As everyone knows, the Dwarf Kingdoms of the Mountains have been in decline for a long time. During the catastrophic disaster, the majority of dwarf fortresses located in the World's Edge Mountains fell.
Eternal Peak (Karaz-a-Karak) once faced a siege by over 100,000 greenskins. This siege lasted for several years, leading to some human records falsely claiming that Eternal Peak had been taken by the greenskins.
In truth, it never happened. Even though the greenskins besieged it for years, not a single greenskin managed to breach the fortress. Eternal Peak is the pride of the dwarves and home to the sacred Gromril Ancestor Shrine. The High King's throne is located here, as well as the Great Book of Grudges and countless ancient tomes stacked high in the treasure vaults. Every dwarf holds these books in reverence. Even the most independent dwarf, after long grumbling and complaining, will acknowledge Karaz-a-Karak as the pride of the mountains. Though their empire has crumbled and their hearts are as hard as stone, their power and glory endure.
The greenskin warlord Angokh Beardburner once led over 100,000 greenskins in an attack on Eternal Peak, but they could do nothing against the massive hundred-meter-high gate. Even the largest war machines of their "waaagh" left only shallow marks. The greenskins spent a long time before realizing they lacked the siege weapons to break through the gate. At that critical moment, the dwarves discovered the secret of black powder, using their new weapons to rout the greenskin army in one decisive strike.
Now, the current ruler of Eternal Peak and lord of Karaz-a-Karak, the Dwarven High King Thorgrim - The Grudge Bearer, had appeared before the Knightly Army.
Ryan had never met Thorgrim - The Grudge Bearer before, as the High King rarely traveled as far as Bretonnia. However, he had heard numerous stories about the High King from many dwarves.
Thorgrim was not the son of the previous High King, Alriksson. Alriksson responded to the call of Ludwig the Savior and went to the Empire to participate in the Great Holy War. His son died in battle during the war, and Alriksson himself was grievously wounded, cursed by Chaos in a way that prevented him from healing. After returning to Eternal Peak, Alriksson knew his days were numbered, so he passed the throne to Thorgrim - The Grudge Bearer.
Thorgrim, now around 1,000 years old, is considered quite old even among dwarves. In his youth, he traveled the Old World under the alias Thorgrim Ironhelm, particularly enjoying his time in White Wolf City, where he lived for an extended period. Unlike what many imagine, Thorgrim is not ignorant of the outside world. On the contrary, he is highly knowledgeable about human affairs.
After becoming High King, Thorgrim began pursuing a lifelong dream: to cleanse all grudges. He dreamed of erasing every grudge, purging the Great Book of Grudges. Though clearly impossible, Thorgrim's resolve is unwavering. Whenever he has free time, the High King pores over the Great Book of Grudges, reading through each wrong and crime. Unable to contain his anger, he often grits his teeth or curses aloud. He keeps the Grudge Book close at all times, even placing it beneath his pillow when he sleeps.
However, anyone who assumes the High King is a brute or a radical would be gravely mistaken. While Thorgrim holds grudges dearly, he knows how to conserve strength and wait for the right moment. For example, he seized the opportunity to destroy Blackrock Fortress when Tamurkhan had severely injured the dawi (dwarven) leader Belegar. Thorgrim encourages technological innovation among dwarves and the creation of new war machines. He also understands the subtle differences between revenge, retribution, and compensation—dwarven Khazalid language has over ten distinct terms for different forms of vengeance.
For instance, an imperial noble named Burgh Meister deliberately spread rumors defaming dwarves and mocking their height. Word of this reached the dwarves, and the entire dwarven community called on Thorgrim to declare war. However, instead of waging war, Thorgrim simply sent two dwarf envoys to deliver a list of accusations and a diplomatic letter to the Emperor, along with a price.
In the end, war was averted, and Burgh Meister paid a fine of 10,000 gold marks for his careless words. Whether the imperial noble regretted his actions afterward is unknown.
Now, before Ryan and his Knightly Army, the forces from Eternal Peak were spreading out in front of Sea Gate Pass. The legendary "Everguard" were present in person. This elite force, established during the time of the first High King Snorri Whitebeard, has continued to this day. Every Everguard warrior is a one-man army, capable of taking on hundreds.
Four Everguard warriors carried the High King's throne on their shoulders and shields. Thorgrim sat upon the throne, wearing the Dragon Crown of Karaz-a-Karak, holding Grimnir's War Axe, and clad in Skaldor's Armor. The Book of Grudges lay on his throne, and his long white beard nearly covered his entire belly.
Thorgrim's face was hidden behind the massive Dragon Crown and his long white beard, making it difficult to discern his expression. However, the High King signaled his desire to descend from the throne: "Put me down!"
"Yes, sire!" The four Everguard set down the High King's throne. Upon hearing Thorgrim's command, they made way for Ryan, signaling that he could approach the throne.
What was the High King doing here? Ryan furrowed his brow but signaled for his knights to dismount. He also dismounted and, using fluent Khazalid (the Dwarven language), addressed the Everguard: "Ryan Malcador, King of Bretonnia, is here to meet with High King Thorgrim, Lord of Eternal Peak."
The dwarves were not enemies, at least not until Chaos and the greenskins were utterly eradicated, a task proven impossible.
As Ryan approached the High King, both Calard and François attempted to follow, but the Everguard immediately blocked their path. They were courteous but shook their heads.
Seeing no choice, François held back a frustrated Calard: "Hold on. We wait here."
"But, my lord, didn't the High King already send an envoy? Why is he blocking us here?" Calard, clad in a tattered surcoat with a tattered red dragon cloak, cut an imposing figure. His heroic aura and strength had earned the respect of even the Everguard.
"I'm not sure," François replied, frowning thoughtfully. "I think there are two possibilities."
"Two possibilities?" Veronica, who had hurried down from her light magic chariot, chimed in. Today, the Garland Witch was dressed in a deep crimson gown paired with wine-red heels and flesh-toned crystal stockings. Unlike her usual composed demeanor, she was anxious as she watched her man being led away. Pulling Katherine along, she rushed over to François, ignoring propriety as she asked, "What are the two possibilities?"
The assembled Grail Knights and nobles under Ryan's banner crowded closer, eager for François' analysis. He was known for his meticulous mind and clear logic.
"The High King's appearance here suggests two possibilities," François began. "First, he may be dissatisfied with the results of the envoy's negotiations and has come personally to Sea Gate Pass to negotiate with Ryan, to determine how much help we can offer the dwarves."
"And the second?" Federmond, whose Sea Guard had distinguished themselves in the battle, stepped forward to ask.
"The second possibility is..." François glanced back.
He was looking at the enormous convoy of treasure the knights had seized from the vaults of Eight Peaks Mountain: a million dwarf gold coins, 5,000 sets of rune armor, and twenty chests of rare treasures. "The second possibility is that the High King won't allow dwarven wealth to fall into human hands!"
"!!!" François' words sent shockwaves through the knightly army. Every knight reached for their sword hilts, while even the peasants adopted hostile and defiant expressions.
Sensing the shift in the army's attitude, the Eternal Peak dwarves quickly formed ranks and prepared for battle.
However, it seemed that the Everguard had received instructions from the High King. A dwarf chieftain stepped forward and indicated there was no intention of fighting: "Knights, the High King merely wishes to meet with your king to discuss some necessary matters. Please remain calm. We swear by Grungni that we mean no harm to your king. Our alliance with the knights is in accordance with the will of Valaya, and it will surely be endorsed by the High King."
Only then did the knights relax, and François stepped forward: "So… do we just wait here for your meeting to end?"
"No, you can enter the pass now. The High King has arranged everything," replied the dwarf chieftain.
"Alright, let's enter Sea Gate Pass and await the outcome," François nodded and began issuing orders.
The army slowly made its way into the city.
Meanwhile, Ryan stood before the High King. Thorgrim scrutinized him with a unique expression but said nothing.
Ryan, led by the Everguard, slowly approached the High King and nodded: "It is an honor to meet you, High King, Lord of Eternal Peak, undisputed ruler of Karaz-a-Karak. I am Ryan Malcador, King of Bretonnia and Champion of the Lady of the Lake."
The High King's expression shifted slightly. He muttered under his breath: "Your Khazalid isn't bad… wonder
who taught you."
After that, Thorgrim raised his hand with some effort, offering a handshake.
Ryan was taken aback. The High King initiating a handshake? He quickly stepped forward, bent down, and shook the High King's hand.
Thorgrim applied a bit of pressure to demonstrate his enthusiasm, then spoke in a steady tone: "King of the Knights, I believe this is our first meeting. I've heard of you. Never thought Eight Peaks Mountain would truly be reclaimed. Since you've allied with Belegar and that is Valaya's will, I won't say more. I thank you for your help with Eight Peaks Mountain, for your sacrifices, and for the dedication of your knights. I've come personally to offer my congratulations."
"Come with me!" The High King gestured for Ryan to follow: "I've already arranged a banquet, just for the two of us."
"Very well, after you."
"Please."
The High King had already prepared a grand banquet at the finest dwarven inn within Sea Gate Pass. The entire room was lavishly decorated. Thorgrim signaled that he wished to dine alone with Ryan. Two Everguard carried in iron platters, placing them before each seat. The platters were sizzling hot, filled with spinach, cauliflower, carrots, and onions.
A lamb chop weighing at least two kilograms sizzled on the iron plate, with oil splattering and an irresistible aroma filling the air. A dwarven chef poured a generous serving of black pepper sauce over the chop, releasing even more fragrance.
Next, the Everguard brought in a large basket of royal gingerbread, a delicacy reserved for the dwarven royal family, known for its unique texture.
Two barrels of Bugman's black beer were brought in, along with "Ancestor Cheese," a delicacy even the Emperor of the Empire would struggle to taste. Legend has it that this red wax-sealed cheese was crafted personally by the goddess Valaya using goat's milk and special ingredients. Even the elves praised its exquisite flavor. It is one of the most expensive food items in the Old World, costing 500 gold crowns for just a small piece.
"Help yourself, no need to be so formal. This meal is my treat," the High King said, sitting at his small table, expertly cutting into his lamb chop. "Ryan Malcador, is it? I remember your name. Karl Franz has mentioned you before. Not bad. Though we've never met... I didn't think we'd ever have the chance. After all, the lives of lesser beings are so short."
"Oh, is that so?" Ryan thought, wondering who might live longer in the end.
Awkwardly, the Knight King sat on the ground, as the small dwarven table left him feeling out of place. Seeing Ryan's discomfort, Thorgrim frowned and immediately ordered his servants to bring in a larger table and chair for Ryan, while also raising his own small table and stool to maintain the same height.
"You've likely heard my plan from Borgrim, correct?" Thorgrim asked as he speared a piece of cauliflower with his fork. "What are your thoughts, King of Bretonnia?"
"I've already stationed some troops at Eight Peaks Mountain, and I agree that it's necessary to leave forces there to help the dwarves defend against enemies," Ryan replied as he deftly cut into his lamb chop. "But we need to work out the specifics of how many troops to station, how to allocate forces, and where to place them. We'll need a detailed plan."
"A detailed plan?" Thorgrim suddenly lifted his head, and the atmosphere around him shifted.
The weight of the High King's authority, like the towering stone pillars of Karaz-a-Karak's throne room, bore down on the room. In an instant, Thorgrim - The Grudge Bearer seemed to change. His presence surged through the ceiling and into the sky: "Let me tell you something, King of the Knights. I think this matter must be settled quickly, without delay. How we station the troops, how we arrange things, all of it needs to be finalized swiftly."
"As for a plan, I've already got one. Which greenskin in the Badlands haven't I fought? You humans… you're just too young, too naive, too inexperienced. Still got a lot to learn. Here's what I suggest: gather an army of 100,000 men and station them directly at Eight Peaks Mountain! Money isn't an issue. I'll pay the wages. What do you think?"
"What?!"
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