Chapter 463: The Burden
After that incident, which nobody except the king, the soldiers, and Erend' group knew about, the forging process continued unabated.
The production of Starsteel weapons resumed with renewed vigor, each weapon forged to perfection, gleaming with an ethereal light. The dwarven blacksmiths, fueled by their unbroken resolve, hammered away, creating swords, axes, and shields that possessed unmatched sharpness and durability.
The blacksmiths had faces beaming with happiness as they hammered the metal, watching every spark come out and shine on their faces.
Then, when the weapons were finally finished, a happy laugh came out of them, showing how enjoyable the work was because they were able to work on forging the Starsteel.
Erend and his friends remained in the kingdom, lending their skills and strength to assist the dwarves. They worked tirelessly, safeguarding the forge and ensuring the smooth progress of the weapon-making process. Their presence provided an additional layer of security and bolstered the morale of the blacksmiths and soldiers alike.
The weapons produced were nothing short of extraordinary. Each piece seemed to hum with latent power, the result of the combined expertise of the dwarves and the magical properties of Starsteel.
Swords that could cut through the toughest of armor, shields that could withstand the mightiest of blows, and axes that could cleave through stone—all were crafted with meticulous care and precision.
As days turned into weeks, the kingdom's armory swelled with these magnificent weapons, ready to defend against any threat. Erend, Adrius, Adrien, Billy, and Saeldir continued to work closely with the dwarves, their camaraderie growing stronger with each passing day.
They shared meals, stories, and strategies, forging bonds that would endure beyond the immediate crisis.
The Elf woman remained securely contained within the magical tube, her presence a constant reminder of the lurking danger. Plans were made for her eventual interrogation, with Adrius taking every precaution to ensure that when the time came, she would have no means of escape.
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Few days after that incident…
The evening air was thick with the scent of roasted meats and freshly baked bread. The great hall of Khazadrim buzzed with the sounds of laughter and the clinking of mugs. Dwarves reveled in the success of their recent forging efforts, sharing tales and songs around large wooden tables laden with food and drink.
Erend, Adrius, Adrien, Billy, and Saeldir sat together at one such table, enjoying the hearty meal provided by their hosts. They looked around, appreciating the sense of camaraderie and pride that filled the hall. The dwarves had every reason to celebrate; the weapons forged from Starsteel were magnificent, a testament to their unparalleled craftsmanship and the extraordinary quality of metal.
As Erend took a sip from his mug, his gaze wandered to the animated faces of the dwarves. He couldn't help but feel a pang of worry amidst the joy.
"It's good to see them like this," he said, his voice thoughtful. "But I can't shake the feeling of what's to come."
Adrien nodded, his expression somber. "The Great Calamity... It's hard to imagine the scale of destruction it will bring. We've seen glimpses through you, but when it truly hits, it will be unlike anything we've faced."
Billy, usually the one to lighten the mood, sighed deeply. He said. "Yeah, and we can't forget how many lives will be lost. Innocent people, families... It's going to be brutal."
"We've prepared as best we can, but it's still not enough. The weapons we've forged are powerful, but will they be enough to turn the tide? We need to be ready for the worst," Saeldir said.
Adrius, who had been quietly listening, spoke up, his voice heavy with concern. "The calamity will test us all. We must not only rely on these weapons. We need to ensure that we stand together and get ready as much as possible, no matter what comes our way."
Erend nodded in agreement. "Our strength lies not just in our weapons, but in our bonds with each other. We can't let fear tear us apart. We must be ready to fight for every life."
The group fell silent for a moment, each lost in their thoughts about the looming threat. The joyous sounds of the dwarves around them seemed almost surreal in contrast to the grim reality they discussed.
Finally, Billy broke the silence. "Well, we have no choice but to face it together, do we? No matter how hard it gets, we'll keep fighting. For the dwarves, Elves, for our people, for everyone."
Saeldir smiled, then raised his mug. "To standing strong, no matter the odds."
The others followed suit, their mugs clinking together in a resolute toast. "To standing strong."
As they continued their meal, they shared plans, their spirits lifted by the bond they shared and the knowledge that they would face the coming challenges together.
The dwarves' laughter and song filled the hall, a reminder of what they were fighting to protect.
As the night wore on and the festive atmosphere in the great hall of Khazadrim continued, Erend found himself slipping into a quieter corner of the room. He watched his friends and the dwarves reveling in their hard-earned success, but his mind was elsewhere.
Being the Dragonborn had always been a heavy mantle to bear, but lately, the weight of it seemed to press down on him even more. He leaned against a stone pillar, his reptilian eyes reflecting the flickering torchlight, lost in thought.
The power he wielded was immense, unparalleled. With it came a responsibility he couldn't share with anyone else, no matter how much he trusted his friends. They could fight alongside him, strategize, and offer their unwavering support, but ultimately, the burden of his power and its consequences rested solely on his shoulders.
Erend's thoughts drifted back to the Great Calamity. He had always known that his role would be pivotal when the time came, but now, with the threat looming closer, the reality of it was stark and unforgiving.
He was the shield, the sword, and the beacon of hope all in one. It was his duty to protect those who couldn't protect themselves, to stand firm against the darkness when it came.
Erend sighed deeply, the sound barely audible above the din of the hall. He knew he couldn't let his friends see the depths of his worry; they needed to believe in him, in the Dragonborn. His strength was their anchor.
Adrius, Adrien, Billy, and Saeldir could share the fight, but they couldn't share the weight of his destiny. It was a solitary burden, one he had to carry alone.
"Well, maybe I could use some booze."
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