5499
Personal Journal of Guunter Yon Hammer
Gropier
18th of Snows Maiden, 1185 :: This will most likely be one of the last journal entries I make as KaraKungor is all but sacked. In the last three days we have worked tirelessly to get the remaining members of my household out of the estate. They were told to travel to KalUrguan and seek refuge. Frankly, we were all was supposed to be going, but as the last group was leaving in the boats, a wave of orcs pushed the remaining five of us back into the estate and deep into the mines. By us, I mean myself, Captain Minesmasher and three guards Torag Drakescowl, Hobane Gragmaw and Gmil Ironfist. We have barricaded ourselves in this small chamber. We have minimum supplies, our weapons and armor are in bad shape and we can hear the orcs all around us. It does not look too promising. :: After talking about our situation with Capt Minesmasher and the guards, we have decided to leave our concealed location and make a break for the surface. We know it will be a major battle in the tunnels with all the orcs we hear. But we also know they are looking for us and it is just a matter of time. Our best hope is stealth and possibly surprise. Capt Minesmasher understands the Orc language enough to make out that there are about ten to fifteen scores of Orc troops here. :: I am hiding this journal so if we do not survive the day; it may one day fall into the right hands and make it back to my family. I pray to the Maker that this shall come to pass. :: To my surviving wife and son :: Teela: I love you. I know I am a hard dwarf to love back, but somehow you have always managed to find a way.  You gave me 209 of the best years of my life and as one who was against marriage in the beginning, I am glad that you kept after me and got your way.  You moved to KaraKungor with me when all we had was a small mine and some tools.  But together we built a hearth and home.  You managed the household with amazing skill. Your mother would have been so proud.  And then you bore a son for me.  I do not think there was any day where I was more proud and happier than when I heard midwife KHarla tell me it was a boy.  You came through it like a champion and went one to raise him proper. I will miss you Teela and your embrace.  I truly, truly love you! :: Gordok - I am sorry for not being there for you. I wish we had spent more time together making memories, because memories are truly more precious than diamonds.  I was so caught up in my businesses and the estate that I did not see the most precious gift that the Maker had given me... you!  I always thought by providing you with the finest tutors and keeping you learning, I was doing the best thing for you.  I was wrong. I should have had you by my side getting to know you for the dwarf you grew to be.  When Bregga died at the hands of orcish raiders, I know you were crushed and I should have been there for you. I was not and I know that is why you left home.  I do not blame you; I would have left home too.  I just want you to know that I am proud of you and I regret not spending more time together.  Please forgive me son! :: We will soon be heading out into the tunnels. May the Maker be with us, protect us and give us strength.