Author: Laura Daniel
Contest Entry: Dwarven Storyline Dec 09
Honorable Mention
Name: Dal Frothbeard
Race: Dwarf
Occupation: Innkeeper
The smell was almost perfect. Closing off the barrel, Dal Frothbeard hoisted it into the cart. The dwarf's old bones were getting too far along in years to carry a full load of ale from his cellar.
Frothbeard had a particular feeling about this brew. His last few had not turned out well. Unfortunately, they had also come at a particularly bad time. There had been a lack of business at the tavern in recent months due to the unusually harsh weather. Dal had lost a few of his better ales to flooding in his cellar. Finally, the clouds had gone north and people would be making there way out for something to take their minds from the biting cold and the repair needed for their battered homes.
Hitching the cart to the small mule at his side, the old dwarf guided the beast up the incline and out into the crisp winter air.
It had taken longer than any other brew to complete. Frothbeard had tried going back to the ways of his ancestors. Dwarven ale was said to be the finest and heartiest malt in the lands. His family had the touch, as most would say, to bring out the intoxicating aroma and harsh bite of the hops.
However, living far south of the Dwarven homelands, certain ingredients had to be altered. The old dwarf could only hope his changes agreed.
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The first flow of customers wandered in just after sunrise. Most were only looking for a hot meal and drink before tending to the damage of the village. Few travelers ventured out so early. As the smatterings of crowds came and went, Dal decided it was time for the test. It was a few hours past midday as he set out a set of newly cleaned mugs.
A lone traveler walked into the tavern. His cloak was swept back as he closed the door and moved toward the bar. He looked like the walking dead, his face slightly pale and shrunken. Dal eyed him as the stranger took a seat.
"Aye, what'll it be?" came the dwarf's gruff voice.
"Just a drink to warm the bones." The traveler's own reply sounded old and thin. He gave a halfhearted smile as the barkeep sat a mug before him. Turning his eyes as he followed the dwarf, he noticed the newly broken seal of the barrel the dwarf served from.
"It looks as if I am to be a guinea pig." There was now a deep, amber ale that filled his mug. The stranger took it in his grasp then glanced at the barkeep before raising the glass to his lips. "Cheers."
There was a spike of flavor. The foam covered his mouth sticking to his upper lip and nose. Taking large gulps, the mug was slammed onto the table seconds later.
Dal watched from the other side of the bar. He stood anxiously though one would yet to see it. The dwarf's gruff and haggard eyes flickered around the tavern then quickly back to the customer before him.
"That's a good brew you've got there, Sir Dwarf." The stranger lightly raked the back of his hand across his mouth, sighing. "I'll have another."
It went without saying how Dal Frothbeard labeled his noted ale. The ancestors of his dwarven people were to be honored for his success. After all, he had used their methods. The Frothbeard family crest was emblazoned across the now special tankards with simply the name Frothbeard. Dal was not one for detail or nostalgia, but he could picture the lands of his family almost wishing to return to their rainy, rolling hills.
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The story reflects some great truths about homebrewing, particularly, when brewing on such a small scale, each batch can be a surprise. A buddy of mine was telling me about some time he spent in Mexico and how you never knew what to expect out of a particular house beer. Could drink all night without getting a buzz, then come back the next day and two beers would make your head spin. The traveler's comment about being the guinea pig is perfect for this type of setting.
I thought Dal was a great character, and hwile it seams petty, I loved his name! I would love to hear more about him. Laura also submitted a few pretty sweet label designs. The first of which was made specifically for this story, so I went ahead and included it above. I've asked her to post the others over on our DeviantArt group page so you can all check them out.
Thanks for the great stuff Laura!