Skardi said. “As someone who's experienced the other side of his blade, I don’t doubt what he can do.”

Everyone turned to look at the last two pack leaders, waiting for their thoughts.

Vidar rubbed his eyes before running a hand through his brown hair. “I’m with Skardi. I don’t think Einar will lose.”

“I’ll put a coin on the Captain,” Jepi said. “Win or lose, I’m just excited to see a good fight.”

Down the hall where the dwarves had run, a horn rang out.

“Well then, it looks like they’re ready for us,” Akrini said, motioning toward the stone hallway. “Come, let’s see if we can’t have a fight worthy of the gods' attention!”

Einar shook his head and drew Avitue close. “Really? Betting against me?”

“Please, we both know I can’t bet against a woman like her. Besides, maybe my faith in Akrini will cause her to let you win,” she replied.

“Let me win? I’m pretty certain she’s never let anyone win based on the stories I’ve heard.”

“And that’s what makes whatever is about to happen even better,” Avitue said.