Dragonvein - Book Three by Brian D. Anderson Read Free Book Online

known, they are without language.”
    “It is not language as you would understand it,” Lotheri explained. “You shall see.”
    Outside the door, six dwarf guards and two elves were there to escort them to the gates. The remaining twenty-eight of Lotheri's kinsmen accompanying him on his visit were currently awaiting his orders in the quarters provided for them.
    As they passed through the streets, Halvar couldn't help but notice how his people hurried aside to give the party a wide berth. Some were even taking refuge inside buildings. They were afraid. Stories of elf brutality were told to them at a very young age. He knew he must act quickly to quell their fears, otherwise the situation might well escalate into violence. In spite of his misgivings about this alliance, he knew that dwarf numbers alone were far too few for them to offer much serious resistance. They also had almost no experience above ground. Elf allies would be invaluable in any battles there.
    The city was clearly making an impression on Lotheri, though Halvar couldn’t tell if his reaction was one of approval, admiration, or disgust.
    “Your people have been busy,” the elf remarked as they walked past a particularly ornate building. “A pity you chose this location to build your first city. The trolls only dwell within Gol’ Shupa.” He shrugged, as if shaking off the thought. “I have to admit, Elyfoss is far more beautiful that I imagined it would be. Your ancestors certainly possessed great skill.”
    Halvar nodded his appreciation of these kind words before saying: “Tell me more about the trolls. How were their young driven mad?”
    Lotheri stared down as if in deep contemplation. Then, with a sharp nod, he looked up. “Troll children can feel the heart of Lumnia far more keenly than any other creature alive. They can actually sense the pulse and rhythms of everything around them. So much so that it causes them great physical pain when your people chip away at the mountain. To them it is as if you are carving into their very own flesh.”
    Halvar thought on this for a moment. “Sadly, there is little to be done about it for now. We cannot leave, and we must make weapons. But I can assure you that we were completely unaware of the pain we were causing. And I certainly would not wish to inflict more on them. But until Shinzan falls, we must continue mining.”
    “It is pleasing to hear of your concern,” said Lotheri. “Perhaps the fall of your people was required for you to gain wisdom and compassion.”
    As they neared the gate, Halvar could see that a large crowd had gathered. Several dozen guards were shifting nervously atop the gate towers. He immediately ordered everyone back.
    “If I open the gates, what will they do?” he asked.
    “Nothing,” Lotheri replied. “They did not come bringing violence. The elf I sent would have given me warning if there was any danger.”
    Halvar drew a long cleansing breath; the pair of them then started forward together.
    The gates swung open in response, quickly revealing a sight that completely stunned the dwarf king. Hundreds of trolls were standing in the road, some as tall as twelve feet and three times as broad as the stoutest dwarf. The stench of the muck and grime covering their bodies caused him to grimace.
    Positioned a few feet in front of the mass was an elf woman, a bow strapped across her back and a long blade on her belt. She took a step forward and bowed to the two monarchs.
    “As you ordered, I contacted the trolls,” she said. “They are aware of the impending fight and insisted on coming here to offer their assistance.”
    “You are able to speak their language, I assume,” said Halvar. “Can you translate for me?”
    Her eyes fell on Lotheri, who held up his hand. “There is no need. I will convey your message.”
    Steeling his wits, Halvar walked closer to the mass of hulking figures.
    “What is it you intend to say?” asked Lotheri.
    “I’m not sure. Nothing