The Amber Sword

Chapter 92 – Brendel’s chief architect

Andrei scoffed lightly at Count Randner’s instructions, but he had to admit that it was a good move to use Madara’s undead to kill their enemies.

Count Randner’s right-hand man was slightly startled. The exemption of tax and providing free provisions would certainly spur a significant amount of desperate Highland natives to participate in the battle, due to the damage caused by Madara’s invasions on their farmlands.

They would not refuse and simply could not refuse.

Furthermore, these barbarians were no strangers to battles.

With such strong incentives, the Highland natives participating in this battle would surely be more than ten thousand, and this figure did not include Madara’s undead or Lord Palas army.

The scale of the army made him a little excited. His lord who always played down his strength had decided to show his might to Princess Gryphine and Duke Arreck in this battle.

Aouine had not seen such a battle for a decade, maybe even two. A new generation of talented youths might have appeared, but this did not mean the old Count had lost his vigor.

“Did you say construction?” His voice was thirty percent higher.

Odum jolted and this eyes twitched a little at the youth’s sudden enthusiasm, and the lack of confidence in his reply was even less: “J-just a little, I think……”

But the stubborn character of a dwarf suddenly boiled in him. He realized he could not make himself look weak. He was a dwarf, and a Rune Dwarf, and in him flowed the blood of a Silver Lineage!

“Lad!” He coughed out loudly and cleared his voice: “There has to be a beginning somewhere for everyone. Even though I said I know only a little about construction, I meant that my experience isn’t enough. As you well know, I’ve worked in mines my whole life.”

His reply was full of holes and even Romaine would probably not believe him. Unfortunately, Brendel had visited a ruined city made by Rune Dwarves in the game and was awed by the scale and design. It did not help that Odum had performed that miracle with Halran Gaia as well.

He nodded as he felt that Odum was talking about not having a budget to construct grand cities:

“I understand. You mean that you’re lacking in funds. Don’t worry, I’ll give you enough money, so you can build a city for me.”

“You want to build a city?” Odum yelled.

The old dwarf was so shocked that he started perspiring. A city was not like a simple building. He started to imagine himself trying to build one with his current knowledge.

In the future, at some random place, an unsightly city that became a famous place, oops, it was actually an infamous place.

It was teaching material for all dwarves. Odum could even hear a grumpy old voice speaking to a group of young dwarves.

“Alright, you lads, take a look at the braggart Odum’s infamous work! This foolish dwarf even forgot to make the damned city gate—”

Odum shook his head and threw away the nasty thoughts out of his mind. Brendel’s eager eyes were staring at him—

“How about it?” Brendel continued to speak to Odum with a tone that sounded like a devil trying to tempt him: “A city that’s also an impregnable fortress, and once it’s built, your name shall be remembered forever by everyone—”

Brendel seemed to believe his own words, and his eyes stared into the far-off distance:

“Hark, the Grandmaster Dwarven Builder Odum’s masterpiece, a city that withstood a thousand invasions and the test of time. He brought back the glory of the Rune Dwarves that were known for their skill in construction.”

Odum blinked a few times when he heard Brendel speaking about glory. Brendel’s confidence and descriptions of the city’s image had made him forget that he was actually an amateur.

[Yes! Of course! I carry the blood of a Rune Dwarf, even if I’m worst builder amongst my race, I still wouldn’t be that bad!]

He immediately strengthened his resolve and nodded forcefully.

“I look forward to your skill, mister Odum.” Brendel was also relieved.

[How silly of me. I should have asked him earlier whether he’s an architect. It’s lucky that he insisted on joining me. It wouldn’t be a problem if I want to build a fortress now.]

Brendel felt like he had profited immensely, and so did Odum.