158 Chapter 155 Backing Up The Tough Talk (2/2)

”Fine,” she said, turning to the commander. ”Are we going to see your king, or not?”

The commander was the only one in the room who didn't seem to be upset. He was fighting to keep a smile off his face. Even though it would have been hard to see through the beard, the twitch was still there.

”Can you back up your tough talk?” came a voice from behind the throne. The dwarf that stepped out into view had scars covering his face, that the beard only managed to emphasize, instead of hide.

”Of course,” she said, stepping forward.

All of the elite guards quickly surrounded her and the king, as they started to circle each other. Joseph could tell that she was holding back on using any magic, and the twitching of the king's fingers told of his desire to hold a weapon.

The elite guard that had been sitting on the throne stepped forward and hefted his axe, before dropping it onto the stone floor, and proceeding to drag it around in a circle.

”The first one out of the circle, looses,” he said, stepping back. All of the guards in the circle cried out a hurrah, and slammed the long handles of their axes on the ground.

Stella smiled and took a stance, as the king twisted his head, cracking his neck, and then took his own stance.

Joseph watched as they rushed at each other. Stella was faster, more agile, but the dwarf obviously had more experience. He managed to grab her s.h.i.+rt, ripping it as he heaved to throw her. She ignored the flap as it fell, revealing her stomach, and turned, touching the ground briefly as she stopped her slide and charged back at him.

This time, as he reached for her, she jumped, stepping lightly on his shoulder, she kicked out at his head. He threw himself to the side, causing her to miss and land in a crouch. He stopped his own movement with a grunt, only inches from the line, and charged back at her.

They fought this way for two hours, dripping sweat and panting hard, every time they pulled apart. At the four-hour mark, the elite guard stepped forward.

”Enough! Your majesty, none has managed to hold out this long.”

Stella was breathing just as hard as the king as they both broke out in huge grins and laughed.

”Alright, we can talk. What do you want?” asked the king, taking a towel from his son and wiping his face off.

Joseph casually touched Stella, and her torn clothing was mended, as she stepped next to him.

Joseph waited a heart beat of a moment, to make sure it was his turn to talk, then said, ”I am only here for a week. Then I shall return to my own realm.”

”Ah, those d.a.m.n humans summoning people again?” The king shook his head in disbelief.

”Yes, well, I was wondering if you would all be interested in coming back to my realm at that time?” asked Joseph.

”And why would we be wanting to do that?”

”The system that you all have will be gone. Only that which you have worked on yourselves, will remain.”

The king's head snapped up and there was a wicked twinkle in his eyes. ”Really? And how would you know that?”

”I'm getting rid of it. It's horrible. Also, all of the human kings have been cut off at the knees. They're useless as rulers. I imagine it's going to be horrible chaos.”

”That's fantastic!” cried the dwarven king with a grin so wide you could see his chipped teeth. ”We've hated that cursed system forever! I've always insisted on everyone working for their own good. This is going to get good. Hey! Spread the word! Tell the guards that all trade is to be halted and to start stockpiling over the next couple of days! We're going to watch from our mountains and laugh!”

Joseph shut his mouth. This was not the reaction he expected. It was clear that none of them were interested in coming back to his realm. He wasn't sure how to feel about that.

”Take our guests to go shopping! Don't take them to that c.r.a.ppy human section that we have, take them to the good stuff. They are to be treated as proper guests!”

The commander thumped his chest and turned, taking them out as the guards scrambled to spread the word. There weren't any roundabouts taken this time, as they were taken to a section that was a slightly too short for them.

While the dwarves they encountered here were surprised to see them, none of them questioned it as word from the king spread like wildfire. They found quite a use for the stuff Stella had taken from all of the human treasuries. When it was time to leave, Joseph was very pleased with the visit.

<script>