[War of Gold] #1 - Seeking council

The same day that Hilfar and his father arrived at Thorin's halls from Othrikar he made an appointment with Ásfinnur of the DFTC council. After a week time Hilfar was summoned to meet him in his quarters. Hilfar made his way through the tunnels and found the golden inlayed door. Ásfinnur Silverbraid, member of the DFTC council, is a very old dwarf and posseses an extraordinary amount of wealth. Despite his age he still has a keen eye for making money. Hilfar trusted him the most and decided to arrange a private meeting to discuss the pressing busines at Othrikar.

Hilfar knocked on the door which was opened after a short pauze. A dwarf with a long silvergrey beard stood before him. He had a wrinkled face but his eyes still looked vivid and kind "Ah Master Hilfar, please enter". Hilfar bowed deeply before him and walked in his office "Please take a seat, want a drink?". Hilfar nodded and looked around his office and saw the finest polished gemstones displayed on a shelf. An alcoholic drink was served before him and Hilfar guessed its content "Brandy? You sure have an excellent taste Master Ásfinnur". The old dwarf seated as well, slowly leaning on his stick, he must be at least 280 years old Hilfar thought. "You had many things to discuss with me Master Hilfar, did you not? Yet before you begin I can tell you that the first caravan from Othrikar reached Thorin's halls in good order! Gold ore, you have even send gold ore!". Hilfar smiled as he saw the old dwarf eyes twinkle at the mention of gold "Yes Master Ásfinnur, we had quite a successful start in the mines, speaking of which...". Hilfar his expression turned more serious and his tone more hushed.

"We actually found the father-lode... ". Ásfinnur frowned in disbelief, and Hilfar continued "... although it was found in the tunnels of the GMC. Yet our miners are absolutely sure that this father-lode is located deep under out tunnels, on our ground". Ásfinnur sat back in amazament and let this information sink in " So you actually found the source of wealth of the GMC, on our ground!". Hilfar looked as the old dwarf was struggling with a surge of anger mingled enthusiasm. Hilfar continued "I believe we have a good chance of digging our own way to this father-lode, connecting it to our tunnels. But this may take some time and affects the resource output if we do". Ásfinnur rubbed his silver beard full of braids and spoke with a deep and clear voice "Do it anyway! Maybe spend a week of digging this tunnel each month, but dig there! We must get to that lode before Goldthumb depletes it!". Ásfinnur was talking out loud to himself with slight frustration "By Durin, that old crow! This will have consequences! He refused to join the DFTC after so many lucrative offers, but when we take this father-lode...". 

Hilfar interrupted him "Mylord this is not all... ". Hilfar reached in his pocket and placed a satchel on the table. Ásfinnur looked with interest "What is this?", Hilfar gestured him to look at it himself. Ásfinnur opened the satchel held a shard of a golden Beryl in his hand. He grabbed a magnifying monocle and examined it carefully, he looked up at Hilfar "By Mahal's Hammer! Is this what I think it is?". Hilfar nodded pleased "... A golden Beryl, found in the Othrikar mines after digging a new tunnel". Ásfinnur suddenly looked a hundred years younger at this news "Grand! Marvelous Master Hilfar! Do you know what this means? These are paid for in steep prices by the dwarves east of the mountain". Hilfar rubbed his beard "What do you suggest we do with these Beryls?". Ásfinnur whispered "Store them, keep them safe in Othrikar. When you have enough we should look for a way to trade these with the dwarrows of Erebor, a fortune these will make!". Hilfar nodded "Very well, I will enquire on the best trade route. Yet there is a small problem, we suspect the GMC stole these Beryl shards "They know we have them....". Ásfinnur cursed under his breath and Hilfar continued "Mylord, we need at least a vault to store these shards, besides, if we reach the father lode and delve for Beryls, I fear the GMC will take action against us. I fear for civil unrest at the outpost". Ásfinnur was rubbing his beard as he was clearly weighing his words. 

Hilfar continued "We have a plan to trap one of their spies within our mines, will this prove leverage against Goldthumb?". Ásfinnur leaned forward suddenly looking more bright "Yes! That and the proof that GMC had been digging on our grounds should be enough evidence to start a case against Goldthumb! Trap this spy, dig to the father lode and let us handle with Goldthumb!". Ásfinnur stood up from his chair and Hilfar followed his example. After chatting some more, Hilfar departed from his office back to Thorin's Halls. Many thoughts occupied his mind as he started to pack for the return journey.