Enter the Peaks

Day 5
 
After consideration, I have been chosen as second in command.
 
We are going to meet Prince Belegar Ironhammer. We prepare ourselves as we approach, Renaldine turns inward and falls to the back of the group. I'm not sure what to expect next, transparency seems to be the best policy at this point.
 
Belegar's garb is fine but modest. The place is modest for royalty. Glowing light blue gems adorn a chandelier designed with concentric circles, the throne is an intricate work of ivory and gold, flanked by dwarves in blue garb. Belegar welcomes us as we approach the throne. One of the dwarves number, a female in flowing purple robes, wears a thick chain with a book that hangs from her neck. (Magda Fraydaughter) We are being measured here.
 
The tension is malleable among the dwarves here, they appear to be burdened by something. Our party attempts observe the cultural norm and social decorum, Belegar cackles oddly. Gotrek speaks first asking whether any intend to block his path, Belegar laughs again perhaps at the implied challenge of the question. Belegar questions the dwarf about Felix being a blood brother. Gotrek has Goldareas explain our intentions here in Karak 8 Peaks. Goldareas explains that we're in the process of initiation. Belegar asks if we pursue the treasure of his people. Goldareas explains his ambitions and background to Belegar. The king responds with the question "Do we know the dangers we seek to face."
 
Belegar begins to reminisce about the Queen of the Silver Depths history and the glory days of the Eight Peaks. As Belegar continues the dwarves in the room become solemn. The description of the mines give the impression that they are vast and are more of a nation than a city. As they built the city they expanded, the had war with the elves driving them from the land. This proved economically self defeating generating a self imposed economic isolation. The dwarves retreated further underground. The dwarf pauses often in his agonized ruminations, his face a mask of incredulous shock at having lost the city along with much national dignity. The new enemy emerged from underground. Demons, Orc, Goblins, Ratmen, and (Chaos Curse creatures?) over whelmed the kingdom.
 
Belegar presses Goldareas on whether he is after the abandon treasure holds of the kings people. Goldareas offers an alliance, Belegars support in exchange for our help regaining some of the area from the "Darkness" as he described it. Goldareas's appeals persuade his majesty to allow us entry into the depths. I get the impression the meeting was more about his majesty alleviating himself of any responsibility than granting us permission. I inquired about the Knights of the Fiery Heart. Coincidently the king brings the knights before the court and has them explain their intent in the peaks.
 
Aldred tells a tale of a fallen knight that fell with Faragim's party in an venture to the area. Aldred tells of his vow to retrieve a holy weapon of his order "Karaghul" wielded by fallen Raphael. Aldred justifies his mission with a tale of a vision from his god.
 
We discuss our plan and arrive at the decision that we need to keep an eye on the Knights of the Fiery Heart until we can better discern whether the harbor underlying motives. We'll persuade them to accompany us.... Renaldine advises against it urging caution. She deduces that Aldred would tie Goldareas heritage in to his prophecy. Her prediction is dead on. His prophecy seems conveniently self-serving.
 
We over hear Aldred's group discussing their slim chance to find the blade. Goldareas convinces Aldred we should travel together. We get our weapons being escorted by Magna. She leads us away from the hall to a room on the ground floor that meets the needs of our group. What it lacks in amenities it makes up for in hospitality. We camp.
 
Day 6
 
In the morning Goldareas informs us of a gather he and Renaldine attended in the night. The short version is that we face a potentially lethal situation when we get inside. We have been assured by Belegar himself that its only a matter of time before we are in over our heads from the sound of it. We push forward, we can not turn back without making an attempt. We've traveled a day underground and have found some silos that appear to have been abandoned. They smell like decay and suggest that this area had recently been held by the dwarves but was lost a second time.