How This Came Together
In Rising Tensions, the fragile alliances between the elves, dwarves, and humans are tested. After Keldon’s mysterious injury, Tarian seeks aid and answers from his new allies, only to discover that help comes with its own dangers. An unexpected arrival brings both hope and suspicion, forcing decisions that could reshape or shatter their fledgling alliance. Join me for another chapter of political intrigue, quiet heroism, and the small victories that can alter the course of survival.
Music Pairing
This chapter is paired with my original blues piece Creeping, whose slow and deliberate rhythm mirrors the story’s undercurrent of mistrust. The steady pulse of the song echoes the guarded steps of conversation, letting you feel both the weight of diplomacy and the shadow of the hidden threat to their survival.
Behind the Scenes
From the beginning of this series, I’ve shown that this world is dangerous and unpredictable. I chose to bypass the attack on Keldon, instead picking up after he had already been struck down. This story, including bypassing the attack, allowed me to plant seeds of distrust between the three races, a tension that will continue to grow.
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Rising Tensions
Tarian rushed into the infirmary and seized Keldon’s hand. “What’s his status?”
The doctor wrapped his arms around his pad as he sighed. “The odds aren’t good.”
Tarian’s brow knotted as he shut his eyes. “Spit it out, Dalton.”
With another sigh, Dalton dropped the pad onto the bed and nudged Tarian’s shoulder. “He’s not going to make it.”
“I want to find whatever did this to him.” Tarian rounded the bed and grabbed the doctor’s shirt, pulling him onto his toes. “Caleb, what do we know?”
“Nothing,” Caleb said, pulling Tarian off the doctor. He patted his chest. “Keldon was the only member of his team to survive. And he never told us where they went.” He paused, glancing down at the injured man. “Don’t forget, the elves are the only reason he’s here.”
Tarian slumped into the nearest chair. “I need answers.”
“Neither of us has any,” Caleb said.
A thunderous clap tore through the infirmary as Tarian climbed to his feet. He pulled up right next to the doctor as his lips quivered. “Save his life.”
Dalton glanced from Tarian to Keldon as he wiped his brow. “I’ll do what I can.”
“Do it!” Tarian whirled around and stormed out of the infirmary with Caleb in tow.
The two crossed half the barren field inside the defenses when Lloyd caught up with them. Huffing, he straightened, clutching his chest as he forced the barely audible words out between breaths. “Tarian—message—dwarves… just arrived.”
Tarian stopped and asked, “Is Fitik among them?”
“No,” Lloyd said.
Tarian clenched his fists and turned sharply. “I assume they’re waiting in the main hall.”
As Tarian stormed off toward the hall, Lloyd grabbed Caleb’s arm. “Tell Tarian that he should speak with Harbek.”
When Tarian reached the hall’s entrance, Caleb passed on Lloyd’s message. Tarian approached the five dwarves, who were sharpening their axes. However, before he could speak, the broad-shouldered one looked up from his weapon and grinned. He laid his weapon down and rushed to meet Tarian. “I wish we were here with better news.”
“Harbek?” Tarian asked.
“Yes,” the red-headed Dwarf said. He pulled Tarian closer. “Is Keldon going to recover?”
“The doctor isn’t sure he’ll survive.” Tarian’s fists clenched, nails biting until a bead of blood welled around his nails. Tarian shook his head. “Do you all know anything about his attacker?”
Harbek’s frown deepened. “No, we don’t. In fact, it’s the reason we came. We were hoping you knew something.”
“Have you asked the elves?” Tarian forced his hands open before cleaning his fingers on his pants. “They’re the ones who found him.”
“We have,” Harbek said. “However, they’ve been less than helpful.”
“What do you mean?” Tarian asked, prying his eyes open. “You’re not suggesting the elves are behind this.”
“No,” Harbek said as he ran his fingers through his beard. After an awkward moment, he cleared his throat. “We’re here because Fitik’s suffering the same fate at the hands of these cowards.”
Tarian pressed his palms to his eyes. “Fitik championed this alliance because he didn’t want the elves to show you up.”
“Aye,” Harbek grunted. “But don’t worry, Fitik’s recovering.”
“Wasn’t the injury serious?” Tarian asked as he lowered his hands.
“I didn’t say that,” Harbek said.
Tarian stepped in, his brow furrowing. “If it’s severe, why aren’t you worried about his survival?”
Harbek thumped his chest and grinned. “We’re heartier than you are.”
“Can we collect a blood sample from Fitik? There’s a chance you dwarves have a natural immunity we can leverage.”
Harbek stroked his beard. “Keldon is a good man. We’ll do what we can. If you’re convinced it’ll help, you may have some of my blood.”
Tarian’s eyes darted around the gathered dwarves. He pulled Harbek away from the others and asked, “Can we get a sample of Fitik’s blood?”
Harbek hesitated, glancing about before settling onto Tarian. “Why?”
“If the same attacker went after him, his blood might hold the key.”
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