When the name "Witte" was mentioned, Balende immediately fell silent.
"So that Dwarf has been against the expedition this whole time because of his son?" Ale whispered, standing beside Colin.
"Yeah," Colin murmured, his eyes on Balende. "Looks like his son was a casualty of the previous expedition, too."
Orelia let out a soft sigh.
For a father to watch his own promising son perish without a trace... there could hardly be anything more cruel in this world.
It was no wonder Balende harbored such animosity toward Durkin.
In his eyes, Durkin's father had called his son away, and then he had vanished without a trace.
Donkexes continued to shout, his voice thick with emotion.
"Witte was a terrific blacksmith, the most devout follower of Moradin I've ever known. When the former king issued the call, he gave up his trade to join the expedition. We will remember his sacrifice and honor him—because he was a true hero.
