A loud noise of iron plated wheels grinding the ground, a span of horses running swiftly with now and then a clap of the whip and the jingling of armour plates. On the road drives swiftly a cart that looks odd with it’s small wheels and the chair bound onto the box to allow the dwarfish drives to look over the horses. The driver is looking ill tempered and loudly saying something to his companions sitting in the back. "It’s always something with those dammed eels, they never send you where you want to go"
Most of the 5 other dwarfs just sit there and let him rant, except one.
"Taklis, be glad they got us at least close to the capitol, we’ll be there at the and of the day without driving like this for days."
The first dwarf gives a snort and they drive on without saying anything any more.

The last dishes are just being served and carved as a messenger opens the door and announces "6 dwarven representatives are here for audience Sire, they say it’s urgent " In a huge finely carved wooden throne sits a richly clothed tolv that looks a bit fragile. He gives a nod to the messenger and the dwarves enter. They walk in with their armours shining in the evening light falling in through the great windows. While they move in the messenger makes the introductions: "His highness Stofnisu. Sire, these are the dwarves wishing an audience"
The dwarfs kneel when in front of the kings table and seem to sniff the air a bit. "Good day sire, our humble apologies for interrupting your excellent dinner, but we have a most urgent problem"
Then he rises while licking his lips before speaking on "We come here because of a great collapse below your mines almost 2 days ago. We suspect that your miners have been to enthusiastic and violated our agreements. We hope you will take quick action to avoid any other.... Incidents" emphasizing his last word and letting a silence fall. The king and his guest had been listening attentively.
Then the door suddenly opens again revealing the messenger again and an other, very dusty, tolv that hurries in. "Sire Sire!!! The river has fallen dry!!! You have to help us!!" then suddenly remembering his manners he almost collapses as he kneels down and looks to the ground.
The king rises from his throne on this news suddenly showing him to be quite strong and well build and clear that he has been capable of fighting to earn his place. "Get that man something to drink!!" he barks to the serving staff.
Once it is brought he talks to the man. "Please drink and tell us more, what river are you talking about and what do you know about what happened?" The king sits down again while the man drinks the wine and some colour returns to his dusty face. He rises and starts to speak with his eye’s to the ground. "I come from the mining city Mimes. Two days ago there was suddenly a loud rumbling in the mountains and we felt a light earthquake. Most people thought it was an avalanche, that happens regularly. So not much attention was paid to it, if one of the villages would have a problem they would ask for help. But instead half an hour later a rumour started that the water level in the river was decreasing. Another half our later most of the people of the city where at the river bed looking in wonder and panic at the tiny stream of water that remained. The mayor directly send me towards our lord in Owetta. He believed this to be something of national importance. The mayor asked for his guidance and assistance in solving this problem. When hearing our story our lord agreed about the importance and send me here with the same request. We really hope you will send help Sire, our people can’t live without the river"
Meanwhile the dwarfs have been listening with great interest and when the man falls silent their leader takes a step in the direction of him and also the king. "Sire, it sounds like we are dealing with two symptoms of one event. I suggest you send out a group to survey the problem, and if possible solve it. We will have to travel home and report back about our meeting."
The king nods approvingly to the words of the dwarf and then sits a moment with his hands together and his elbows on the table pondering a moment, meanwhile restlessly moving his fingers around a bit. Then he speaks slowly as if still in thought. "I agree that group has to be send, but most of my men are away with an army. The army can’t miss the men with the qualities to fulfil such a mission" Then his eye’s grow clearer again and he turns to his door messenger. "Call for the head of my guard and fill him in on what has been told here" and while turning to the servants "Please also bring some seats and tableware for our guests, they will dine with me" In moments the seat and tableware where brought and everybody seated.
The king didn’t wait but started selecting and asking his personal servant to put it on his plate. Then takes a bit from the piece of big rabbit and turns his attention to the leading dwarf again "You picked a fine day to visit us, we have a special dish today you will appreciate" He then smilingly eats the rest of the piece with great appetite. The dwarfs smile at the comment "We could smell your good taste already in the hall"
Meanwhile a guard walks in jingling with his plumed helmet under his arm to stop on about the same place as the dwarf did. He just stands there waiting.
The king looks up to his captain when finishes with the piece of rabbit. "I need you to select people suited and willing to go to Mimes and find out what happened there, and if possible solve it in a decent manner. Gather this group and let them be ready to go, here ,tomorrow the fifth hour after dawn"