The Dirge: Season One First Half

By Xavier P. Otter III

The Dirge, our Dwarven Steampunk Dragon hunting adventure follows the Select as they attempt to complete the Dirge quest. This compilation set you are looking at is a complete introductory to the Dirge series, we have included, the initial Dirge story from the Storyteller’s Bed and Breakfast. The Series Pilot novella and the first three complete episodes.
Dr. Kilgen has already introduced several interesting inventions and moving forward we look forward to what new inventions he will come up with.

• Language: English
• Publisher: JW Scott
• Release date: Sep 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9780990741763

Book preview

The Dirge -

First Half Season

1/2 Box: The Dirge Series

Xavier P. Otter III

09/13/2014

Published by: Artisan Publishing Guild, LLC

[e-mail]

Edited by: Adele Symonds

Cover by: Katherine J

The Dirge - Season One Episodes One thru Three

Xavier P. Otter III

Copyright 2014 by Artisan Publishing Guild, LLC

Smashwords Edition

Dedication -

To the Purple Otter Syndicate, those that understand being different is what makes the world a beautiful place. Setting their own rules and not forcing the square peg in the round hole. Embrace you, even if you are a Purple Otter!!!

Love and Strength – Xavier P. Otter III

Author's Note

We at the Purple Otter Syndicate want to welcome you the first Season of The Dirge... As Dr. Kilgen and the group are setting out on an adventure to save the Dwarven race using their steam powered machines want you to understand this is a fictional book. The way they apply real world elements could be dangerous if attempted in our world. Be a smart Otter and ask an adult before trying any of Dr. Kilgen's ideas.

In this box set of The Dirge Season One Episodes One - Three I wanted to give the reader the full introductory course, let's call the course Dirge 101...

With that in mind, I included both the Short story which was initially included in my series, Storyteller's Bed and Breakfast. It was told by one of the characters visiting the magical vacation place. And The Dirge Pilot which is a stand alone novella that is only available in eBook format.

As you get started be aware Xavier has his own language, and to be honest initially it was completely random, but after I decided that The Dirge was going to be more than one short story I've kept track of the language. As another extra, I included a complete list of Xavier Speak translations at the very end of the book.

Dr. Kilgen's ramblings while he is inventing are a music unto itself... There is no translation for it.

The Dirge -

Series Intro From

Storyteller's Bed and Breakfast

Before The Dirge Series

Xavier P. Otter III

07/21/2014

Published by: Artisan Publishing Guild, LLC

[e-mail]

Edited by: Adele Symonds

Cover by: Katherine J

Chapter One

With the Dwarf Clans feeling the prosperity never before felt some, like Dr. Kilgen, were watching for the other shoe to drop. A doctor in the JilPatrocks Outpost hospital by day and an inventor of all things needed for the local mining operations by night. One of his recent inventions was a steam driven combination tool, the bulldog hammers and chipmunk chisels. This could be used in a pinch if the shift found themselves either a dwarf down or facing a suspicious looking vein which needed to be tested. The foreman would tell the chipmunk where to go; once there it would taunt the bulldog until it got aggravated enough to hit the chipmunk. On more than one occasion the test turned out to be a cave in, the only loss the bulldog and chipmunk.

Tonight Callum brought his father into the mines to show him a new problem, the tight and wasted areas that even the bulldog couldn't operate in. The miners would cringe at the thought of having to squeeze their Dwarfish bulk into those areas and start the shaft expansions. They were also accompanied by Beatrice, Dr. Kilgen's daughter and the best blacksmith, well anywhere. The majority of the tools the miners used came from her forge. But tonight her role wasn't as a blacksmith tonight she was here simply to record what her father said and did as he read the rhythms of the area and reproduced it in sounds and gestures. While saying Dr. Kilgen is unique would be like saying a giraffe is taller than a dwarf; the fact is he is a borderline nutter, but what he has invented has saved the Dwarves several times over.

Blop ta dandk flap? Dr. Kilgen had asked Beatrice later when they reviewed the notes. Are you certain?

Quite. And you did a little flapping wing motion off your nose. She replied.

I can read that here, can't I. But Dandk makes no sense. Could it have been Dank or Dand?

I guess, I thought I heard both the D and the K though.

Callum what did you hear? Dr. Kilgen asked his son.

To be honest pop, I heard feedley dum dee woopie. Just like every other time we do this. His response made the Doctor pinch his nose and stick out his tongue."

Very mature. Callum poked.

Oh and feedley dum... is a mature answer when he's trying to invent something for the mine. Beatrice snapped back. She went still for a moment and said. It was Dank... Dagnabbit... I see it.

What? Callum asked.

What he wants to build, I'm turning into... dad.

I'm right here Lass. Dr. Kilgen said crossing his arms.

C'mon dad you know you're a special. Callum said.

Well I guess only a 'special' type of fool would spend all his free time inventing things to help those that call him 'special' so yes I guess I am. The Doctor said. So are you going to start on it then?

I'll start straight away. Beatrice walked out to her forge. Though she acted upset by it, she loved nothing more than the inventing she did with her father. Reproducing tools was important, high quality mining tools and bracings kept her brother and his co-workers alive. But these inventing sessions had brought the family together again after they had lost her mother and little brother. Are we still planning the annual picnic? Beatrice asked.

Aye, we leave just before sun-up. Dr. Kilgen said.

Let's meet at the forge, I should have the prototype ready for first looks. Beatrice replied.

I'll see you there. Callum said.

The walk to the forge was relaxing and his typically constant companion, Xavier, was once again at his side. Last night he had elected to not visit the mines instead staying home and packing for the picnic today. Beatrice was there and as promised the prototype was ready.

The 'Blop ta dank flap' looks very nice. Have you tested her yet? Dr. Kilgen asked.

Why is it you think it's a she. Callum asked from outside before even seeing the new invention. Oh for Sister Stone's frog are you serious with the eyelashes? Callum recoiled upon seeing why his father had said 'she'. The small bird looking machine resembled a two foot tall woodpecker, only it had large brass eyes that were surrounded by two inch long copper eyelashes.

They have their use, when the chisel goes into the wall the lash will test the stone above to see if the vane continues there. And no dad, I haven't done any testing I leave that to you, as usual. But she needs a better name. Beatrice answered.

Stgtcktck pyt iur. Xavier said adjusting his star shaped glasses.

What did that crazy otter say? Beatrice asked.

He said, Rockpecker feels right, and I have to agree with her sleek black iron body and diamond tipped beak, Dr. Kilgen walked over, lifted the tail feather and poured water into the tank beneath. Continuing to lift the tail up and down until the black iron bird gave an audible twerrble. Here we go! Dr. Kilgen turned his body perpendicular to the Rockpecker leaning as far from it as he could. He turned it on.

Blop ta dank flap... Blop ta dank flap... the unmistakable sound came from the machine as it stepped forward blinking those brass eye lids fluttering the copper eye lashes.

Perfect! Dr. Kilgen said crouching down, clapping his hands over his head and kicking out one leg at a time.

No time for Cossack dancing! Beatrice said after Callum could resist no longer and had joined in.

Fine. Dr. Kilgen said, and he reached up and shutdown the Rockpecker. Let's head out.

Did you bring food? Callum asked.

Z don. Xavier said.

Ohhh, the Otter made up the picnic again? Callum asked.

Flick bung taddin vop unk. X adjusted his square golden glasses.

He said you don't have to eat it. Dr. Kilgen admonished.

What did he pack? Beatrice asked joining in the conversation.

Wub oqu, cgt brrt, wub yigw, n wub dbub. Xavier answered. The siblings both looked at their dad.

Apple crisp, nut butter and apple sandwiches and egg yolk soda.

WUB dbub.

Oh sorry, Apple soda. Dr. Kilgen said.

Actually that quite sounds great. Beatrice said.

Chapter Two

They loaded into their covered wagon and headed out. Did you check the potassium level? Beatrice asked.

I did, it's on the low side of ideal yet well above needing a changing. Dr. Kilgen said.

Sorry I had to ask after last time we went on a trip.

Last time? Dr. Kilgen inquired, as the mechanical horses gave the wagon a jerky start.

You remember, the mechanical horses both died and I had to walk all the way back to the forge and bring the replacements fuel cells. Beatrice said.

Oh and your complaining, dear old dad came up with the bear while you were gone. I had to scribble it down on the awning of the wagon, in my own blood. Callum said.

Best transcription you ever did. Dr. Kilgen laughed. It still shows up back there when rain hits it. He pointed at the corner of the wagon.

Which is funny because you hate that machine! Beatrice said.

Z Juv unk. X said.

We know you love it. I still feel bad that I broke a couple of your ribs while I was in my reading. Dr. Kilgen said rubbing the otter on the head. The ride went on with much good natured discussions mainly about the inventions they had come up with together both the successes and the failures. As they reached the end of the sunlit portion of the ride he turned. Do you care if we ride straight through?

As always, no we know that you like to have the sunrise there. Callum said.

It's only a few hours in the dark I do worse when I make the deliveries to the Capital. Beatrice said.

Is Tens still working there? Dr. Kilgen asked seeing his daughter's face fall after she mentioned the Capital.

He does. He's moved up in the ranks after winning the King's tournament for the last three years. She answered.

He does our outpost proud. Callum said.

Could we talk about something other than my ex? Beatrice asked rhetorically. The hint was caught and the topic was dropped.

Xavier can I have an apple, please. Dr. Kilgen asked.

Pqw tbun. X poked.

I did not!

What? both siblings asked.

X says I need to cook, family rules!

Ha ha, it's usually Callum who admits his hunger first. Beatrice said.

Seriously? Asking for an apple is going to be considered the same as asking when dinner is or saying I'm hungry?

Flick don, Bea. X said.

Apparently I called Beatrice on that..

That's right last year you did. Thanks Xavier. Beatrice said.

Flickr jur. He answered.

We're here. Dr. Kilgen said a few hours later although he didn't really need to, as the stopping horse chugging forward woke them all already. He and Xavier walked to the site of the burned down village. They were not the first to arrive; several tents were set up on the foundations of destroyed houses. Just as he and Xavier were doing now, setting up a place for the Kilgen family to sleep where their home had once been. You know X, Saymari and I would have been married Sixty years this year. And Danny would be of marrying age. It wasn't a question, the death of his wife and youngest child had changed everything for him. He sat and sang quietly Oh Danny Boy, the pipes are calling...

Father. Beatrice walked into the foundation, rousing him from his singing. The moonset is soon if we're going to go the lake's edge... Beatrice said.

Ah yes, we best be off. Thank you. They began the walk down to the lake; several families he noticed had broken with the tradition and started camping down by the lake. As the last of the moon's glow cast across the lake, Dr. Kilgen and the other survivors said a silent blessing for the ones they had lost and the ones that were left behind. Behind them the sun rose marking the start of the annual wake to honor the dead from the dragon attack that had destroyed this city completely.

They spent the night in the place where their old home had been and shared some old stories. The festivities were like taking a pain suppressor that would do its best to last for the year it would take to get another. They packed up, bid goodbye to their old friends and started back to JilPatrocks for another week of fighting the daily grind.

The road they traveled led to up and down winding through the hills, turning toward the outpost just as the sun had fallen completely from the sky, yet the area where the sun had set refused to darken. The last three hours of the trip the Kilgens were heading into an undying sunset. When they crested the hill that overlooked to the outpost the fires that greeted them shook their foundations once again.

The Dragon Squad Elite are down there. Callum said, when they got closer.

Then it wasn't a wild fire. Beatrice said.

We knew it wasn't, nature doesn't cause lines of fire like this. Dr. Kilgen said.

Those fecken dragons! Beatrice said. They rode in silence to the outpost, steering straight to the DSE encampment.

Good evening, folks where are you headed? The Master Commander asked.

We live in the outpost ahead. Dr. Kilgen said.

There has been a rather large dragon attack on the outpost...

Aye, I have eyes, what is the current situation? Dr. Kilgen asked.

There is a rather large fire... The Master Commander started again.

Oh for Sister Stone's pajamas are you completely dense, Commander we have eyes! Are the dragons in the village? Dr. Kilgen cracked his neck rather than throwing something at the DSE leader.

No need for cursing. We only just got here at moonrise.

We are going to head in... Dr. Kilgen started.

Father! I'm sorry I mean, Master Commander, We've been ordered by the King to head to the capital at once. The DSE member had in his haste, accidently knocked over a stack of cooking pans with a resounding 'Clang'.

Men, break down camp we ride at once! The Commander shouted.

And what of the infestation here? Beatrice asked.

Miss, there isn't much of a 'here' left.

But what of the people? Besides it looks like the fields were fertilized by the dragon's fire. Callum said.

Then the outpost needs to be more involved in watching for layings don't they! The Commander said as he mounted his horse.

Are you seri... Callum started forward but his father and Beatrice grabbed his shoulders.

Get in the wagon we're headed to the forge. Dr. Kilgen reached up on the horse and turned a dial under its front leg, from trot to full run. Hold on to all the loose articles back there I set the horse to full run... his words faded as he got thrown back into the seat knocking the wind from himself. The fire raged on either side of the wagon as it tore a path ignoring the objection of the DSE as they headed off. Stopping at the empty area just before the forge, the dragon's fire hadn't reached the city walls however the large tracks and broken trees, walls and buildings said to the Kilgens that there had been wingless dragons involved in this attack.

Chapter Three

Ok back there? Dr. Kilgen asked as he stepped off the wagon and started to walk to the forge.

We are ok, the answering call came from inside the forge, catching all the Kilgens off guard. They ran to see who had taken shelter inside.

Hello, it's Dr. Kilgen.

Doctor, I'm glad you're back. The dragons...

We know. Beatrice interrupted. Is everyone in there?

Most of the outpost ran to the mines. But there were so many wingless, they butted and butted against it until they caved it in.

No! Callum started looking about for tools.

Take the Rockpecker, and I have three sets of bulldog and chipmunks in the basement. Beatrice told him.

Excellent, I'm going to need some help! Callum said.

We will do whatever we can to help, the DSE Commander said from behind them.

Thank you sir. Callum said. Follow me. He took them to get the tools.

Is there anyone left in the outpost? Dr. Kilgen asked.

There was a laying! We started the purification, when the wingless attacked the equipment! Said a Dwarf wrapped entirely in bandages.

Davin? Dr. Kilgen asked recognizing the city Elders voice.

Aye, I was leading the purification when I got pulled down into the ground and burned. Davin said.

Burned? Beatrice asked.

It's bad. His wife answered.

I'm sorry; I'll look him over when I get back from looking for survivors. X, get in the bear, we may need you to move stuff. Bea, let's go. Dr. Kilgen walked out of the forge followed by Beatrice and Xavier who had loaded himself into the copper tunnel clearer that they had built after their annual trip last year.

Hello, is anyone in there? Beatrice yelled into each of the little shops as they passed by them. Until a feint answer came from inside one.

Did you hear something? Dr. Kilgen asked.

Hello! A stronger voice yelled.

X, this one is yours. Beatrice said looking at the broken storefront. The otter manipulated the mechanized bear to remove the boards and planks allowing the Doctor to go inside and see if there were any injured. The repeated this four other times finding injured in two of the caved in shops.

Bea, go get the wagon, so we can get these injured to the hospital, I'm going to head there to make certain all is in order. Dr. Kilgen said. Xavier, you stay here and help Beatrice load the patients.

Ahr flick plydig. Xavier said popping out of the bear's head and scurried over to the Doctor.

I'll be fine, old friend.

The dragons were running down the middle of the street! The small Dwarf girl said as Dr. Kilgen helped her sit down on what used to be the stoop. Wingless of all colors, just crashing into things, she started to cry.

Ep thirp drphubng flgburn? X asked.

Hey that ferret talks. The crying Dwarf said between sobs.

Qrt? Xavier asked.

He's an Otter Lass. And he does a lot more than just talk. Dr. Kilgen said.

Ep thirp drphubng flgburn? Xavier repeated the unanswered question.

No, I haven't heard of multiple colored wingless banding together, typically underground they are color blind once however they emerge they stick to their colors only. Dr. Kilgen said.

Bz n Bk. X added.

True Bronze and Black do tend to get along and stay together. The Doctor turned to the girl, I need to head to the hospital and make certain the patients there are ok. Xavier will look after you...

How can an otter... The Dwarf cut herself off as the eight foot tall copper bear stepped up, and X popped out of the top.

Hodda. X threw his arms up. The girl laughed.

I guess he can do more than talk. She said as Dr. Kilgen headed off to the hospital.

The rescue mission completed, the hospital was now full to bursting. Commander, I do appreciate your help in stabilizing the situation. Should you need us in the future I'm at your disposal. Dr. Kilgen said to the Master Commander.

Perhaps it's my son that should collect on that, he persuaded me that ignoring the King's orders was the right thing to do. But now we need to be heading off. I'm leaving one of my spear cannons, I have no means of hauling it as the wagon was destroyed in the fire. I've an inclination that you'll put it to good use.

I believe I've a wagon or two that it can be mounted to, aye. Beatrice commented having walked up. Could you leave it by my forge?

We will. The DSE that they had come to know as the Master Commander's son said from his mount, Until next time. They said their goodbyes.

What kind of Dragon Squad Elite ignores the orders of a King? Callum asked after they had left.

One that understands what their real duty is. Dr. Kilgen said.

And what's that? Beatrice asked.

To the Dwarves not the trumped up dolls dressed in the finery all day. On cue X popped out of his backpack with a King and Queen doll.

Bebebebe.... He moved the King, Dudududu... He moved the Queen. The Kilgens laughed as X made the King and Queen dance on the Doctor's head.

As evening rolled around the Dwarves of the outpost gathered by the forge on tables laden with dragon meat and bread to celebrate the way they had all banded together.

So how did we come by this dragon meat? Dr. Kilgen asked.

The one that had started the fires had landed be the mine. The foreman from the mine said. I got lucky with a bundle of dynamite.

He was so busy fertilizing the laying that he didn't see ol' Farnberg walk up calm as a morning forge right up and light the bundle on the dragon's own fire and toss it under the tail. Davin said from under his bandages.

But he heard the fuse and started to turn so Master Elder started making a commotion to distract him.

And you covered in bandages? Beatrice asked.

Aye, probably was the bandages that confused him wasn't it! Thought I was a ghost er something. Davin shot back.

Until the fool dragon got blowed head over tails right on top of you. Farnberg said and everyone laughed.

These wounds will heal, and I expect this day to be known as Elder's day hence. His smile was pained but genuine.

Aye! the town acknowledged.

Odd thing though... Farnberg started.

Come on, no stopping your amongst friends. Beatrice said.

I planned on cutting the neck into steaks...

Best meat that! a random voice said.

But I couldn't cut through it. Farnberg finished.

Sorry, what? Dr. Kilgen asked. You couldn't cut through a winged dragon's neck?

Like I said, odd.

Show me. Dr. Kilgen's senses were on edge, even a weak man can cut the head off a winged dragon and Farnberg was one of the strongest Dwarves he knew. The foreman took the Doctor, Callum and Beatrice to the fallen dragon. The neck was as thick as a wingless dragon's neck. This... he ran around to look at the wings. Is a red?

Aye it was a red. Farnberg answered. Just then Dr. Kilgen slipped on the wing and grabbed Callum for support.

Vclap nz blogtert. The distant voice of Dr. Kilgen said.

What? Dr. Kilgen, are you ok? Farnberg asked.

He's in a trance... Thanks for your help, head back to the feast. Beatrice said.

Kiltz kiltz gu drunna kiltz. Dr. Kilgen continued squeezing Callum's arm and shoulder tighter and tighter. Beatrice never knowing when these trances could happen had taken to carrying a pocket full of paper and several instruments for writing. His hands began gesturing, never fully breaking contact with Callum and then he started on the next series of sounds. After several minutes he sat on the ground, pulling Callum down with him. Do you have something to drink?

Z bu. X said popping out of the back pack and handing him a flask.

Water? Dr. Kilgen asked.

Ping!

Good, I needed bit of the stiff after that. He drank a long pull from the flask. Whhooo ya... That's the stuff. Ok Bea, what did we get?

That was crazy I've never seen you go that deep. Callum said rubbing his arm.

Fine, fine what did we get for it? You ok Callum? He asked again.

A lot! He's fine. She said and then began reading back what he had said and done.

I don't see how you do that... Callum said. I mean I have no idea what it all means but... his voice trailed off.

I don't understand it fully myself, the rhythms just start talking and I repeat what they say in sound and action. Dr. Kilgen said.

I don't care how he does it by Sister Stone's nose it's awesome. This one is more than all the other ones combined. I can't wait to build it! Beatrice looked like a Dwarf on the day they got their first hammer.

Chapter Four

When the gathering outside the forge broke up, shortly after the last piece of dragon meat and bread was gone, Beatrice began stoking the forge. The sound of her hammer ringing out the creative tune sang well into the next morning. It was when it stopped that Dr. Kilgen and Callum retuned. The pieces that lay on the benches were made of gold. She had put a brushed finish on them so they didn't shimmer in the sunlight.

You've done amazing work Lass. Go get some rest we'll assemble the machine. Dr. Kilgen said, aiding his daughter to the sleeping area in the forges basement. When he returned Callum had already begun the assembly process. After a few hours the unit was together and he stepped back to admire the machine. This is nothing like I've ever seen. He said.

Nor I, Beatrice who had just walked in said. It's a Satyr. She said.

It is that exactly. Dr. Kilgen said, still working on the finer details.

Why? Callum said.

I don't think any of us can know that. Dr. Kilgen said. It's ready, put it on.

Who? Me? Callum asked.

Of course you, it was you that made me invent it.

I did no such thing; I stopped you from falling is all.

Your energy, combined with the dragon and the problem at hand came together... So put it on! Dr. Kilgen said.

Fine! The Dwarf acquiesced and dawned the armor. Moments later the golden Satyr walked from the forge to meet his maker.

Well how does it feel? Dr. Kilgen asked.

I can't explain it... I'm thinking and it's doing. Callum said opening the helmet.

See what it can really do then. Beatrice said, still sitting on the feast table.