Rava and Lowan walked into the throne room. It was as grand a reception area as one would see among dwarvenkind. A red carpet led the way to a massive stone dais upon which sat a throne flanked by massive statues of armored dwarves, double-headed axes resting in front of them as they stood silent vigil. Flanking the red carpet was seating for ministers and guild leaders. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZQjH3QrTn
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Seated on the massive throne was a dwarf with fiery red hair. He had a wide and toothy grin, crow's feet prominent near the corner of his eyes, and golden beads decorated his fiery red beard. Resting on top of his head was a heavy-looking cast-iron crown.
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As soon as Heradrum and Lowan’s eyes met, Heradrums brow furrowed, his expression turning serious. “What has transpired outside my halls to leave you so sharpened, Duke Lowan?” He said and put a hand to his chin, scratching his beard.
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“It has been far too long, King Heradrum. Much has happened, and it is simply Lowan now.” Lowan responded with a bow, Rava following a blink after. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzeVt8oYmB
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Heradrum nodded. “Leave us,” he commanded, and all present servants, elders, and ministers left. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgE4so6sGYr
Once the hall emptied, he stood up and walked over to them, clasping Lowan’s hand firmly. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5kadCDqOU
“Do you bring troubles to my hall, Lowan?” he asked. To Rava, it seemed like they were looking eye to eye, the dwarf turning from jolly to imposing with words and mannerisms alone.
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“It might be I do, old friend.” Lowan said and sucked in a breath before continuing. “Hannodell, the rotten, dirty snake, has killed Rivana and now aims for my grandson, Rava.” He said as he presented Rava with his open hand.
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Heradrum’s expression grew somber. “I am sorry, old friend.” He turned to Rava, looking him up and down. “A sharpened blade for sure, that one; damn shame, so young.” he gave Lowan a judging quirk of his brow. “A damn shame.”
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“Necessity has made it so, not any will of mine. Had I the choice, he’d be in some college somewhere drinking, fighting, fucking, and skipping out on his lessons,” Lowan said and shook his head. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0cFyoUBk7
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“Why is Hannodell hunting the boy, and why did he kill Rivana?” Heradrum asked. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe0PVyIUuw
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“It is better you not -” Lowan started saying but was interrupted by a “Horsecock!” from Heradrum. “You bring these troubles to my halls and expect me to help you without knowing what threatens me and my kin?” He said as he shook his head. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkL4BAhH1mc
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“The Enlightened.” Lowan said. Heradrum froze. Moments that seemed to contain an eternity passing in silence. “Ah fuckin’ finally!” Heradrum said with a smile returning to his face. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorVf7j2wVM
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Lowan was dumbfounded then, for the first time since Rava had gotten to know him. Heradrum then turned to Rava. “So you’re one of them, are ya?” He said. Rava looked at Lowan, who just responded with a shrug. “Yes, Heradrum Ironwrought, king of Hanul Pass.” Was all he managed to say before Heradrum interrupted him with a raised palm.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIijKdWQuS
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“Call me uncle!” He said with a smile. Smacking Rava on the shoulder with his bear-like paw, almost toppling him over. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQZZhMDmfS
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“H..how did you know?” Lowan asked. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vTU9eG5F6
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“Korrakh!” Came the jolly reply. Lowan quirked his eyebrow. “Ugh, my great great great great something grandfather told me something along these lines would happen.” He said as he started walking off. “Finally, I can fulfill my calling!” He said as he motioned them to follow. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNLZJolptw
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They followed Heradrum behind the throne, where he pushed some specific parts of the statue, and a winding staircase suddenly formed after a hatch slid away. The stairs led to a room filled with the most intricate armor and weapons proudly on display. 288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRSgXoh3eq
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Heradrum walked over to a chest that was placed on a pedestal. “I had these commissioned by the finest smith in all of dwarvenkind, Morail Dawnhammer.” He said as he opened the chest, revealing two short swords in their scabbards, “The sister blades, Talon and Wing.” He said and unsheated one of them. A blade as black as night, thrumming with magic. “They will serve you well, benighted one.” He said and held the blade out with the handle towards Rava.288Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxmeG9Y7Sr
