Diggy Diggy Hole Chapter 39 (Patreon)

The calling of a King's Moot between the clans obviously was going to take a long while so even with the honor and prestige that Ungrim had as the Slayer King.

It still took four months for a half dozen kings of note of the dawi people to get their affairs in order to arrive at Karak Kadrin from across the Worlds End Mountain, the Empire, and the South Lands.

And the moot was to be held in Karak Kadrin, obviously, even though I was to be also playing a part at the kings moot due to the tunnel and the Nether Portal being my creation.

Though I woudn't be leading the meeting despite my contributions. I was well aware that I was entirely too young, and I didn't have the respect of my elders.

But, I wasn't going to allow my new clan to be thought as being of poor stock or even though new. Being unable to attend with honor.

While Ungrim greeted each clan king with honor and respect. I likewise greeted them as a runesmith and King of his own hold, and to honor our meeting and our future friendship, I gifted each king an enchanted rune forged axe or hammer.

But it was but three days before the official meeting of kings was to occur when someone I didn't expect to come did.

Horns rang out like dragon roars as four stout and strong dwarves carried the Throne of Power with the High King upon it.

While I met the other kings and Hold Lords with honor and wrist arm shakes of respect in greetings, besides sharing gifts.

Ungrim and I both kneeled with our fists beating our chests in trio of loud thumps of respect as we both greeted one of the oldest living dwarves of the age.

"High King!" We said in unison. 

Thorgrim Grudgebearer, the Last High King. The one who has cleared countless grudges for the dawi race. Our High King, the first amongst equals.

I respected him greatly and Throgrim gave a grumble of approval before he said. "Stand, brother... Now, who is this little beardless kin."

My face twitched at Thorgrim's question to Ungrim who chuckled with amusement before he looked up at Thorgrim and said in a boisterous voice.

"Ha! The last son of the Baruk clan, the youngest Runesmith in our kin's long history. And lord of his own hold and-"

Ungrim's fucking refrigerator of a chest swelled as he took a deep breath before he finished off with a laugh. "Also, the best damned brewmaster in our kin besides the Ancestor Valaya herself haha!"

Thorgrim snorted in amusement with his mighty beard twitching as he gave me a look before he looked to Ungrim and said pointedly. "Bah you drunken fool, are you just trying to butter up your future son-in-law or something in front of me!?"

To which I finally spoke proudly. "High King, I boast that my ale is to the taste of all, with their different flavors. But they are filled with the power of the Ancients and can aid the dawi in battle and in life!"

Then I took a breath and I spoke. "High King, as this is our first meeting. May I present to you my gift to symbolize our eternal friendship?"

Some human's would look at my gesture as merely me trying to social climb or some nonsense. But we Dawi didn't take part in that nonsense; we valued our words and honor above all else!

Thorgim snorted and said with a wave. "Show me your efforts, beardless lord. Let me see your effort,s lad." He finished with almost indulgence.

His attitude honestly reminded me almost painfully of Snorlot to the point I paused before I mentally moved away from the war hammer I made previously that could summon lightning with each blow.

Instead, I took out a large medallion with the width of a fist that hung from a necklace with both faces embossed with separate runes and the sides of the medallion having a long rune script alongside it.

"I present to you one of my best achievements. The Medallion of Purity will protect the user from hostile magic, prevent scrying upon you, and create barriers to prevent ranged attacks from hitting the wearer!"

I used to wear it all the time, except my magic resistance had greatly evolved, and I no longer feared passive scrying nonsense. And a hostile very pointed scrying I could sense and resist as well.

Thorgrim's perfect beard curled upwards with his smile before he gave a small nod as another dwarf respectfully took the treasure from me and brought it to him.

He carefully inspected it from all angles and he then looked back to me and after respectfully putting it away. He said formally. "Your gift of friendship has been respectfully accepted Kharn of Clan Barruk. I hope to speak with you soon as I used to know your master Snorlot as well."

My nose burned at the mention of my master, but still I knew that Thorgrim recognized the craftsmanship that my teacher hammered into my own forging style.

With a final respectful incline of my head, I stepped aside to allow his procession to pass. Unless it was for important reasons. Thorgrim had to remain seated on the 'divine' throne he was on.

But as he passed by me. Looking at the Throne of Power, I could only gape at the... Thousands of runes crossing its form. Every 'decoration' upon its form was in reality countless runes that sung a song of the creation of my people.

'The throne crafted by the most venerated of Anscestor God's Grungni... A literal divine tool construct that provides endless stamina and livespan to the High King sitting upon it.' I thought in wonder.

Then my fist tightened as I had a powerful thought.

'I can also contribute to my people as well! I can make a Beacon from a Nether Star and my people can become much stronger on a battlefield!' I thought as I could feel my blood boiling at the thought of the glory I would bring to my people in making such a construct.

With the steam mechanics of my fellow Dawi and the knowledge of making Elder Scroll's dwarven automatons... Who the hell decides if I can't make a giant steam-powered tank to carry the beacon!

Ungrim who also finished his greetings with the other dwarves, gave me a harsh pat on my shoulder as he said. "Boy, ye look like yer about to swear the Slayer oath. If ye even think about it, Imma beat you upside the ear as your line needs to continue."

My face twitched at the unsaid, 'Don't get yourself killed before you plow my daughters.' But I shook my head and said firmly. "If our people could have another Throne of Power... What cost would you be willing to pay?"

And without a moment of thought. Ungrim said rather blandly. "Heh, my life and most of the Slayer's would be an easy cost to double the fortune of our race."

I nodded slowly before I said with steel in my veins. "Good, you are right. I have things to do."

And I could feel the Slayer King's heavy gaze on my back as I made my way back to the Nether Portal... I had something to do now.