Homeward Bound

The sun rose over the hill, casting brilliant colours upon the valley beyond. The city nestled in the center of the valley was already awake, and so were the surrounding villages. People here rose early to meet the new day. Two figures atop a hillrise looked down with the sun. Watching. Remembering.

"Back home, my lord?" One bearded face looked to another.

"Home?" The dwarf turned and looked up, ever so slightly, at his half-elven friend. "Home, Qualath? What home have we had these past few years? We are wanderers. We have traveled far and wide, moving with a band of believers - " he waved a hand back at the large camp packing up behind him, " - going where there was a need for leadership. Leaving once we heard certain news." At this, he turned and spat on the ground in a show of disgust.

The half-elf, Qualath, listened to his friend and lord. Dhuergar needed this. He needed to be reminded where they were traveling next. And, as his loyal advisor, he was going to make sure Dhuergar was prepared for any emotions that might get in the way of good, sound judgement.

"No, Qualath," the dwarf continued, turning back to face him, "though I am returning to my birthlands, I am not returning home. Though I am returning to the company of a dwarven nation, I am not returning home. My home is here," he thumped his chest over his heart, "and here," he pointed to the earth beneath his feet, "I bring my home with me where I walk. And I welcome you to share it with me!" He broke into a wide smile and gave his friend a hearty slap on the arm. "Come. Let us make our move."

They turned to face the sun and made their way down the hill, leaving the valley behind. Ahead of them was a band of dwarves, elves, halflings, humans, and even faerie-folk! The seasoned dwarven warriors were organizing the final preparations to pack up camp and begin their march. Above them, a flight of griffons twirled in the sky. It was a varied group, but they all had one thing in common. They had all sworn an oath of loyalty to Dhuergar Warhammer.

"You know, it's good to see you in a beard again, Qualath!" Dhuergar's laughter ran down the hill before them, washing over the band known as the Wanderers. It set the mood for the day.

They were leaving behind an elven province, and marching towards the dwarven lands.



A scowl marred the battle scars on Dhuergar's face. "What? Rule by proxy?"

Qualath looked across the table. Dhuergar was still looking down at the maps spread out on the table, but his attention was with his advisor. He had been trained to study maps with half his mind, while focusing on other matters with the other half. It helped on the battlefield.

"Yes. The Overlords will not approve of the Wanderers' intervention here. The Kingdom wants us here, but they will not anger the Overlords. So, you rule by proxy." Qualath's eyes followed Dhuergar as the dwarf went to the large desk on the other side of the room.

"I understand you have...more than a passing acquaintance with one of the Rulers. An elf, if I hear correctly." Qualath could hear the smile in Dhuergar's voice.

"Uh, yes, that's right." Qualath glanced over at the open door. He would have to get someone to look at that; it refused to stay shut.

Dhuergar was silent as he looked out the windows. After some time, he turned back to his friend. "Who here knows?"

"Everyone, my lord."

"Then it's just the Overlords who will not know?" Dhuergar stepped away from the windows and made his way back to the maps.

"Yes."

"Very well. Rule by proxy. For now."

"Of course. If there is nothing else?" Qualath straightened, as was his habit when he was on official business. Dhuergar was his friend, but he was a Ruler.

"No, no. Not at this time. I will be receiving visitors soon. I think you will be free for the rest of the day. If you have anyone to see..." Again, there was the hint of a smile.

Dhuergar looked up into Qualath's face, and could sense the unease there. He smiled at the half-elf, and waved towards the door. Qualath hesitated a while, then nodded at his lord and left the war room.