A Dragon's Journey

Chapter 1: Champagne & Curses

Princess Karn Virta Tornal Val'Emris walked through the streets of Valla wishing she had some way to blend in, despite all of King Beowulf warnings of what to expect the staring and whispers were quite overwhelming. Even so, she couldn't blame them, if she saw one of the beings responsible for driving her people underground strolling through her home she would likely take issue with that as well.

The city was beautiful, the buildings were carved into the stone of the cave walls and the clang of hammers on anvils rang through the streets. She gazed in wonder as she moved through the throngs of people, carts pulled by giant moles moved in dedicated lanes with guards occasionally stepping out to direct traffic and allow people to cross the street.

She saw Dwarves of course but she saw also Humans, Elves, Beastfolk, and many more people but most of them were just visitors, few relished living underground after all.

Her distracted thoughts were brought to a halt by a sudden flash of pain, she looked down to see a young dwarf who hadn't even hit puberty yet shoving a kitchen knife into her leg, the crowd around her stopped dead in its tracks and everyone in it had gone deathly pale.

They were all looking at her with fear and panic in their eyes, even the young dwarfs face had gone from burning rage to the shock of one who's realized he's started something he can't win.

Karn reached down and pulled out the knife, she cast a quick healing spell to seal the wound, afterwards she wiped the blood from the knife and held the blade pointed the hilt to the boy,

"You really should be more careful running in a crowd like this when holding a knife, someone could get seriously hurt." Understanding dawned in the boy's eyes and he took the knife, she heard sighs of relief travel through the crowd as she continued walking towards the palace.

The outside of the King's palace was every bit as ornate and opulent as Beowulf always told her it was, the walls were painted gold and covered in jewels while the courtyard was full of huge stone statues of past kings, queens, and heroes.

As Karn approached the palace gates she was greeted by a dwarf woman with fiery red hair and a quite gorgeous mustache in a green dress waiting for her "Welcome Princess Val'Emris, I am Lady Heith advisor to King Beowulf. I hope you found our city most delightful" she smiled warmly but her eyes were cold.

Karn bowed low "Your city is most beautiful. I am honored to be invited by his majesty."

Lady Heith nodded and signaled for Karn to follow her and so they entered the palace, walking in silence through the halls adorned with tapestries, paintings, and vases, all depicting the history of the Dwarven people. Karn gazed in wonder at it all.

Finally, they reached the door to the throne room and in the rotunda just before it stood a statue of a dwarven woman in rags standing atop the head of a dragon.

"Brunhilde the Slayer!" Karn said excitedly as she looked at the statue "By the Serpent it is even more impressive than his words ever communicated"

Lady Heith raised an eyebrow "I wouldn't have expected the Slayer to be a favorite of yours... considering."

Karn laughed "I suppose not, but on one of King Beowulf's diplomatic visits with my father he sang me her tale and I was enchanted. To risk everything for the sake of your people against impossible odds is admirable, besides despite what some in the Dragon Court say it's undeniable that we were the villains."

Lady Heith almost looked impressed "Yes, well we can talk history later. His Highness was most excited to meet you."

Karn followed as the noble dwarf led her to the doors which swung open as if by magic, and as she entered a deep masculine voice called out.