Meddling in Foreign Affairs

Prologue: A Missing Person

Although the winds of the receding winter howled loudly outside, the mountain city of Dragtsyenost was busier than usual. The dwarves were preparing for the river to thaw so that trade with the outside world could resume, and the warm weather appeared to be coming earlier than usual that year. The Brosayas River had already warmed up significantly, and many of the tools, weapons, and jewelry produced by the city were not yet ready to be shipped down the river.

Frantically weaving through the crowds towards the King's Study was a young dwarf, slightly shorter than the majority of his people, who rarely managed to exceed four and a half feet. Even someone who had lived there his entire life could easily get lost in the winding hallways, and it wasn't often that the dwarf had a reason to go all the way down to Otetsu Gora's private study. As he burst through the doors, panting and with sweat running down his reddish skin, the Otetsus turned from their intent conversation around a large table and focused on him.

The king was first to regain his composure after the surprise of the interruption, and turned to his weapons master, Otetsu Oruziye. "What is one of your clan doing, barging in here during a confidential meeting?"

The young dwarf bowed deeply and spoke up before Otetsu Oruziye could reply, still breathing heavily. "I apologize for interrupting, Otetsu Gora."

"You were not addressed, and you have no right to speak in this hall until something is asked of you!" interrupted the King irritably. The young dwarf bowed even further as an apology, almost completely at a right angle. "Now, Oruziye, would you care to explain this young dwarf's disrespect?"

Otetsu Oruziye, who had paled progressively as he watched the scene unfold, bowed his head in shame before speaking to the king. "My deepest apologies, Otetsu Gora. Byulat is one of my son's closest companions, so he has become accustomed to the special treatment granted to one of a higher rank than his own. I will be sure to reprimand him later for such blatant disrespect of his king. However, I believe that he understands the importance of our meetings here and would only interrupt in the most dire of circumstances. If you would allow him to speak, he may present a partial excuse for his actions."

Otetsu Gora considered Otetsu Oruziye's words and the obvious distress of the young dwarf, who had finally caught his breath and was fidgeting nervously. "Alright, young Byulat; you have permission to speak if it is truly a matter of great importance."

Byulat sighed in relief and bowed before speaking. "Thank you, my King. I have some news that must be delivered to my Otetsu, if I may speak with him for a moment. It is incredibly urgent."

"If this news is so urgent, all of the Otetsus should hear it. Say what you must now or wait until this meeting is over."

Byulat looked uncomfortable, but decided to speak anyways. "Otetsu Oruziye, your son is missing. He has been kidnapped by elves."

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I'll probably post the next chapter later today.....