Deep in the Rocky Mountains, the Iron Hammer Clan and the Stonemason Clan were far apart, one in the west and the other in the east, but they had always maintained contact.
The current chieftain of the Stonemason Clan, Imaer, was Young Chieftain Balash's cousin and also his close companion during childhood.
Based on this personal relationship, Balash eventually made a decision: to send an emissary to the Auldo Kingdom as a mediator between the humans and the Stonemason Clan—if Imaer had truly done something as outrageous as colluding with the orcs.
That emissary was Dain Ironpalm, an experienced dwarf warrior and one of Balash's most trusted subordinates. He held a friendly attitude toward humans and was quite willing to accept this mission.
Dain would personally witness and assess the current situation, seeking any possible peaceful solution. He bore a dual mission: on one hand, to make the Iron Hammer Clan's position clear to the humans; on the other, to persuade the Stonemason Clan to reconsider their choices and avoid setting foot on a dangerous path.
"We of the Iron Hammer Clan don't actually like involving ourselves in conflicts beyond our borders," Dain said quietly during a lull in the banquet. "But this time is different. The Stonemason Clan is related to us by marriage, and we don't want them to turn against their human neighbors."
Paul nodded in understanding. "Your arrival is precisely what makes us believe that peace is still possible."
The alcohol grew stronger, and the candlelight swayed. A flush had already spread across Dain's cheeks.
His voice was louder than before, and his movements had taken on a touch more swagger. Though Dragon's Breath was fiercely potent, it suited the dwarven temperament perfectly. By now, he was completely immersed in the hearty pleasure brought by the