treasure halls need no light. With gold so pure and gems so perfectly clear and flawless,
it’s believed the treasure itself gives off a light of its own. They say no man alive has ever
gazed upon a true Dwarven treasure hoard, and that those who have, swiftly ended
their lives. After all, what reason would a man find to continue living after having
witnessed the most beautiful thing there is?
stories. The treasure hoard of Lord Kharzȃl had a far more sinister air about it. Deep in
the mountains of the north the treasure sat piled in a great hall of stone. Slender pillars
towered upwards with ornate carvings winding along their surfaces like snakes. Bright
flames danced in huge sconces that lined the walls and pillars. With each flicker of light
the carvings in the stone seemed to move, sneaking around like creatures of the night.
Watching carefully.
on top one another. Without the light of the flames the room would surely be entirely
black, for the treasure did not glow with a light of its own, though it was undeniably
beautiful. The treasure trove glistened like ocean waves reflecting the sunlight. Little dots
of blue, green and red twinkled each time the light passed over a stray gemstone littered
among the gold.
mounted high up on a raised platform. In between the pyres was a towering chair of
black stone. Lord Kharzȃl sat in the chair, slumped over in a posture not befitting a king.
Robes of purple flowed around him. Little silver accents shined faintly with the treasure.
His right arm was propped on the huge arm of the stone chair, his finger slowly tapping
a golden crown.
inspection revealed the opposite. A pair of blue eyes gazed out from above a long black
beard. They were filled with the wisdom of a dwarf who had lived many years, but they
were also empty. Cold. Lifeless.
gold he was looking at. His other hand was held up in front his face. A single silver ring
curled around his middle finger inset with a deep red ruby. There was a brief twinkle of
something in his eyes, but it disappeared quicker than it had revealed itself. He reached
out with his other hand and began twirling the ring around his finger. Every few turns he
stopped twirling the ring to examine the ruby and then quickly began twirling it again.
hall. A sturdy dwarf with matching jet black hair and beard entered the hall walking at a
brisk pace. His silver armor clanked with each step. He was tall for a dwarf. There was
no emptiness in his eyes, but instead a fierce and concerned look. It contrasted starkly
with the empty stare of Kharzȃl. In his hand he held a long, straight sword. The young
dwarf hefted the blade and clanged it once against the side of the chair. Kharzȃl didn’t
flinch.
staring at his ring.
father out of his trance, but he was met with little success. “I can’t remember the feeling
of wind either. Isn’t that silly?” This time Barȗk grabbed Kharzȃl by the front of his robe
and shook him.
2nd Hall is breached. They have a dragon with them. It’s gone rampaging through the
5th and 7th Hall incinerating everything in its path.” Kharzȃl looked blankly at him for a
moment and then a soft anger blossomed on his face.
hands cupped around Barȗk’s face.
his and carefully laid them on his purple robes.
into the blackness for a moment, as if deep in thought.
do that, the orcs will have to funnel in a single entrance. We would be able to contain
their assault. However that is a pretty big might.” Kharzȃl nodded firmly.
him around the wrist.
shoulders. Kharzȃl was now on the verge of tears.
strong warrior; you would have made a good king.” Slowly, Kharzȃl grabbed his ring and
took it off his finger, hesitating for only a moment. “Take this. I want you to have it.”
Barȗk’s lips thinned and his brow furrowed into a scowl. He pushed the ring away and
stood up briskly.
fuming in anger. “That cursed piece of metal is the entire reason we are in this mess.
That is the entire reason He is here. And you think to offer me that as a show of
affection? You insult me father.” Barȗk stopped at the edge of the platform and crossed
his arms, looking out at the vast treasure hoard below him. He shook his head and let
out a deep sigh.
down Barȗk’s cheek and hung loosely at his jawline. He quickly brought up his gloved
hand and wiped the tear away, as if he was afraid his father might see. But behind him
his father was crying.
desperation in his voice. He held out his grizzled hand with the ring resting carefully in
his palm, beckoning Barȗk to take it. Barȗk stood there motionless for what seemed like
an eternity, his eyes staring menacingly at the piece of jewelry in his father’s hand. The
fires seemed to dim and the blackness pressed on them like a heavy veil. The air was
hot and stifling.
as if it had just been plucked from a fire. Before sliding it on his finger he pulled a ring off
of his left hand that looked almost identical to the other. He took it and dropped it into his
father’s open hand.
mine and pretend you never lost it.” Kharzȃl closed his fingers around the ring and shut
his eyes. The tension and anger melted off of him. He clutched the ring and held it up
against his chest. Barȗk was already walking briskly out of the room. Momentarily he
froze and glanced over his shoulder. “Remember my bravery father.”
and started down the long hallway without looking back. His face was still contorted with
a mix of anger and sadness. He spared a quick glance down at the new silver ring on his
hand, but only for a moment. The look in his eyes revealed a fear of the ring. It was
beautiful craftsmanship, but there was an aura of evil around it. Barȗk shook his hand as
a shiver ran up his spine. He thought about taking it off and throwing it down some dark
abyss, but decided against it.
quiet, voices could finally be heard from a hall up ahead. Barȗk exited the serpentine
hallway into a huge expansive cavern. Stretched out along the floor were rows of forges
and troughs of melted metals. Giant lamps hung from the ceiling on thick chains of metal.
large axes hanging on their hip or back, while a few sported swords. They carried about
huge stones and wooden beams, bringing them to a huge metal and wooden gate that
barred the forge from the rest of the underground city. Different groups of dwarves were
stationed at the gate stacking the stones in front of it. The hulking wooden beams were
lifted upwards on pulleys and wedged into place to offer additional support.
others who were running about. Upon seeing Barȗk enter, he raised his hand and
quickly shuffled over.
uncomfortably shifted his armor.
chuckled softly.
giving, Lorki”, he said with a grin on his face. Lorki let out a booming laugh.
with you barkin’ those confusin’ orders at ‘em.”
troops had begun retreating from the other halls to the forges. For hours they had been
reinforcing the gate in hopes of holding out against the dragon. The goblins had taken all
of the main halls and were now moving on their last defense at the forge. Barȗk listened
to the whole thing, nodding and agreeing when appropriate, but mostly standing there
quietly.
are either going to hold out here or make this our last stand.” Lorki nodded approvingly.
title. Lorki shuffled off and continued barking orders at the other dwarves even louder
than before.
preparations were set. A heaping monolith of wood and stone covered the entirety of the
gate into the forge. Only a dragon could break a gate such as this, and hopes among the
Dwarven troops were that even a dragon couldn’t break the gate.
room appeared to be holding their breath. Beads of sweat poured down their faces, their
eyes fixed like hawks on the gate in front of them. No one moved except for the
occasional dwarf lifting his hand to wipe the sweat from his brow. Their weapons were
held at the ready. Barȗk stood in the back with his sword gripped tightly in his hand.
They had to hold the gate.
again. Each time it got a little louder. Pebbles scattered around on the floor rattled with
each boom. Little bits of dirt and stone crumbled from the ceiling, cascading over the
dwarves like drops of rain. After one last violent rumble, it went quiet. Everyone held
their breath.​