Expansion - Chapter 22

 

Brammir – Durnbim Hold

As the miners emerge from the tunnel connecting Bimadizi‑Kor to Durnbim Hold, the world opens around them. What had been a sleepy border settlement a year ago is now a roaring hive of activity. The cavern‑city thrums with movement: Iron Legion soldiers marching eastward in tight formations, Legion of Stone detachments returning from the newly occupied territories, Guild caravans unloading crates, and workers from half a dozen Holds being reassigned to new posts.

 Brammir stops just inside the threshold, taking it all in. The air is thick with voices, bootsteps, the clatter of carts, and the distant ringing of forges. It feels like stepping into the heart of a storm.

The Legionnaire leading their escort halts, turns to Jorvik, and offers a firm handshake.

“We escorted you here safely. You’re free to report to the Mining Guild. We did as ordered. Good luck.”

Jorvik nods, but his eyes are already scanning the cavern—measuring, assessing, wary.

Around them, the group begins to loosen, shifting uneasily as the scale of the Hold sinks in. The miners who had stood shoulder‑to‑shoulder in the tunnels now look small and scattered in the vast stone expanse.

 Jorvik points to the polished stone emblem of the Mining Guild. “Alright, let’s keep together.” He leads the way.

Brammir notices that alongside the trade‑guild emblems, many of the newly built buildings bear Clan seals as well. “I’m curious if my clan expanded out to here,” he wonders aloud.

Miri hears him. “It’s possible,” she says, “but there’s no way mine is here.”

Keldra taps Miri’s shoulder and points to a broad‑fronted building marked Hill Clans Combined Hall, its stone facade carved with the seals of half a dozen Hill clans. “We might get a bath and a meal there.”

“If we aren’t still labeled as ‘frontier Guilders’,” Miri mutters.

“You aren’t in my mind,” Brammir says, giving both women an encouraging smile. “You’ve proved the color of your ore to me.”

Jorvik turns. “Of course you have. Anyone who says different’ll answer to me.”

“Agreed,” the rest of the miners chime in.

 

At the doorway to the Guild Hall, a scribe sits behind a low stone desk with multiple slates arranged in neat stacks.

“Where are you arriving from?” he asks Jorvik.

“Bimadizi‑Kor worksite,” Jorvik replies proudly. “All ten returned safe and sound. No losses or injuries.”

The clerk pulls the slate for that site and begins reading off names. As each dwarf answers, he hands them a metal badge stamped with the Mining Guild seal.

 

When he finishes, he says, “This will allow you to use Mining Guild facilities without cost or charge. If you prefer your local Clan Hall, you are welcome to do so. Either way, Guild Brothers—” he glances at Miri and Keldra, “—and Guild Sisters, we are pleased to see you. If you will be staying with your Clan, please inform your team leader”—he nods at Jorvik—“so he knows where to find you when new assignments are issued.”

Jorvik clears his throat. “Any idea when that will be?”

The clerk shakes his head. “We have many miners returning from the new territories. Once assignments are set, you’ll be informed.”

Each dwarf pins their badge to a beard braid. Jorvik says, “I recommend you walk around and see if your clan has a Hall here. Regardless, return here for Hearth‑Meal so I know you’re all right.”

Everyone nods, shifting their packs before heading out into the bustling Hold.