4: Darken War

Prologue: Thrain Blackwood

I sat upon my stone-carved throne, a crown of blackened steel resting heavily upon my brow, receiving audiences from across the breadth of my great kingdom—Dourhold. A land carved into the roots of the mountain itself, its vast halls and forges buried deep beneath the peaks of the Blackspine Range. Living beneath the earth was no hardship to us; we are the dwarves of the mountains—stone-born, fire-tempered, unshaken.

"Our mine has run dry of iron, my lord," reported a stocky dwarf with golden-blond hair and a braided beard. His mining leathers were stained with soot and ore dust, the mark of a laborer who spoke truth. "We seek permission to scout a new location."

I turned slightly to Theo, my longtime advisor—a grey-bearded dwarf with a pronounced bald spot that gleamed under the glow of the hearthlight.

"Correct me if I'm mistaken," I said, "but wasn't there a newly discovered deposit in the eastern passage?"

Theo gave a slow, measured nod. "Indeed, my lord. A vein of considerable size was reported two moons ago. Preliminary inspections show promise."

I returned my gaze to the miner. "Then you'll find your iron there. Begin operations immediately. Should any complications arise, inform us without delay."

He bowed deeply. "Thank you, my lord." And with that, he turned and left the chamber.

Next stepped forth a man cloaked in midnight-blue, eyes sharp beneath a hood. This was Ignus, known among my court as "the Eyes of the Kingdom." His network of informants reached far beyond our borders—into human courts, elven sanctuaries, and even the high aeries of the dragons.

"My lord," he bowed low, "we have received word from Ignisfatia."

I arched a brow. "What of the dragons?"

Ignus's tone darkened. "King Draus Ignisfatia has fallen. Slain in open battle."

I straightened on my throne. "By whom?"

"By the Queen of Drakaria," he replied. "She has begun a campaign of conquest unlike any in recent memory. The fairy realm has fallen. The elven kingdom of El'Gorin lies in ruins. And now the dragons have bowed—or died."

"How?" I asked, skeptical. "How does a human conquer the fairies, the elves, and the dragons? That smells of rumor and fire-wine."

Ignus hesitated. "She is said to be no human at all, my lord. At least... not anymore. The stories say she stands over eight feet tall—part human, part elf, and part dragon. A creature reborn from death itself, wielding power that defies natural law. They say her presence alone drives men to madness."

I frowned, arms folding across my chest. "And yet she rules the human nations? They crowned a monster?"

"She was born human," Ignus said quietly, "but died and rose again... changed. Some call her a demon queen. Others, a divine wrath made flesh."

My voice dropped to a growl. "And you believe she has eyes for Dourhold?"

"I would not wager against it," he said. "She has yet to leave a kingdom standing."

Theo leaned close to my ear, his voice grave. "We should prepare, my king. A defensive force. Quietly."

I gave a small nod. "See that it's done. No panic. But full readiness."

Both Theo and Ignus bowed and withdrew, leaving the throne room silent once more.

I rose from my seat, the weight of command settling heavier on my shoulders than any crown, and made my way to the highest tower in the castle—the only place from which one could see beyond the stone.

There, high above the caverns of my people, I gazed out across the jagged peaks and snow-draped ridges of our mountain kingdom. My thoughts churned like the forges below. If this creature-queen truly sought dominion over all... then Dourhold might be next.

Perhaps I should send a letter. A gesture of peace. Of negotiation.

I will do whatever it takes to protect my people—even if it means bowing before a monster.