enter the dwarves’ territory, but no one who attempted it survived to tell whether they had succeeded.
In the past, there had also been rulers who thought themselves powerful enough to conquer the people of the underground, but every such attempt ended with decimated armies, burnt cities and pleading envoys sent by the invaders. The dwarves were masters of the hammer and anvil, but it was also said that they were the most technologically advanced race. Even though it was extremely rare for members of their race to develop magical talents, they were able to fight without them, utilising the fearsome machines forged in the boundless depths of their forges.
‘Are you training again today?’ Einar, suddenly snapped out of his reverie, jumped and instinctively assumed a defensive stance.
‘Heres!’ The lad exhaled and lowered his weapon. ‘What would you have done if I’d actually been holding a crossbow?!’
‘I would’ve come over after the shot.’ The druid stood at the very edge of the clearing, watching Einar.
‘Do you really have to give me a fright every single time?’ asked the lad, somewhat irritated.
‘You ought to pay more attention to what’s going on around you.’ The old man slowly approached the spot where Einar had been practising.
‘Notice a druid approaching in his own forest?’ he asked sarcastically. ‘I might as well try to count the leaves on every tree in your grove.’ He waved his hand towards the location of the druidic circle’s dwelling.
‘You’d have to start counting the leaves in spring,’ Heres said, stroking his long beard. ‘Otherwise, you wouldn’t even finish one tree,’ he added after a moment’s thought.
‘Or in winter, when there aren’t any at all,’ Einar said with a roguish smile.
‘You’re always trying to find a loophole,’ the druid shook his head. ‘I’ve noticed you’ve improved your swordplay again.’ He changed the subject, pointing to the weapon the boy was holding.
‘Hard to say,’ Einar shrugged. ‘I’d have to have a go with my brothers, but I doubt they’ll be up before midday after yesterday.’
‘I suppose they’ll have to.’
