Sceptre of Fire story

A Bargain Is Struck

King Haldric II needs the Ruby of Fire controlled and enhanced. The only people who can handle this task are the legendary dwarvish craftsmen. Haldric and the dwarves settle on a price of ten thousand pieces of silver for the work, which will take many years. Before they can complete the transaction, greedy elves claim that the road along which the caravans of silver travel is an elvish road. No treasure may pass without their consent. Rugnur, the dwarvish leader, and Haldric team up to drive the elves off. With the Ruby and the payment safely in dwarvish hands, Rugnur goes to tell the tribal leaders of their task.