System Change

Derek would have to say that he very much enjoyed meeting Braxton’s significant other. It also went a long way in explaining to Derek why the dwarf wanted to retire so badly. Though he still couldn’t figure out why exactly they were unable to marry. His leading theory at the moment was that it had to have something to do with his position in the Assassin’s Guild. Then again, if I was a member of the Assassin’s Guild, would I really want to bring someone I love into it? Other assassins or people knowing about an assassin’s significant other would probably be a target on their backs.

If that was the reason, the Derek could definitely understand it. Though, with Braxton’s apparent strength, he felt like the man was already past the point where he wouldn’t be able to protect Gretchen. After giving it some thought, Derek shrugged and continued following along behind the dwarven assassin. If Braxton wanted to tell him that ‘long story,’ at some point, it would be up to him. Even though Derek really was interested, he wouldn’t push, as how an assassin spent his personal life didn’t really concern him.

So, as Derek followed behind Braxton, he couldn’t help but to thoroughly examine his surroundings. The first thing he noticed was the fact that they really were underground. He wasn’t sure if they were actually underground, or if they were inside a mountain. He didn’t remember much about Stonehelm other than just knowing that it wasn’t on the surface and that it was the capital of Vallum.

Derek looked up and couldn’t even see the ceiling. Glowing lamps lit up the entire area, but only went so high. Once he looked past the uppermost lamps, the area eventually turned completely dark. As for the houses and buildings on either side of the street, all were made from stone—maybe not the same stone, but all were stone. Other than a few signs he saw hanging around, there was almost no wood—at least not when it came to building materials.

All that made sense, though. One thing that the dwarves had an abundance of was rock and stone, and he wouldn’t doubt that they had mining teams looking for rare materials along with expanding the livable area at pretty much all times.

Another thing that Derek observed while checking his surrounding was the fact that Stonehelm was also a place where few races other than dwarves lived or stayed. He already knew that to be the case, but it was something that he was made even more aware of as they moved along the road.

Out of all the people they passed, and they passed a lot of people, he’d only seen a handful of non-dwarves—and they were mostly human. In fact, Derek couldn’t even recall seeing an elf so far. Just dwarves, a few humans, and he was pretty sure he seen a halfling or two.

I guess elves are much too nature oriented to be trapped underground for any extended amount of time, Derek thought, then decided to ask, “There aren’t a lot of elves here, are there?”

“Nah,” Braxton slowed his steps and fell in line with Derek, and answered. “They’re all mostly in the surface capital. Not many other than my own kind ever come to the true capital. First, it’s not easy to just get in…” he looked around. “Unless you are brought in through… unusual methods.”

“I see…” Derek muttered.“Not only that, but this is the heart of Vallum. This is where all the hard work and living happens. The overwhelming majority of trade happens above, in the surface cities. Don’t want the smiths and other crafters to be interrupted by every human who wants a new shiny blade or helmet. We leave that stuff for the folks up top to sort out,” Braxton explained.

“Oh, that’s makes sense,” Derek said. “Speaking of new helmets, though… how far until we get to a smith?”

“A smith?” Braxton looked around. “Pick up a rock and toss it. You’ll probably hit one.”

“I mean one that can craft legendary items,” Derek said.

“Well, that may take a few more rocks to find,” Braxton said with a laugh. “But in all seriousness, legendary smiths are few and far between. That is why it is impressive that your Walking Forge is one. Even in all of Stonehelm, there are only a few—and it is a society that focuses on crafting above all else.”

“I guess it was a good idea to leave the weapon making to Tyron, then,” Derek said.

“Yes,” Braxton said. “Because I am unsure how easy it will be to convince the others of your need for armor. I’m afraid none know you like I do. At best, they have heard the rumors. Though, I wouldn’t even bet on that. Most of the crafters keep their heads down and work—avoiding all the drama from the outside world.”

“Oh… that’s… not ideal,” Derek said.

“That’s why we aren’t going directly to the crafters,” Braxton said.

“What?” Derek asked. This was news to him. He thought Braxton was just taking him to an armorsmith that he was close to. “Then where are we going?”

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“You’ll see,” Braxton said. “It’s a long story.”

“Isn’t everything?” Derek shook his head, but didn’t say anything else. Instead, he quietly followed beside Braxton for some time longer. Until finally, he found himself walking toward a massive stone building. Other than its size, there wasn’t anything special about it. It was just big and square. I guess they don’t get any rain or storms here, Derek thought as he looked at the flat roof. No need to have sloping roofs, I guess… “What is this?”

“Oh… nothing special,” Braxton said. “It’s just where my brother lives. I think he’ll be able to help us.”

“Oh…” Derek said. What a weird place to live, he thought as they walked up to a gate being guarded by multiple dwarves in full plate armor.

“Lord Braxus!” Four guards all pounded their chests with their right fist and saluted, causing Derek’s eyes to widen.

“At ease!” Braxton said. “Open the gate. I’ve brought a guest.”

“Yes!” the guards all said at once, then began the process of opening the gate separating them from the street and the courtyard.

“Braxus?” Derek asked Braxton with a raise brow. “Lord?”

“It’s a…”

“Long story?” Derek answered for the man.

“Exactly,” Braxton said. “But don’t worry,” he continued. “I’ve already informed my brother that we would be arriving. He, at least, seems eager to meet you.”

“Oh… well, as long as he can help,” Derek said.

“If anyone can, it’s him,” Braxton replied. “Now, follow me. Don’t get lost.” The dwarven assassin then moved forward, past the gate and guards. They were met by another set of guards who opened the door to the building for them. Then, once inside, Braxton easily led Derek through the building. Along the way, guards and servants all saluted or bowed to ‘Lord Braxus’ as they passed, but Derek kept any questions to himself.

Finally, they opened a set of double doors, and Derek took a good look inside.

“You have got to be kidding me…” Derek shook his head and rolled his eyes. Everything started to click into place once he saw an all too familiar layout to the room, accompanied by a dwarf sitting high in a throne. The man had three braids in his sandy blond beard, along with a braid on either side of his head, but what stood out most about the man was the stone crown sitting atop his head. Derek looked over at Braxton, unamused.

“It’s a long story,” Braxton said with a smile.

“Yeah… I’m pretty sure it isn’t,” Derek said. “What are you? A prince? Duke? What?”

“Actually…” Braxton said. “I… well… I guess technically… a duke.”

“Yeah… not a long story at all,” Derek said. Though… how the hell did a duke of a kingdom become a leader of the Assassin’s Guild? Maybe it is a long story.

“You’ll never guess who my best client is,” Braxton said to Derek with a big, cheeky grin.

“And I’ll also never guess how you managed to get your hands on a death row criminal from Vallum’s dungeons, either, will I?” Derek said.

“I’ll never tell!” Braxton said with a chuckle.

“Uhem!” The dwarf sitting on top of the throne cleared his throat, causing both Derek and Braxton to look up. It seemed that the rest of the room had been cleared out before the duo arrived, so only the person who appeared to be the king, Braxton, and Derek remained in the room once the doors were closed behind them. “Brother, it would appear that you have brought someone with just as little decorum as yourself.”

“Oh, excuse me!” Braxton said loudly. “King Darius, may I introduce you to Derek Hunt and his companion, Silvi Hunt. Derek, this is my baby brother, King Darius.”

“Baby… brother…” the king muttered under his breath.

“Yes, baby…” Braxton said. He turned and looked at Derek, then. “I beat him to this world by two weeks, I did. We have different mothers, you see.”

“Oh,” Derek said. “I see. Why aren’t you king, then?”

“Didn’t want it,” Braxton said.

“Didn’t want it?” The king shook his head. “Or did father just not want to leave the kingdom in the hands of the Assassin’s Guild?”

“Same thing,” Braxton said with a shrug.

“Enough of the family history. This is not something that should be discussed in front of strangers,” King Darius said, then his attention moved to Derek. “Mr. Hunt, my brother told me that he was bringing you here, and I admit, I am curious. I have heard of some of your feats, and my brother seems to speak highly of you. What is it that you need from Vallum? Why are you here?”

“Right to the point, then?” Derek asked rhetorically, and Darius nodded. “In that case, I need some legendary armor… a lot of it.” He then went on to tell the king what he could about why he needed the armor—which wasn’t a lot. In the end, the king sat silently in thought for some time before speaking again.

“Braxus,” the king finally said.

“Yeah?” Braxton asked as he sipped on a jug from his storage ring.

“You believe this man?” Darius asked.

“I do,” Braxton said. “He’s no reason to lie.” He looked Derek up and down. “And if Derek really wanted to, he could probably take anything he wanted. Instead, he chose to ask.”

“So, you’re as strong as the rumors, then?” Darius asked Derek.

“I guess,” Derek said with a shrug. “I don’t really keep up to date on rumors about myself. But I guess you could say that I’m pretty strong.”

“Yeah…” Braxton muttered between sips. “Could probably take the leaders of the guild out all at once if he wanted.” He added.

“I see…” Darius sat back in his throne and sighed. “With strength above all else…”

“Other than a good brew!” Braxton cut his brother off.

“Right… with strength above all but a good brew in this world, it would seem wise to take your warning seriously, especially if backed by my brother,” Darius said. “In that case, provided that you supply the main materials and offer worthy enough compensation to the smiths, I do not see any reason keeping you from acquiring the armor you and your allies need. Though, with the armor being legendary, I must insist on reasonable contracts being made.”

“Contracts?” Derek asked.

“I do not wish to see legendary armor created in Vallum used against Vallum one day,” the king clarified. “Therefore, the simplest way to prevent this is with contracts that nullify the connection between the wearer and their armor if fighting against Vallum’s best interests. The armor will continue to work, but any special effects the armor may have with be nullified.”

“Oh,” Derek said with a shrug. “That’s fine,” he continued.

“Very well,” the king said. “Allow me two days to prepare everyone.”

“Sounds good,” Derek said. “I’ll be busy for some time after today, so, if I’m going to get any, I’ll have mine created last, if that’s fine.”

“The order does not matter,” the king said.

“Okay,” Derek said. “Then I’ll leave everything here to Braxi.”