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Continuing northeast, they kept the mountains between them and the large army until soon turning north and within another week-and-a-half, they finally reached the grassy valley which fronted the large gates of Venaselt. Towers to either side announced their intrusion too late as the group stopped and dismounted. Adgertesse’ noted Allaster’s arms raised as if surrendering to the dwarven guards which now emerged from a line of boulders to their left. Four held crossbows as their captain walked around and approached.

“What do you want,” his gruff voice asked and she noticed that very few of them recognized this tongue either until Lericanin stepped out.

“We come with dark tidings, friend. An army of giants and orcs is marching here as we speak, not a half a day behind us. We wished to warn you and also offer our swords to the defense of your home.”

He chuckled. “I’ll pass your word along but as to needing your help, that’s up to our king to decide,” he motioned to the distant gates. Turning, he walked back towards his detail as Lericanin motioned for the rest to follow.

“What did he say,” Allaster inquired.

“We’re going to speak to their king about assisting here.”

“If we stall long enough that won’t be an issue,” Sceva added. “They’re going to be here tonight.”

Lericanin nodded as they walked and Tess kept her hood up and hoped that her presence wouldn’t cause a problem. Walking into Enkhuzen was one thing, she could’ve bluffed her way through most of the grey dwarves as to her presence, but this place was another matter entirely.

While Lericanin addressed the dwarven king, she remained within the center of the group, hood up and tried to stay as inconspicuous as possible. Soon, the two attained an accord and the group was allowed to refresh themselves as Lericanin led them towards their quarters.

“We’re only going to have a little while to rest before they arrive so, take advantage of it,” he informed as Nicolas set his gear near the foot of his bed. It was plainly obvious the dwarves never had human visitors as Tess chuckled at the sight of the six-and-a-half foot man who sat atop the bed made for a human child. This would be interesting.
Instead, she lay her cloak out on the floor and used her backpack as a pillow, keeping her weapons beside her as she relaxed.

“Declining the gracious hospitality afforded us,” Sceva smirked as he motioned to the beds.

“Go right ahead. I’d rather be able to stretch out personally.”

He chuckled then turned to eye Lericanin as Nicolas helped remove his armor. “Lericanin, put two of these end to end and you’ll be all set.”

“Might just do that since Tess and Arthur are on the floor.”

“Quite a surprise to be within the city again,” Sir Hanlen stated as he relaxed. “Been a while.”

“When were you here,” Allaster queried.

“The Order of the Golden Scepter marched here from Carbost a few years ago to assist the dwarves with the army from the Shadow Range. A great and terrible day.”

Tess noticed his comment quietened the mood as the others prepared to get some rest knowing that another such event was coming. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Within a blink of an eye, she was being reawakened. “Get up,” Justyn gently shook her, then straightened. “They’re approaching.”

“Alright.” Pushing herself up, she grabbed her weapons and strapped them on, then rummaged through her pack for some dried meat which she began eating and retied the backpack closed. Once the group was ready for battle, she followed them out into the main hallway now busy with dwarves on their way to the main gate and surrounding towers, some with handfuls of bolts. Opening up to their left, the main entryway was choked with shorter bearded men in platemail, chanting and singing as they waited for the enemy to assault. Finding her place between Sceva and Arthur, she stood ready, weapons in hand.

“Arhus, bless us this day,” Arthur stated as she and Justyn eyed him quietly. “Give strength to our allies, our arms and sharpness to our minds as you lead us to victory over our enemies.” A sentiment felt by all as she heard rocks slamming into the wall and gate, rocking the tall, thick door from impact. Several soared over the high walls and bounced off of shields which prompted the dwarves’ disdain at the enemy’s accuracy.

Tess turned to Sceva and grinned.

“What,” he asked.

“You don’t understand dwarven either?”

“No,” he shook his head. “You do I take it?”

“Part of my training when I was summoned, I guess. They’re laughing at the enemy, spouting insults at their matronage and such. These guys are nuts. I love it.”

He chuckled as another salvo hit the towers while return fire launched from ballista into their unseen foe. She hated the waiting of setpiece battles. Nightblades were never meant to operate in this type of environment. Soon, the gates opened and the dwarves cheered as they marched out to meet the enemy which waited in a long dark line just beyond. Shields gleaming in the sun along with steel weapons, her heart raced at the thought of engaging the enemy finally, hopefully none of the dwarves thought she was one of the adversaries once the fighting started.

“Everyone keep in line,” Lericanin shouted as their turn came to exit the fortress in column, then open up into line as the dwarven unit they were attached to marched left and joined those already engaged. Within moments, they charged the orc and goblin line, clashing with the shorter but more numerous enemy. In a flurry, Tess let her weapons fly, pounding and slashing as she went, keeping an eye on Sceva and Arthur to her flanks as Selyria and Galena launched firestorms upon the deeper ranks.
As the day wore on, they pushed and soon routed the unit they had engaged. Watching them run in all directions, bowmen hit several before they could escape as the unit’s sergeant belted out further commands.

“Into line! Into line!,” he yelled as Tess turned and headed back towards Sceva and Arthur until three of the dwarves noticed the now uncovered white hair and grey skin. Throwing their axes, she alertly dodged the missiles as Lericanin motioned.

“Hold! She’s with us!” She stopped as all the dwarves now realized who was fighting alongside them. Sheathing her weapons, she retrieved the three axes and walked them back to their owners.

“I believe these are yours,” she commented in dwarvish.

One snarled at her. “Keep it. I’ll not need a tainted weapon any longer, I have another.”

“As you wish.” She walked back towards her companions and reclaimed her spot in the line as their sergeant studied her quietly. Tired and sweat covered, they turned right and moved to engage the flank of another unit of orcs and as the sun dipped low in the west, their enemy was either dead or dying on the blood soaked field.