《Those Feared By The Gods》 Chapter 1: Prologue Hammering of anvils resounds in our mountain home~ Size of a hobbit, strength of a manticore~ Deep in the darkness, striking until we break our bones~ We fight, feast and drink our Mead, oh bless the mountain king!~ -------- Walking in a mountain range, a group of small postured humanoids are on a mission to scout. ¡°Hey, Kandar, how is the wife?¡± Asks one of them to the other. ¡°She''s the same old grumpy woman I married 11 years ago¡± replies the humanoid called Kandar. Whahahahahahahaha! Loud laughter comes from the group. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. ¡°Boss, when are you going to marry? If you wait too long, you''ll be too old for anyone to want you.¡± Asks Kandar ¡°You know I hate being called Boss. Just call me Batner like everyone else. And I just haven''t found the girl of my dreams yet.¡± Replies the ¡°Boss¡± Batner The cheerful squad continues talking and laughing while continuing their mission ------- ¡°Wheeeeh~¡± ¡°wheeeeh~¡± Somewhere deep in the mountain range, the crying of a child is heard. ¡°Wheeeeh~¡± ¡°wheeeeh~¡± ¡°Shhhh, quiet! I hear something!¡± Whispers Batner while holding his hand up The loud squad instantly quiets down, as if they were professionals -Absolute Silence- For a moment, nothing but the wind and some small animals are heard. Even the breathing of the squad is completely masked. But a moment later¡­ ¡°Wraaaaaaaahgh!¡± A loud cry of a beast is heard! ¡°Split up, Dahtom formation[1]¡± whispers Batner The squad nods, silently yet swiftly splitting into 3 groups The squad looks at Batner, and when he gives a nod, all rush forwards. Two groups each swiftly sneak over the left and right flank, while the third rushes not quietly at all straight to the objective. After a small while, they arrive at a clearing of the mountain forest, where a beast is circling something ¡°Mhph, a Gradfir[2], just as I thought¡± says Batner ¡°Chargeeeeeeeeee!¡± The warcry of the fierce mountain warriors resounds! [1]a formation where two ¡°arms¡± ¡°dig¡± into the enemy from the sides while the ¡°blind head¡± rushes in [2]A bestiary is being made while the story goes on. I will post a link with the bestiary once more beasts become known in the story Chapter 2 The fierce mountain warriors charged at the monster, while from the trees, two other groups of warriors ambushed the monster from it''s flank ¡°Pin him down!¡± The low, loud voice of Batner resounds across the clearing. ¡°Yes sir!¡± a few of the warriors take out long and thick iron spear-like weapons with a rope attached to it, and throw them at the Gradfir, penetrating it''s hide. ¡°anchor the ropes! Make sure he can''t move!¡± Screams a warrior with a scar across his eye.This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it The warriors holding the ropes pull even harder while stabbing a small yet heavy looking pole into the ¡°eye¡± of the rope. ¡°Now! Give it your all!¡± The one eyed, scarred, warrior yells once more The warriors attack fiercely, slowly but surely cutting the beast, blood streaming from it''s wounds ¡°Oi, Batner, over here!¡± One of the warriors points at a basket while striking the Gradfir ¡­ ¡­¡­ ¡­¡­¡­ ?!?!?! ¡°Form a protective circle around that basket, there is a child in there!¡±. Batner''s yell resounds across the battlefield! Chapter 3 All of the warriors immediately moved according the the commands given by their Squad Captain, Batner. Just like a well oiled machine, their movements were without flaw. ¡°Sir, the beast is out of luck, lets finish this here and now!¡± Yelled Kandar. Batner gave a nod, and without a doubt, everyone attacked with all their might. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon. ¡°May you all be as solid as rock and fierce as flame!¡± Battle axes, Warhammers, pikes, throwing axes. The Gradfir got attacked by all kinds of weapons and was severely hurt. With blood streaming from all of the wounds on his body, with bones crushed, a severed leg, it gave one last roar and fell to the ground. ¡°Anyone hurt?¡± Captain Batner asked while looking around to see if any other monsters where in the area ¡°No one is injured, just some scratches¡± replied Vice-Captain Fenhal ¡°Alright then, bind the big guy and get ready to bring him back.¡± When Batner told this, the men knew what to do, and started binding the Gradfir''s legs to a sturdy metal pole ¡°Now, let''s take a look at the little guy¡± Batner said so softly no one heared him Chapter 4 Batner went and looked into the basket. There he saw something he could never imagine; a child, neither dwarven nor human. It looked like what he saw long ago, it¡¯s existence a myth. ¡°Fenhal!¡± yelled Batner, after which Fenhal ran straight to Batner after giving the order to secure the perimeter. ¡°Batner, what is this child? It does not look like one of us¡± said Fenhal. ¡°Quiet down!¡±whispered Batner. ¡°There is a note. Read it yourself, a promise has been fulfilled, a promise from long ago.¡± ¡°What?¡±. Fenhal was confused, but decided to read the note before asking questions. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- To My Dear Friends, Please forgive me, for I have sinned. Long ago, when you fought for our sakes, we abandoned you.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. Long ago, when you let your blood flow for the Realm, we used you. Long ago, when you were banished, I kept quiet. Now, it is my time to repay at least a fraction of our debt. My dear friends the Warriors, the Artisans, the Scientists, the United. I bring you this tribute. A tribute to your hard work, a tribute to your sacrifice, a tribute to your suffering. I trust you know what this child is, for he is one of you. I beg of you, do not abandon this realm. I beg of you, live on. I beg of you, raise this child, so that he may be your champion. My dear friends, I have missed you, and will miss you, for eternity. I shall cast my last blessing upon this realm, upon you. Continue striking, pushing and fighting, for you shall one day return home. Goodbye, my dear friends, may you be as solid as Rock, as fierce as Flame. Forever in your debt, A¨¢n d¨´r v¨¦rin¨´ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Quietly, Batner and Fenhal sat near the basket, a thick crimson tear rolling down their cheek. The crimson tears fell onto the child, being absorbed into his skin. Suddenly, a bright and soothing light radiated from the child, basking the mountain range into it¡¯s embrace. Everything was quiet, everything was still, as if paying respect to their Emperor. An hour, a day and even a month passed like this, after which the light slowly dimmed down, awakening those living on the mountain range. Those who stood still for a month, were neither hungry nor thirsty. Instead, they felt fulfilled. ¡°Oh bless the mountain king!!!!!!¡± A shout resounded from the mountain range. Even the hostile and aggressive creatures paid their respects. ¡°So she did not forget about us¡­¡± whispered Fenhal Chapter 5 ¡°It seems so¡± said Batner. ¡°This child is one of us, even more than that we can imagine.¡±. ¡°Boss, the Gradfir is packed and ready!¡± yelled one of the warriors. ¡°Whahaha! This is the Dwarven mentality! Great work, let¡¯s go back!¡± batner replied ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- While the Black Mithril squad made their way home with more than just a beast, something changed very, very deep within the mountains. An ancient altar stood in a dusty, silent chamber. Murals depicting the story of the Dwarves, from birth to now are on the walls in the huge chamber. This place has been the Dwarven Holy Ground since the Banishment, and the Keeper, which has the highest authority within the Dwarven Kingdom, guards this place. Softly but surely, a sound as if chiseling rock was heard from within the chamber. The Keeper first did not notice, but after a short while, was shocked. He immediately opened the heavy black mithril doors and ran inside. There, he stood perplexed. This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version. ¡°Fate has not abandoned us! A change! Oh bless the mountain king!¡± The always silent, peaceful keeper was so excited that he yelled his thoughts out loud. Immediately heavy armored guards came sprinting, but when they saw the Keeper on one knee with his right arm across his chest, they did not hesitate to do the same. There they sat, two of the three Unfathomables, silently, for a day straight. They were hungry, thirsty and tired, but they did not dare rise. Only when the chiseling sound stopped, did the Keeper raise his head while the heavy armored guards stayed just as still as before. A crimson hammer and chisel were slowly floating back to the altar, radiating a crimson light. Only 5 minutes after the hammer and chisel landed on the altar dared the Keeper to slowly stand up, while the heavy armored guards still kneeling with no dissatisfaction in their hearts. The keeper slowly walked, with his left hand on the wall, clockwise starting from the entrance. He recipted an ancient script in an even more ancient language while paying his utmost respect to his Ancestor. When he reached the newly chiseled mural and his hand went over it, the mural moved backwards and opened a passage. The Keeper was shocked, since in his many long years, he only saw this happen once before. ¡°The mountain king return¡± whispered the Keeper in the ancient language. And while the sound was too soft to be normally heard, the guards were absolutely shocked. They were so shocked that their heart skipped a few beats before vigorously pumping after, as if filled with the essence of vitality. Even during this, the guards stayed absolutely still. ¡°Panyr, rise and follow me inside.¡± said the Keeper to the leader of the guards. ¡°Yes, Keeper.¡± Together they went in, and when they came out, they knelt to the altar and swore a Crimson Oath. Also known as the Oath of Eternity, an oath that even the eternal and mysterious Time can¡¯t break. Choose The Story Path - Chapter 6 ¡°I can already see the gate!¡± yelled a private of the Black Mithril squad. ¡°By the way, Captain, what is that child?¡± ¡°Private, this child was brought to our arms, and thus we shall raise it. Fate has not abandoned us even after all these years. Remember that. ¡° replied Batner ¡°Aye Captain! This child is under Black Mithril protection now!¡± said the Private loudly while performing a salute. The warriors from the Black Mithril squad, who would give anyone that didn¡¯t know them shivers just by looking them in the eye, laughed loudly. But while laughing, each of them made a promise in their hearts; This child is now Black Mithril, I will guard him with my life. This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience. When they reached the enormous gates guarding the entrance of the mountain entrance, the guards gave them a salute. ¡°Welcome home, Black Mithril, i see you have a good catch today.¡± said the guard captain. ¡°Indeed, this Gradnir is quite the big one. I bet the artisans and scientists will be fighting for this one¡± replied Batner with a smile on his face. ¡°But in all seriousness, we need to see the Keeper¡± said Batner when pointing to the basket. ¡°Bless the Ancestor!¡± yelled the Guard Captain while putting his right arm across his chest with his fist on his chest. ¡°Follow me, this is a matter of utmost importance!¡± ¡°Fenhal, you are in charge.¡± said batner. ¡°Let us see the Keeper¡±. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- CHOOSE THE STORY PATH Please vote at the poll to decide whether you first want to see what the Keeper has to say, or what is up with the rest of Black mithril squad and that Gradnir. Chapter 6 ¡°I can already see the gate!¡± yelled a private of the Black Mithril squad. ¡°By the way, Captain, what is that child?¡± ¡°Private, this child was brought to our arms, and thus we shall raise it. Fate has not abandoned us even after all these years. Remember that. ¡° replied Batner ¡°Aye Captain! This child is under Black Mithril protection now!¡± said the Private loudly while performing a salute. The warriors from the Black Mithril squad, who would give anyone that didn¡¯t know them shivers just by looking them in the eye, laughed loudly. But while laughing, each of them made a promise in their hearts; This child is now Black Mithril, I will guard him with my life. When they reached the enormous gates guarding the entrance of the mountain entrance, the guards gave them a salute. ¡°Welcome home, Black Mithril, i see you have a good catch today.¡± said the guard captain. ¡°Indeed, this Gradnir is quite the big one. I bet the artisans and scientists will be fighting for this one¡± replied Batner with a smile on his face. ¡°But in all seriousness, we need to see the Keeper¡± said Batner when pointing to the basket. ¡°Bless the Ancestor!¡± yelled the Guard Captain while putting his right arm across his chest with his fist on his chest. ¡°Follow me, this is a matter of utmost importance!¡±This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. ¡°Fenhal, you are in charge.¡± said batner. ¡°Let us see the Keeper¡±. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Together with the Guard Captain, Batner made his way over to the Crimson Temple. The Crimson Temple, located within the very center of the Dwarven Kingdom, was almost unreachable by foot. One had to overcome the Ordeals of Ascension, the very same ordeals the Ancestor had to overcome. No Dwarf, Creature of the Dark or even a Deity has ever made it past the second ordeal. Thus one has to access the temple by Kohantra. The Kohantra, meaning ¡°Guardian Beast¡± in the Ancient Language, was a medium sized dragon-like beast, with hide as solid as rock, and a temperament as fierce as flame. The only ones able to tame these beasts were the Master and Vice Master of the Tamers guild, and even they needed to be extremely careful during the process. ¡°Light the signal.¡± commanded the Guard Captain. Almost immediately, a green colored fire lit up from the two tallest watchtowers. These watchtowers looked ancient, as if they could crumble at any moment, but on closer inspection one would notice that they were almost as sturdy as the Mountain itself. They, together with the Gate, were the first defense against the Wilds and have guarded the Kingdom for uncountable years. ¡°Vunhal, I need to tell you something, but you can not tell anyone.¡± suddenly said Batner. ¡°Swear by the Ancestor and the blood of the Fallen¡±. Vunhal was shocked. ¡°Batner, this isn¡¯t like you. What in the Ancestor¡¯s name happened?¡± ¡°Do you swear, Vunhal.¡± replied Batner with his strong will resounding in his voice. ¡°Batner, Captain of the Black Mithril Warriors, I swear on the Ancestor and the blood of the Fallen that I will not tell anyone¡± recited Vunhal with his fist on his chest. ¡°Now tell me what happened or I will feed you to the Dathoms!¡± ¡°I saw her, Vunhal.¡± Batner said in a solemn tone. ¡°Batner, what are you talking about? Do I need to bring you to the Apothecaries?¡± joked Vunhal But then, Batner said seriously: ¡°Vunhal, I know that you understand. We all felt her embrace, but there was something more. This child¡­. You know what i am implying¡±. Chapter 7 ¡°My old friend, I know that you cared deeply for her, but she betrayed us. She might not have shed blood, but t was a stab in the back nevertheless. This matter is way over our jurisdiction.¡± Vunhal said to Batner. ¡°This can¡¯t wait a moment longer¡±. ¡°Towers, Light the purple fire!¡± yelled Vunhal towards a guard squad. ¡°I shall accept any punishment, just do it!¡± After hearing this second sentence, the soldiers knew that their Captain was serious. They immediately dropped all their tasks, splitting up and running towards other squads to give the command. The peaceful gate guarding the dwarven kingdom looked chaotic, but on closer inspection was even more ordered than before. Within 13 seconds purple flames lit up not just within the towers, but all around the Gate. Vunhal walked towards a brazier in the middle of it all and made a small cut on his thumb. When a drip of his blood fell into the purple flame, the area lit up as purple light radiated from two of the three gigantic statues overlooking the gate.Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences. A huge horn resounded, and within the dwarven kingdom, many others could be heard. ¡°It took longer than that they were trained too. Well, it has been 300 years since the last time this happened. I need to drill it into them once more!¡± laughed Vunhal together with Batner The camp turned slightly peaceful, but seriousness could be seen on the faces of every single soldier, together with a fierce look in their eyes, as if they were to go to battle any time. A few minutes passed like this, but then¡­ A group of 10 Kohantra flew towards the Gate, blocking the light that came from the special minerals within the mountain. Very quickly, they landed within the courtyard. Their riders dismounted immediately and ran towards the Captain. ¡°What is the situation!¡± yelled the leader of the riders. Without saying a word, Vunhal pointed at the basket within Batner¡¯s hand. At first, the rider was confused, but when he saw what that basket contained, and the seriousness on the faces of both Vunhal and his old friend Batner, he knew. Chapter 8 ¡°A-a- a child¡­¡± said the Rider. ¡°Vunhal, You did good to light the signal. Batner, we need to see the Keeper immediately.¡± ¡°Ill follow your lead, Panyr¡± said Batner Panyr and Batner mounted the Kohantra and after strapping Batner in, the group of riders took off. From on top of the beast, one could see quite a bit of the dwarven kingdom. They flew past the Gate city, Tiras Nahirn. Ever since the Banishment, this city was Batner¡¯s home. Well, to call it a city was too much credit. Even though the dwarven architecture looked magnificent, most of the residents weren¡¯t dwarven, or even alive. Even though the dwarven people were still plenty, most of those roaming the streets were the Automatons. Ever since the Banishment, the dwarven race was much lower in numbers than before. Thus came the need for helpers that could clean the streets, guard the people and help in the mines. In this enormous and magnificent Dwarven kingdom with it¡¯s mighty defenses and beautiful architecture, the scars of war were still fresh.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings. The riders flew past many cities and mines, and after a while the Crimson Temple came in sight. Panyr and Batner flew straight towards the entrance, leaving the other riders behind. ¡°Panyr, what is the reason for your haste?¡± A voice said from within the temple gate. ¡°Keeper, it is better for you to see for yourself.¡± replied Panyr Batner stepped forward. And after nearing the Keeper, kneeled. He held the basket up with his head down, and whispered just load enough for the Keeper to hear: ¡°She send this child, together with a letter. It is Nohirin¡­¡± For even less than a moment, shock could be seen on the face of the Keeper, but he recovered immediately. ¡°You did good, Batner. Follow me inside. Panyr, you too.¡± Batner got up respectfully and, together with Panyr, following the Keeper inside. They passed the entrance, the lobby and went further and further into the temple while entering many side passages. After a while, they reached an empty hall with two big black mithril doors. The Keeper opened the heavy doors, and walked in leaving Batner en Panyr behind. He then turned around, saying: ¡°What are you waiting for? Enter the Hall of Eternity.¡± Batner and Panyr gave each other a look, before they slowly stepped into the hall...