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    The Dwarven Legacy
    The Dwarven Legacy
    The Dwarven Legacy
    Ebook143 pages1 hour

    The Dwarven Legacy

    By William Thrash

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    About this ebook

    Kord Becker, failed knight, is given one last chance to redeem himself in the eyes of the Palanisi Empire. Assigned an unusual position, he is to escort a company of dwarves across the lands of the empire. But Kord thought dwarves were myths from stories. 

    An ancient evil has been awakened in a long-abandoned dwarven hold and the dwarves mount a strong expedition to put it back to sleep.

    Durmannus Black-Anvil must lead the reclusive dwarves across human lands after centuries of seclusion. He finds himself torn between his loyalties to his noble house and the truth he fears. Romulus Steelhammer, Rune-Master of the dwarven expedition, alienates his fellow dwarves when he takes an unusual liking to the failed knight assigned to them. His search for the truth is as dangerous to dwarvenkind as their ultimate battle with the awakened demon.

    Together, the unlikely band of humans and dwarves forge a bond of blood and tears that is stronger than steel.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherWilliam Thrash
    Release dateFeb 11, 2017
    ISBN9781386130376
    The Dwarven Legacy

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      Book preview

      The Dwarven Legacy - William Thrash

      Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,

      in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

      and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

      ~ Philippians 2:9-11

      Dedicated to my son,

      William Thrash Jr.

      CHAPTER 1

      Kord Becker was in trouble. Of all his minor blunders that kept him from becoming a knight, this was the worst. The Head Squire for the Knights Chancellery hurried toward his meeting with the Knights Captain, Stallord, where he would learn his punishment.

      Banished? Stripped of his squirehood? He was sure the worries only added to the couple of new gray hairs he had seen in the mirror this morning.

      The halls of the palace bustled with activity. Morning sunlight streamed through the windows as maids scurried towards the sleeping quarters with clothing and towels. Other maids used the light to dust the vases and decorations on the inner wall. Even here in the capital city of the Palanisi Empire, head squire was little better than a maid.

      Banished, for sure, he said to himself. Forget knighthood.

      His meeting to learn his fate was in the Council Chambers where court was held. This was not unusual, though, as the knights captain maintained his order from there. The prospect of learning his fate in King Brukki's presence would be especially humiliating. The throne room of the palace and the Captain's Chair in the Chancellery were only used for ceremony.

      Entering the room, he made his way through the mingling court and early petitioners to Stallord's table. He was already at work, shifting through a few reports and making notes.

      Probably on the damages of my blunder...

      Sir, he said to the stocky knights captain.

      Not looking up, Stallord lowered the sheet he was reading gently to the table. His surcoat of deep purple and white trim expanded and contracted evenly on his chest. Squire Becker.

      Ouch. Not even head squire.

      The bitterness in the captain's voice gave Kord pause. Sir, I—

      Stallord held up a silencing hand and looked up wearily into his eyes. You failed in your task to secure the doors to the Chancellery last night and some of our ornaments were pilfered.

      But—

      Stallord's hand came down onto the table with just enough force to attract no-one's attention but Kord's. I will not hear excuses.

      Kord nodded, lowering his gaze. The truth was, locking the doors was the responsibility of Squire Handelson the previous evening, but the head squire's duty was to ensure the squires under him performed their duties properly. Indeed, had he followed through on his own duties, he would have discovered the oversight and corrected it himself. In that event, Handelson might be here now, instead of him. Yes, sir.

      You are the longest serving squire in the history of the Chancellery. He picked up a parchment and glanced at it. This year marks your twenty-ninth year here.

      Kord felt the weight of shame on his head. He could not look at Stallord.

      Ludicrous, the captain said.

      The old man was right. Next year Kord would be forty years of age – too old for knighthood. He had spent his entire adult life saving for his horse and barding. He had purchased his sword and shield long ago. He had been able to procure that which he needed to qualify, but his discipline was unable to meet the rest of the qualifications. He just never had it in him. The desire to be a knight was there since childhood, but not the drive. Not the focus. Not the determination to excel.

      Yes, sir, he said. His voice was a whisper.

      I would have you drummed out, the full Chancellery on hand to see you leave.

      Fear washed over Kord. Would the captain humiliate him so thoroughly?

      As it is you are removed from the rolls of the Chancellery and hereby forfeit to all membership.

      Where was he going to go? What was he going to do? Run a stable somewhere?

      However, the king has something in mind for you. Stallord sounded disappointed. I would not count it a promotion and nothing more than a simple task.

      Me?

      Are you not listening? The steel had returned to his voice.

      Sorry, sir. I understand, sir.

      Right then, he said getting up. Follow me.

      Kord followed Stallord through the crowd to the other side of the room. The long table there was where the King's Counselors gathered. He had never been so close to it before. It was a heavy, mahogany thing that held parchments and maps of all kinds. But the people around it were the nuts and bolts of the empire – the dignitaries and names of power. He saw the king there, too. Counselor Wiksson da Prekkia, Head Adviser to King Brukki, intercepted them.

      Ah, good, there you are.

      Stallord indicated Kord. This is the one.

      Wikkson nodded. I will take him from here.

      Kord looked up at the tall and bald man. He knew by his reputation that Wikkson was a sharp man, full of wise advice, and indispensable to the king.

      The king has a task for you—

      I am not well-suited for tasks, sir. I have just been removed from the Chancellery.

      Yes, I know. All the better.

      Kord blinked. But—

      Wikkson held up a finger in irritation. Be quiet and allow me to explain.

      Yes, sir. Kord tried not to roll his eyes.

      We have been approached by an unusual company requesting permission to pass through our empire. The king would send you with them while they are here, and then report back when they have gone.

      That sounded simple.

      Is that simple enough for you?

      I am not stupid—

      No, by all reports, you are not. But your failures...

      I believe I can follow where these people go, if that's what you want.

      Wikkson nodded. You are also to remain quiet about the events within the empire, particularly our persistent troubles with the Tajumwali Hordes.

      Kord sighed.

      Boring work. But why me?

      At least it was better than being kicked out the gate today. What of my position?

      Prove yourself indispensable to the king and perhaps you will find a permanent position working for the crown.

      Kord snorted. He couldn't stop himself in time.

      If I could do that, I would be a knight by now.

      Wikkson stiffened. Shall I tell the king you refuse?

      No, no, it's just my record—

      Yes, your record leaves very much to be desired. But perhaps we just haven't found you your niche in life.

      Kord could tell Wikkson was being diplomatic and meant no such thing. He shrugged.

      Pursing his lips, Wikkson nodded. He turned and waved Kord forward.

      He stepped up beside Wikkson and walked the last few steps to the table. He saw King Brukki staring at him from under bushy eyebrows. The stare gave him pause.

      What is going on here, anyway?

      You are Head Squire Becker? the king said.

      Was, sir.

      Not quite cut out for knighthood? The tone was accusatory.

      I am sorry, sir.

      Brukki pushed himself off from leaning over the table. Very well. I have a task for you which will start immediately. Even someone with your history should find this easy to accomplish.

      Kord felt the heat of shame in his face. Why hadn't he had enough drive to excel and become a knight? What had been lacking? Desire? Motivation? Dedication?

      Succeed and we shall provide you with references to our agents and perhaps we can get you set up in a stable somewhere. The king appeared to be trying to imagine any kind of occupation suitable to a failed squire. He shook his head. Follow me.

      The king led him out of the Counselors Chambers and toward the throne room.

      Wikkson, I need a title for this man—

      Might I suggest Agent to the King?

      Kord looked down. The title was an embarrassment to those who circulated in court. Too broad to mean anything, a title such as that was only used to impress others who knew no better. Such a title was given to the lowliest of errand boys.

      Kord's life was about to change in the most

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