Alan stared in amazement. The engineering was unlike anything he had seen—a fusion of medieval craftsmanship, industrial revolution mechanics, and magical energy manipulation that somehow worked in perfect harmony.
"It's incredible," he said sincerely. "The thermal efficiency alone must be remarkable, not to mention the precision of the mechanical systems."
Gimble looked pleased at his appreciation. "Aye, it's a marvel even to those of us who work here daily. Come, the Forgemaster is over there."
He led them along a raised walkway that circled the central pit, heading toward a particularly large forge station where a powerfully built dwarf was directing several assistants in the manipulation of a glowing metal sheet. Even from a distance, his authority was evident in the way others deferred to him.
As they approached, the Forgemaster looked up, his eyes widening slightly at the sight of Marcus. He said something to his assistants, then set down his tools and moved to meet them.
"Marcus Raven," he said, his voice deep and resonant even over the forge noise. "The mountain winds must be blowing strange indeed to carry you to my forge." His gaze shifted to Alan, sharp eyes taking in his unusual clothing and appearance. "And with interesting company, no less."
"Forgemaster Steelheart," Marcus replied with a respectful nod. "It's been too long. We come seeking both sanctuary and counsel, if you're willing to provide them."
Isaac Steelheart—for this must be the dwarf from Marcus's earlier description—studied them both for a moment, then nodded decisively. "My private workshop would be better for such discussions." He turned to Gimble. "See to it that we're not disturbed."
Gimble nodded and departed as Steelheart led them through a side door into a much smaller chamber that served as both office and personal workshop. Unlike the organized chaos of the main forge, this space was meticulously arranged, with tools hanging in precise order on the walls, detailed diagrams and blueprints spread across tables, and several partially completed devices in various stages of assembly.
Once the door closed behind them, the noise from the main forge was reduced to a distant rumble. Steelheart gestured to chairs around a sturdy wooden table.
"Sit. You look like you've traveled hard." He moved to a cabinet and retrieved a bottle and three small metal cups. "Forge-fire whiskey. Not for the faint of heart, but it'll restore your spirits."
He poured three measures and pushed two cups toward his guests before settling into his own chair. "Now, old friend, introduce your companion and tell me what brings you to my mountain through the sanctuary tunnels rather than the main gates."
Marcus took a small sip of the whiskey—which, judging by his momentary expression, was indeed potent—before responding. "This is Dr. Alan Chen, a physicist from another world entirely. Alan, meet Isaac Steelheart, Forgemaster of Ironhammer and the finest Gearsmith in the Spiral Range."
Steelheart's bushy eyebrows rose at the introduction. "Another world? Not the usual 'distant lands' story most outsiders bring?" He studied Alan with renewed interest. "Explain."
Alan took a cautious taste of the whiskey and immediately felt it burn a trail down his throat, followed by a spreading warmth. After he recovered, he gave Steelheart a concise account of his experiment, the accident, and his arrival in Ethera. He included the encounters with the Void entities and the pursuit by the Academy's Containment Team, finishing with their journey through the mountains.
Throughout the explanation, Steelheart listened intently, occasionally asking clarifying questions about Earth technology or physical principles. When Alan finished, the dwarf leaned back in his chair, stroking his beard thoughtfully.
"A physicist, eh? One who understands the fundamental patterns of energy and matter?" He glanced at Marcus. "No wonder the Academy is in an uproar. They don't appreciate competition in their domain of expertise."
"It's more than academic territoriality," Marcus replied. "Shadowveil himself ordered the Containment Team, led by Darkblade. That suggests deeper concerns."
Steelheart's expression darkened at the names. "Shadowveil. That one has always had too much interest in other realms." He turned back to Alan. "And you've been manipulating energy here—our 'magic'—using your scientific understanding rather than traditional methods?"
Alan nodded. "It seems that what you call magic operates according to principles similar to quantum physics in my world, just with different fundamental constants that allow for more direct manipulation through conscious intention."
A slow smile spread across Steelheart's face. "I've been saying something similar for decades! Magic is just energy following patterns—understand the patterns, and you don't need all the mystical trappings the Academy insists upon." He slapped the table enthusiastically. "I'd love to hear more about your world's 'physics' and how it compares to our systems."
"And we'd be happy to discuss it at length," Marcus interjected, "but first, we need to know if we can count on Ironhammer's protection. The Containment Team will likely reach the city by nightfall."
Steelheart's expression grew serious again. "Ironhammer maintains its independence from the Academy, but we're not immune to their influence. Officially harboring someone they're actively seeking would create... political complications."
Alan felt his hopes sink, but Steelheart continued before he could speak.
"However," the dwarf said with a gleam in his eye, "as Forgemaster, I have considerable latitude in who I invite to study our techniques and contribute to our knowledge. A visiting scholar from distant lands, consulting on energy flow patterns in our forge systems? That's entirely within my authority."
Marcus smiled. "And if this scholar happens to have unusual theories about the nature of magical energy?"