Thrain Stonehammer could hardly believe the turn his life had taken. As he sat on a smooth stone near the banks of a crystal-clear stream in Canna's sanctuary, he felt a peace he hadn't known in years. The air was fresh, tinged with the scent of pine and earth, and the gentle sound of the water flowing over the rocks seemed to wash away the lingering shadows of his past.
Thrain had once been a proud craftsman in the kingdom of Belgrum, a place known for its legendary forges and skilled artisans. Dwarves like Thrain were the lifeblood of that kingdom, their hands shaping the tools, weapons, and wonders that made Belgrum wealthy and respected across the lands. But with that wealth came greed, and Thrain had grown increasingly disillusioned with the constant demands for more—more work, more time, and most infuriatingly, more of his hard-earned gold being siphoned off as taxes and "commissions" for the crown.
