After a few more drinks, a hint of drunkenness crept onto the dwarf's face.
Roy's questions became increasingly casual, seemingly unrelated.
"I heard before that Mahakam was home not only to dwarves, but also to a large number of gnomes. But ever since we entered Carbon Mountain, I haven't seen a single gnome. What's the reason for that?" Gnomes were the oldest race in the world. They were even shorter than dwarves, but their craftsmanship surpassed that of dwarves.
"Mahakam was still home to a group of gnomes ten-odd years ago... They weren't big, and every one of them had a terrible temper, but there was no denying their skill at metallurgy and forging." The dwarf stroked his beard, a look of remembrance appearing in his dark eyes. "But they all moved away later. I heard they went to the Tir Tochair Mountains, the gnomes' true stronghold. I don't know the exact reason. Maybe the High Elder knows."
The boy thought it was a shame. He could only wait for another chance to meet the legendary race.
"By the way, Boss Regan, Bernie, Duru, Dief, have any of you ever left Carbon Mountain? Have you seen the world beyond Mahakam?"
"What's so great about the world outside the mountains?" Dief shook his head, disdain written all over his furry face. "The beer, weapons, and women aren't as good as Carbon Mountain's. Why go out there and suffer? Besides, leaving Carbon Mountain means giving up your house. How can you find a wife without a house? I don't plan on leaving."
"Don't be so absolute," Regan said, setting down his cup, a hint of longing in his eyes. "In a few years, once I'm past sixty, I want to go out and make my mark. I'll join Big Brother Pauli and