Return to Kazahur Mine
The spot where we got off was the entrance to Kazahur Mine, Ukun's hometown. Massive, awe-inspiring dwarf statues carved right into the cliffside greeted us. Just like before, the area in front of the mine entrance buzzed with dwarves hustling about. Covered head to toe in grime and dust, they all had a smoke clenched between their teeth, puffing away heavily as they moved with purpose. Thick clouds of dust rose from their bushy hair and beards, making Brione freak out and clap a hand over her mouth and nose.
The stinging mix of dust, stone powder, and the unwashed stench burned her nostrils.
"This is embarrassing," Ukun muttered, handing Brione a white handkerchief with lace trim, his face flushed with shame.
"Phew... seriously... this is no joke..." Brione sighed deeply, pressing the cloth to her nose.
There was a specific reason they hadn't brought Atergar along. Dragons and dwarves got along about as well as thieves and cops. Dragons hoarded shiny gems, and dwarves mined them. It was only natural for dragons to raid dwarf cities for loot. There were even epic tales of brave dwarves slaying dragons who dared invade. Sure, Atergar was polymorphed into human form, but who knew if her eyes wouldn't roll back at the sight of all those gems piled up in a dwarf mine?
"We're here to see the elders, right, Balder? Let's head in."
"The thought of going down there feels kinda stuffy already."
"This is why every mine needs a bathhouse inside. Tell your king to make it law. Every mine gets a public bathhouse, no exceptions."
Hah. Making it a law. Wonder what Elua would say if she heard that.
We sucked in as much fresh outside air as we could before plunging into the mine. As soon as we stepped into the torch-lit tunnels, a thick wave of dust assaulted us.
"Kek! Kek...!" Brione flailed her hand in front of her face, coughing dramatically.
The dwarves we passed inside "greeted" Ukun with enthusiasm.
"Hey? Is that Ukun, that bastard?"
"Haha! Long time no see, Kubodan!"
"Haven't seen you around lately—thought you drowned in one of those baths you love so much."
"What? Fuck off! You'd croak from lung rot before I ever drown!"
"Screw you, kid. Bathing's what rots your skin—soon you'll be half-undead, peeling away."
"We'll see. By the smell, you're already a summer zombie."
The dwarves exchanged rude gestures, confirming their friendship in their own crude way. Brione let out a hollow laugh at the absurd scene.
We pressed deeper into the mine, reaching a row of elevators constantly shuttling up and down. Doors slid open, spilling out dwarves, only for an equal number to pile in and descend. What the hell were these shorties always rushing about down there? Though, watching Ukun, he was always scampering on those stubby legs looking for work—unless he was chugging beer in his room. Dwarves just couldn't stand idle hands, probably. That's why they dug these massive tunnels, endlessly mining and inventing.
While waiting for an elevator, Ukun slapped the back of a dwarf puffing two smokes at once.
"Hey! Umod! Where are the elders at?"
"Who the fuck—?! Oh, Ukun? And who's that? A human?" The dwarf chomped his smokes, eyeing me and Brione curiously.
"Seen that guy-human before. Girl-human's new."
"Never mind. Where're the elders?"
"Beats me, asshole. Probably huddled in the council hall gossiping—who cares?"
"Council hall, got it. Thanks. And ease up on the smokes—you'll kick the bucket before three hundred."
"Heh heh. Ignorant fool. Smoke purifies the bad shit inside—told you a million times, but you never listen."
"Tsk tsk. So dumb he doesn't even know he's dumb."
Right on cue, an elevator dinged in front of us. Ukun said bye to the dwarf and hopped in. We followed, and he yanked the lever himself, sending us downward.
"No damn focus. Are all dwarves this loud?" Brione shook her head with a sigh once we were alone.
"Didn't know? Big mouths and rough—ears ring just standing next to 'em."
"I can hear you, Balder. Mage."
Ukun chuckled and pulled the lever, stopping at a specific level. We stepped out into a square, dirt-caked corridor and kept walking. A massive door loomed ahead—probably the council hall where the elders were.
Ukun barged right in, flinging the doors wide with his musclebound arms. A choking fog of pipe smoke billowed out, thick enough to blind.
"Eugh...!" Brione recoiled, summoning a gust of wind with magic to clear it.
Rubbing our stinging eyes, we peered in. The elder dwarves from last time sat around a long table, staring back. Ashtrays overflowed with half-smoked stubs.
"What? Ukun?"
"How've you been, elders?"
"Can't you see we're in a meeting? Get out! Or I'll kick your ass myself... wait, what?!"
The elders glared at Ukun, but their faces lit up when they spotted me.
"Oh! Human! You! Back as promised!"
They leaped from their chairs, rushing over with grins. Last time, they'd been obsessed with the Holy Sword and begged me to return when I left.
Shoving Ukun aside, they grabbed my hands and dragged me in.
"Welcome! This way."
Ukun gawked, shoved to the side, but no one cared. I got forcibly seated at the table—the chair so low I was practically squatting.
"Tough trip?"
"Like beer? Or smoke?"
Excited to study the sword again, they bombarded me. I cleared my throat and raised a hand to calm them.
"First, let me explain why I'm here. Sword comes after. Otherwise, you won't listen."
They shut up fast. With their full attention, I laid out my pitch.
"Elders, I'm planning a massive construction project. Ukun alone can't handle it—I need your help."
They exchanged baffled looks, tossing out jabs.
"What? Needs dwarves?"
"Ukun's not enough?"
"Building a new mountain range?"
I chuckled at their racial pride.
"Haha, no new mountains."
"Then how's there a project needing dwarves—plural?"
"Just hear me out."
I explained carefully: paving roads in monster habitats, even building structures there.
"Wh-what?! Roads in monster nests...?! And buildings?"
"Yeah, hard to believe. But humans can't handle free-roaming monsters. And only dwarves can lay roads that survive giant monster feet."
I added perks: carriages for tours, monster-viewing, experiences. Unlimited cold beer and snacks during work. And pay. Lots of it.
The elders stared at me, then each other, speechless. Finally:
"Listen, human... you're not right in the head."
"So... you want us dodging monster legs, risking death to pave?"
"What kinda brain lets you think that?"
Hm... tough sell, huh? Dwarves won't budge without passion, even for millions. But if it's worthwhile, they work free—like Ukun building the inn's bathhouse solo.
Maybe dangling sword access for days would sway them. One elder spoke:
"Your proposal's batshit insane."
Ukun, listening, couldn't hold back:
"No! Elders! His inn beer's insane! One sip each and..."
"Let's do it."
"Pardon?"