Do not forget to check the profile of the original author!https:///c/BlightMansionhttps:///story/361110032-revolution-of-healer

  - Are they such rare beings? - I asked, still trying to process the information.

  - No, but they are quite uncommon. They usually stay in the kingdom of Dwarfgorn, south of the forest, or in human territories. - Gashdo replied in a straightforward tone, like someone who was used to talking about it.

  - I see... Anthalia, have you ever seen a dwarf while traveling with your anthill and your former queen? - I asked, curious, not wanting to sound insensitive, but the question was unavoidable. After all, with so many adventures, perhaps they had crossed the path of one of these beings.

  The question might seem peculiar, considering that they - the ants - might even have devoured some of these dwarves along the way, but I preferred not to bring it up. The silence then seemed to give me a little time to reflect.

  - Not many, I'm afraid. They're a very isoted species, they tend to live more in society. - Anthalia spoke with a lightness, but also with a sincerity that seemed to show that the subject wasn't so common for her.

  - She's right. They carry out manual and artisanal tasks that humans aren't used to. - Gashdo added, without losing focus on the expnation.

  - But we've already met Yonders in some glittering crystal mines in the mountains. - Anthalia added, seeming to remember a specific moment.

  - Yonders? - I didn't know what that meant. The name sounded strange and I needed more details.

  - A species with a certain kinship to the dwarves. However, unlike the more humanized characteristics you might have in mind, Yonders have a wilder appearance and are mostly explorers. - Gashdo expined, the informative tone in his voice giving me a better glimpse of what to expect.

  Dwarves and Yonders. Something was beginning to form in my mind about the species. I thought I knew something about dwarves, mainly from fantasy stories. In books, they were portrayed as extraordinary beings - brave warriors, skilled bcksmiths, and renowned builders, the list of their skills only growing.

  But now, listening to Gashdo and Anthalia, it seemed that, at least around here, the dwarves were not as extraordinary as I had imagined. They were, in fact, a more ordinary species, simir to others. I imagined that their features wouldn't be as extravagant as the books made them out to be.

  - Have any of you ever been to this dwarf kingdom? - I asked, wanting to know more, thinking that I might have the chance to understand these beings better.

  - It would be impossible for us. It is completely fortified, just like the human kingdom. They don't allow any monsters in. - Anthalia answered quickly, as if she was already used to this reality.

  - She's right again. But some of us have already had the privilege of entering this realm, but only as a passage route. If you want to know more, you should ask young Dait. - Gashdo suggested to me, with a tone of knowing that Dait was someone who could shed more light on the subject.

  - I'd better leave him out of it for now. But I'm surprised he's already gone to this kingdom. - I said, thinking that I hadn't expected to hear that about young Dait.

  - Before he joined us, his parents were nomads from another vilge, just like most of us. But before we met Satouma-Sama, we avoided interacting with other species. - Gashdo added, as if expining a little more about Dait's past.

  Everything seemed to boil down to the cssic “every species for itself”. This made it even harder for me to understand our little guest. I didn't want to offend him, so I avoided using terms like “little” when referring to him, but at the same time I knew that this information gap could be an obstacle.

  I really should talk to every orc in this vilge. They all belonged to a single tribe now, but many had had previous lives elsewhere, with stories and experiences of their own. But that would take time. For now, I was content with the information I had.

  Things, however, were going according to pn. The vilge was in the process of being rebuilt - or, more precisely, improvised. The houses that were being built wouldn't be able to withstand a heavy storm or hostile climates.

  It was reconstruction in stages, but in a crude way, without much prospect of sting long. As far as resources were concerned, we had enough for now, but this would soon be reviewed as time went on.

  The ants were on the watch, making sure the area was secure. In the event of any threat or news, such as the one that occurred recently, Anthalia would report it to me immediately. For the time being, there wasn't much else to do. I knew it was time to see our guest again.

  ***

  We made a point of accommodating him in one of the houses that was in the best condition. The facilities weren't luxurious, but they were at least comfortable, considering the situation. We improvised a bed made of dry leaves and rolled-up grass.

  I felt a bit uncomfortable about it, but what could I do? We have no pillows, let alone beds, so it was the best we could offer at the time.

  His wound was cleaned by a female orc with some experience. The rest of his body didn't seem to have suffered any serious damage, just a few scratches and marks from the fight. I then asked them to bring him some food and fresh water. The request was quickly granted.

  - Thank you again for all your help and support. - He said, his voice reflecting genuine gratitude.

  - How are you feeling? - I asked, curious and worried at the same time.

  - A bit dizzy. It's been a while since I st dealt with a wild boar. - He replied, his expression slightly creased, as if the mere reminder of the fight bothered him.

  So it was this animal that attacked him. I'd already had a brief experience with a wild boar, and I can tell you that they are formidable opponents. For someone like him, it might have been a tough fight.

  - Please excuse the poor accommodation. As you can see, we're not exactly prepared to receive visitors. - I said, trying to smooth things over.

  - Are you kidding? - He ughed lightly, as if the idea of compining was absurd. - This is much better than my makeshift campsites. You worked fast, I suppose you taught them something.

  - No, they learned it for themselves. We may be monsters, but we know our way around. - I replied with a discreet smile, calmer now that the tension had eased a little.

  Vaku