The Collapsing Tunnel - Chapter 23

 

23 – Tesh – Dwarves Go Home

During Ember‑spark, the old goblin cook slips into the hall and leans down to whisper to Master Brenna. Tesh tries to listen, but all he catches from the hushed tones is: “at the door… official scrolls… Priest and his man…”

Master Brenna wipes her mouth with the back of her hand and drains her mug of tea in one swallow. “Now what?” she says loudly.

Several students rise, but the Masters all motion for them to remain seated and focus on their meal. Garin, sitting between Tesh and Ashkwi‑Tin, leans in. “I wonder what that’s about,” he whispers.

They both shrug and take another spoonful of watery porridge. Tesh frowns, reaches for the bowl of root sugar, and adds another spoonful.

“I miss honey.”

“I miss eggs and sliced meat.”

“I miss sweet moss cakes.”

They look at each other and smile. Nibin takes the sugar bowl and adds some to his own porridge. “I like root sugar,” he says, trying to joke.

Master Brenna returns to the hall and walks straight to Durnik. “Apprentice, please come with me,” she says softly. “Leave everything. Just come.”

He obeys immediately. His classmates start to rise again, but once more, the Masters motion for everyone to remain seated.

A few minutes later, Master Brenna returns. Her expression is tight.

“Everyone. Both Thorek Iron‑Vow and Durnik Stone‑Hewer are returning to their Clans.” She holds up a scroll. “As for those from Hill Dwarf families, you will remain here until such time as official armed escorts can be provided. Your families have all requested your release.” She squeezes the scroll hard enough that the parchment creaks. “But for your continued safety, you will all remain at the school. Finish eating and get to your duties.”

 

Tesh and Nibin have Garin stand still as they stitch the padded gambeson's sides. “I know what you said, but I still think Tesh is closer in size to the Protector,” Garin mutters.

Nibin snickers. “You only want to think Tesh is bigger. You think your beard hides your belly.”

Garin gives a defensive huff. “My belly’s not that big.”

Tesh chuckles. “None of us are, my friend. But your beard does give extra thickness when it’s tucked in. Closer to Ashke’s mass.”

“I guess so,” Garin concedes.

“Almost there,” Nibin says, tying off the last seam.

They both step back.

“Move your arms and see if it binds,” Master Varu says, stepping closer.

Master Shii crouches low, checking the stitch work. “You all did very well on this one. Are you ready to assemble more?”

“Of course, Master,” they answer together.

Garin lifts his arms as his friends help pull the gambeson off him.

“Master Shii,” Garin asks, “isn’t making more of these what Elder Thuldren is accusing the school of doing? Making armor and weapons?”

Both Masters exchange a look before answering.

“That is an excellent question, Apprentice Garin…” Master Varu begins.

Master Shii continues, “If I had you weaving sheets and blankets, what would you be asking?”

The three apprentices glance at each other. “We’d ask why the smiths are making armor plates, and why the Stone‑Listeners are checking the caverns around the school, but we’re just making sheets,” Tesh replies.

“And if we weren’t keeping you busy with armor for the Protector,” Master Varu adds, “what would you be scheming in your dorm rooms?”

“It makes sense, Masters,” Garin says.

“Good. Now back to your pattern,” Master Shii directs.

Trumpets blare outside the school.

Tesh, his classmates, and even the Masters rush to the workroom windows to see the source of the noise.

Elder Thuldren and Brannik stand calmly before a line of leather‑clad dwarves armed with war‑hammers. The Legion of Stone.

Elder Thuldren raises a speaking horn. “By request of the Clans, and with the support of the Unified Guilds, we have members of the Legion of Stone here to escort the following students off Two Forges and back to their Clans.”

He begins reading names. Some are no surprise — Britta, Helka — but the weaving workroom goes silent when Garin’s name is called.

“You have ten minutes to present them to us, or we will enter the school.”

Master Brenna opens the door. “Give us a few minutes, and we’ll do as you request. There is no need for violence.”

Tears spill down Garin’s cheeks. “My father cursed me when I wanted to become a weaver. This isn’t right. I’m happy here.”

His classmates wrap their arms around him. “We’ll keep you. We won’t let them take you.”

Master Varu gently pats Tesh on the back. “I know that’s what you want. I agree with you. But we must obey the laws, or people will get hurt.”

When the boys finally release Garin, Master Varu pulls him into a hug. “You never have to explain yourself to me. I know what you’ve heard, and how much it hurt.” Tears gather in the corners of the old master’s eyes. He wipes them quickly. “Now go. Go outside.”

Tesh and Nibin watch from the window as all the Hill‑clan dwarves are lined up. The Legion of Stone surrounds them. The sound of marching boots echoes as they leave the campus grounds.