***Kuro, somewhere in Hemelin…***
By now, things have calmed for a bit, though the tension after the events in the Grand Temple of the Golden Hammer remained as high as ever. Proof of that was when we escaped to the underground districts of Hemelin. There, we saw dwarves—supporters and worshippers of the Golden Hammer—marched down the tunnel roads, calling out for blood. Everyone here knew that the people from the miners' guild did the Church an 'unforgivable offense,' and the news of the disappearance of their 'god' made the feelings of hatred worse.
I can tell that if one of those miners accidentally drop by Hemelin right now, they'd be mercilessly torn apart.
"…"
Nevertheless, as we went deeper into the mountain tunnels that represented the outskirts of dwarven settlements, the greater was the 'disconnect' of the dwarves we encountered along the way.
"Don't be surprised by it," Lady Martelle told me as we walked the dark 'roads,' most of which were illuminated only by the blue glowing crystals that could be mined in this part of the mountains. "As we go deep into the city, the poorer the people are."
Well, it made sense to me. Think of it like a major urban center…a modern Earth 'metropolis' for example. If I would begin from the city center, the people living there were considerably 'urban' and 'well-off'; the so-called 'rich kids.' Then, as I walked towards the city limits, I'd start to notice the residents were getting poorer. It was one of the reasons most of the 'shanties' could be found in the outskirts of urban settlements; it was either they slowly build up there, or they were pushed by the demolitions and 'developments' led by city leaders.
As for a dwarf's case, they live in mountain peaks, so it is obvious that the limited surface area dictated their expansion deeper into the mountains.
Now that we lost our pursuers, thanks to the chaos brought by the air raid earlier, my problems only lie with the corpse with us. As she had the most physically-powerful body among us, Lady Martelle carried the body of her beloved, though we wrapped it in cloths so as not to attract suspicions. Of course, it was absurd to leave the Lord Louis on the surface; not only it was disrespectful to the old man's will, it was also unthinkable for us mortals…unless we're keeping grudges big enough to desecrate it.
"You worry too much," I heard the dwarf lady call out to me. "Here, deep in the mountain tunnel roads, the other dwarves don't care about us. For them, their own problems trying to survive another day are big enough to mind the business of others…save for when we look like the rich idiots above."
"And you're leading us here to hide, and give the guy a proper burial?"
"You really catch on quick," Lady Martelle confirmed. "Though, if I may add, Louis wants a 'proper, and reserved' burial. He's a man of simplicity; he hates fanfare, though the other dwarves often disrespect his wishes in an effort to 'impress' their god."
Isn't that the norm, though? People tend to give the best things to individuals they love…or worship.
"I dunno…Louis doesn't like to be revered as a 'god.' If anything, he disapproves religion; for him, all mortals are equal."
Well, he's someone who came from a country where 'equality' is dogma, and religiosity is frowned upon. So much is their disregard for religious stuff, that these people trying to shove equal rights down everyone's throats become the oppressors they hate themselves.
"Isn't that ironic?" the dwarf lady quipped. "Really? Louis' world is like that?"
"I come from the same world as him, though as I said before, we've got different countries. The Lord Louis hails from a place called 'United States of America,' a place known for its 'freedom' and 'equal opportunities' for all. However, by the time I was alive in our world, America has already devolved into something it claims to fight against: dissenting voices are 'canceled,' and rules are bent to favor a few."
I heard Lady Martelle laugh. "Aren't you talking about this place, Kuro?"
I shook my head. "Well, Equality is modeled after the US, so the same problems persist. In an effort to fight for the rights of the minority and remove discrimination, they ended up switching places instead. The oppressed becomes the oppressor, and the oppressor becomes the oppressed."
"Wow…"
"And that's not all. What's even worse is that, the same country views itself as an 'overseer' and would instigate conflicts in the name of 'freedom' and 'rights.' But in reality, they would only advance their interests…most of the time, to the detriment of other peoples' culture. You have no idea how much is the death toll in all the wars they took part. Not that I'm absolving other countries from the responsibility, but the hypocrisy on that one is so pronounced and stupid."
The dwarf lady fell silent after that, maybe she saw what was in my head. Back when I was a teacher in my world, I would often follow the international news, since my interests lie in geopolitics and international relations.
"So, this is why you're comfortable in this place," Lily commented.
"Honestly? More than 'comfortable,' I'd say I've seen these things happen. My country was so heavily-influenced by the US, we view their citizens like the Lord Louis as 'walking bank accounts.'"
Lady Martelle nearly burst out laughing, though she managed to stop herself. We didn't want to attract too much attention, after all.
"Let me guess, they also look unto the Golden Hammer like that?"
"Heh, that's why he's called the Golden Hammer," she pointed out. "For the dwarves, the hammer is a symbol of productivity, and gold for prosperity. And Louis' technologies helped us prosper, that's why the reverence for him is so high…until the church came into being and started asking for taxes."
"Yes, even I hated taxes," I chuckled. "Especially when I see my hard-earned money used for something else, and not for my benefit."
"What can I say?" Lady Martelle shrugged. "The dwarves' greed for material things is legendary."
----------
Eventually, we reached a place deep in the mountains where even the blue crystals that helped us navigate the tunnel roads disappeared. While not completely dark, moving around was a challenge, for instead of huge, dark spaces in-between the nearest neighborhoods, it was replaced by underground cliffs…and below were rivers of molten rock.
Of course, common sense dictated that the presence of lava wasn't a good sign of 'peaceful' mountains. Maybe the mountain peak where Hemelin was situated was an ancient 'dormant' volcano.
"This is a common feature of almost all the mountains of Equality," Lady Martelle said. "The deepest levels of the cities have rivers of melted soil running, which we use as burial grounds."
Right…w-wait!
Lily and I exchanged surprised looks. Lady Martelle, amused at our expressions, continued. "You heard me right. Old dwarves use these rivers as burial grounds."
"Huh?" the Iron Princess asked, "But didn't we just see a dwarven cemetery on the surface of Hemelin?"
"That's the new trend after the Church of the Golden Hammer came to power," the dwarf lady explained. "Well, that trend only applies to the richer dwarves. The poor ones still use these flaming rivers of liquid soil. After all, the dwarves originally believed that they were the 'children of stone,' thus, it's only proper that they go back in stone."
We remained silent as Lady Martelle put down the corpse of the Lord Louis. Then, she kneeled beside it and uttered a small prayer. Honestly, I couldn't move; it seemed like I was frozen in my spot, in utter disbelief at what I was witnessing. However, as the Lord Louis had lived among the dwarves, who am I to object at Lady Martelle's actions, even though he is human?
The dwarf lady stood up, and with one push, she let the corpse fall into the lava. Lily and I watched as the flames and molten rock consumed the body of Equality's god, and then he was no more.
So is the end of the Golden Hammer's life…
----------
After witnessing the traditional burial of the dwarves, I wanted to forget all those things for now. There were a lot of stuff going through my mind right now, and honestly, it was too overwhelming to take in. I was still clueless as to the events outside this place, nor could I do anything about it. All that I could hope for was Seirna succeeded in what she planned to do.
Time is running out for us, but I can't force things for the dwarf saint. I'll just let her grieve for now.
"…"
Well, it certainly was a change of pace in everything that we went through. I don't exactly know where this place was, though it was obvious this was under the mountains around Hemelin. Dwarves had built these tunnel roads and districts way back in the past; Lily surmised it was during the time of their grandparents' grandparents, and Lady Martelle confirmed it was finished shortly after the Golden Hammer—known before as Louis—ascended the throne (and presumably possessed the god-powers).
Honestly, I'm lost as to how long the Golden Hammer has lived. I mean, as someone who possessed similar power, I couldn't help but think I'd suffer a similar fate. When I saw him before, my impression of him could be summarized in one word: husk. The Golden Hammer—though I never got to know him personally—was obviously just a 'husk' of his former self. A walking zombie…or simply, a ghoul.
"It's interesting, you know," I heard Lady Martelle speak, though she never took her eyes off the makeshift tombstone she made for the Lord Louis. "A zombie, or a ghoul. Quite an interesting way to describe your first impression of Louis."
With my thoughts exposed and Lily glaring back at me, I admitted to my rudeness. "I apologize, Your Holiness."
"No, I really find it interesting," the dwarf lady said. "I'm not taking offense for your thoughts, for we have the same opinions."
There was a faint hint of pain and bitterness in her voice as she spoke; not wishing to offend her further, I kept silent. Lily and I simply exchanged glances, for we could offer no words of comfort to her. But Lady Martelle continued…
"Those dwarves…you've seen how stupid my people can get, Kuro. All because of their insatiable greed. And, they—using the god-powers—prolonged the life of Louis…up to the point that he lost himself."
Well, if that's so…I guess, the Lord Louis really has to…die. In my world, I knew of some countries who really put into law the practice of assisted…err, suicides, simply because some people preferred to end their lives than to risk suffering from their debilitating diseases. While I don't agree with such things, I also believe there are exceptions.
"…"
However, I feel like I'm missing something here.
The dwarf lady stood from her spot and turned to me once she made sure that Louis' grave was secure. "Tell me, Kuro, what bothers your mind?"
"You know, the Prince Uhrian…he is the Golden Hammer's son, right?"
"Yes."
"And, by the way you speak, I can tell that His Highness also knew of your promise to Louis."
"That's correct."
"So, that time that he sent you with me…"
"You want to know the reason he forced me to come, Kuro?" Lady Martelle had fun leading me around in circles. "Well, let me tell you. It's obvious that Louis' head of security is keeping me—and his son—away from him, right?"
"Yes, I'm aware."
"Well then…" the dwarf lady pointed out, "Think about it. My 'uncle,' Prince Giuseppe Uhrian, is always a voice of reason, right? Now imagine him with his father. This farce, known as the 'Church of the Golden Hammer,' will not even exist!"
"Your Holiness," it was Lily. "So, what you are saying, is…"
"Yes, Princess," the dwarf lady pointed. "The Prince Uhrian knows I will kill his father the moment we'll meet. Miss Farah is somehow aware, though not fully, of my plans. So, she sought to separate us from him, to prop up that despicable church."
"Because if the Golden Hammer dies, it's only sensible that the Prince Uhrian will succeed him," I was getting excited of the epiphany. "And the halfling prince will destroy the church the moment he comes to power!"
Lady Martelle said nothing, but I could tell from her smile that I hit the truth.
----------
Well, that certainly made sense. Prince Giuseppe Uhrian was disillusioned with the Church of the Golden Hammer, though the head of his father's security, Miss Farah Koh, couldn't make a move against him (I mean, assassination, just like what she did to me) because Lady Martelle (the dwarf saint) was with him. So, she had to make compromises…and the next best thing after murdering a rival was to send him into self-exile.
I've seen and read a lot of historical accounts on court intrigues and plots to believe it is possible.
However, being a dutiful son to his father, Prince Uhrian needed to do something about it. The Lord Louis really 'has to go,' for even I—who was barely acquainted to him—could tell that he's suffering.
Seems like I got myself into another deep shit, huh? Apparently, it is because of those jerks who surrounded Prince Uhrian's father.
"…"
I guess this is the time I should rethink of my plans. Of course, I wanted to acquire the god-powers as soon as possible. But I couldn't ignore the fact that the Lady Helgath would have to 'recover' and 'move on' with her heartbreak. And I'm not a gigolo; I would never exploit a vulnerable lady's heart for my own gain. Still, the clock was ticking; the Seductress had to be dealt with to ensure a future for everyone of us living in this world and the others.
"…"
I inadvertently stared at Lady Martelle, who was walking beside Lily as we go back to the vestiges of dwarven civilization. It'd better that she healed herself first, before we talk of the god-powers. After all, the dwarf saint had gone through a lot of pain as well.
----------
***The city of Montserrant***
As the city of the Cole Miners' Guild braced for the inevitable assault of the forces loyal to the Golden Hammer, the purge of the latter's supporters from the population intensified.
"Destroy the traitors! Kill them all!"
"The Golden Hammer is a fake god! The Lord Kuro is the savior we need!"
"Glory to the dwarves! Glory to the miners!"
Seirna watched the dwarves while they dragged and beat up the living remnants of the Golden Hammer's worshippers throughout the streets of Montserrant. The seething populace added to their woes by throwing rotten food at them, all the while they chanted 'Death!' Never wishing to part with their material wealth, the dwarves' suppressed anger was made worse by the taxes collected from them by the Golden Hammer's bishops.
And everything was going according to the Overseer Saint's plans.
Of course, the holy lady never forgot the transgressions of the dwarves, having thrown away their faith on the saints in favor of worshipping some unknown human from another world because he gave them material wealth. While she sought to minimize the 'negative events' so as not to strengthen the Seductress' sway over Equality, Seirna was still willing to punish the 'sinners' that made the religion of the Golden Hammer possible.
And there's no other 'great punishment' than letting these 'sinners' die in the most brutal way possible…
"…"
After all, she needs faithful supporters for Kuro, who will never question everything he sets his mind to do.
"We did nothing wrong! We only worshipped the one who gave something to us!" was the scream of one of the victims of the purges. Seirna was surprised by the power of that scream; the dwarf certainly put all his strength and frustrations on that one, even as his body was bruised and wounded. And what's even worse was that, it also intimidated the other dwarves from touching him.
"Never let filth come out from that sinner's lips!" Seirna ordered. "Keep yourselves—oh, holy warriors of the Lord Kuro—pure from evil!"
The dwarf would've said something else, but then, one of his captors put a cover on his mouth to keep him from speaking.
"Curse you! Curse you, harbinger of evil!" another dwarf shouted, though he directed his hate towards the Overseer Saint. "May the Golden Hammer strike you dead, you and your fake god!"
Seirna chuckled. "I return your curses, dwarf! Let the fires of holiness burn your soul, and renew your spirit…tainted by your Golden Hamme—" She was interrupted in her words when the dwarf spat on her face. Shocked at the insolence, the Overseer Saint retaliated by lighting up the 'sinners,' each one tied to a pole.
The others could only look in muted silence, as the hateful howls and angry screams of the victims of the purges echoed throughout the caverns of the underground districts of Montserrant.
----------
The queen of the miners' guild, Paula, watched in silent horror as she recognized a few close acquaintances among the victims of the witch hunt. However, as much as she wanted to intervene on their behalf, she had to relent, for she was afraid of being seen as someone 'lenient' by her guild members. The conversation she had with the Overseer Saint was still fresh in her mind…
"Is the world going to be destroyed?" she asked Seirna a few days ago.
"What do you think? I—as the representative of the Lord Kuro—was sent to you to preach his faith and save your people, Your Majesty," the Overseer Saint replied. "I know you've been blinded by your greed for too long, but there is a great evil—greater than that of the demons—gaining power as long as the dwarves have been unfaithful. And the Lord Kuro is here to fight that 'evil.' All that I'm asking is for you to support him."
"So that giant's appearance is related to the Lord Kuro's coming?"
"Who knows?" Seirna quipped. "But if she's an enemy of the saints, then the Lord Kuro will deal with her."
"Then what should we do, Your Holiness?"
The Overseer Saint's lips drew a smirk. "You know what to do, Your Majesty. The Lord Kuro gave you victory over the powerful armada of that fake god. Now you return the favor by purging your city with the faithless. Friend, family, neighbor…no one's going to be spared. After all, this great evil I'm speaking of will never spare you once she gains power."
At that moment, the queen knelt before Seirna. "Your god shall be my people's god, Your Holiness. Anyone who says otherwise will die by our hammers and axes…just please, save us from this 'evil' you speak of."
With that promise, Paula sought to build a powerful army for the Overseer Saint and her god, something Equality had never seen before. While it was true that the Golden Hammer gave them the 'knowledge' about industry, she believed that it was for this purpose…and the Cole Miners were here to save their people. And to that extent, she called for a council of her ministers.
----------
Of course, to fulfill her oath to the Overseer Saint, there was no other way to show one's zeal towards their god than to bring in new followers. The Cole Miners' Guild, though it was only one of the many miners' guilds scattered across Equality, held the distinction of being the most 'vocal' of their opposition to the religious taxes imposed by the Church of the Golden Hammer. However, aside from them, there were other cities and guilds who were dissatisfied with their 'hard-earned' goods and money being taken away by the church officials at exorbitant rates.
"…"
While the Church of the Golden Hammer held a powerful sway over the dwarf society, the influence of the Cole Miners' Guild was still a force to reckon with. Yes, they were defeated and subjugated during the time of Paula's grandfather and has kept the 'status quo' ever since, but the minerals they mine and send to the church officials 'maintained' their relevance and clout with the other cities…much to the displeasure and inconvenience of the Church. After all, their metallic ores may not be as sturdy as mithril, but those metals were necessary for the production of dwarf trucks and other vehicles for the transport of their goods—in which they put high value because of their 'cargo-centric' faith. It was also the reason the Cole Miners' taxes were significantly higher than the other cities and guilds, under the guise of 'proving' their faithfulness to the Golden Hammer.
Thus, Queen Paula knew where she had to find help.
"Send messengers to all cities listed on that paper," the miner queen told her ministers. "Tell them about our new faith in the Lord Kuro, and his servant, the Lady Seirna Stephanie. Also, encourage them; now is the time to throw off the yoke imposed upon us by the corrupt Church of the Golden Hammer. Ask them to join us in our struggle to preach and bring our people, the dwarves, into the light of our new faith."
"We're really breaking off with the Church, Your Majesty?" one of her ministers asked.
"We've already passed the point of no return, milord," the miner queen reiterated. "If we revoke our faith in this new religion and in the Lady Seirna, chances are we'll be killed. You've seen how powerful she is! And, even if she will not do that, our fates will remain the same. We're the leaders that conspired and attacked Hemelin; the Golden Hammer will make sure that we'll be an example for others not to follow."
There was an air of dread that hung inside the council room as the dwarf ministers realized the gravity of their actions. Still, Queen Paula sought to allay their fears.
"Well, it's not like the Lady Seirna and the Lord Kuro are not taking care of us. They gave us victory after victory over our faithless enemies," she pointed out. "But, I believe we have to do our part in spreading this new faith. I've already talked to Her Holiness about the religious taxes, and she assured me that the Lord Kuro is someone who is averted in forcing people. Isn't that a good thing? The dwarves groan about the exorbitant taxes the Church collect from us, after all!"
Another minister supported her, "And the more cities and guilds we convince, the greater the pressure we can exert on the Church to stop this crusade against us. If the situation turns for the worse, we can impose a blockade on them."
"Well, it's no doubt on the benefits of convincing others to our cause. But, it takes time; what shall we do with those who refuse to believe?"
"If they will remain neutral in this conflict, then we'll never attack them," the dwarf queen quipped. "Otherwise, once this war is won they will suffer my wrath."
The confidence Queen Paula exuded impressed her ministers, that no one dared to question the wisdom of her plans. With everyone agreeing to it, Montserrant began 'evangelizing' their brethren likely to join the cause. For the miner queen, not only would it prove their zeal to the Lord Kuro, but also add to their numbers. It was never a secret to them that Hemelin had already called a 'crusade' against their city, and she was under pressure to protect her people from the Church.
And once they prevailed, the armies she formed will fight that 'evil' the Lady Seirna speaks of.
"…"
The miner queen smiled. Her heart was buoyed by the thought of being immortalized in dwarf history as someone 'holy' and 'steadfast' in her convictions, and the one who saved her people. It was every dwarf's dream; a subject of their songs, the muse of epics to be written, and her likeness embossed on every gold coin minted. While Paula cared for the members of her guild and the city where she has authority, the blood of the dwarves still runs in her. She still had her own desires and ambitions…