Chapter 9 Chapter 7 Detachment

"I've heard of your fortress." Nanfuduo said to Nick Willig. The gnomes met him while wandering outside the west gate of Mithril Hall; they were down in Guardian's Ravine, listening to the sounds of battle coming from the north. "My relative Tred is up there," Nick Willig said. "Are you worried about him?" the dwarf asked. "Trad?" The dwarf smiled in response. "No, no, we're just a small part here. Who are you?" "Nanfred Baswelligan is at your service, Mr. Dwarf," said the dwarf, bowing politely. "Just like you, a visitor to Mithril Hall."

"Is it from Silvermoon City?" "Mirabar," Nanfred replied. "I am the alchemist of Marquis Erastu." "Alchemist?" Nick Verig repeated, his voice clearly indicating that he was not very interested in this art. "What is the alchemist doing here?" This question made Nanfudo's mind pause. He thought it was better not to reveal the true purpose of coming here. Of course, Torg and other dwarves in Mirabar knew his true identity, but why did he say it here? Woolen cloth? "I think it's more appropriate for the Marquis to send a staff officer." Nick Willig continued.

"Well, we didn't know there was a war at Mithril Hall when we came," Nanfred replied, as the horns sounded from above, and the dwarves, shouting, began to charge. "I came with the consul to investigate the escape of the dwarves." "I've heard of it." Nick Willig replied, he turned his head to look at the cliff behind him, and nodded. "Torg and his men are up there, I can tell." "They are the glory of Mirabar, although they no longer belong to Mirabar." "You're here to persuade them to go back, right?" The dwarf shook his head.

"Come and see them," said the dwarf, "and see if they have traveled safely and received warm hospitality. Mirabar and Mithril Hall will put aside hatred and maintain good bilateral relations." At this moment, Nan Fudo hoped that what he said was true. "Ah," Nick Verig said, "don't worry, no one in this world is more hospitable than King Bruno and his people, unless you count the battle crown of Fort Fellbar." "Did they treat you and your friends as well?" "Do you think Bruno King is a fool?" Nick Willig said. "He saved us from giants and orcs, and we repaid them, of course, but there are too many orcs. Ah, there is no one better to be a friend than King Bruenor."

"What does your king think of this attack?" Nanfudo asked curiously. The dwarves always thought that the kinship between the dwarves caused the dispute between Togg and Marquis Erastur, but at this time Nanfudo heard the evaluation of King Bruenor by the dwarves of Fairba Castle, who were also competitors of the Mithril Hall. Also very high. The dwarf looked up at the cliff, imagining Trent fighting for a kingdom that wasn't his. Torger and Singers Maccrouff were doing the same, fighting fearlessly as if they were defending Mirabar and their homeland. Nanfred was about to ask some questions, but the dwarf looked past him and became agitated.

Nick Willig pushed the dwarf away and walked over to a dwarf in a robe. "How is King Bruno?" Nick Willig asked. "Were you with him just now?" The dwarf looked young, but tired, with a brown beard blown into his belt. "It's a pleasure to see you again, Nick Willig of Fort Fellbar," he said. "This is my new friend, Nanfuldo," Nick Willig introduced, pushing the dwarf forward. "Friends of Mirabar," said the dwarf, shaking Nanfred's little hand. "Cadio Muffinhead at your service." Priests of Moradin, the dwarf thought.Cadio bowed deeply.

"Yes, I just came back from King Bruenor." This is the second time today, we all ran out of healing spells. " "Does it work?" Nick Willig asked. "We hope so," the pastor replied disappointedly. "King Bruno can talk. We think he's found his way back, but he just keeps calling his father and grandfather's name, reminding them of the shadows." "Shadow?" Nan Foldo asked. "Maybe it's Shadow Dragon." Cadio said. "Bruno met him early on," Nick Willig explained. "A long time ago, before the Warhammers took over Mithril Hall, they lived in Icewind Dale."

"I was born there," Cadio said. "I didn't even know there was such a place until King Bruno took over Mithril Hall. It was a fierce battle, I tell you, I was in Little Dag Next to Na, he is the best commander of the Warhammer family." "Little Dagna was killed in Shallowwater," Nick Willig said to Nan Foldo.The dwarf nodded respectfully. "I lost a good friend on that gray day," Cadio admits. "He died fighting the orcs, and the dwarves honor him." Cadio turned away from the ledge, and many dwarves climbed up and down the rope ladder, carrying supplies for Banneker and his troops.Meanwhile some of the dwarves to the west began digging trenches to defend Guardian's Gulch.Other dwarves carried the wounded and dead from the north.

"This land has a bloody and long history." Cadio commented. "Many dwarves fell here." "But there are more Orcs," said Nanfred. "There are more goblins." This made the pastor laugh, and Nick Willig patted him on the shoulder affectionately. "In that battle, most of the dwarves in Mithril Hall were killed. It's right where you sit, a little to the right." Cadio explained to Nanfudo. "During the drow invasion?" Nick Willig asked. "No," answered the priest, "longer ago. Back in the days of my father's father's father, back in Gundaron's childhood."

This sentence made Cadio's two audiences widen their eyes in surprise, Gundaron Warhammer is in Mirabar.He has become a legend in Fellbar Castle, anywhere in the Northland.He was King of Mithril Hall centuries ago, and was magically imprisoned by Matron Baenre of Menzoberranzan.Decades ago, when the drow invaded Mithril Hall, Bruenor killed Matron Baenre, and Gundaron was set free.Bruenor then returned to Icewind Dale, handing over leadership of Mithril Hall to Gundaron, his ancestor. "Gundalen has told me many old things," continued Muffinhead, his gray eyes looking into the distance as if through space and time. "He often walked with me in the Guardian's Canyon. When he was a child, this was not a valley, here was..."

He stopped, and gestured across the valley with his stubby arms, "This is the entrance to the Mithril Hall, a grand foyer! Many towers—" He smiled and pointed to the sharp stones scattered on the valley floor. "There are reliefs carved on every tower. You know, beautiful ones, depicting old battles and the founding of Mithril Hall. I can't see them now, they've weathered for too long. Like death, you You know, when we no longer think of them, slowly die..." Cardio smiled helplessly and added. "I don't think Gundaron and Dagna Jr. have left us." Nanfodo sat quietly, staring at the unusual dwarf.His words had the same effect on Nick Willig, and they attracted the dwarf like a strong handshake or a mug of mead that the dwarves used as holy water. Nick Verig looked around, trying to figure out what had caused the devastation, but it was the few rubble and rocks that caught the dwarf's attention. "A dragon?" Nick Willig asked. "No." Nanfudo said before Cadio answered. The two dwarves stared at the dwarf. "Have you heard the story?" Cadio asked. "There's a tunnel down here," Nanfodo explained. "Mine disaster, they encountered gas." He didn't bother to explain to the two dwarves, both of whom had worked in the mines for many years, and were well aware of the great dangers of gas, or natural gas.Every dwarf can gossip for hours about their mines and the dangers beneath—about goblins and monsters, drow and shadow dragons—but little about gas.Their hammers and axes are useless against this invisible killer. Nan Foldo could imagine the catastrophe at the formation of the Gulch of the Guardians. A gas leak must have penetrated every corner, and the dwarves did not discover it in time; when they did, it was too late.The dwarf imagined the moment of disaster, the dwarves' discovery of the invisible killer, and the last moments of chaos. With a huge explosion, the world turned orange, and the flying stones filled it, and the Guardian Canyon became a big pit, which was filled with falling stones.Nanfudo suddenly had an idea to use it. "There are no more mines under Guardian's Gulch," Cadio Muffinhead said. "We plugged them all centuries ago and sealed them carefully." Nan Foldo nodded in agreement. Before coming out, he walked around the dungeon of Mithril Hall. There were many maps between the rows of blacksmith shops and the entrance to the mine that was in production.He remembered that one of the maps showed that the west gate of Mithril Hall was the westernmost point of the mining area. Their thoughts were interrupted by the shouts of killing from the north, Cadio glanced over there, and sighed heavily. "I'll go back and rest," he said. "My spell will come in handy again soon." "Damn orc!" Nick Willig swore. Nan Foldo's eyes stayed on the dwarf of Fairba Castle for a long time, then he looked at the Mithril Hall through the gate, and walked towards the gate.He wanted to study them carefully with the help of Cadio's story. Later that day, Regis was surprised to find Torgg Hammerer waiting for him. "Greetings, Lord Regent." The dwarf of Mirabar bowed deeply to him. "How is the battle going?" Togg shrugged and replied, "The orcs are not eager to attack. They just want to destroy our fortifications and prevent us from digging trenches. I think so." "They're waiting for reinforcements," Regis explained, and Torgue nodded in agreement. "A troop of giants is coming." "I'm surprised you came down." "Just a moment," said Togg. "It's a small matter to find you. I will take my people to Banneker's flank at night. We need to control the tunnel under the mountain." "We will hold the west side of Guardian's Gulch as best we can," Regis said, "except for the necessary staff. Every dwarf in Mithril Hall is on the front line. We have no spare men, but Nesmera There is a critical situation on the other side, and our mine is connected to their side by a tunnel." "Defend Mithril Hall at all costs!" Togg agreed. "If necessary, my people can come back." Regis reciprocated with a grateful smile. He was glad that someone supported his decision. The position of regent put great pressure on him. He knew very well that the actual ruler of Mithral Hall—the dwarves would not allow him to do so. Anything they disagree with. "I came back to remind you to pay attention to the safety of Mithril Hall." Togg continued. "They told me that Mirabar has sent someone these days." "The Archon and his dwarf advisors," Regis confirmed. "That's good," Togg said. "You have to be aware that Mirabar has been in trouble since we left. Nanford is a wise man, and Santilla knows a lot of powerful magic." "Do you think they didn't come here to inspect how you were treated?" "I don't know," Togg admitted. "But when Catti-brie mentions it to me, my first thought is to keep an eye on them." "Try it," Regis agreed.Togg nodded again. "You are very thoughtful, Lord Regent Regis," said Togg.The halfling couldn't help smiling wryly when he heard his title. "We will do what you say, and I will give my opinion at any time." "Thank you very much, Torgue," Regis replied quickly. "You may not realize that you and your people have proved your friendship with Mithril Hall with your actions. I think King Bruno must have a lot to say to you after he wakes up. He will definitely express his sincerest condolences to the new members of the family. greeting." Looking at the smile on Togg's bearded face, Regis knew he was right.The dwarf nodded, bowed to him, and left. What to do with Santilla and Nanfudo?The halfling thought.Regis was utterly candid and welcoming in his meeting with them.Their visit was legitimate, of course, but the Regent of Mithral Hall could not ignore the possibility that they had other purposes.Especially now, when any internal instability could spell catastrophe for the Warhammers. "You know, you are not alone." Santilla Xingyao said to Nanfudo, she found the dwarf at the bottom of the dungeon.Amidst the uncomfortably hot air, there was the sound of hammers hitting one after another.Not every furnace, not every anvil was idle.Huge millstones whirled nearby, and weapons were sharpened through them before being sent to the troops battling the orcs. "They're well concealed," replied the dwarf, pointing to the two dwarves who were hiding in the shadow of the tunnel and watching their every move.Nanfudo wiped the sweat from his face, and rolled up the sleeves of his red robe to expose his forearms. The clothes were already covered with soot, and the dwarf wrinkled his long nose and dusted his robes to bring out their original color from the gray. "What else do you want?" "Of course nothing." Santilla replied. "Neither do I complain about the hospitality I've received here. Regis the Regent is a good host, but if we're going to get our plans off the ground, I'll have to use a little deceitful magic, that's easy." The consul narrowed his eyes and looked at the dwarf's sour expression. The dwarf shrugged and walked on, Santilla walking behind him. "What are you doing here?" she asked. "Don't you think there are more opportunities where there are fewer people?" Nan Fudo still had a sour expression on his face, and he obviously quickened his pace. "Or, have you forgotten the purpose of our coming to Mithril Hall?" Santilla asked bluntly. "I haven't forgotten anything," retorted the dwarf immediately. "Do you want to think about it again?" "Have you seen how Mithril Hall treats Togg and the others?" "Regis needs warriors," Santilla replied. "They came just in time." Nanfudo stopped and stared at her. The consul smiled helplessly. She naturally knew that the dwarves were right. The arrival of Torg and other dwarves meant a lot to Mithril Hall. They played an important role at this critical moment. It was this support According to Nanfuduo's point of view.It was certainly no small matter that the Bruenor's had received the dwarves of Mirabar, as they had promised with their honor. "I heard that you made a friend from Mithril Hall?" She responded to Nanfudo's gaze again. "Nick Willig of Fort Fellbar is also a competitor of Mithril Hall." The dwarf explained. "Have you heard that story?" "Are you going to tell me how Bruno retaliated against them?" Santilla guessed, and she already knew it. They came to a huge table, and near the table was a pigeon-cooped filing cabinet, with a roll of parchment in each hole.Nanfudo bent down to read the instructions, then reached out and pulled out a roll of maps, unfolded it on the sloping tabletop, glanced at it, sighed in disappointment, and bent down to look for another roll. "Aside from sharpening axes, don't these dwarves even know how to organize maps?" he complained. Santilla put a hand on his shoulder, trying to get his attention. "We're being watched, you know that," she said. "certainly." "Then what are you doing?" Nanfred drew another map, stood up, and spread it on top of the first. "Find a way to help the Warhammers," said the dwarf. Santilla's hand slid down and landed in the center of the map. "Bruenor fought for the dwarves of Fort Felbar," the dwarf explained. "That's Bruno! Fighting for a competitor, do you think Marquis Erastu would consider such a thing?" "Is this something we should consider?" "Isn't it?" Santilla took one look at her little companion, and honestly, it was hard for her to justify their mission.Their purpose is to take advantage of the opportunity between Mithril Hall and the orcs to destroy the ore of Mithril Hall with Nanfredo's alchemy potion, so that the Warhammers can produce defective products, weaken the reputation of Mithril Hall, and facilitate the future trade of Mithril Hall. gain an advantage in battle. "How narrow-minded we both are, Santilla," said Nanfudo calmly. "The Marquis hired us, yes, but how can I turn a blind eye to everything? The dwarves have their own judgment standards and know what is important and what is secondary. They sincerely welcome Torger and the pair of slaves A passerby from Barburg." "That's a matter between dwarfs and dwarves." Santilla said suspiciously. "It's also a matter between dwarves and dwarves, and between dwarves and consuls." Nanfudo retorted. "Look at the hospitality we received here, and think about how Marquis Erastu treated Bruno and the others." "You sound a bit like Torgue," Santilla commented. "You shouldn't object to Togg's opinion." "I have no objection to his welcome to King Bruno," Santilla admitted, "but leaving from Mirabar, I cannot at all agree. I am proud of our reputation, Nanfodo, there is no doubt about it. I have no prejudice against King Bruenor and his people, but I am the consul of Mirabar first, so I must be loyal to it. " "Don't let me break the metal," Nanfudo begged. "At least not now, please." Santilla stared at him for a moment, then looked away, and took her hand off the map. "No, of course not," she said, and Nanfudo sighed in relief. "Our task is not only to severely damage their trade, but also to use them to consume the vitality of the orcs. Obviously, Marquis Erastu will agree to my temporary adjustment of the task." Nanfudo nodded with a smile, but his expression clearly told Santilla that he didn't believe the last sentence either.Santilla knew that as long as it could cause damage to Mithril Hall, Marquis Erastu hoped that the orcs' attack would be more violent. "Then tell me what you're looking for, and what you're going to do," she said to the dwarf, staring at the map over the dwarf's shoulder, and immediately recognized it as the westernmost point of Mithril Hall, the Guardian's Canyon and the tunnels below . "I don't know yet," Nanfred admitted, "but I think my expertise could be useful." "Use it to make King Bruno look at you differently?" Santilla asked with a smirk. Nanfudo stared at her defensively until he noticed her expression. "I've only been here a few days, and Mithral Hall already feels more like home than Mirabar," he said. Santilla did not object.She didn't like it very much, largely because it was built beneath the surface, but she did understand how the dwarves were feeling. "You can assist me." Nanfudo focused on the map again. "Your magic means a lot to the Warhammers in peril." Despite her reluctance, Santilla didn't push back. The fatigue and trauma caused by continuous fighting forced Catti-brie to return to Mithril Hall to rest, but when she heard the commotion from the priests in her father's room, she threw aside her cloak, bow and sword, Immediately flew out.Several priests and pikestones were standing by her father's bed, each chanting prayers, taking turns placing their hands on Bruenor's chest and casting their healing spells. During this process, Bruno moved and even coughed a few times, but soon fell into a coma again. Cadio Muffinhead and Orator Rui Jinclaw (Stumpet Rakingclaw, also translated as Stanpa Raketooth, "Dark Army Raid" and other physical books are translated as orators) - the two highest priests - — checked Bruno, and nodded in satisfaction. They eliminated the potential danger again and pulled Bruno back from the death line. Catti-brie spent most of her time staring at the priests, a few leaning against Bruno's bed, obviously exhausted.Although they had performed another miracle, no one was particularly happy, not even the optimistic Pike. They started to leave, most of them patted Catti-brie on the shoulder as they passed. "We come here every day," Cadio said, leaving him and Catti-brie alone in the room. Catti-brie came to her father's side and knelt beside the bed.She grabbed his hand and pressed it to her chest. That hand was so cold, as if the life in his body had been exhausted.She looked at the room, and the many candles and heating facilities next to it reminded her that this was not the dark and damp tunnel under Witherglu's mage tower, this place was more comfortable, warmer, and brighter.But to Catti-brie Briel, it was no different; in her eyes there was nothing but King Bruenor lying quietly in bed. Looking at her father, Catti-brie thought of another friend who had also been so close to death.It was while on the Sword Coast, and they found Drizzt badly wounded, and next to Alifen - the ill-fated surface elf - was also dying, and Drizzt begged them to give her the only bottle of life potion they had. Lifen, not himself. Bruenor disobeyed, and Drizzt survived.Catti-brie and the others were forced to make a difficult choice. They chose to fulfill their personal desires under the cover of higher morality, and how similar it seemed!What now?Aren't their personal desires, even selfish ones, making them run counter to their higher moral standards? The priests were keeping him alive, in fact, they weren't even sure if he was still alive.Every day, they used the most powerful healing spells to keep him in a near-death coma. "Can we let you go?" she asked softly. "What did you say?" Cadio asked, busy beside her. Catti-brie looked up at the dwarf, at his worried expression. "It's okay, Cardio," she said. "I'm just talking to Dad." She looked down at Bruno's gray face again, and added in a low voice, "But he can't hear." "He knows you're here," said the dwarf softly, putting a hand on her shoulder and supporting her with his own strength. "Really? I don't think so," Catti-brie answered. "That's probably the problem. Are all your hopes gone? Do you think I'm dead? And Wulfgar, Regis, and Drizzt? You think the orcs are dead in Shallowwater?" Victory, no?" She looked at Bruno and then up at Cadio, whose expression clearly agreed with everything she said. "Is he all right?" came a voice from the door, and Regis came running in, followed by Wulfgar. Cadio reassures them that Bruno is fine and leaves.As he passed Catti-brie, he leaned down and kissed her on the cheek. "Go on talking to him," said the dwarf softly. Catti-brie squeezed Bruno's hand, focusing all her attention on that hand, wanting to feel his reaction, even a slight smile, a reaction he'd already felt. Nothing, just lifeless, cold skin. Catti-brie sighed, squeezed again, and turned to her friends. "We have a difficult decision to make," she said, trying to keep her voice even. Wulfgar looked at her curiously, but Regis seemed to have expected all this and sighed heavily. "Pastors are getting less and less confident," he said. "They're needed elsewhere, too," Catti-brie forced herself to admit, hitting herself hard with every word.She looked back at Bruno, whose breathing was so weak that she couldn't even tell the rise and fall of his chest. "We have other wounded who need treatment." "Do you think they will leave their king?" Wulfgar asked, anger evident in his voice. "Bruenor represents Mithril Hall! He brought his people back here, to this fabled place! They owe him!" "Do you think Bruenor wants that?" Regis asked before Catti-brie could speak. "He wouldn't be happy if he knew other people were suffering and dying because all the priests were with him, keeping him dying!" "How dare you say that!" Wulfgar growled. "Don't forget, Bruno deserves it!" "Each of us loves Bruno as much as you do," interrupted Catti-brie, stepping up to Wulfgar and pushing his pointing hand aside.Wulfgar resisted a bit, but Catti-brie took his arm and pulled him to his side. "It's not just me, and it's not just a greedy ghost." She gave Wulfgar a tight hug; he didn't hold back. "No one can replace him," Regis commented. "I am the regent of Mithril Hall, only because I understand Bruno's mind. Without Bruno, I cannot issue orders to the Warhammer family." "Nor me, nor Wulfgar and Drizzt," Catti-brie said.She finally let go of the calm Savage. "Only a dwarf can be king of Mithril Hall, but I think it's hard to find anyone other than the three of us, both his family and his friends. We have to choose for Bruno." "I just thought little Dagna would be a good fit," Regis said. "His father?" Although Catti-brie had suggested it, she still couldn't believe they were discussing such a sad subject. "Dagna won't do it." Regis shook his head. "Just like he didn't want to be the regent, of course we talked to him, but he didn't have much interest." "Then who else?" Wulfgar said. "Cadio Muffinhead is a good leader," Regis said. "He is very wise to fortify the underground tunnel, and he has properly arranged the tasks of healing and rescuing Bruno." "But Cadio is not from the Warhammer family." Catti-brie Brier reminded. "And Mithril Hall has never had a priest leader." "Brannecker Braunenwell was Bruenor's closest nephew," Wulfgar said. "And on the outside fighting, Banneker was better than anybody." The other two pondered for a while, then nodded in agreement. "Then Banneker," Regis said. "If he survives the battle." "If—" Catti-brie wanted to add, but the words caught in her throat, and she turned to Bruno. They will elect Banneker to be the new king of Mithril Hall, of course, only after the last breath of her father, the respected old dwarf who adopted her and helped her regain her dignity and hope, leaves her body .