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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Knightfall" data-source="post: 634284" data-attributes="member: 2012">Interlude #7Kingdom of the Greystones, the Hold of Mt. Thunder:In the deepest, most central part of the Greystone Mountains sits the Dwarven Hold of Mt. Thunder, first line of defense against those that would bring the Kingdom of the Greystones to its knees. Since the death of the High Thane, the kingdom has been under siege from both below and above ground. The ogres and their allies smelled blood on the stone and seemed determined to wipe out the dwarven kingdom.It is here that Dvalin Thunderstone and Rikin Stonefossil find themselves fighting for their homeland, for honor, and for their very lives throughout the deep halls of Mt. Thunder, against earth ogres, mountain orcs, and much worse. Their regiment was one of 6 spearheading the latest counterattack against the savage hordes fighting for some unknown power.The unknown power has remained hidden behind a veil of secrecy that not even the powerful clerics of Moradin have been able to pierce. Most believe that an ogre scion is responsible for the onslaught, but others believe that the secret organization known only as The Opposition is behind the attacks. However, so little is known about the group responsible for the destruction of the Hold of Highstone that none amongst the diviners and clergy of the dwarven kingdom can be certain that The Opposition is involved.“No one has seen or heard anything about The Opposition in nearly 50 years.” Dvalin walked slowly through a winding tunnel, which led deeper into the Underearth. “I doubt very much that they would risk exposing themselves.”“I am certain that they are involved in this mess somehow,” Rikin was the last of his dwarven clan who were all killed during the destruction of Highstone. “I can feel it in the stone.”Dvalin watched his blood brother, as Rikin ran his hand gently along the stone wall of the carved tunnel, as their regiment came to a grinding halt. The sound of metal on stone continued to echo throughout the tunnel. These dwarves were not concerned with stealth. Their enemies would hear them coming and fear the sound of an entire regiment of the best soldiers in the Kingdom of the Greystones.Rikin wore his special armor, granted to him when he became a member of the Ironguard. Several other members of the Ironguard stood nearby waiting for Dvalin and Rikin, their commanders, to give the order to march on. Dvalin was dressed in his best armor. A set of dwarven plate passed down through his clan’s history. Of course, the armor belonged to the clan, not to him, unlike Rikin’s Ironguard armor.“Maybe, but somehow I doubt ogre brutes would take orders from anyone other than an ogre scion.” Dvalin checked his armor straps and his weapons to make sure everything was in order. He didn’t carry a shield with him, which was unusual for a dwarf of his stature, but he preferred to keep his off hand free during large battles.“I never said that an ogre scion wasn’t involved. Just that I believe The Opposition is also involved.” Rikin replied.“An alliance?” Dvalin was shocked. He hadn’t considered such an option. “That would not be good, for the kingdom or for our friends.”“Sir,” a dwarven boy appeared out of the back of the column of dwarven soldiers. “The other regiments are in place. The attack is proceeding as planned.”“Thank you, Flint.” Rikin acknowledged the boy with a nod. “Now, go to your post.”“Yes sir!” The boy was eager to prove himself, almost too eager. He disappeared into the back of the column.“They’re getting younger every month.” Dvalin hated war and the death that it inflicted on good people. “One so young should not have to worry about facing earth ogres and mountain orcs.”“He will do fine,” Rikin saw the look of concern of his brother’s face. “Worry about protecting your own back and fighting for the honor of our clan, brother. Besides, I told Jacintha to watch out for him.”“You’re a better commander than I will ever be,” Dvalin smiled. “You think of everything.”“Aye, I just don’t rub your nose with soot.” Rikin raised his double-bladed waraxe into the air and roared the signal to attack.“For the Greystones!” Dvalin raised his own axe in salute.“For the Greystones!” Hundreds of seasoned dwarven warriors cried out in the darkness, their voices echoing down the tunnel towards the earth ogre encampment. They began to march in unison, pound their feet into the earth for all to hear.Beyond the sight of his darkvision, Dvalin heard the sound of ogres and orcs scrambling to fortify their position. The dwarves increased their pace to a trot, causing as much noise as possible. Soon the dwarven blood brothers could see the end of the tunnel, which emptied out into a large cavern beyond.Rikin roared again. The signal for the other 5 regiments to attack from the other tunnels leading into the cavern. Then Dvalin cried out the signal to charge and the dwarven regiment rushed out into the cavern to meet the horde waiting for them. Simultaneously, the 5 other regiments came at the enemy from behind, as well as from the sides.The battle raged in the darkness below Mt Thunder until dawn had come and gone in the world above.</blockquote>

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