The Legend of Iden the Dwarf

        As most of you know, the typical description of dwarves is that they are shorter than men, are hardy and stout, grow long beards, are short tempered and have a lust for gold. Our story is about a legendary dwarf, not among the dwarves, named Iden Longbeard, who fit the mold in looks but not mind. He came from one of the wealthiest families in the dwarf city of Stonefort . Their family always had the best of everything: the best food, a huge mansion, the best training, and the nicest clothing. His father was in charge of the royal treasury, was on the high council of the king, and was well revered among all the citizens. Part of his job was to search for more gold to add to their city's wealth. His mother was the head of the queen's kitchen. Iden had a brother and a sister who were both very intelligent and highly respected. Despite all that Iden had and was a part of, he was very unhappy with his life and daydreamed of grander things.

          Iden didn't think or act like any other dwarf. He was always good humored. He was more concerned about others than himself. He wanted to leave the city and go on many adventures, and the most surprising thing was, he hated gold! These quality's made him quite unpopular with nearly everyone. His parents loved him but were so hard on him about it that he gave up his lofty ideas and decided it was less trouble being normal. He went through all the typical dwarf training growing up and took a job in the stone quarry when he came of age. He was very good at his job and quickly moved up the ranks until he reached the top position, but he loathed it in his heart. His loathing grew to the point where going to work was the worst thing he could think of doing and there was no way out of it. Then nearly two years later a life changing event happened.

         One dreary day, Iden had just started his day of work when he heard a terrible screaming coming from the forest on the other side of the quarry. Being the caring dwarf he was, the screaming tore at his heart and he rushed to help. As he approached the forest, he saw an injured elf laying on the ground, surrounded by goblins. Iden gave a war cry and charged them with his ax, killing them in mere seconds. After wiping off his ax he quickly ran to the elf who was seriously wounded and hardly able to move. 

         Now if you know very much about dwarves, I'm sure you are aware that elves and dwarves don't like each other. Another thing to consider in our tale is that it was against the law to bring any elf into the city. Iden knew this law, so he tended to the injuries right there and waited until dark to take the elf home with him. This was not the kind of small elf some of you might think of, like the kind in Santa's workshop. This race of elves was almost as tall as men, very fair looking, powerful fighters in war, and much stronger than they looked. 

         It was a long and tiring night carrying the elf back home. Part of the problem was that he had to make it back without being spotted. They made it back just fine. Iden lived alone, so he didn't have to worry about someone there reporting him. The elf was very sick for many days, but his color was slowly coming back and his wounds were healing. When the elf was well enough to talk, he spoke to Iden and told him his story. The story is too long to tell you all of it, but here is what I can tell you. The elf said, “My name is Galanír, son of Gilanu, the king of Summerlight Island. I was on a journey to visit my relatives in Willow-tree Forest when my guards and I were attacked by a group of marauding goblins. They ambushed us and most of my guards were killed right away. I and two others survived. We took down most of the goblins but my two companions were cut down. I fled in fear for nearly five miles, when, as I reached the forest, grief and weariness overcame me and I stumbled to the ground. My enemies soon caught up to me and began to batter me with fists and stones, mocking me in my weak state. That is just before you came to my aid and killed the vile creatures.” At these words a look of awe and wonder come to Iden's face and he bowed low before the prince. Galanir put his hand on Iden and said, “My good dwarf. You need not bow to me, for I am in your debt. You have taken great risk to rescue me and tend to my wounds in your own house.”

          Galanir had been in Iden's house for nearly a week without any incident. Then one night, just as supper was prepared, the door was broken down and many royal guards of the dwarf king quickly entered and bound Iden and Galanir and carried them to the palace. They were taken before the king, unbound and told to stand before him. Then the king spoke, “Why have you broken my royal law by bringing an elf into our city?” Iden spoke up. “This elf was greatly wounded and would have died without my aid.” The king said, “Even though this may be true, you have broken the law. On behalf of my great respect for you and your family, I will forgo punishing you, if you personally throw this elf out of the city.” Iden replied, “Sire, this elf is none other than Galanir prince of Summerlight Island and he is not well enough to leave.” The king became angry and said “Be he Prince or peasant he is still an elf! He must leave!” Iden had had enough! “I have lived among the dwarves my entire life and have grown weary of my own people's ways! All that crosses your minds is your own personal gain! You are all selfish gold hoarding swine! You, O king of dwarves, are to me a king of fools! I will not throw my friend out for your silly law.” At these words the king turned a dark red and screamed “How dare you! Vile dwarf, great shame you bring to your father. I hereby banish you along with your friend from my city! If you ever wish to return, perhaps begging before me like a dog will move me to pity.” Then he ordered the royal guards to throw both Iden and Galanir out of the city.

         They were both given weapons: an ax and shield for the dwarf, a bow and a knife for the elf, a small store of food made for a long journey, and a few changes of clothing. No one came to see them off as they were violently thrown out the gate. The two friends picked themselves up and headed away from the city. As they walked Galanir said, “I did not get a chance to thank you for standing up for me. I owe you greatly.” Iden responded, “It was my pleasure to rescue one as wonderful as yourself. I have always dreamed of meeting an elf.” Galanir then said, “My good friend Iden, you must come with me to my fathers kingdom so I may repay your deeds of valor. Think of what you would request to have given to you for your reward, as we return to my home.” Iden stopped in mid step and said, “I ask no reward for my deeds. I believe it is my duty to help anyone in need of help.” Galanir looked at Iden kindly and said, “It is part of my peoples' tradition to pay those back generously who save an elf from death. Who among dwarves is more worthy of honor than you my dear friend.” Iden said, “If that is the way of things, I will come with you and accept whatever you deem me worthy of receiving.” At these last words the two companions headed towards the city of Summerlight Island.

         The two friends' journey was long and uneventful, but Iden was very excited as he had never been away from his own city. They passed over the final hill before the elf city when Iden stopped suddenly with his mouth gaping open. His eyes beheld the most amazing sight! There before him was a wall of trees in a huge square growing right against each other; a guard house on every corner. Inside the wall of trees was a lake full of beautiful boats with an island in the center. A long bridge led across the water to the island on which was a magnificent city of white stone with silver and gold tiled roofs. Their was a harbor. A large palace made of marble, with a roof of gold and gems across the edges stood at the center. The city also had many flowers, trees, and fountains, which Iden had never seen before. “This is the most amazing place I have ever laid eyes on!” exclaimed Iden.

        When the two friends entered the city, Iden waited in the palace courtyard as Galanir went to talk with his father. After a few hours, the prince returned and told Iden King Gilanu was ready to see them both. Upon entering the palace, Iden was stunned. He had never seen such a magnificent building in all his life. The throne room floor was made of polished marble, inlaid with sparkling gems. The walls were of white stone covered with paintings of trees and birds. The ceiling was made of many glowing crystals of all colors, and there were gold statues of past kings and queens lined up on either side. At the very end sat King Gilanu upon a throne of silver made in the shape of a leaf. King Gilanu looked much like his son but a little older and much wiser. He held out a hand and beckoned the dwarf to come before him.

         Iden came before the king and bowed to him and said “It is a pleasure to meet you king Gilanu. Your son has told me much about you and your kingdom.” The king replied, “Perhaps it is more my pleasure to meet the one who rescued my son. Galanir has told me of all you have done for him and I am greatly amazed by your courage. I wish to reward you. Ask anything you wish of me and I will consider your request.” Iden thought for a few minutes and then replied, “Sire, if it please you, I desire to become a knight and help others who are in peril. I need weapons, armor, battle training, and a horse to ride.” At these words a look of awe came over the kings face and he said “What a noble request from a dwarf. Not even many elves would desire the path you have chosen. I most certainly will grant your request, and you will also have full access to me and much of my kingdom. You will be given your own house and stable in this very city.” Galanir spoke before Iden could reply. “Father, I owe this dwarf my very life and I wish to be Iden's companion throughout his adventures. If I should perish alongside my friend, my brother may take my place as future king.” The king replied “My son. This grieves my very heart, but nonetheless I will grant it because of my great love for you.” Tears of joy came to Iden's eyes and he embraced Galanir, thanking him over and over, bowing many times. Then after calming down, he spoke to the king. “You have made my dreams come true, and for this I pledge unfailing loyalty to you and your kingdom as long as I live.”

        Iden spent the next few weeks in training for his new occupation and at the end was given the items he had requested; A double bladed ax with a golden handle inlaid with bright gems, a suit of armor which was light in weight but stronger than iron, a mighty sword which had been forged many years ago and was rumored to have special powers, and a mighty white horse named Aronor. After everything was prepared, Iden and Galanir left the city to begin their adventures in the wide wild world, which we will speak of at another time.