Anthem Of The Dwarf King

by Charley Case

  “I suppose so.” Mila leaned back on the couch, then her eyes widened at Remmy.

  Finn glanced over. The goblin was rolling up the sleeves on the t-shirt, which exposed the tattoos on her upper arms and shoulders.

  “Holy shit, Remmy,” Mila exclaimed. “Those are some amazing tattoos.”

  Remmy dropped the phone in her hands and pulled her sleeve up over her shoulder. “You like? I earned them all! Only our leader has more, and he is old and stuff.”

  “I’ve never seen tattoos on a goblin before,” Finn remarked. On his homeworld, goblins were fanatics about remaining pure to serve their lord better or something like that. Goblins tattooing themselves fascinated him. “Why do you do it?”

  Remmy jumped off the couch and, in one quick motion, her shirt was on the floor. She turned her backside to them with a comical disregard for her nudity. She twisted her arm around and pointed to where a large tribal symbol dominated her spine above the small of her back to below her shoulder blades. The intricate art spiraled to form a larger design that swept across her back and over her shoulders and thighs and ended as it wrapped around her arms and legs.

  “This is our emblem.” Her finger jabbed at the center of her back. “Everyone has one.” She ran her finger along one of the swirls away from the central design. “Each of these is for a big time deed. I killed six dire rats and saved a child for this. And this one is for when I traded pelts with a mage at the Market and brought extra food.”

  “That’s amazing.” Finn smiled. Remmy was proud of her ink—as she should be—but it still confused him why they did it. “Why do you document your deeds like this?”

  She turned and looked questioning. Her nudity made him a tad edgy, but he kept his gaze on her out of respect.

  “We don't have a master to keep track of them, so is the best thing we could think of when the last dwarf lord died.”

  “You serve dwarves?” Mila asked. Her face was still red, whether from the kissing or Remmy’s display, Finn had no clue. “I don't understand. Why would you serve them if you don't have to?”

  Finn knew Remmy’s reply wouldn't make sense to Mila. “Where we’re from, goblins and dwarves live together,” he told her. “Their species is subservient…part of the problem we were talking about. A tribe attaches to a family line of dwarves and serves them. They rank themselves amongst the other tribes by how powerful their patron is. It’s an odd social structure, but without dwarves here on Earth, they have to find another way to establish the ranking system. It looks like Remmy’s tattoos are their solution.”

  “Yup, the boss understands.” Remmy remained on full display, glancing back and forth between them, not giving a flying fuck they could see all her bits.

  Mila cleared her throat. “So, um, whats your favorite tattoo?”

  Remmy’s eyes brightened. She lifted her leg, planting a foot on the couch right in front of Mila, and pointed to one that went from her knee to the bottom of her torso. It appeared newer, looking darker and more defined than the others. “This one I got when I found the boss, and he introduced us to the Naga. A big day for our tribe.” She beamed at Finn, her sharp white teeth in a grin that nearly split her face.

  “The Naga?” Mila raised an eyebrow.

  He waved her off. “It’s no big deal. I’ll tell you later.”

  Mila nodded and turned to Remmy. She shook her head. “Fuck me, Remmy. You look like one of those crossfit badasses. Do you even have an ounce of fat on you?”

  Remmy stepped back and struck a bodybuilder pose to put on a gun show. “Gotta stay fit to protect the tribe. I’m the best warrior we have.”

  Finn glanced at the goblin, not knowing what crossfit was. Every muscle in Remmy’s compact form had definition.She was cut like few people can achieve without dehydration, with a well-defined eight pack of abs under her taut green skin. The sight, while impressive, saddened Finn. Most goblins he had come across were in fine shape, but nothing to this extreme. Another sign of how hard she must work to protect her people in a hostile environment. No wonder she was over the moon to have a night where she could relax.

  Finn snatched the t-shirt from the floor and held it toward Remmy. “Arms up,” he commanded, and she jabbed her arms straight up. He put the shirt over her head, making sure to roll the sleeves so her hands and arms were free. “Your tattoos are impressive. Thanks for showing us.”

  “No problem, boss.” Remmy smiled, playing with the front of the shirt between her fingers.

  “We have a long day tomorrow,” Mila said after finishing her beer. “We should get to bed. The couch is yours, Remmy. Grab some pillows and blankets on the shelf over there. Do you need anything before we go?”

  Remmy leapt forward and wrapped her arms around Mila's neck in a tight hug. “No. I’m great. Thanks for letting me stay the night.”

  Mila hugged back, patting her a few times. “It’s our pleasure, sweetheart.”

  The goblin faced Finn and bowed. “Thanks, boss.”

  Finn scooped her up in a hug as well, lifting her off her feet from his seated position. “Anytime, Remmy. You can feel at ease here. If you need anything, just knock on my door.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  Finn snorted awake. He scanned the dark room, finding the clock Mila had put beside his bed. 6:02 am. “Ugh.” With a groan, he went to stuff his head under his pillow then realized a ringing phone was what woke him. He felt the soft nothingness of sleep and relaxed his grip on the pillow. Another ring jarred him to wakefulness.

  “Alright, already,” he roared into the pillow before throwing it across the room. He snatched his phone up and stabbed the green answer button with a finger. “What?”

  “Finn.” Preston Meriwether’s smooth baritone came over the line. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”

  “It’s six in the morning, Preston.” Finn felt his throat crunching out the words as he worked his vocal chords for the first time that day.

  “Yes, it is. I figured you would have been up for at least an hour already. Aren’t you heading to the lake this morning?”

  Finn swung his feet out of bed and flexed his toes on the hardwood floor. “Yeah. We’re leaving in an hour. What can I do for you?” Finn felt his irritation rising, even if it was only twenty minutes before he intended to awaken.

  “I wanted to let you know what’s been happening around the world, and how it might impact your operation.”

  Preston paused, which irritated Finn further, since there wasn't much to say to that yet. Preston got the idea when Finn softly growled.

  “Most major cities are seeing an uptick in violence against magicals. The source is unknown, but we both know the Dark Star is to blame. The magical communities don’t understand her tactics and so far their outcry for support is not being met. Rather, they are turning to the Dark Star for a solution, seeing as she is promising a magical nation out in the open for all to see.”

  “I figured that would happen.” Finn’s rage was beginning to awaken too. “Is it out of control?”

  “No, not yet.” It sounded like Preston took a sip of tea. “Graffiti of the Dark Star’s symbol has been spotted in many of the affected cities. Support for her is on the rise. I’m deploying all G.A.E.L. forces at my disposal to lend aid where possible.”

  “All right. That’s good.” Finn paused, then said, “Why are you telling me this?”

  “I need you to understand, Finn, I can’t offer support from my end for your excursion.” At least some earnest frustration came through in his voice.

  “So, you called to tell me you’re not helping. Like the last time with the hounds?” His rage had its coffee and surged through him now. He opened his mouth to yell at Preston for wasting his time when an image of Rolf’s smiling face flashed in his mind.

  Finn decided the old stoner’s method was worth a try. He sucked a deep breath and let it out, waited a second, then did it again. Finn closed his eyes, feeling for the rage and its intense heat. He latched onto it, breathe
d again and forced calm to take hold. After a dozen breaths, Finn opened his eyes. He was shocked. The rage was cooling.

  Preston had been talking, but Finn was so thrilled by how he just kept the rage in check he hadn't heard a word. “Sorry, Preston. I appreciate the update. I’ll do my best to resolve the issue with the Anthem on our own. I hope G.A.E.L. can do some good out there. Bye.”

  He ended the call before Preston responded. Rolf’s simple technique worked. Finn smiled and dropped his phone on the bed. If the breathing thing worked, maybe the whole “changing the story” thing would too.

  Rolf had been right. Finn spoke about himself in a defeatist language, saying things like the rage took him, instead of the rage happening inside him. He was focusing on the negatives instead of the positives. It was such a foreign concept, he didn't know where to go with it.

  His phone rang again. He’d been abrupt with Preston, so maybe he was calling back. He answered without looking. “Hey Preston, I’m sor—”

  A sultry female voice cut him off. “Having troubles with the cow, are we, Finnegan?”

  Finn narrowed his eyes and checked the caller ID. An unavailable number. He put the phone back to his ear. “Who is this?”

  The voice chuckled. “Oh, come now. I’m insulted you’d even ask. I must say you really threw a wrench in my works when you captured Jeffery. He was such a useful tool with his knowledge of dwarven artifacts.”

  “You got the tool part right.” Finn frowned. “What do you want… I’m not calling you ‘Dark Star,’ that’s idiotic. What’s your name?”

  She chuckled without humor. “Dark Star is my title. You may call me Hellena.”

  “Hellena?” Such a normal name. Then again, should it not have been? “What is it you want from me? Besides being dead. I appreciate the high bounty, by the way. Really shows my worth.”

  “Oh, my dear prince,” she cooed. “The bounty is for your capture, not your death. I wouldn't kill the last dwarf on Earth. You are far too valuable.”

  “But you’re willing to kill my friends?”

  “They are holding you back. You could be so much more by my side. I’m sure you have seen the squalor so many of our people need to suffer to exist in this world the Peabrains have corrupted. We could save them, our kind. Give them a place to belong. That is more than that cow Meriwether can do.”

  “And you think killing my friends is the way to win me over?”

  “I think you are a man who sees the big picture. Surely your family uses such tactics on those they wish to influence. It is all part of the game, Finnegan.” Her capricious manner irked him, as if talking about killing people to make him notice her was merely a warm up.

  “Your dark magic must have addled your brain if you think I would ever help you.”

  “And why is that? There are many who will perish if the world is to know what is under their noses. Finnegan, I don't want to hurt your friends, but you’re leaving me with little choice. You keep interfering with my plans, and someone needs to pay for these drawbacks.”

  “You’re mad. Coming out in the open and taking land to start your own country will lead to nothing but war. The Peabrains won’t stop until you or they are dead. You hear me? You can't win this way.”

  She laughed, high and staccato. “Oh, Finnegan. We have nothing to fear from them. They have forgotten their power. Like children sent to battle with only their hands, they stand no chance against a united magical nation. If you come to my side, we could spare them. I have a weapon that will cull even the most determined human. Their governments will tremble at its use. A weapon—”

  “The Gjallarhorn. Yeah, I heard. Let me guess, you want me to use it to scare them into line?”

  For a few beats, he heard nothing but silence, then the sultry voice returned. “You are better informed than I gave you credit for.”

  Finn felt some pride for having surprised her. “I also know you can't use it without me. You may as well throw that thing into a volcano for all the good it will do. I’ll never blow that horn for you.”

  “Don't be so sure of your ancestors’ cleverness,” she chided in a singsong voice. “Many follow me who are clever in their own rights. Very soon, we will break the locks that hold the Gjallarhorn at bay.”

  “Then why do you want me by your side? You have it all figured out.”

  “I am not so foolish to think I am infallible. I am a pragmatist and having the last living dwarf by my side, a royal one at that, goes far in convincing our community to follow us to a new world. Think of the humans, Finnegan. Don't you want to save those who cannot save themselves? You seem to have such a compassionate streak.” She purred the last sentence.

  “I’ll tell you what, Hellena. Take the bounties down, and I’ll consider helping you out.”

  She laughed. “Why would I do that? Then you have no motivation to come to me. A little pressure buoys the soul. Really brings things to the surface, don't you think? Gets things done.”

  It was a longshot, but he felt he had to try. She was right. He was looking to take some pressure off. “Sorry, Hellena. I don't side with crazy.”

  She gave a theatrical sigh. “Very well. I’ll give you another couple weeks of dodging assassins to reconsider. In the end, I always get what I want. It’s a shame your friends will have to teach you that lesson with their lives.”

  The call ended. He tossed the phone onto his bed and got dressed with a scowl. One good thing had come from the conversation, though. She didn’t know they knew where the Anthem was, or that they were on their way to it.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Finn strode into the dojo. To his surprise, everyone was already waiting.

  Danica held a duffel bag in one hand, with her bow and quiver over her shoulder, and a backpack that bulged in odd ways. She wore thick, black winter leggings and knee-high black snow boots with black fur around the top. On top, she wore a puffy white coat with the hood up, framing her face with a rim of white fur.

  Mila was in her usual tights, a maroon sweater with her belt over top, and a pair of chunky boots that looked like they could kick a door in with no trouble. He could see she had a matching white puffy coat to Danica's, but hers was on the table beside her duffel. He smiled when he saw Penny perched on Mila’s shoulder, happy the dragon had taken to her.

  Along with the girls, the selkie twins stood with their backs to Finn, dressed for the cold in matching brown Carhartt overalls and thick leather boots. They chattered with Hermin, who, as always, wore grease-stained coveralls. They had their heads close, and the Huldu used animated gestures as he spoke.

  “Good morning, everyone,” Finn said, raising an eyebrow. “Did I miss something?”

  They all turned at once, then rushed over. Hermin said, “The trees are in an uproar,” as if that meant something to Finn.

  “Okay. Is it another group of elves growing more super-trees again?”

  Hermin paused a sec with a puzzled look. “Eh? Oh. No, not that. The trees up at Grand Lake are worrying. They called one of the elementals to their aid, but it’ll be a while before he gets there. You need to stop the leaks from the Anthem. That piece of junk is spewing raw magic into the water. It’s causing all sorts of chaos, corrupting the land and whatnot. Soon it will affect the wildlife.” He frowned. “We should have blown that damn ship up when we had the chance.”

  “You did,” Finn reminded him. “It just wasn't soon enough. But the Anthem shouldn't be corrupting anything. It uses pure magic to power it. Letting it vent should only increase the area’s magical potential, not contaminate it.”

  “Well, something is buggering up the works. We can't do much about getting rid of the ship since it’s right beside a town.” He rubbed a hand down his face. “If we try to blow it up again, it would take the town with it, and something that big is too hard to move, especially since it’s at the bottom of a lake. I don't know how the Dark Star managed it in the first place, to be honest.”

  “I know it sounds impossib
le, but I think we can disable the ship and keep it from leaking or venting or whatever the hell those idiots are doing to it.” Finn put a reassuring hand on Hermin’s shoulder.

  “Are you all ready?” he asked the selkies and Danica.

  All three nodded.

  “Good, so we need you to lay low. Get the cabin situated, see if you can see where the Dark Star’s people are. Under no circumstances should you leave the protective spells of the cabin. And be sure to have the key on you or the house will reject you, whatever that means. Preston was unclear on that, and we don't want anyone finding out the hard way.”

  The three stepped close to Hermin, bags in their hands.

  “Hermin, thanks for this. We owe you,” Finn said with a wave.

  “I don't know. By my calculations, I’d say we’re about even,” the Huldu said with a grin. “Take care of this, and me and Garret will owe you one.”

  Hermin held out his hand and golden light trickled from it like falling glitter. The rich smell of earth filled the condo, and a huge bubble appeared around all four of them. In the blink of an eye, it popped, and they vanished.

  The earthy smell dissipated as Finn glanced at Mila watching the empty space.

  “That will never get old,” she said, crossing over to the table and looking over her and Finn’s bags. “You ready? It’s a long drive up the mountain. I hope they’ve cleared the roads. The Hellcat isn’t exactly winter-friendly.”

  A snore cut the air like a buzzsaw through wood. Finn looked over the back of the couch at Remmy sprawled out, deep asleep. She had removed the t-shirt during the night and was butt-ass naked. He chuckled and pulled the blanket from the back of the couch to cover her up.

  “I’m ready, but I want to give you something first.” He strode to the kitchen and retrieved the wooden case he’d left on the counter last night. He returned and set it on the table in front of her. “Something you said yesterday got me thinking.”