Chapter 353:
Arthur's Point of View
Capital of Vithari - Dwardew
"Should we be out here?" Ty asked .
I shrugged. "I told them I wanted to take a look around the city. Enjoy the mont, Ty. Don't worry about why we're really here."
Dwarves were an interesting people. An underground city would seem impossible. Plantlife that was as vibrant as it was in Lestrania lined the streets. For what one would expect to be rather dull in terms of color was actually the opposite. Several elephants were also present, which was surprising.
Rays of light were reflected through crystals, gems, and other forms of glass as the entire city practically shone. It was beautiful. Like an underground oasis or paradise. A freshwater spring that seed never-ending was crafted to flow through the entire city. It truly was a sight that struck a chord with . I hadn't felt this in awe since Klasteris was built.
The people themselves looked like children. Especially the won. They were either old, had a beard, or looked just like a child. It was awkward. Although, given how they were staring at us, I imagine they felt the sa. Ty was taller than them, which ant I towered over them. Then again, it felt like Ty had gone through a growth spurt during our trip.
We stopped by a market, and I saw this really cool shop that held all sorts of knick-knacks. Dwarven engineering was farther along than anything Lestrania was. Clocks, chanical elephants, and more. It'd been a long ti since I'd gone window shopping, so to speak.
"See sothing you like?" The shopkeeper asked.
All manner of craft laid in this store. Weapons, gems, and lumps of steel to the tiniest intricate constructions. Springs, cogs, screws, and other miscellaneous items were all decorated through the shop. A gem filled with light illuminated the area as I looked around, but it was really the aforentioned animal that got my attention. Especially since they had them in the streets.
Crouching down, I picked up the elephant. "How much for this?"
The Dwarf sighed and then shrugged before shaking his head. "Just take it."
I quirked a brow at that. "Oh? So generous. May I ask why?"
He sneered at . "As you can see, we aren't exactly the busiest right now." The shop owner gestured to the street where very few people were walking around. "Most people are just staying at ho with their families."
"What about you?" I asked back. "Not a family man?"
"My wife passed giving birth to my youngest, and both my boys already died during the early days of this war." He shot back emotionlessly. "So, no. Not a family man."
I shrugged. "Fair enough. So, you're just gonna wait here to die?"
He shrugged back. "Not much else to do. No one to go ho to. No point in trying to run. This shop is about all I have left."
"That's fair."
"Arthur!" My student said in horror.
"Ty, take a walk." I told him, but he didn't leave, so I turned to him. "I'd like to speak with this Dwarf in private."
Hesitant, Ty did as I told him to and left us alone. "What's so serious that we needed the privacy. Don't really appreciate you pushing my custors out."
I stared at him. "First, I'd like to say I'm sorry for your loss."
He imdiately cut off. "I don't give a stone's ass what you're sorry for. Either buy the Elephant or leave!"
"I thought it was free."
"It is! Take it and go!"
"Look," I began with a sigh. "I know what you're going through."
A bitter old Dwarf stared at skeptically. "Just like everyone else."
I ignored him. "But do you really want to just sit here and waste away?"
"What else should I be doing?" He asked back. "Join up with the army? Already tried. They wouldn't take ."
"How about watching the destruction of the opposing army?"
Snorting, the Dwarf gave a skeptical look. "And how would I do that?"
With a smirk, I handed him the Elephant. "I'll make you a deal." He quirked a tired brow at . "In two days, you can watch as I destroy these invaders. Get revenge for you and your boys."
The Dwarf fiddled with the Elephant for a mont. "Isn't revenge beneath most n? That it's sothing that can destroy soone?"
"Dig two holes and all that?" He nodded, and I waved at him dismissively. "Revenge is greatly underrated. Feels great nine tis out of ten. Besides, a resounding victory is tied into this deal."
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