The siege of the mountain kingdom of Teramere.

There weren’t always dragons in the valley or in the heart of the mountain, but the days had grown dark as our king fell to madness, and a shadow lingered in the hearts of all mortal races. We, the dwarves that once ruled over the mountain now overruled by the draconian dictate of our oppressors. The days were bright, but felt as dark as the deepest shroud of night that ensnared and permeated our senses with fear, without a cloud or gray overcast over the heavens. The sounds within the night itself almost amplified by the rush of fear, with the scent of death almost lurking in the winds that eerily glided among the branches of the trees, near the edge of the mountain. The mountain that we once called, our home.

The mountain to which we once proudly ruled in, now overrun by the beasts of the eastern desserts. Lead by a tyrannical dragon, Garbun the Terror, a combination of both green and black dragon flights that now resided over our treasuries of silver and gold. Like a flood of fire and cold-blooded calculation, we were shrewdly overcome and dealt with, as a serpent observing its prey prior before the strike. We had become complacent behind a crest of blessing, and thus were reaping what our foolishness had sown. Something needed to be done but none would muster the courage to rise against. Against the terrible calamity called, Garbun the terror.

I, a young dwarfling prince have now been called by my people for answers, answers that I don’t have right now. But I swear to find answers for my people and to reclaim our homeland. I will see it through. My name, is Baelgor, son of Thrangor, son of Faungor, mightiest of the dwarves and king over all dwarven settlements in the world of Aramier. My people are a stout and enduring folk. We have had our share of calamities and catastrophic events throughout history and I was determined to be steadfast and resolute until the very end of my days, A befitting attribute for a dwarven king, with a persistence and determination to be victorious regardless of the times that be.

The dawn had arisen from the mourning and sorrow prior, and my heart was set upon finding both resolution and remedy for my people’s suffering as I lay upon my bed. Finding such remedy that would heal the wound inflicted upon them would mean having to retake the mountain kingdom of Teramere and to slay the dragons within. Something not even the boldest adventurers of my time had any fancy to entertain such a venture.

Teramere. The beauty of Teramere was without equal in the world of Aramier. Despite the elven lords and kings since the first days whose eloquence and beauty were not only shown in the quality of their physical aesthetics and grace, but in their art and poetry and music, could not compare to the meticulous beauty and design of the kingdom of Teramere. The streets clothed in silver and gold, decorated with gems of the rarest and priceless value as if it were sand upon the seashore. The elves themselves coveted our mountains beauty and treasure, and would trade for the gems within the heart of the mountain. Teramere literally translated in the common tongue as, “The beauty and treasure of the earth,” and rightly so, for no other place in Aramier had not only the quality craftsmanship, but the amount of raw treasure of silver, gold, and other precious metals, along a sea of gems and coveted treasures, the likes are the desire of the kings of the earth.

Yet, the shadow that lurked as thief in the night ever watched our people with a shrewd and meticulous calculation, eagerly coveting our birthright and desiring our homeland. And so, without warning or offer of parley, Garbun the terror and his dragonflight invaded our home, and seized our kingdom without mercy. Many dwarven soldiers had fallen in the battle, and our king became mad under the pressure of the siege. To see my father caving into madness, the likes which I had never seen before from him, a mighty warrior with his fair share of battles and victories faltering in the middle of intense pressure, it put the fear of death and loss even in me, a bold and young dwarven warrior and prince.

But, the shadow of death would not deter me from leading my people to victory. I would fight against Garbun the terror, and prevail against him, regardless of the odds pressed against me and the impossibility of success. My people needed a home. They wanted their home. And I would see to it personally that my people would have it once again. As king and heir to my fathers throne and rightful ruler over my people.

*Knock knock!*

I wasn’t expecting company this early. “Who is it?” I requested.

“It’s your assistant, your highness! Galor! May I please speak with you?” Galor asked. It most certainly sounded like him.

“Come in, Galor!” I granted him.

The sound of the creaking of the wooden door arose in the air as the fresh air of the wild quickly rushed into my room. “You look like you have had better nights, laddy,” Galor rightly noted.

I feigned a chuckle. “I’ve had my father caving into madness, my homeland and people taken by dragons, and I am a young inexperienced king who have inherited my fathers throne with my people looking to me for answers. Yeah, I could say I have had better nights in my life time!” I chuckled.

“Well, that’s the spirit laddy! At least you can make a joke about it and be merry despite the trying times. A good quality for a king. So long as you don’t become too laid back, you will do alright! I have some important matters to discuss with you!” Galor stated.

“Well tell them to me, Galor!” I said with a chuckle.

He smiled. “The elvish, human, and halfling kings have heard of your loss and have information about another situation. It is rumored, that Garbun the terror is actually vulnerable,” Galor informed.

Vulnerable? How? “And how do they know this?” I requested.

“Garbun the terror is a male of his species, but according to reports by expert dragon slayers within the human kingdoms, there is only one remaining female that remains in the valley one hundred miles east of Teramere. If the female were to be slain, the rest of Garbun’s kind would inevitably go extinct! He must be afraid for his own and is trying to buy time to raise more female dragons!” Galor instructed.

So there was hope after all. “And how do they propose to deal with the broodmother if our forces are so thin?” I requested.

“The kings have requested a meeting with you. They knew your father and he maintained good relationships with him for quite some time. Perhaps this is a chance For you to make a good impression with them! Laddy, I would advise you: Extend your greetings and build a strategic relationship with them! Your people need it,” Galor suggested.

My people. My father always spoke highly about maintaining diplomatic relationships and maintaining them with the other kingdoms. He would want me to do the same. “Very well, I will heed your counsel. Summon the other kings and prepare the meeting accordingly. I will leave you to the specifics,” I ordered.

“At once, your grace!” Galor said and departed.

…

The elves were graceful in both their stride and demeanor, and elegant in their attire. Their cloth was rich in both materials and color and they were decorated in various gems from the heart of Teramere. The king of the elves walked at the center of his kinsmen, with six royal escorts armed in light plate armor and sword, shield, and bow. Light, delicate, yet deadly and ferocious in combat: What the elves lacked in physical prowess, they reinforced all the more with extreme skill and precision in the martial arts. Their bowmen were the most feared in all Aramier.

The king of the elves approached the area where the dwarves encamped, and began to take note of everything that was going on. It seems the rumors were true, and the dwarves have suffered quite a loss. From what I heard, the young dwarf prince was able to rally his people and make an escape, while even holding some of the dragons back and even slew one of Garbun’s lieutenants, sending Garbun into a rage. He seems quite a warrior. However, does he have the patience to not pursue war at a moment of displeasure and is he reasonable? His father understood the value of maintaining good relationships with the other kingdoms. Perhaps his son will have the same prudent attitude as his father did, the Elven King thought.

“King Falabor! Welcome to our humble dwellings! You honor us with your presence!” Galor lightly greeted.

King Falabor took note of the elder dwarf approaching him. “Am I to assume you are speaking in behalf of king Baelgor, dwarf?” King Falabor requested.

“Aye, your highness, I am! My names Galor, one of the chief counselors of Thrangor and soldiers to Fraungor, king and mightiest of the dwarves,” Galor noted.

King Falabor’s eyes widened after hearing his name. “Ah, yes, I remember seeing you on multiple times with king Thrangor. I recall you even making me chuckle once or twice. It’s good to see you, old friend. You’ve become older, as of late,” King Falabor said with a gentle tone and wider smile.

“They say the oldest aged wines are the best. Perhaps my ripe old age will prove to be of some benefit in later days!” Galor said with a chuckle and a wink.

King Falabor chuckled. “Given the fact that I am much older then you, it has, some value to it. The question isn’t whether we’re older or not, the question is, have we listened and learned regardless in our youth or eldest age. We’re probably going to have to listen sometime, right?” King Falabor said merrily.

“Either in this life or the next, that wouldn’t surprise me. Better to do it now, wouldn’t you agree?” Galor hinted.

“Very much so, old friend,” King Falabor said softly.

“Well now, follow me this way, please! We have set up some royal tents for you to stay in!” Galor instructed.

King Falabor slowly walked behind Galor alongside his royal guards. If Galor is his counseler and he’s taking heed of what Galor’s saying, I have a bit more hopes of the new king Baelgor. I only hope and pray he will have the patience as his father did. Perhaps this is the start of something new, something, better. Stormy skies and the darkest nights often come before the brightest revelations of daylight at the dawn. Perhaps all of this is the beginning of a new thing springing forth in due time, King Falabor thought.

…

The king of the humans gazed shrewdly at the courier in front of him. “You are certain of the news? The dwarves survive and King Thrangor is survived by his son, the now king Baelgor, and that his son lead a successful evacuation of his city and even single-handedly slayed one of Garbun’s top lieutenants?” the Human King requested to know.

“Yes sire. Our sources confirm that Thrangor is dead, the dwarves have left Teramere, and the kings line and his people survive by the now king Baelgor. The elven king has requested a meeting with the dwarf king and the king of the halflings have has also requested to meet him,” the Courier stated.

The counselor to the kings right hand turned and looked at the king. “Your majesty, King Thrangor was a good king and has aided our kingdom on multiple occasions. He valued the relationships built within our world. I would counsel you to meet with his son to express your sympathies, and to encourage your support. Be warned, dwarves can be obstinate and stubborn. Perhaps this is a good opportunity to get the measure of Baelgor, and to offer your counsel to him for long term relationships between the nations,” the Counselor counseled.

The king sighed for a bit, then nodded at his Counselor. “Send word to king Baelgor that I will be arriving by Zeppelin alongside the king of the halfling’s and to discuss about the retaking of Teramere. I will be there as soon as possible,” the Human King ordered.

“At once, your highness!” the Courier said as he scurried off. The king put his hands upon his chin as if in deep thought. The Counselor took note of the kings posture.

“Your highness? Is there anything on your mind you wish to discuss with me?” the Counselor requested to know.

“Not that you can inform me on right now, unless you by some chance have any knowledge on the quality of Baelgor’s character? I want to know what he’s like,” the Human King noted.

“Your highness, they say he’s a formidable and unusually gifted warrior. I hear he also listens quite well and was very close with his father, king Thrangor. If the stories are true and he is both skilled as a warrior and eager as a listener and he’s taken his fathers counsel, he may have the right qualities for a king. The patience to listen, but the will to fight if need be,” the Counselor noted.

“Just because one listens doesn’t mean their heart is in the right place. Even demons listen carefully for the purpose of scheming, deceiving, and destroying their enemies. I am more concerned about his integrity and his morality. What do you know of it?” the Human King noted.

“Nothing at all. Merely what I have heard from rumors and whispers among the townsfolk and other sources,” the Counselor stated.

“Very well. We shall see soon enough,” the Human King stated.

…

Baelgor looked around throughout the campsite as he stood near the entrance of his tent. “The fact that I have to stay in an inn and not with my people is annoying. Galor says its for security purposes, I say its cowardice. It’s a nuisance,” Baelgor thought to himself. Galor came into view alongside the elven king and his royal guards. So, this is king Falabor. He looks deadly, Baelgor thought to himself.

“Greetings, King Falabor of the elven kingdom. I am king Baelgor, son of Thrangor, son of Fraungor, king of the dwarves. I trust your travels were safe despite the length?” Baelgor greeted.

King Falabor took note of Baelgor eyeing him up and down. His tone is pleasant and proper, he exudes both strength and confidence, and he even seems somewhat joyful and light-hearted despite the perilous circumstances. Perhaps he will be a good ruler. However, I should continue to test him, King Falabor thought.

“The roads were open, not a bandit came in sight, and the skies were clear of the dragons. I would say it was rather safe journey. I extend my greetings, King Baelgor and express both my sorrows and sympathies for your losses,” Falabor noted.

Baelgor shed a tear for a slight moment. “I, thank you, king Falabor. You are welcome in our humble dwellings. You knew my father quite well?” Baelgor asked.

Falabor smiled. “That I did. He was, an honorable man and a vicious warrior from what I remember. Patient, steadfast, eager to protect his own, but deadly and vicious as a warrior. I remember sparring with him in a duel once in front of an audience and his skill matched my own quite well. I don’t think I recall another mortal or a dwarf being that fierce and precise with an axe or sword,” Falabor stated.

“How did the duel end?” Baelgor asked with a chuckle.

“It was the first time I had ever been beaten. It’s one of the reasons I respected him. A very capable warrior and leader,” Falabor said with a smile.

Baelgor smiled at the news. “Well, it certainly reminds me of my father, that’s for certain. Very strict with discipline and fighting. Very no nonsense, when it was time to be at least. Yet, he always had a good sense of humor when it was appropriate,” Baelgor said with a chuckle.

“I remember that as well. I’m, glad that we’ve met king Baelgor, and I hope to build a more productive relationship with you as your father did for many years,” Falabor stated.

“I intend to do the same. Perhaps you should rest until the other kings arrive?” Baelgor suggested.

“That would be most appreciated. Thank you,” Falabor expressed.

…

The king of the humans and the halfings looked at each other as they sat across a table. “King Graegun, what do you think of the rumors of the dwarfling prince?” the Halfling asked.

Graegun remained silent for a moment. “I have yet to have any opinion on Baelgor. From what I have heard from various sources, he’s a formidable warrior like his father and a good listener. Other then that, his morality, his personality, his attributes, I have yet to make anything of him, king Adnor,” Graegun noted.

“Well, we will find out in due time, wont we?” Adnor asked.

“That we will,” Graegun expressed.

…

“Galon! King Graegun and king Adnor have arrived on their zeppelin and are coming as we speak!” a Dwarf Soldier stated.

“Very well! Bring them into Baelgor’s royal tents. We shall start the meeting as soon as they arrive,” Galon stated.

“Yes Counselor!” the Dwarf Soldier declared.

…

*Thump! Thump!*

“This royal meeting is now in session. My lieges, thank you for being here on such short notice,” Baelgor announced.

The kings gave varying nods of acknowledgment towards Baelgor. “As you are all aware, our kingdom of Teramere has been taken by the dreaded Garbun the terror and from what human sources have gathered, he is desperate to bide his time until the broodmother in the valley can hatch and raise more female dragons. From what our sources on behalf of king Graegun. The question stands: What do we do knowing that the broodmother is potentially vulnerable and their leader resides in the heart of Teramere?” Baelgor asked.

The kings looked at each other with concern and silence. “How many dragons are guarding the broodmother?” Falabor requested to know.

“My kind have dealt with the dragons for quite sometime. Our slayers exterminate the beasts rather effectively. She is guarded by Garbun’s second rank and a flight of black and green dragons. Though small in numbers, they are the elite of his dragon flight. However, the valley is a long journey on foot, and the zeppelins wont be safe to ride with the dragons roaming the sky. One sighting of us could alert Garbun that there is a potential raid against the last female. We would need a small, elite, stealth force to infiltrate the valley and covertly take out the broodmother,” Graegun noted

“But who would be bold enough to lead that force against the broodmother?” Adnor asked.

A time of silence lingered. “I will go. It is my responsibility to reclaim my homeland for my people. It is my duty to slay the broodmother and reclaim Teramere. King Graegun, I would ask for your help by sending the most elite of your dragonslayers to aid me on this task. Doing so will not only help us take down Garbun, but reclaim Teramere once and for all!” Baelgor suggested.

Graegun’s eyes widened and a smile arose on his face. He’s just like his father. Bold, adventurous, willing to arise to the next challenge to protect and lead his people. He has my support, Graegun thought.

“Very well, Baelgor. Your bravery and commitment to your people is noteworthy and a worthwhile cause. I will gladly send you the very best dragonslayers of my kingdom to partake in this quest,” Graegun stated.

“The kingdom of elves stands with you as well. I will send some of my best men to aid you in this venture,” Falador declared.

“You have the support of the halflings as well! My rogues are the most skilled in all of Aramier! They will aid you on this mission!” Adnor boldly stated.

Baelgor smiled. “Very well! Your commitment is noted and graciously accepted! We will most certainly need it!” Baelgor declared.

…

Baelgor gazed out into the day as it the sun set into the west. His heart inspired by his coming journey, his spirit filled with song.

The mountain kingdom of Teramere,

Fell to darkness and to the flame,

A once steadfast kingdom,

Humbled and brought low, to shame!

Her people without a country,

Wanderers as they roam!

Oh, how she eagerly yearns,

For her children to call her, home!

The dragonfire caming pouring,

Terror of land and sky,

Such doom seemed imminent,

Destruction all but nigh!

But a dwarfling prince would arise,

Where the king had succumbed and would fall,

To save his people against the flame,

He won the day, and his people would call,

To slay a dragon mother,

To conquer the dragon king,

To reclaim our silver and our gold,

Our hearts with joy, shall sing!

My path forward is made now,

The journey is all but clear,

To get the gold, we must fight the dragon,

And retake, Teramere!

(The end of the first chapter).