3. Hell must have frozen over

Hell must have frozen over


  • Chaella and Jimon stared with amazement at one another. "Was that?", as they stared past the well in Jiyyd, their frosted breath questioned in the morning air. Having been mere adolescents the last time they saw him, they were unsure. Jimon had grown a full 2 feet taller since his last meeting with the Dwarf.

    Chaella and Jimon used to receive coins from him to fetch him water while he slaved in the Forge. But time had passed and their perspective changed as they were now towering over the one-time benefactor of their family. It had been a little more than a decade since they last saw or even heard a single thing of Umail Torgat. Many had thought his departure so long ago had been terminal for him.

    Umail trudged through town, his legs weary from long and solitary travel. Mentally, he was exhausted from his long contemplation. Physically, from running short on food. Having spent most nights awake and traveling, he was pressed for good rest during the morning hours. The looming threat of Orc and wild wolf attacks kept him constantly on the ready.

    Once back in some of his older haunts, he finally began to relax. While the town of Jiyyd was peaceful, he was still reminded of the troubling times he had in this location. Walking pass the town square, he remembered a confrontation with an older human barbarian named Imphezarian, or something similar – his aging mind was failing him on the specifics. He had opted to rest the full day in the local tavern. Finding himself a comfortable suite, he rested his body for the first time in 5 months of travels.

    The morning sun shone in shafts through the shuttered windows. Glaring in his eyes, he rolled over in disgust. Having forgotten where he was, he sat up straight and examined the room. Quickly, his recollection of the prior day came back and he began to ease. Quickly, he gathered his belongings and prepared himself for one final journey, to his old home of Norwick. Fourteen years in that forsaken place had left its impression on him. The radical events of the area were enough to cause even a veteran dwarf to consider retirement. But yet, something had been calling him back… Back to this place. Something about the anonymity afforded to a traveler in this wasteland of unfulfilled dreams was appealing to him still. After a hearty meal, he quickly headed out toward the Nars.

    Umail dropped his pack in a sheltered area at the base of the hill. He spied the Marauders in the distance. They lay between him and his destination and he would not be stopped. Though, something about there demeanor was alarming to him. They normally did not gather about in the open as they are doing now. Considering their brash history, Umail was even more surprised when he saw travelers cross over Sam's hill, sharing a greeting and moving past the brigands without harassment. Too much has changed in these lands. Those same travelers passed by Umail, eyeing him carefully continuing their journey north.

    "By Clangeddin's Axe!" Umail muttered. Reclaiming his goods, Umail decided to pass by them as well, not certain if this was a trap. He moved far along the opposite tree line and up Sam's hill. When no attempt was made to give chase, he upped his pace. For in the distance, he could see smoke rising from Norwick. Something in the scent of this place caused his heart to warm. Indeed, this was alluring, had the Nars finally been conquered?

    Norwick was not what he remembered. The outer gates having been restored provided a greater sense of security to the town. Farms had expanded in the outer lands. For once, it seemed like Norwick was prospering. Passing the gates was an easy task, for a former member of the Militia. He still had his old papers and a few of the veteran guards knew of him by name. Though, it was apparent that the town had much strife in those first years after his departure. The inner gates were open and looking somewhat newer than he had expected them to be. Several of the buildings were looking marbled with newer stone having replaced older store. In all though, the place was quiet and prospering. Frago was still selling wares and the exotic animal. Something’s never change though, Fred was looking older and Kia was maturing. The well still had it's affect of gathering crowds. The Boarshead was still bustling and obviously making a profit. But some things had changed. Uthger was not to be found. Jore was injured and retired. His age was showing, though he appeared wiser than before. Hell, even the Fairy glen is not the same as it once was. Peace has come. But, for how long.

    Umail inquired about the company of crafters in the area. Many that he knew had moved on to other locations. Many returned to their Mountains. Many had taken their place in Moradin's great army. So few left. So few of those he knew remain. So many new faces. Like a restored painting, Norwick was appealing, yet empty of the fulfilling qualities it once held.

    After 2 weeks of re-acquainting with the townsfolk, Umail decided he was better suited for the commerce in the City. Peltarch, the major city to the North, was a good location to start an enterprise. Maybe he would be able to take up residence there and fund his way of life by making weapons for the city guard. Maybe one day, he would brave the open waters of the lake and venture out to the island. Maybe one day, he would find his peace in these lands. Things have changed so much; Hell must have frozen over in his absence.