Translator: Cinder Translations
...
The deep, dark tunnel stretched endlessly into the distance, with the crackling sound of burning torches echoing through it. The sound of footsteps on the ground reverberated for a long time before fading away.
The air was thick and muddy, mixed with the smell of earth. At times, one had to take deep breaths to get enough oxygen.
Stanford and his men walked through this environment, passing through a mountain tunnel dug by dwarves.
Many were filled with unease, trembling uncontrollably, as if they were walking the path to hell.
Even more were afraid the tunnel would suddenly collapse, burying them alive.
"If you're scared, humans, I'll say it again—you can turn back now," Barash said smugly. Dwarves were known for their loud voices, and Barash was no exception. His voice, amplified by the tunnel, rang like a bell.
Stanford shook his head. Go back? What a joke.
Two nights ago, the dwarf Barash had agreed to help them cross the Rocky Mountains. After resting at the dwarf camp for a night, Barash personally led them toward the Hammer Clan's residence—Furnace Keep.
The steep mountain crossing Stanford had anticipated never came. Instead, the dwarves led them through a shortcut—a tunnel.
The dwarven tunnels were essentially labyrinths, twisting and turning with frequent forks and changes in elevation. In some sections, there were no torches, and they had to rely on the faint glow of unknown fungi clinging to the walls for light. This made it incredibly difficult to remember the way.
Without a guide, most would probably meet their end, like the piles of bones occasionally seen along the way.
The tunnel they were walking through wasn't continuous. Although each section was long, there was always an exit that led to a valley. After walking through a stretch of mountain path, they would enter another tunnel.
"We're here!"
Finally, they arrived at the most open valley since entering the mountain.
As they approached the tunnel's exit, Barash kindly reminded them to squint their eyes.
Stanford partially covered his eyes with his hand, squinting as he looked into the distance.
The first thing he saw was a patch of land that, though uneven, had clear signs of cultivation. It seemed that even the mountain-dwelling dwarves engaged in farming.
Looking further, a massive, towering structure stood against the rocky wall of the valley.
It appeared to be a castle, but its style was incredibly rugged.
"Welcome to Furnace Keep," Barash said, pointing toward the huge building embedded in the rock wall.
"In your human terms, this is the 'capital' of the Hammer Clan. Soon, you'll meet my father."
"It's an honor!" Stanford thanked him.
The group continued walking toward the massive castle.
As they drew nearer, Stanford finally saw that the castle's main structure was carved directly out of the rock wall. In some areas, bricks were used to supplement the construction.
He once again marveled at the dwarves' extraordinary craftsmanship.
"Are we the first humans to visit here?"
"Haha, Mr. Stanford, I'm sorry, but you can't claim that honor."
Barash laughed heartily.
"In the long history of the dwarves, many outsiders have visited here—some orcs, and some humans. They were often friends who had done our people great favors and were loyal, trustworthy, and honorable. But, such lucky visitors only come once every few decades."
Imar, who had been walking beside them, interjected, "There was also that ancient war…"
"Shut up, Imar!" Barash cut him off. "Let's not talk about that. Come on, let's head inside."
The dwarf guards at the castle gate widened their eyes upon seeing their young master leading a group of humans inside.
But they didn't stop them. They merely cast curious glances, as humans were a rare sight for some dwarves who seldom descended the mountain.
Stanford and his men, though uncomfortable under the scrutiny, entered the castle.
They soon realized that the castle was much more expansive inside than they'd imagined. It wasn't merely a shallow carving into the rock wall but a vast space that felt more like a town—large even by human standards.
The interior was well-ventilated and lacked the stifling atmosphere of the tunnels.
As they walked, Stanford saw taverns, markets, shops, residential areas, and various other functional zones, bustling with activity, much like a human city.
Yes, this was a city—one built into the mountain itself.
A wide main road led directly to the clan leader's residence, and they followed it to its end.
The clan leader's dwelling wasn't as imposing as that of a human king or lord, but the doors were larger than those of other dwarf buildings.
Barash led them straight inside without obstruction.
In a spacious hall, the clan leader of the Hammer Clan received Captain Stanford.
Barash's father was a dwarf with a beard so long it nearly touched the ground. His face was ruddy and full, and his body was stout. He wore clothes made of linen and a cape fashioned from the pelt of some unknown beast.
Other than his beard, the clan leader didn't look much different from his people.
"My son, why have you brought a group of humans to Furnace Keep?" The dwarf clan leader cast a stern look at the group.
"Father!" Barash stepped forward and explained, "These humans saved Imar from orc bandits."
"Oh?" The dwarf leader glanced at his nephew.
"Tell me exactly what happened."
Imar immediately stepped up, embellishing the tale with wild exaggerations, as was his habit.
But his self-aggrandizing managed to cover the truth well enough. The dwarf leader knew his nephew's personality, so he didn't doubt the premise that the humans had saved him.
"So, do you expect a reward?"
"We wish to cross the Rocky Mountains and return to our homeland in the south," Stanford requested, explaining his origins.
"And please accept this humble gift as a token of our gratitude, Lord Dwarf King."
He deftly offered the gifts.
"The Dwarf King? Haha!"
The clan leader laughed. "Humans, you certainly know how to flatter. Very well, I'll accept your fine little trinkets."
"In gratitude for your gift and for saving one of our own—and in recognition of your bravery—I will allow you to pass through our lands. But you must swear by your gods that you won't reveal any details of the journey to others."
"I swear I'll comply with your demands!" Not that he remembered much anyway.
The clan leader looked at his nephew.
"Alright! Imar, it's getting late. Lead our human guests to rest. Tomorrow, find someone to guide them south. You know what to do."
"Yes, Uncle."
Stanford breathed a long sigh of relief. The ordeal was finally coming to an end. He followed Imar out of the hall. Behind him, he could hear the dwarf clan leader speaking to his son.
"Barash, inform the elders later. We need to discuss how to deal with those orc brats. They've gotten too bold, daring to make trouble for the dwarves."
"Yes, Father."
(End of the Chapter)
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