The four dwarves look at each other for a moment before responding and then one approached the ranger. He was a burly dwarf with reddish blonde hair and a short beard, "No offense but your dwarvish needs work. We're from this region unlike our underground cousins who prefer to be in the earth, we'd rather traverse over it. Well we did until that blasted horde showed up and we were forced to take the ridge line into the narrow ravine here. Damnable goblins jumped us, and that ettin used us like punching bags before he ate some of our companions. My name is Danvald and these sir, are my kin, Gimim, Thinbar, and Gruo."

"We are sorry for the losses that you have suffered," Willow replied honestly, "And we are sorry that this evil befell you and your kin. These are my friends," The Prince pointed to each one in turn, "Irzen the Swordsman, Lazheros the Cleric, Serna the Shield Maiden, Alyson the Elementalist, Caliaphy the Fairy and Dragolem the Elemental."

Danvald chugged down some more water again and wiped his mouth, "Aye sir, we have an old accord with Sunrider of Northaven, providing metals and gems for his military and in return, we get hardy stock animals to help out with our work. We don't ask for much just a place to call home."

"A fair trade if there ever was one," Willow concluded with a firm nod, "Where were you heading before you were accosted?"

"We were going about our business as usual when the sounds of raging orcs echoed into the valley and spooked our mules that pull our wagons. The ones riding the goats rode after the mules to get them back. We were left behind with the wagons and managed to hide a few of them off the road but half of the supplies were taken by the horde. If we can get word to the rest of my kin, we can hold off the horde from making their way to the southern gate of the capital. We may be hill dwarves but when pushed we push back even harder. I've got a contingent of sappers ready to go but my fellows and I need to get there without being spotted by the horde scouts, Orcs that ride worgs." Danvald clenched his fist angrily.

"As much I am against splitting up the party, I would say this is a good time to do so," The Bronze Man added looking at the swordsman and up to the draconian, "Lord Irzen and Dragolem, do you have any objections to helping them?"

The black-shadow draconian glanced down at the Bronze Man, "No problem here."

"None on my end," The Swordsman replied, "My only questions are where exactly are we going? How much of a detour this is going to be? And whose going to join us? Serna? Alyson? Lazheros?"

"What you can't handle with it just being you and Dragolem, Irzen? You'll be accompanying Danvald and his folk too." The Elementalist snapped her fingers and a new elemental literally blew in and around the party, "Aeroshock will be joining you, so you don't have to scout around, Irzen. He is an unseen servant, or invisible stalker, do you think you can handle that?"

"Yeah, I think I can handle Aeroshock," Irzen replied confidently, "Thanks for the extra assistance, Alyson."

"I think I'll stick with Willow," Serna replied honestly, "He needs someone to shield him in battle and you'll have Dragolem to do that."

Lazheros agreed with the shield maiden, "I will be staying with the prince and the child as well. I admire your courage young one but the journey is far from over."

"You know what, I believe you." Serna replied to Lazheros' statement.

"Then it is settled," Willow turned to Danvald, "Irzen, Dragolem and Aeroshock will escort you and your people back to your home. We will press on ahead towards the capital. Are you and your friends ready to travel or do you require more rest?"

"Meh, we're good to go!" Danvald shook the hand of the ranger, "Safe travels my friend. May the gods show you favor this day!"

The Prince returned the handshake in kind, "Be well on your travels too. May the gods light your way down dark paths."

Dragolem jumped down off the rise and followed the four dwarves breaking from the others with Irzen. The draconian stopped briefly to turn and nod to the elementalist before continuing down to the east.

"So, Dragolem, how much do you know about the trouble we've gotten ourselves into this time?" Irzen asked the Draconic Elemental.