"What a little monster," Amnur mumbled, doing his best to keep his inner heat from burning the forest. He was still discussing with Hrothgar how they were to protect Eldrian. The dwarf kneeling before him, not daring to raise his head.
"Lord Amnur, I do not understand why you asked us to stay our hand. Bringïrr nearly had his beard singed."
Amnur found it strange how dwarves still cared so much for their beards, a culture that has not only existed since before his birth but also seemingly grown since then. Hrothgar would never question him, even if those under him died. Yet for a beard, he dared.
"Because he has to walk his path. If we influence his growth, then he will never grow. Hrothgar, you know this..." Amnur paused, moving his hands through his red beard. "Yes, you have not had a new recruit in a century. So you might have forgotten."
