"How many dverge are there?" asked Aesa.
"Why do you keep asking?" asked Ignatius.
"Because you are the only dverge I've ever seen," said Aesa.
"Do you think I've got nothing better to do than count my people?" he asked.
"You count every welkin piece you have three times, are you telling me you've never taken a census?" she asked.
"How many people in Norgard?" he asked.
"Eighteen hundred four," she said.
"Pah! You made that up!" he said.
"Would you two stop?" asked Sigurd.
There was a moment of silence.
"I believe you are the only dverge," said Aesa.
"Pfffft! Are you daft? How many semblings have you seen? Ignatius asked.
"Just Poksok," she said.
"How do you know he's not the only one?" asked Iggy.
"Because Doskev has seen others," said Aesa.
"So what makes you think there are no other dwarves?" he asked.
"Because nobody else has seen one," she said.
"Just because you haven't seen one, doesn't mean they don't exist," said Iggy.
"Maybe you aren't real either," she said.
"You are filling my head with your incessant thrim and my temple is starting to throb!" said Iggy.
Magnus looked back at them. This was the third time they had this discussion. The last time had ended with a fist fight. He stopped; making everyone else stop. "Where's the troll?" he asked.
They looked around. The eternal gloom prevented them from seeing more than a few stairs behind them.
"Doskev?" shouted Isgerd.
There was no answer.
"She was behind me last I noticed," said Hildagunn.
"Doskev!" they shouted.
The name echoed for a few seconds.
"We need to go back for her," said Isgerd.
"We might never find her. She could be dead," said Sigurd.
"None of us will be left behind, "said Isgerd.
Isgerd marched up the stairs as if it were a settled matter.
"Don't stand there. We must follow our kinswoman. Isgerd is right, we will not survive if we turn on each other or abandon anyone," Magnus said.
"Our food rations are already running low," said Aesa.
"Then we starve together. Magnus is right, we are all kin now," said Sigurd.
"Should I drink from the pool water that would allow me to see in the dark?" asked Aesa.
"Save it for now. This tomb goes on forever. If we face an enemy, we will need to be able to see," said Isgerd.
Aesa was tempted to drink some anyway, but resisted.
Their legs were aching when their ascension led them to where Doskev had fallen. She was found lying across three stairs. Her breathing was labored.
"What's wrong with her?" asked Sigurd.
"She's in labor," Isgerd said.
"What can we do?" he asked.
"Get...me...up..." said Doskev.
They looked at her in disbelief for a moment, but Doskev repeated her request.
Magnus, Ignatius, Kara and Sigurd assisted Doskev to her feet.
"My...spear..." gasped Doskev.
Magnus handed her the trollspear which had fallen nearby a few stairs down from their current position.
They watched, not knowing what she was going to do next.
Doskev leaned on the spear for support. Vikar served as a brace on her other side.
"Set...a cloak...un..un..under...me," said Doskev who was in great pain.
Isgerd tossed her cloak into a comfortable nest beneath the troll.
"Now...rip off my...pants," said Doskev.
They all looked uncomfortable with the command.
"DO IT!" she roared.
Magnus and Kara tore her pants from her. A moment later a gray mass fell out of the troll and into the cloak where it screamed and wailed.
Doskev picked up the mass and cuddled it. "I will name her Reikev, after her father," she said.
They all got closer to see the baby troll. None had ever witnessed a troll birth before.
"Thank you for returning for me. We would have both died if I could not stand," said Doskev.
"Why didn't you call out to us, when you needed our help?" asked Isgerd.
"When the labor pain came, I passed out. This is typical in childbirth. Trolls give birth among a circle of elder matriarchs. The women know what to do when labor is approaching. When I woke up you were too far away. My voice was weak from the pains," said Doskev.
"Should we rest here?" asked Isgerd.
"No, I am fine now. Just give me a second to make a tunic from my tattered pants," said Doskev.
When she was done, they continued their journey until they were too tired to keep going, having no sense of time. When some of them started to stumble, they agreed to camp on the stairs. The group ate half-rations to try to conserve the food that remained.
Isgerd dreamed. She saw Norgard. Many more people lived there, but a dark cloud hung over the town. She reached the lawrock to meditate but it had been defiled. Who had done this? She went to the meadhall for answers but the door was barred. People were screaming. She felt someone grab her.
"Isgerd, wake up!" shouted Sigurd as he nudged her.
"What? Norgard needs us!" she said, looking around in confusion.
"You were screaming," he said.
"Aye, you sounded like a dwarven opera after an all-night drinking contest," said Iggy.
"Are you disparaging the dverge?" asked Aesa.
"No, I just hate opera," said Iggy.
"I was dreaming of home. It was...disturbing," said Isgerd.
"Bad omens!" scowled Magnus.
They heard a noise that distracted them from the dream. Doskev was cooing.
Baby Reikev had grown about a foot taller over night and could now stand on shaky legs.
"Do troll babies normally grow that fast?" asked Aesa.
"No, Reikev is the size of a toddler now," said Doskev.
"What caused it," asked Sigurd.
"It must have something to do with this place," she said.
They ate a tiny breakfast. Doskev ate nothing. Reikev ate all of her rations and nursed when that was gone. When they finished they continued down the stairs.
"How much food is left?" asked Hildagunn.
"Three days. Four days and we are out of mead," said Sigurd.
They marched without argument until they were tired. Reikev kept Aesa fascinated. The troll baby continued to grow as they marched and now was able to take the stairs on her own. Aesa marked her growth rate on a pole she carried.
"She is growing a few inches every three thousand steps or so," she said.
"You are counting steps?" asked Iggy.
"Yes!"
"Why?"
"It's fun."
"Brains of thrim! There is something wrong with you child!" said Iggy.
"How many dverge are there?" she asked.
"You want to know how many fredgin dwarves there are? Do you?" he asked.
"That is why I asked," she said.
"The answer is ONE! You were right damn you and your fredgin questions to Hel!" he shouted.
"Hey, no need to get mad. If you don't want to talk about it, I'll go back to counting steps," said Aesa.
"No! You will not let this go until you've driven me mad. I am the only dwarf on Midgard. There I said it! Happy?" asked Ignatius.
"No, that doesn't make me happy. I kind of like you and your spittle, and your beet red face and loud armor. I was hoping there were more of you." said Aesa.
"Pffft!" he said.
"Twenty seven thousand two hundred nine," said Aesa.
"What?" asked Ignatius.
"That was the twenty seven thousand two hundred and ninth step since we left the room with the tasty feast," said Aesa.
"One thousand seventy-six,"said Ignatius.
"What?" asked Aesa.
One thousand seventy-six years ago the dwarven king Graven Bronzeboots sent me out to form an alliance between us, the humans and the elves," said Iggy.
"Why wouldn't they send someone with charisma?" asked Aesa.
"Would you shut up! I got charisma seeping out of my ass cheeks which is why they made me the royal diplomat you mouse brained piss licker!" shouted Ignatius.
"You are a skald too I see, please do tell more," said Aesa.
Iggy paused, but he noticed the others were all listening to him now.
"I tried for a year to form alliances. The humans were hopeless, fighting among themselves, they couldn't stop hating each other long enough to work with another race," said Iggy.
"Why did you need an alliance?" asked Aesa.
"Our brothers on another world had sent messengers that our world was about to be invaded by a huge force of what you call, Lokispawn. They would have an even larger force of pukje to aid them," said Iggy.
"You ARE a skald! Other worlds! Oh, this is fun!" said Aesa.
"Don't mock me lass or I'll let you go back to counting steps!" said Iggy.
"I'm still counting," she said.
"Arrr! Anyway, the humans were a waste of time. I spoke to the elves..."
Elves? what are they?" asked Aesa.
"Elves...um...Alfar you call them. I know I told you this before!"
"So what did they say?"
"What did they say? They said no."
"I thought Alfar were good, didn't they believe you?" asked Aesa.
"Oh, they believed me, even if they didn't trust me. Elves form the largest coalition of people in all the known worlds. The Elves were allowing their people on this world to fend for themselves against the coming invasion," said Iggy.
"Why would they do that?" asked Aesa.
"Some say it was Wenlas. Elenas Silverleaf was king. He'd been king for so long the elves knew no other leader. He has two sons, Wenlas and Pendwar. Pendwar was a good son, but Wenlas had ambition. Some say on the day of destruction Wenlas poisoned his father and took the throne for himself," said Iggy.
"So what did the dverge do?" asked Aesa.
"Nothing. I don't know," said Iggy.
"What do you mean?" asked Aesa.
"What I mean, is I went home with no agreement and when I tried to find my kin the doors to our kingdom were sealed. I looked for them. After the invasion, I went back and looked some more. The mighty doors were breached, but no sign of my people remained. They could have died. Maybe they fled. I don't know," said Iggy.
"I remember you mentioning Redeemers when we were in Oikos. Who are they?" Aesa asked.
"I don't know. Fredgin priests kept talking about 'em. I think they were crazed with thoughts of impending doom," he said.
"That is a sad story." said Aesa.
"Which is why I kept it to myself," he said.
"That would make you over a thousand years old. How long do dverge live?" asked Aesa.
"Since I am the only dwarf, I'd say they live as long as I do," Iggy laughed.
"That's not an answer," said Aesa.
"What step are you on?" asked Iggy.
"Twenty seven thousand four hundred three," said Aesa.
"Maybe I'll live a few more steps, you never know...as long as I don't get too many thrim-brained questions that shorten my life," he said.
Magnus saw a man with an ax standing a few steps down from them. The man's features were hidden in the gloom. Magnus motioned the others to stop and called out to the man.
"I am Magnus Thorsen of Norgard. State your name. Or are you an outlaw?" asked Magnus.
"I am Gunnar Blue-tooth, Jarl of Norgard, and your spear-brother. I do not wish to fight you Magnus Thorsen but will do so if the Norns insist," he said.
"If you are my Jarl, come forth in friendship so we can see you in this black hall," said Magnus.
The man approached. The Chosen Ones readied for a fight. He appeared with his weapons covered. They relaxed a little. The Jarl offered his hand. Magnus embraced his war-leader.
"Jarl Gunnar, How did you end up here?" asked Isgerd.
"I do not know, Isgerd the Godi. I was hunting. There was a crevasse. I slipped into it. Perhaps the Norns dropped me here because I was looking for you," he said.
"Why were you looking for us?" asked Isgerd.
"I will tell you, but I am hungry. Do you have any food?" asked the Jarl.
"We have enough to share," said Isgerd.
They sat down on the stairs and had a meager meal. Doskev and her child used Vikar as a pillow and napped.
"Much has happened since you left us ten years ago. A troll, a dverge, a polar bear and a sembling in your company? Now there is a tale to be told!" said Gunnar.
"Ten years? We've been gone but a winter," said Isgerd.
"No, it has been almost ten years. Dark times have come to Norgard. Many have fled their camps and villages seeking shelter in our northern hamlet. There are rumors that the Lokispawn plan on taking Uppsala and then all of the northern towns," he said.
"Uppsala is not short of fierce men," said Isgerd.
"Everywhere, our leaders have become poisoned by dark messengers. Even in Norgard, I have seen strange things," he said.
"What have you seen?"
"I have seen Bergar the Bold speaking to men who would hide their features outside the town," said Gunnar.
"Bergar? He is your most trusted warrior!" said Sigurd.
"Bergar wants to be Jarl," said Gunnar.
"You are Jarl. There can not be two," said Magnus.
"There will not be two. He will challenge me to combat at the next al-thing," he said.
"You will defeat him and remain Jarl," said Magnus.
"We shall see. I will not yield to him. If Bergar wins, Norgard will fall to the Lokispawn," said Gunnar.
"We will come to Norgard as soon as we leave the tomb," said Magnus.
"I look forward to seeing you at the al-thing. Now, let us laugh at these matters and meet our fates like Norgardians," said Gunnar.
"Let the others rest for a few hours. When they are ready, we will continue. We must find food and water soon," said Isgerd.
They rested. When the group was refreshed and awake they were astonished to find that Reikev was now almost six foot tall, broadening in the shoulders and had a deep resonant voice. Reikev was now a man! The group looked at Doskev for answers.
"This sometimes happens," she said.
"What...a troll growing up over a few days...or changing sexes?" asked Aesa.
"I am not sure why he is growing so fast, but when a troll comes of age, if there is no mix of sexes, the young troll will change to meet the biological needs of the collective. The process usually takes a year or two and during that time the troll is considered a sacred being to be protected above all others," said Doskev.
"This happened since we sat down," said Aesa.
"So it has. Reikev, you are now a man. I am proud of you. I give you your father's manblade. He would have wanted you to have it. You will from here forth be known as Reikov, son of Reikov and Doskev," said his mother.
Reikov grasped the ax as if he were a seasoned warrior.
"Thank you mother, I will do my best to honor you and our troll-friends," said Reikov.
"Troll-friends!" said Aesa.
"We should get moving. I am in need of a battle to warm up my limbs," said Jarl Gunnar.
The group gathered their things and continued into the depths. Several days passed. Gunnar entertained them with stories of great heroes and old war stories. They asked many for stories about home and told Gunnar about their new companions and how they came to be together. They finished the last of their food in good cheer. After a few more hours, the steps ended in an enormous cave.
"One hundred forty two thousand six hundred and eighty-five," said Aesa.
"You are making that up!" said Ignatius.
"No, I counted!" she said.
"Did you count on dying after all the trouble?" asked a voice like a mountain.
"Who are you?" asked Jarl Gunnar.
I am Hyrrokkin, the fire streamer. I am guardian of the tomb. You are not the first to feel my mighty fists or scalding breath since Stridikoctris placed me here two hundred years ago. Nor will you be the last. I tire of the taste of Pukje. You will do well...done," said the monster.
"Who is Stridicaca?" asked Aesa.
"Imbecile! Stridikoctris is a powerful demon and ruler of your realm!" shouted Hyrrokkin.
"You must be hideous to hide in the dark and make boasts like a child who has not come of age yet," said Magnus.
"You will behold my magnificence like many others before you. Rejoice! Your last vision before death will be glorious!" said Hyrrokkin.
"It talks a lot," said Aesa.
"So do you!" said Ignatius.
Blue flames shot from the creatures nostrils lighting the room enough for them to see the monstrous beast. Its head scraped the stalactites above it. Hyrrokkin's arms were wider than three trolls. Its flesh was a corpse pale. The smell of its breath was a mix of sulfur and rot. When it moved the room trembled.
"I am Jarl Gunnar Blue-tooth of Norgard. These are my kinsmen. The blood of Thor runs through our veins. You are but a small matter to warm our stiff sinew. We are hungry and shall feast on your carcass before the hour is done," he said.
"Jarl Gunnar," the creature spat with contempt. I do hope you taste better than you smell," said Hyrrokkin.
Gunnar rushed the creature. Hyrrokkin swiped at the Jarl with a speed unexpected from a monster of such girth. Its claws went through Gunnar as Gunnar struck it with his spear. The others watched in disbelief. There was no blood from the blow. Hyrrokkin's attack passed right through the man. Gunnar's spear passed through the creature. Gunnar shrugged his shoulders unable to explain what had happened and then he disappeared.
"A fetch!" said Magus.
"Does that mean Gunnar is dead?" asked Aesa.
"It means he was first to die, "thundered Hyrrokkin.
"Today will mark an end to your boasting, " said Magnus.
"I shall enjoy the challenge, however brief..." bellowed Hyrrokkin.
Aesa passed around the flask from the pool that had helped her see in the dark. They all took a drink. Magnus bit his shield, slapped his ax against his chest and charged Hyrrokkin. Kara and Sigurd were used to Magnus' tactics and followed him. Magnus struck the monster with Frosik. Hyrrokkin swatted him away. Magnus hit the wall hard. Kara and Sigurd struck the monster in the flank. Their efforts left little mark on the behemoth. Ignatius, Reikov, Vikar and Doskev struck the creature in a wave. Their attacks did little damage to the thing, but Hyrrokkin now understood that this was an experienced war-party. Hyrrokkin swept at them with its tail, but they were able to avoid the effort. Hildagunn finished preparing her seid magic. Electrical energy flew from her hands, striking Hyrrokkin in the maw. The blast made him howl. Isgerd was also praying for a powerful spell. It would not be ready before the beast attacked again. Aesa and Poksok managed to sneak past Hyrrokkin without being noticed. They looked for an opportunity to strike at a weak spot.
Hyrrokkin licked his chops. "So many tasty morsels. Should I bake or fry them? Are they better mashed or whole?"
His thoughts were disrupted. Doskev and Reikov coordinated an attack. Reikov's manblade struck hard into the creature's leg while Doskev hit with the trollspear, piercing its hide. Hyrrokkin kicked Doskev so hard she flew off the ground and skidded against a boulder. Vikar grabbed the trollspear, stuck in Hyrrokin's side and pushed it deeper into its muscle. Kara had gone into a berserker rage and chopped the beast with her sword, trying to break its leg. Sigurd dodged Kara and Hyrrokkin and found a vulnerable spot to attack with his sword. He was bathed in ichor for his efforts. Magnus rushed the creature, and struck it hard in the chest with Frosik.
Hildagunn hit the creature with a barrage of magical energy bolts. The creature opened its mouth and a blast of blue flames erupted in a wave of heat and doom in the direction of Hildagunn. "Oh Fredge, duck!" shouted Ignatius. Iggy leaped in front of the blast, shield raised. Most of the blast struck his shield and armor, protecting the witch from a certain end. His armor turned red, then white hot and he fell to the ground, steam and smoke coming from his armor. Isgerd's spell was released and the ground under the beast turned to mud, sinking him past his flanks. Aesa and Poksok took advantage of this and climbed on Hyrrokkin's back, slicing at his sides with sharp swords.
Hyrrokkin sank deeper in the mud as he tried to shake Aesa and Poksok off his back. He landed a solid blow on Vikar, knocking the polar bear into the mud where he struggled in a daze. Hyrrokkin knew he would be able to release another blast of fire soon, if he could just keep the little gadflies away from his vulnerable flanks long enough. Magnus and the others took advantage of Hyrrokkin sinking in the mud to stab it in the sides. Each furious attack weakened the monster. There were now gaping wounds on the creature, but Hyrrokkin was not finished. He grabbed Doskev in his mouth and pierced her with his teeth. She struck him in the palette with her trollspear and he let go of her. Doskev fell into the mud as her blood pooled on the surface.
Isgerd touched Hyrrokkin with a spell. The muscles in his arm weakened and he lurched forward, allowing Sigurd and Kara to stab him again with their blades. Poksok and Aesa continued to strike the creature from above.
Hyrrokkin determined to rid himself of these parasites opened his mouth to bake the mud around him in a fiery blast, killing everyone around him. Hildagunn was faster. She unleashed a powerful blast of seid magic into Hyrrokkin's face. The beast let out a groan in despair before his eyes closed and he slumped into the mud. It was all Magnus and Reikov could do to pull Vikar away from the slurping mud. Kara pulled Doskev to safety.
Isgerd used up all of her healing aiding Doskev and the other warriors who had been injured in the battle. Most of the liquid from the healing pool was also used.
Aesa rushed down from the beast to help Ignatius. The others gathered around in silence. She burned her hand on his scalding hot armor. Aesa put her healing potion away. There was nothing she could do. Hyrrokkin's hateful blast had cremated Iggy's remains.
Aesa pleaded with Isgerd. "Do something! Bring him back like you did with Vikar. I don't care if he's a polar bear or a canary! Do something!" shouted Aesa.
"I can't. There is nothing left of him. Odin will not interfere when the Norns have made such a profound decision,"
"Fredge Odin! Fredgin dwarf! Why did you have to be a hero?" asked Aesa.
"He saved my life," said Hildagunn.
They formed a circle around their fallen friend. He had been like a father in the short time they had known him. When his armor cooled, Isgerd and Aesa carried it to a recess in the cave wall. They placed tokens of affection on it. The back of the cavern was filled with treasure. They heaped much of it around the armor, taking a few of the powerful magic items they found for themselves, but making sure Iggy's burial received the bulk of the goods. When all was prepared, Isgerd spoke.
"Ignatius Granitehand Blastfurance the Fourth, diplomat, hero, and friend, may you rejoin your people in bliss. When it is our time to join our ancestors may we meet again, sharing tales, embracing in friendship. Your name will not be forgotten as long as Midgard remains and Norgardians walk the world."
They remained in the cavern that day. The solemn silence was broken by the sounds of mourning and the cooking of Hyrrokkin's flesh. The gruesome food was needed to provide sustenance to the starving survivors of the monster's wrath. When all was prepared to continue the journey, they each took a final moment to pay their fallen companion respect. One by one they left the dwarf alone in the darkness.