"This is something my soldiers found in the Blackrock Orcs' treasury."
Thaurissan closed the box with unmistakable pride and, under Dick's burning gaze, returned it to his Bag of Holding. He put his pipe between his teeth and, enjoying the rare peace and quiet, told the paladin where the gemstone had come from.
"When we found it, its surface was covered in dust and grime. The conjurers determined that it was a rare magical gemstone, so they presented it to me."
The Dark Iron Emperor made a rubbing gesture. "One evening, after I wiped away the dust with a cotton cloth and removed the grime with magic, the gemstone's power finally revealed itself to me. At a glance, I could tell that it shared an origin with that forest-green gemstone you treasure so much!"
At this point, Thaurissan slapped his thigh regretfully.
"Your gemstone represents the power of nature, while this one favors the substantial power of protection. Unfortunately, we can't use it. Neither I nor the souls of the Dark Iron Seven Sages can activate its power. What a shame."
"The Ata'mal Crystal is a relic of order. It will only accept a master on the side of order. The wills of the Elemental Lords are intertwined with the souls of the Dark Iron Dwarves. They don't belong to order, so they cannot gain the Ata'mal Crystal's approval."
The paladin did not conceal this information, telling Thaurissan everything exactly as it was. Understanding dawned on the emperor, and then he turned his gaze to Dick.
"Then, paladin, your eyes tell me you want it! Since I can't use this treasure, and given our good relationship, make me an offer."
The Dark Iron Emperor leaned back on his throne, thoroughly relaxed. Before Dick could speak, he raised a finger and