User:MrFake/Dastroder/Stories

Standing Firm: The Heroism of Kûbuk Nebélkûbuk

The fortress, still less than half complete, had more than a few large holes in the outer walls. While no invader could reach these points, them being a few stories above ground, they nonetheless could fire into the exposed walkways. One in particular, near the kitchens, had frequently proven to be a deathtrap for passing dwarfs looking only for a bite to eat. Not a few dwarfs lost their lives in a siege due to this gaping flaw.

In the summer of 242, yet another goblin siege arrived. Defenses had lately been strengthened and all interests beyond the walls were cleared away, leaving only a well-defended entrance and these exposed areas to deal with. Current interests made it desirable to keep work moving without delay, so no orders were given to retreat underground, nor were meeting places designated to keep strays from wandering into the midst of a goblin attack.

Unfortunately, the paths of two goblin crossbow squads passed right below the open walkway to the kitchen.

The goblins took position by the opening, completely ignoring the wide open fortress gate to take potshots at the stream of passing civilians. The dwarfs scattered in fear of the flying bolts, but still more dwarfs crossed through into the chaos. It was then that Kûbuk "Admiredlance" Nebélkûbuk, fortress guard and legendary macedwarf took up his charge. With no direct access to the goblins below besides a jump to sure death, he did the only thing he could do.

Kûbuk Nebélkûbuk stood firm on the unguarded walkway, defiantly faced the goblin horde, and refused to move.

The goblins unleashed their bolts. With grim finality, piercing death flew with a purpose to its mark; and not a single bolt hit. The goblins' murderous salvo at the dwarf guard was as ineffectual as firing at a rock wall. His defiant posture and screams of rage taunted the hateful creatures on, firing again and again. Bolts whistled their morbid song through the air, but Kûbuk Nebélkûbuk could not be touched and would not falter.

The goblins, having fired their last bolts, had no choice but to assault the fortress entrance with empty quivers. Not a single goblin escaped, and not a single dwarf was harmed that day.

More than 120 spent bolts were found afterward, and none with a trace of blood.

Kûbuk Nebélkûbuk walked away proud and unscathed. For his bravery, he was the first dwarf of Swordbaldness to receive an honorary title. He is now known as Kûbuk "Medtobalåth" Nebélkûbuk: Kûbuk "Blockadebolts" Admiredlance. Along the walkway to the kitchens, a shrine has been erected in honor of this true noble.