"Great Giant-King, I, Harbek, pledge the allegiance of the dwarven race to the stoneheart horde. We are ready to serve."
In the vast hall, Harbek knelt, offering up a small, silver hammer with both hands. Among dwarves, the hammer was a symbol of one's station, a representation of their honor. In presenting it, Harbek was presenting his loyalty.
From his throne, Orion said nothing. He had made Harbek kneel there for a full day and a night. A dwarf who acted with such audacity needed to learn that the Giant-King's authority was not to be challenged.
The crushing silence made Harbek's bitter heart pound with a fresh wave of terror. After twenty-four hours on the cold stone, the initial storm of anxiety and grief had subsided, replaced by a dreadful clarity. He was finally calm enough to see his mistake. He had marched on the castle in a grand public display without consulting anyone, effectively trying to leverage the horde's honor and force Orion's hand. It was a grave insult.
