Dawn of Dusk

“Since this August body, has determined to go to war with the goblins and the gnomes, we have received a request from the Duke of Cryarlac. He has requested a number of Dwarves to dig an escape tunnel from his fortress in stronghold, to revalidate our treaty, since we’ve had a change in leadership, and to do some custom stonework in his keep. The timing of this request is odd, but it is my opinion that we should grant his request. Keeping a good relations with men particularly those on our borders, would be a wise thing to do at this time. Since most of our best artisans don’t serve in the military, this would give us an opportunity to increase Dwarven income, finance the war effort, and it would be that many less people we would have to feed here in the mountain.

“He indicated the work would be from six months to two years to complete. Since artisans would be gone that long he recommends families coming, and has indicated available separate housing for all Dwarf workers. The number he has requested was 70 to 100 artisans and their families; this will probably entail 350 to 450 people. I do not want that many of our people subject to the laws of men. Therefore I propose that we send Iroc Dimindcatre, a member of the High Council with a list of our laws and give her authority to administer those laws as she sees fit upon our citizens residing in Cryarlac.

“Iroc Dimindcatre, do you accept this charge to travel to the land of Cryarlac, and serve as leader to our people?”

Iroc Dimindcatre arose and said, “I will accept this position, I understand that I will be the sole law to those sent to Cryarlac to perform their duties. I would ask however, that Rocbrakre choose a member of his security team to accompany us and to administer the laws that I will proclaim.”

“An excellent recommendation my Iroc, in fact I myself was beginning to worry that our dear Rocbrakre was getting too old to perform his duties as head of the Army. With this request I will assign Rocbrakre to personally accompany you down to Cryarlac.”

Rocbrakre stepped forward, “my dear Sir, for the last 29 years I have served as head of this army and head of security here in Vermath. No man loves war, but we all must do our duty, now is the Dwarves time of greatest need in our lifetimes. I have trained practiced studied drilled my entire life to lead this army wherever it needed to be led. At this hour time of greatest need, is it wise to entrust our armies to a new general?”

“Rocbrakre you have served without fault, you have led without misstep, but that time must now end. As we go forward in our quest for freedom and glory it is time for a new leader, as we now have a new ruler. All Dwarves thank you; you will still serve, you will still lead, just in a different place, and in a different way.”

“Of course I’m yours to command I will do as you say.”

“It’s decided then, Iroc Dimindcatre will leave her expedition as soon as all the artisans and their families have been chosen, outfitted, and are ready to leave. Since we will soon be heading north into Drathmire, we will not be able to spare any additional security personnel, but I’m sure Rocbrakre can train some of the traveling artisans to stand guard.

“Iroc Dimindcatre, how long will it take you to prepare?”

She looked at Rocbrakre who then stood and said, “I expect all preparations could be completed within a fortnight. That would have us leaving Vermath three days prior to our army marching north. While security is a concern until we arrive in Cryarlac, the main army will be between us and Drathmire. I would expect the worst we would find would be a raiding party or two, and our sheer numbers should leave us in good stead.

“If I may be so bold, who do you intend my Cadot, to lead our army against all Drathmire?”

“The strategic decisions will be made by me. Rocbrakre the tactical decisions, will be delegated to the sub-commanders and the unit commanders.”

Rocbrakre shook his head sadly, “you should have a professional officer running this campaign. You are a gifted politician of which I have seen no peer. But there are senior officers other than myself, who have spent their lives studying strategy tactics and operations. Since I have apparently gotten too old to lead such a campaign, perhaps you would accept my recommendation on a general for this invasion.”

“Thank you Rocbrakre but I think I can handle this one by myself.”

And he turned and walked away. Rocbrakre shook his head and sadly stood and walked from the chamber. Iroc Dimindcatre shook her head as well and sadly walked out of the chamber.

During the next two weeks Rocbrakre identified all personnel assigned to visit Cryarlac trained all adult males in security and defense. He established travel procedures where armed protectors stood on the exterior of the travel and those unable to defend themselves in the center.

On one day meeting with Iroc Dimindcatre Rocbrakre said, “Cadot Tunelmakre is making a huge mistake by not placing the Army under the direction of a trained military leader. As he proceeds north into Drathmire, the Army will be discovered and attacked. If he is not prepared for this attack it could mean disaster for the Dwarves.”

“Rocbrakre you have given your Council and it has been rejected, anything more will only get you into trouble. I need a trained security man with me down Cryarlac.”

“Cadot Tunelmakre is going to do what he is going to do. Nothing you or I can say is going to change anything he is going to do. Unfortunately the Dwarven high Council has given him the authority to do that.”

“I know I just wish he listened to some advice from someone who is knowledgeable.”

Iroc Dimindcatre looked up from her work and said, “Once we are in Cryarlac I will be the only authority for the Dwarves that are there, you will be in charge of our security and will liaise with Duke Vistyral, or his representative.

“I can I do this without you, so don’t go saying or doing anything before we leave that will jeopardize your status on my mission.”

“I understand ma’am, it just makes me angry that Dwarves and lives are going to be put in danger by someone who apparently is on an ego trip.”

“That’s enough Rokbrakre; our discussion of this subject is over. Once we are two days journey from here I will discuss this with you as much as you like. In the meantime tunnels have ears and we will not be discussing anything other than our preparations for this trip.”

Rocbrakre nodded his head, sighed, and got back to work.

Fifteen days from receipt of the letter from Duke Vistyral in Cryarlac, a group of stonemasons, painters, metalworkers, blacksmiths, their families, and several other Dwarves numbering 843, left for Cryarlac. The group consisted of 270 married couples, 35 unmarried men, 42 unmarried women, and 226 children.

****

One hundred one thousand two hundred fifty three soldiers marched out of Vermath on their way to Drathmire. As they marched 30 abreast, there were almost 3380 rows of Dwarves. This column of soldiers was almost 2 miles long. You could not see the end from the beginning, or the beginning from the end.

They marched 30 abreast and not a larger number, because at one point on their way to Drathmire, traveling through what is known as the eyes of the serpent, those 30 Dwarves would be rubbing shoulders, to keep from running into the walls of the canyon. It was here years before, where a small Dwarven band of two hundred had defeated an invasion force five times their number. Cadot Tunelmakre was certain that no attack would come until after they had made it through the eyes of the serpent. He sent out patrols, but kept them close by to not stretch his army out any further than it was already.

It was near midday of the fourth day since they had left Vermath. The walls of the canyon, in the eyes of the serpent were between 150 to 250 feet high. There was then a small area maybe 10 feet wide and additional walls towering up almost a half mile.

Rubifindre, Rocbrakre’s former second-in-command rode up on his pony, saluted Cadot Tunelmakre and said, “Sir it is imperative that we put scouts on the upper trail to protect our Army from attack.”

Tunelmakre, looking annoyed said, “Thank you Rubifindre for your input, but I don’t think that’s necessary I’ve been on the upper trails and they’re only 10 feet wide at the widest.”

“Ser, one gnome or goblin, with enough arrows, could kill or injure a large number of us.”

“Rubifindre, you are relieved of command, and sent back to Vermath where you will assist with homeland security. I was concerned that Rocbrakre’s second-in-command might take offense at my assumption of leadership. I will stop this problem now by replacing you with my nephew Quartzpikr who will take over as sub-commander from here.”

“Ser, send me back to Vermath if you will, but please put scouts on the upper trails. Quartzpikr, certainly you agree this is important.”

Quartzpikr looked uncomfortable; he stole a look at his uncle, squared his shoulders and said, “There is no way anything could hurt us from above. Our only danger will be from the front or from the rear. We have our best soldiers stationed in the front and the back of our column we will be safe.”

Rubifindre opened his mouth to speak. As he did so Tunelmakre raised his hand and said, “This subject is no longer open for discussion you have given your orders, you either comply with them, or we will execute you for treason.”

Rubifindre’s teeth clicked together as he closed his mouth. As he turned his pony to leave, Tunelmakre said, “Leave the pony, I’m sure there is someone walking in the column was more deserving than you.”

“But sir this is my own pony, which I paid for with my own money.”

“You paid for it with money which you earned in the military, so ultimately it’s my money. Get off the pony, or I’ll have you dragged off of it.”

Rubifindre dismounted his pony and removed his food from the back.

“Leave the food, it’s for the Army. Food for the homeland security forces is in Vermath.”

“But ser that’s four days march from here.”

Tunelmakre smiled, “well then, I suppose you better be on your way.”

“Surely I can take water,” Rubifindre said.

“Of course,” he said smiling his political smile, “just not the canteen you’re carrying it in.”

Rubifindre uncorked his canteen, and drank the contents. He then threw the cork and the canteen on the ground, turned and walked away.

“Oh, and Rubifindre, if anyone asks you where you’re going, you will simply say you have been dismissed from duty. I don’t want you hurting the morale of my army with your complaints or other derogatory comments.”

Rubifindre kept walking without any comment, after an hour, when the army was behind him he fell to his knees, raised his fist at the sky and shouted in agony, “You are going to kill them all you fool!”