The dragons, three-meter-long flying lizards or dinosaurs that had given the mountain its name, were a threat only in the open spaces on the north side of the mountain. The forests that covered the slopes of the mountain to the south and west were not good hunting grounds for them.
But in recent years, they had been developing these territories as well. The vampire, after what he had heard, was thinking not of the lizards that had forgotten to die out, but of what lay far below. After all, the untouched city promised incalculable riches, especially for those who would risk plundering it first.
The prolonged conversation with the engineer could be ended and having said goodbye the satisfied men almost parted, when already rising to leave, the guest struck the knight down with his words.
- And also, your grace, there is silver here.
The conversation continued. It turned out that the copper mine could also become a silver mine. In the engineer's opinion, it was worth digging even lower, and it was possible to find a much more valuable metal. All the prerequisites were there. He didn't know why he had told his guesses to the knight, who wasn't going to stay here even for half a decade.
But this noble at least listened to what he was told and did not dismiss it. On the contrary, he asked clarifying questions and tried to understand, and finally he patted his shoulder and shook his hand! The engineer left the office very satisfied.
Next, the vampire waited for the centurion, but the cook came unexpectedly. The woman made a fit of hysterics about the order to double the lunch portion for the convicts. Alexander could not understand the reason for such behavior of the ruler of the pots, until he understood from her own words that she simply did not want to work harder than necessary.
Realizing this, the knight was even dumbfounded by such insolence. He was used to such a blatant disregard for his duties from the commoners over the past year.
After a couple of slaps, the cook fell silent. Only to start hysterics a few seconds later, adding a beating to her grievances. At first the confused vampire froze, not knowing what to do, but soon his rage overflowed and the woman was forcibly taken out of the office and handed over to the centurion, with orders to give her five lashes. Without waiting for the execution itself, Alexander gave additional orders for lunch, telling them to use the convicts themselves for kitchen work, and went to the mine to visit the troll.
"Small and weak," he nevertheless made an impression. Especially against the background of the old priest standing next to him. The vampire didn't understand where the priest had seen a "small troll" in this huge structure that towered up to the vault of the mine. In his opinion, the creature was fine.
- Well, hello there!
- My respects, my lord!" the big carcass bellowed back.
In Elurian, the troll spoke perfectly clear and correct. He showed no aggression and generally behaved like a well-mannered and civilized man. Except for his appearance.
- Tell me, what can I do for you?
- My lord. I would like to continue to serve the people. I've lived among you all my life. I'm not drawn to the goblins.
- It's an interesting challenge. There are no mines in Savoyardi. All the work is done by day, by demur's light, and you don't like demur.
- We respect Demur as we respect all the gods, my lord. We do not distinguish between major and minor gods, my lord.
- I was referring to your dislike of Demur's light, not the All-Light," the vampire explained, trolling his mistake, "And tell me, why are you so weak?
- I'm still young, Your Grace. My parents work at a mine not far from here, and they didn't need a second troll, so they brought me here.
I've got more interesting stuff on patreon
patreon.com/Chill76