Darkness over the dragons face awoke him. As a hatchling Markan was vulnerable so he nudged his father awake. His father's eyes slowly opened, then suddenly picked up speed. They shot open as his father caught eye on the intruder. Whoever it was it was danger, so Markan stood up but he stumbled and fell as his father roared and blinded him with his bright fire. He heard the sound of swords on scales and the yells of the two legged, round ears people. But the sound that most horrified him was the cracking of shattering eggs

 Herik swung the hammer. It was his 15th dwarven birthday and that meant he got to choose his war gear. The sword was too hard to practise and he now realised the hammer was too heavy. That meant he had to either practise with the sword or the axe would be his choice. He laid down the hammer and took up the axe. He instantly knew it was perfect. He had already picked his armour so he paid the dwarven smith and walked out with a grin on his face. Today was the day that he would get all of his adult privileges. Today he got his war gear his adult gems and his gold. His celebration had already been and scince this was his adult day he drank his first cup of mead. Finally he would be able to decide if he wanted to explore the outside of the dwarven caves. He had already chosen days ago but now he would be able to tell his family. He would eventually come back home to mine to gain money for the future but for now he was free. The perfect halls  studded with gems and decorated with lifelike statues flashed by for Herik was running in his excitement. His smooth polished new armour banged upon his shoulder and his axe was in already in his belt ring which he had got for his adult celebration. He came to his family’s door which was surrounded in gold, diamonds and emeralds. Dwarves know that the amount of money that surrounds your door represents the amount of money you have. He opened the door everyone was waiting for him. He showed them his choice of weapon and his armour. “I knew you would choose well my son” said his dad tears welling up in his eyes. His mother was crying with happiness. A cloth in her hand to dry her tears. “My son what is your choice you must state it befor midday.” “I will adventure but I will return to see you in the future.” replied Herik his excitement creeping into his voice. “I thought as much. You were always the adventurous type, even from the first day” said his father in a choked voice. Without waiting Herik ran to his father and mother and hugged them with all his love. He went to pack his essentials but his mother just said “Herik” he turned around and saw her with all of his things packed. “May your spirit and body reign free and may your adventures be bountiful in gold and gems.” Herik just conveyed all his love in a smile and walked out the door towards the main hall.

He arrived in the middle of the dead volcano, the hollow inside of the volcano made it a perfect housing place of all the dwarves. The main hall was a magnificent building more of a castle without its walls. As he walked out of the tunnel he saw the side of the hall but even though it was the side it was still wonderful. The spirals of pure jade and ruby only scratched the beauty of the building the walls were curved and lined with statues of birds in flight, wolves hunting and dragons roaring. He walked to the front and turned his back on the beautiful building, towards the grand tunnel. The tunnel led to the doors and through there the valley. He stared walking, the walls perfect never faltering or changing direction for a millimeter. He was proud of this home but he wanted even more to find what the wild held.

The doors opened quietly on their oiled hinges but that didnt matter because a roaring waterfall was on the other side drowning out all other noise. A ledge of stone slowly came out from the mountain face and slanted the water to the sides so he could safely pass. Finally a path came out of the water allowing a crossing across the water and into the valley. As he walked along the path the doors behind him closed and the slab moved back to the mountain face. As he got close to the end the stone path started to slide down but as all dwarves knew that it wasn’t fast he didn’t rush. As he stepped onto the pebble beach the last of the path was engulfed in the water and was lost to sight. Herik pulled up his backpack and set off on his way through the valley