Chapter 62: The Call to Belegost
The halls of Nogrod echoed with triumphant cheers. Dwarves raised their voices in celebration, their chants and songs filling the air like a great tide. Baruk and I stood at the heart of it all, surrounded by warriors who clapped our shoulders and hailed us as heroes. The weight of the recent battle still lingered in my bones, but their joy was infectious, and I found myself smiling, though my mind remained troubled.
Baruk, despite his injuries, grinned broadly, raising his axe to the crowd. "Victory is ours! Nogrod stands strong!"
The dwarves roared their approval, their spirits soaring higher than the mountain peaks above. Barrels of ale were rolled into the great hall, and the celebration threatened to spill into a night of feasting and revelry. But before the first mug could be raised, a commanding voice silenced the noise.
"Enough!"
Thráin, Lord of Nogrod, stepped forward. His presence alone was enough to command respect, his armor still smeared with the blood of battle, his gaze sharp and unyielding. The dwarves fell silent as he ascended the steps of the royal dais, his hands resting on the pommel of his war axe.
"Nogrod may have stood firm, but our fight is not over," he said, his voice steady and grave. "While we celebrated, our brothers and sisters in Belegost are still under siege. The same orc filth that sought to take our city now threatens theirs."
A murmur rippled through the crowd, the weight of Thráin's words sinking in. The dwarves' joy turned to grim determination, their eyes hardening as they realized the battle was not yet won.
"We will not let Belegost fall," Thráin continued, his voice rising with fervor. "We are the sons and daughters of Mahal! We are the keepers of stone and fire, the unyielding mountain that cannot be broken. Tonight, we prepare. Tomorrow, we march to Belegost and crush the enemy beneath our boots!"
The hall erupted in a cheer, not one of celebration but of resolve. Weapons were raised high, and the sound of axes clashing against shields echoed through the chamber. The dwarves of Nogrod would not rest until Belegost was free.
Baruk turned to me, his expression solemn. "Seems our work is not yet done, my friend."
I nodded, already feeling the stirrings of battle within me. "Then let us see it through, Baruk. Together."
Preparations began immediately. The smiths of Nogrod worked tirelessly through the night, sharpening blades, reforging broken weapons, and repairing dented armor. Massive war wagons, each a fortress on wheels, were pulled from the forges and outfitted with fresh supplies. The dwarves moved with purpose, their unity and discipline a sight to behold.
I readied myself alongside them, my sword cleaned and sharpened, my armor repaired from the scars of battle. Lauriënénar, my faithful steed, stood ready, his golden mane shining even in the dim light of the underground city. I stroked his neck, speaking softly to him as he nickered in response.
Baruk approached, his own preparations complete. His wounds were bandaged, but he carried his axe with the same determined strength as always. "You're ready, then?"
I nodded. "Are you?"
Baruk chuckled. "I was born ready, elf. Let's hope your horse can keep up."
At dawn, the army of Nogrod gathered in the great courtyard. Hundreds of dwarves stood in formation, their armor gleaming and their weapons sharp. The war wagons were loaded and ready, their heavy wheels creaking as they lined up for the march. The air was thick with anticipation, the kind that came before a great storm.
Thráin stood at the forefront, his axe raised high. "To Belegost!" he roared.
"To Belegost!" the dwarves echoed, their voices shaking the very walls of the mountain.
I mounted Lauriënénar, his hooves clattering against the stone as he pranced eagerly. Baruk climbed into one of the war wagons, his grin as fierce as ever. The army began to move, the rumble of their march reverberating through the tunnels as we left Nogrod behind.
Our destination was clear, our purpose even clearer. Belegost awaited, and so did the enemy.
The ride had begun.