Denizens of the Labyrinth

Now that he was a Seeker tier III, Jazmel could feel the difference in his body. He was sturdier, stronger, and even now. While working in the mine, he could feel the strength of his muscles in each swing of the axe. They had returned from the dam two weeks ago. Some of the warriors had been injured and in their time of recovery, they were working hard on health and preparing for the war effort against the trolls and ogres.

Frae had explained to him that the Troll Ogre was the chief of a tribe of both trolls and ogres. Jazmel had fought trolls before; they had an extremely uncanny regeneration. But he had killed them before, he would kill them again.

“What do we need for the trolls and ogres?” Jazmel asked as he and Frae worked in the massive mine.

“I will lead all the dwarves, for the camp is really large. Three generals will lead the majority, but an elite attack force of our best, will accompany us into the encampment, where the troll ogre will remain.” Frae explained to him.

“He is strong.” Jazmel asked, but he sort of already knew.

“We will beat him or die trying.” Frae honoured him and dropping his pickaxe he shook forearms with Jazmel.

“You have come in here and saved my people, you have done all we have asked of you. You have a brother in me, whatever you need from me. I will give it if I have it, I will find it if I do not.” Frae was genuinely offering his friendship and Jazmel acknowledged it.

“No matter where I go in the labyrinth. Call for me and I will come running. When you link with the system, we will connect and that way we will always be able to reach one another.” Jazmel confirmed and they shook firmly.

They continued for another few more hours and when Jazmel arms ached from the tireless work. Frae led him out of the mines and they headed a few levels up, to the dining quarters. They had just made it to the floor when the booming call of the carnyx; a huge ancient horn that could be heard. Everyone frantically hurried about, running from the halls, and heading off into different directions.

“Meet me at the carts! I am going for my weapons!!” Frae shouted over his shoulder as he disappeared into the mob of dwarves moving around in a hurry. Jazmel ran through them, careful to not knock over anyone or run into them.

He met Melle at the cart, she and many other women were loading carts up with aid equipment. Bedding, wadding, bandages, and many others. Jazmel lent a hand and when she noticed him, her eyes grew ashen.

“What is it?” he asked, her eyes telling him a sad story.

“The trolls have come.” She said, clearly shaken. Jazmel gritted his teeth but did not stop helping her pack the bandages up into the carts. Her and the women went up and after a while, more carts came up. Warriors boarded and hurried upwards too. Jazmel waited and after many carts ascended, Frae returned with three warriors. Who wore older but more ornate armour. He realised that they were the generals and he Frae brought them with him.

“Tili, you need to hold the wall, no matter what happens to the gate. Funnel them in, let them in but make them earn every step they take into our home.” The first general put his helm on and bringing a huge mallet with him got into the next collection of carts with warriors who were heading up.

“Gol, you are in charge of reinforcements. Read the movement of the troops, send reinforcements where they need to go. Stay at the entrance and focus where to send our dwarves.” This was the second general to go up, he was carrying a sword. but scabbarded on his back. He left and caught the next cart that was propelling the warriors up to the defence of the wall.

“Frarin. You have the hardest job. You have to hold the camp; you need to hold them there and fight till the man. We need to have time to get to the troll ogre.” He said, he put his forehead to the forehead of the other dwarf and then he left.

This dwarf was older than the others and a bit softer around the middle. But his eyes were fierce, and he accepted his duty readily.

“My Uncle.” Frae explained and Jazmel understood the heartfelt goodbye.

Frae stood in front around thirty other warriors, Jazmel remembered the faces from those he had travelled to the dam with.

“We go and free ourselves from this locked gate.” Frae said and they all got into the carts, ready for this last battle.