A Frozen Destiny

by Alan Mundle

  We have personally read both accounts of the situation that transpired in your facility concerning the Griftin. After careful consideration, We have dismissed Lord Zentin from Void Prison and recalled him to Our service. You will have no further interruptions from him during your great task, nor should you fear any retaliation from his family upon his return. We are informed that you have taken his youngest son into your service as Second. While We do not know this Forin personally, We will leave the decision of his fate in your hands.

  The Empire is rife with heated discussions concerning the Griftin. Many questions require answering that greatly affect the future well being of our kind, all of which you know. But the one We must have an answer to immediately is if it is alone. If not, how many remain in the world, what are they doing, where have they been for the last fifty thousand years, and what are their intentions towards the Dwarves? It cannot be stressed to you enough the seriousness of this matter. The Empire has contained the news from the rest of the world, but even our ability to control such knowledge is temporary. Things eventually do come to the light of the surface, and We cannot let the Dwarven Nations of this world come under panic, and make no mistake, there will be if there are no answers. Ignorance is a vile, insidious thing. We therefore implore you to hurry.

  We have sent what little information on the Griftins We have in the Imperial Archives, that it might help you on your mission. It should find you in tomorrow's train in the hands of one Professor Dalara, of the Mordabinn Imperial University. With the exception of yourself, she is the closest thing we have to an expert on these creatures in all the Four Nations. We’re sure you will take extra care of her.

  We have also extended a personal invitation to your family to dine with the Imperial Court, that we may find out more of you through those that have raised such an exceptional Dwarf. Rest assured that they will be in complete safety during their stay in Our great mountain and treated as though they were Our family.

  It is unfortunate that We must raise the only point of concern about your command of the facility. Whispers have reached Us that you are engaging in personal relations with a female guard within your employ. As I'm sure you are aware, the law forbids the leader of an Imperial Commission to associate with another under their rank. We have decided not to intervene in this issue, mainly because you cannot afford the distraction. We are aware that the two of you are young, and opportunities for companionship are slim. If you choose to continue your relationship with this guard, you may do so on the condition that should it still exist after your great task is done, you are both ordered to find a suitable husband on your return to the mainland and begin a family group. Failure to do so will lead to direct intervention by the Empire.

  We will end this correspondence with a lighter note. Thoughts of hope for you are both in Our mind, your family's and that of all Dwarven Nobility. We all look to you in this uncertain time. May The Great Rock and all its Gods go with you.'

  Empress Darina

  Sovereign of Mordabinn

  Ruler of all Dwarvingdom

  Torbin traced the writing on the scroll with his finger. Though printed from a Comm machine, his mind reeled from the fact that the Empress's hand had written these words. The sheer joy was great in him. But in all, the thing he was most grateful for was the life and love of the Dwarf now recovering in his bed, a transgression that even the Empress herself permitted.

  Torbin took the scroll to the bed and made Soraba read it aloud for, what was for her, the twentieth time. After which the guard put it aside and took her lover in her arms.

  'Did you ever imagine such a thing would be possible?' asked Soraba.

  'Every Dwarf dreams of glory, of having everything. But this? It's madness, and bliss all rolled into one.' Torbin kissed Soraba passionately, their bare skins touching, feeling every part of her he could find before breaking it. 'But I would lose all of it if it meant keeping you.'

  'I'm not sure your parents would agree. They must be going crazy with the news. I know mine would.'

  Torbin laughed 'I'm fully expecting scrolls from all of them and my siblings. I can see them now. My fathers won't shut up about their pride, my mothers in fits of tears and about being treated so well. My brothers angry with me for not bringing them here, my sisters bathing in the gold our House will receive...' Soraba let out a little gasp of pain, Torbin squeezing her too hard. Though she was much improved, she still had some healing to do. 'I'm sorry!' Torbin cried, afraid of doing more damage and leaning away.

  'It's fine. My only pain comes from knowing I can't be ravaged by you right now.'

  Torbin smiled. The same morning, they did have sex, but it was slow, passionate, both Dwarves able to communicate how seriously they loved each other.

  'Well, make sure you get your strength back, Guardswoman, or I'll have to chain you to the bed until then.'

  Soraba laughed. Torbin couldn't help but ache for her. There was nothing more Torbin wanted than to take her again. So he did.

  CHAPTER 10

  A FATHER’S BURDEN

  Rafarin had simply had enough. He sat outside his House on the upstairs balcony looking over the rest of BlueStone City, a tankard of mead in his hand. The rest of his House knew that when he was up there, it was his time. Not even his First Wife dared step out there when he was in one of his moods. And right now, he was in one of the biggest.

  He and his family were playing host to House Bardin. Their daughter, Serna, had become of age. Rafarin's husband Dentin had been friends with her family since he was a Dwarfling and insisted on a union between their two houses. The two families negotiated the marriage contract. Serna's family would play a more than acceptable dowry to marry their daughter to the famous Scholar who put their city on the map with the invention of the thermal armour.

  But his son was away. Good, he thought. He had spent the past four hours at dinner, arguing about why Torbin would not write back from the Wastes with his answer as to whether or not he wanted the marriage. In the end, only insults and threats were exchanged, and it wasn't long before Rafarin got up from the dinner table and walked away. It was one of the biggest insults he could pay in a meeting of two Houses, but in the end, Rafarin didn't care. He knew the marriage would have been advantageous for both Houses, but from the start, he knew that his son deserved better than a spoiled brat who's First Husband, as Torbin needlessly pointed out, was an fool. He knew both his wives and husband would make his life unbearable for weeks on end, but he cared even less. He had tried not to take favourites among the children in his House. He loved them equally and made time for all of them.

  But Torbin was different. Of all his Dwarflings, it had been his youngest son who he had found in his study in the middle of the night, pouring through his books, captivated with every page. He punished him of course, but that didn't stop the boy from trying again and asking him questions, over and over again about what he had read the night before. Though his questions only made sense half of the time, he was impressed even then by the depth of his thirst for knowledge. Dentin laughed at the boy's ability to get into trouble all the time, and both wives were always furious. But Rafarin decided one day he would test his son. Every week, he would sit in his study and devise new ways to secure his study from his son. He tried many different methods, from designing new locks to creating obstacles in the hallways. With every new trick, he always left a solution for his son to find, and he found himself excited to get up at a ridiculous time of the night to see all of his tests defeated. He'd find the little Dwarfling asleep with his head in a big book, a silent acknowledgement that he was ready to be carried back to bed. One night after putting him back in his room, Rafarin made a decision.

  One morning, he had summoned his son to his study. He would never forget the look on Torbin's face as he poked his head around the door, a look of both dread and wonder on his face. Usually, the only reason any of the Dwarflings came to the study was punishment for having done something awful. But when the boy loo
ked around the study he had come to know so well his eyes fell upon something new. A small workstation now sat opposite the main desk. Rafarin took his shaking Dwarfling over to it, his wide eyes looking over everything, including a new set of journals, books, a small chest full of Runes, one for every element. There were small tools and materials on there that Torbin didn't dare touch. He kept looking back to his First Father, hardly daring to hope of what this all could mean. Rafarin crouched down beside him, took his shoulders and looked him straight in the eyes. 'Now you can spend time here every day and not when we should both be sleeping.'

  Rafarin could see what this meant to his son. It was everything to the boy to be able to do what he really wanted and to do it together. He made it clear to the Dwarfling that there were rules at being allowed to study with him. He had to keep his workbench mess-free, to stop when told and to never, ever enter the room again without permission, especially at night, for he had long forgotten how it felt to get a decent night’s sleep. It was also a condition that he worked hard, get into BlueStone University and, above all, do something great one day. The boy was true to his word. His brothers made fun of him, as they had all their hearts set on becoming Warriors in the city militia and his sisters didn't like the idea that he was getting special treatment. But Rafarin soon, like always, found ways to please everyone.

  Except for this night. The old Scholar had made two Houses livid. He got up from his chair and put his mead on a table. He walked to the edge of the balcony and looked out across the city, watching the daylight slip away in time to see the horizon light up with the artificial glow from the Fire Runes in every building. Then he saw them.

  A team of Dwarves marched up the steps to the front door of his House. Two wore expensive coverings followed by four armoured Warriors carrying two big chests. Rafarin knew they were not expecting anyone else, as his wives had made sure they were left alone with House Barden. This night keeps getting better, he thought. He leaned over the balcony and cleared his throat.

  'Hail, good Dwarves, declare yourself.'

  The Dwarf leading the company stopped and looked up to the balcony 'Do we speak with Rafarin, Son of Hacktin, head of this House?'

  'Indeed.'

  'I am Lord Canvarin of the Empire. We come bearing news of your son, Torbin. Please permit us to enter, good Dwarf.'

  Rafarin's knees lost their strength for a moment, forcing him to lean on the balcony. He feared this moment ever since his son left for the Wastes. It was hard for him to find his voice. 'Please, my Lord, tell me that he is well… that he still lives.'

  The visiting Lord smiled at these words. 'Relax, good Dwarf, your son is very well. Better than ever, in fact. Please, permit us entry, we have a lot of news for you and your House.'

  Rafarin knew well enough that when a Lord of the Empire said please, it was just a courtesy. Rafarin left his balcony at speed. Your son is very well. Better than ever, in fact. His mind raced at what the Lord's words meant, but more than anything, he was glad that it had not been the news he feared. He passed the main hall, his family and guests standing when he entered. Without a word, he passed them all by and headed straight for the front door. On arrival, he activated the Earth Rune on the primary mechanism. The Rune glowed a bright green. Locks and gears within the double stone door started moving, releasing a series of locks and bolts. When all of them had released, the door swung slowly outwards, revealing the Royal contingent waiting outside. The Lord that had addressed Rafarin walked to the threshold and stopped, bowing his head and holding his hands out before him.

  'We ask permission to enter the good House of Rafarin.'

  Rafarin froze to the spot. A Lord of the Empire had just bowed his head to him, asking to enter in a way that commoners sought permission to even speak with them.

  ‘My House is honoured by your presence, my Lord, and would not see you on these steps any longer, please, enter.’

  Rafarin lead the Royal party inside his home. The resolve of his wives, Anessa and Jisara had cracked enough to break with honourable tradition themselves and leave their guests at the dinner table to see what was happening. Anessa nearly ran up to her First Husband.

  ‘What in the Void is going on-’

  But before she could continue, Rafarin pulled her and Jisara together and spoke quietly. ‘Hush, the Empire is here. Go back to Dentin and tell him to keep everyone-’

  But it was no use. Dentin had also come to see what was happening, as well as all of House Bardin. Dentin looked furious as the party he had arranged for the night had fallen to pieces. All their guests looked deeply insulted, and Bardin himself made quick to intercept Rafarin. ‘You insult my family and me by leaving dinner Rafarin, and now you wound us again by lettings these-’

  ‘Peace, good Dwarf, the fault is ours.’ It was Lord Canvarin who spoke. Bardin’s heated resolve melted away when he identified the Imperial robes of the Empire and bowed, as did both families as the entering company approached. ‘I apologise, Rafarin for this interruption, we did not know you were entertaining tonight. We have important news for your family, but you may wish to do so privately from the presence of others.’

  But Rafarin didn’t care. All he wanted to find out about his son now. ‘Please, my Lord, you may speak your business. Bardin and I were in fact in talks about unifying our Houses by marriage, you may speak freely.’

  ‘Very well,’ said Canvarin. ‘As I said outside, my presence concerns your son, Torbin.’

  Everyone heard Anessa take a deep breath. Rafarin knew she felt as he did concerning their son’s fate, and he saw colour leave her face as she braced herself for the worst. ‘Please my Lord, continue…’

  ‘Though I cannot reveal the details of what happened, your son has achieved high recognition by the Empire for his service out in the Wastes. His bravery and cunning have brought your family into the Noble ranks. The news of your son’s status will reach the authorities of BlueStone City tomorrow, and you will be invited by its leaders to join them as a ruling brother of this land. We have brought with us tonight wealth from Mordabinn to secure your family’s new position and a contingent of personal guards to protect you and your loved ones. I have in my hand a personal invitation from the Empress for your family to attend her and the Imperial Court at a banquet in your son’s honour. You are to be congratulated, Rafarin, on raising a Dwarf of exceptional ability.’

  Rafarin’s heart was fit to burst with both shock and pride, but he somehow managed to extend a shaking hand and accept the invitation. Anessa was in tears, and Jisara had fainted into Dentin’s arms. The new guards lowered the two large chests to the ground. Their leader, a stern female, approached Rafarin and drew her sword. She bowed to Rafarin and offered it to him.

  ‘We pledge our lives to you and your House, Noble Rafarin. By our blood and sacrifice shall your family stay strong.’

  The other guard knelt and offered his swords in unison. Lord Canvarin approached Rafarin and put a hand on his shoulder. ‘I realise this is a lot for you to take in Noble Dwarf. My fellow Lord and I will leave you now, that you and your family can adjust to the new way of things.’

  ‘Please, my Lord,’ Rafarin replied hastily. ‘Do you bring any word from my son, himself? We would know what he is doing in Void Prison that has brought this good fortune upon us all.’

  ‘I have no word from your son, though I imagine that will follow soon. As to what he is doing I cannot answer, for I honestly do not know.’ Canvarin’s face darkened as he considered the matter, which did nothing to lessen Rafarin’s concerns. The Lord approached him and spoke more seriously. ‘To be honest, many Lords are looking for answers concerning your son’s deeds. The Empire is keeping a lot of things quiet about what is happening out there. The only word I have is that the First themselves have taken control of the mainland station that sends trains to the prison, controlling all information that enters and leaves. Whatever your son is doing must be very important to Mordabinn for such measures to be taken-’

&
nbsp; ‘But that is all we know.’ The other Lord finally spoke, a female who quickly cut off her companion. ‘Rest assured, good Rafarin, that your son is safe and will be in contact soon. Now, we really must be going.’

  The Lords turned to leave with all other Dwarves bowing before them. As they departed, Rafarin kept looking out beyond the door. High voices started behind him. He could hear his First Wife and daughters in hysterics, the males starting to argue amongst themselves, their guests pulling together to talk among themselves. But Rafarin remained silent, still looking out into the night after the two Lords. Canvarin’s words again hammered in his head. The look on the Lord’s face as he spoke refused to leave him. He looked at the chests brought by the guards before him then slowly looked at the invitation in his hand, then back to his family. They rushed towards him with a flurry of questions.

  ‘When can I leave that I might join my brother, First Father?’ said Etarin.

  ‘When can we open the gold and jewels?’ shouted Kresa.

  ‘We should conclude negotiations now, Rafarin!’ demanded Bardin.

  ‘Husband, what should we do with our guests?’ pleaded Dentin.

  ‘Rafarin, when will my son come home?’ pleaded Anessa.

  It was his First Wife’s words that drew a response. Rafarin saw they were of one mind and held her. ‘I wish I knew, love.’ His words brought the room to silence. Rafarin stepped back from Anessa and regarded all the others. ‘I must retire to my study.’

  And for a second time that night, Rafarin left his family and that of House Bardin’s behind. He could hear the uproar behind him but again refused to care. He climbed the stairs, walked through the corridors, entered his study and locked himself in it. Rafarin found himself walking over to the little workbench beside his own that had once belonged to Torbin. He sat in the small chair and looked at all the small tools, research notes and pictures on it. He grabbed the first fresh piece of plain parchment he found, took some ink and started to write. He heard knocking on the study door, but he ignored it. Rafarin needed to know more about what was happening and didn’t care about the others, the guards or even all the gold and jewels now sitting downstairs. He wanted his son back.