Rhiann said, “Thank you, Baron. Did I hear you say you were from Flat Rock? And did you say the Burgomaster is your brother-in-law?”
Albie answered, “Yes, young Klarje, Cecelia Darktop is the Baroness Kirkey. She is my sister. I hail from Flat Rock.”
Rhiann said, “Flat Rock. I’ve heard Uncle Mayard speak of this Dwarfish community. You and Madam Darktop are dwarves. Your lordship, what is the difference between a dwarf and gnome?”
Albie Kirkey smiled wryly and answered, “About two inches in height and a lot of common sense.”
Cecelia Darktop said, “Now, be nice brother.”
Albie said, “For you, sister, and out of respect for the mark of the Klarjes. Our father opposed the marriage of my sister and the Burgomaster. However, it was politically correct and stopped not-so-friendly competition between our communities. Our cooperation has enabled us to make the roads between Gnome-town and Flat Rock safer.”
Rhiann said, “Safer… but I see you are armed and well armored. I might add your sword and armor are far superior to anything I’ve seen in Thynna.”
Albie proudly added, “You won’t see this workmanship in Thynna. My sword was forged by my brother Roswell from ores taken deep from Copper Mountain. Armorers in flat Rock created my armor. It’s second to none.”
Rhiann said, “Roswell.”
Madam Darktop said, “Yes, Roswell Kirkey, the armorer of Copper Mountain is our older brother. We’ve not seen him for a while. Word has it that he is embroiled in some special secret project.”
Rhiann said, “My Uncle Mayard and I are in route to the Copper Mountain mines. Uncle Mayard has business with your brother Roswell.”
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