Ulfgar Ungart: The Lost Dwarf

I heaved a deep sigh and got up from the fire. I quickly removed the pan so the steak wouldn’t burn and kicked some dirt over the remaining flames to smother the fire. Once I was satisfied that it was properly extinguished, I proceeded to the still child.I placed a finger under her nose and felt the gentle breath of life emitting from her. Well, she wasn’t dead, yet. After another deep sigh, I began to gingerly test her neck and spine for any signs of damage. She appeared to be fine, just out cold. I replaced her arms on her chest and sat down to finish my steak. She had until I was done eating and then I would be on my way again.As I sat there eating my bloody steak, periodically licking the trails of blood from my fingers. I looked over the child once more. She was definitely human. There was no dwarven or elven features to speak of, and she was far to small to be of orc descent. Her cloths were worn in and patched. Coming up short on her legs and arms.

After completing the so-called tasks, more like chores, he finally instructed me to meditate for the next four hours.  When asked if we should sleep tonight, I was met with mirthless laugh. “We got things to do in four hours boy. We don’t have time for you to falling into a deep sleep. Here starts your training. Now meditate or do without even that.” He stated with a harrumph. He then settled himself into the floor and gestured for me to mimic his posture. I sighed, crossed my legs, and sank to the floor. I watched him closely as he loosely placed his wrists above his knees, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes. I sighed one final time, accepting my fate and copied his actions. As I closed my eyes he began to speak.“Take a deep breath through your nose, hold it for a moment, and then exhale fully. As you exhale, allow your mind to become blank and serene. Push all your angst and worries away as you take another deep breath. Exhale fully again.

I woke the next morning to the chill of the wind hitting my face. I felt cold, sore, and alone. I rubbed my eyes as I rolled into a sitting position. I looked about me only to see trees and brush. I was fully clothed, and I had been laying next to the pedestal.If my rough guess at the time was correct, it was about three in the morning. I groaned as I got to my feet. I dusted off the dirt and grass, and I straightened my belt buckle. I began trudging down the mountain. It had been hours since the old man had left me up here to regain my strength to leave.That was definitely not the reason I had stayed so late but I was hoping he’d buy into it. He sure hadn’t mentioned anyone else being up on this mountain. And my skin was dark enough to hide the ‘hickies’ I could feel on my neck and chest. My face began to burn as I recalled the last few hours. Everything that woman did to me had set me on fire and craving more. What a woman. I hoped she would

 My brother. He had found me despite my best efforts to disappear without him knowing. My father may be convinced that I was dead. But Ultnar knew. He heard rumors of a dwarf being brought back from the dead shortly after I had “died” and he knew it was me. He had narrowly found me at Yana’s. She lost her home and her business when he found out she was hiding me. He burnt them to the ground to set an example to the surrounding healers, of what would happen when they went against the wishes of a Head clan member.I was wrenched from my reminiscing by the sound of brush breaking nearby. He was trying to sneak up on me. But he didn’t really know where I was.“For the love of the Goddess.” He swore viciously. He must have stuck himself in some of the bramble bushes. I kept completely still. And began slowing my breathing down like I do with my meditations. I recited a spell to myself and into existence popped a hand. A mere five fee

They belonged to a cute little half-elf. She walked up to the brisk red head with a tray and towel tucked into her arm. She raised the tray and adjusted her grip as the red head piled on drinks and gave her instructions. The half-elf bobbed her head and walked away to deliver the drinks. She was maybe 5 foot ten, with midnight curly hair, her eyes were the brightest blue. They shone as if they were beacon of light starring into the dark night. Such and odd but compelling combination. Her skin was even more beautiful. Flawless and as soft as a peach, it had the porcelain white under toned with a soft subtle pink. She was warm in all her interactions and wildly popular amongst the strangers and regulars. I could see why so many people were drawn here. She was intoxicating to watch.I mentally shook myself and looked back down to my funds. I didn’t have much. Depending on the overhead price for a night’s stay I might be out dinner. I heard the soft clatter of footste