Inferno

by Paul J Bennett

  On one such occasion, many days into their march, Kargen felt confident enough to announce a feast, for deer had become much more plentiful, and smaller game, such as hares and birds, were also found in abundance. A large fire was built to roast the deer while others set out to clear away room to sit. For the elderly, they rigged a shelter from the sun while others worked at preparing the skins of their newly fallen prey.

  By late afternoon, Durgash pronounced the food ready to be eaten, and the celebration began. The atmosphere was festive, and it looked like the Ancestors had finally guided them to their new home, where food was plentiful and enemies scarce.

  All that changed in an instant as Shaluhk sat, crafting the milk of life, grinding her ingredients before adding them to water. Agar, close by, was using his wooden axe to try and cut down a branch. The first sign of trouble was a distant snort. Shaluhk froze, her mother's instincts immediately on the alert. Abandoning her work, she rushed towards her son just as a large creature burst from the woods.

  It was easily the biggest living being she had ever seen, putting even the horses of the Human knights to shame. Within its massive muzzle, long and tapered like that of a horse, it bore sharp, pointed teeth that looked quite able to tear flesh with ease. Even more strange was its flattened, bony head, giving it the appearance of a boar. It ran on stubby legs, shorter than that of a horse, but stronger, likely built for endurance rather than speed. All of this was covered by coarse hair that tufted along the beast's back.

  It raced towards Agar, letting out a terrifying roar. The tiny Orc wheeled about, facing the threat with his axe held ready, screaming out a cry of defiance.

  Shaluhk crossed the distance in a flash, scooping him up into her arms just before she threw herself behind a tree. The creature roared past, the ground thundering as it rushed by.

  The camp exploded into chaos as others became aware of the danger. The creature, having finished its burst of speed, halted, turning its attention to the firepit. An Orc hunter named Urglan stood his ground, spear held at the ready, yelling at others to get out of the way. The beast turned on him and launched into a gallop, its cloven hooves closing the distance rapidly. The Orc stabbed out with the spear, striking the creature's side, but it merely glanced off the tough skin.

  With a shout of warning, Urglan dived to the side, but it was too late. The creature opened its mouth wide, exposing its sharp teeth as the powerful jaws clamped down on Urglan's leg, snapping it like kindling. A tug of its head sent the Orc's body flying, the leg still held tightly in its mouth.

  An arrow flew across the fire, sinking deep into its shoulder. Kragor nocked another and let fly, but the shot went wild. The giant boar, if that's what it was, turned in the blink of an eye and raced off, heading towards another group of Orcs.

  Kargen rushed into the clearing, calling for other hunters to assist. The beast bowled into a group of three, sending them flying in all directions. Dulok was the next to fall. He stood, spear in hand, calmly planting the end in the ground as those behind him dashed for cover. The creature, however, didn't pause, merely turned quickly and continued its run, striking the spear squarely. The blade scraped along its forehead, leaving a crimson cut, but it ignored the pain, opening its massive mouth to bring its teeth chomping down onto the old Orc. Dulok's head and torso disappeared into the creature's maw as it lifted him, snapping him in two and sending black blood flying everywhere.

  Kargen bellowed a challenge but was ignored. Kragor let loose once more, sending an arrow deep into the creature's leg, finally slowing it. Letting out a strange keening, it turned yet again, rushing directly towards the archer.

  Durgash pushed Kragor from the creature's path at the last possible moment only to fall beneath the hooves himself. There was a sickening crunch as it passed, and then it whirled to face Kargen.

  The great chieftain stood his ground, axe held in two hands. He stared at the beast, watching its eyes as it returned his gaze. There was no malice there, only the watchful eyes of predator and prey, but which was which?

  For an instant, time seemed to stand still, and then the creature was moving again, its thunderous approach kicking up dirt and needles of pine.

  Kargen was dimly aware of a distant chant, and then the creature inexplicably slowed, giving him time to react. He sidestepped, bringing his axe across in a low swing to the legs. Flesh parted, and then he felt his weapon bite as it dug deep into bone. Down the creature went as surely as a tree being felled. More arrows thudded into its now exposed underbelly, and then hunters rushed forward with spears to finish the job. It thrashed about, knocking two more Orcs off their feet, and then the creature finally stilled.

  Kargen wheeled around, seeking out Durgash, but Shaluhk was already there, calling upon arcane forces in an attempt to mend the broken flesh.

  Laruhk appeared at his side. "By the Ancestors, what was that thing?"

  "I have no idea," Kargen replied. "But if it is any indication of the predators in this area, I think we should keep moving."

  "Agreed." Laruhk gazed over at Shaluhk, who was laying hands on the injured Durgash. "How is he, Sister?"

  "He will survive," Shaluhk replied. "Your trinity is still complete."

  "Trinity?" said Laruhk.

  Kargen smiled. "It is a long story."

  Other hunters gathered, then the rest of the tribe, assured of its demise, began to approach the carcass.

  "Look at those teeth," said Laruhk.

  "Indeed," said Kargen. "They snapped poor Dulok in half, not to mention ripping the leg off of Urglan."

  Laruhk moved even closer. "This thing's head is the size of my chest," he announced. "And did you see how far its mouth could open? It is a wonder it did not kill more."

  "It caught us by surprise," said Kargen. "We should have been better prepared. From now on, we must take greater care in protecting our people. We can not afford to let this happen again."

  "Agreed."

  Shaluhk rose, taking Agar's hand and leading him across to where the two Orcs were in discussion.

  "Durgash will recover," she said, "but he must rest."

  "It is a miracle he even survived," noted Laruhk.

  "The Ancestors watched over him this day," agreed his sister, "but he has lost much blood. I am afraid his hunting days are over for a while."

  "How long is awhile?" asked Kargen.

  "A ten-day, at least."

  The chieftain turned to Laruhk. "It appears you will have to find a different hunting partner for the time being."

  "I shall be pleased to perform that duty," called out Kragor, moving closer to pull his arrow from the body. He tugged hard, only to find it had sunk a hand's depth into the beast. "It was a good thing Shaluhk saved you," he noted, "or else we would have had to elect a new chieftain."

  "Shaluhk saved me?" said Kargen. He briefly remembered the chanting, then turned to his bondmate. "What spell did you use?"

  "Slumber," she said. "Not enough to put it to sleep, but it slowed its reactions."

  Kargen smiled. "A good choice. It saved my life."

  "I could not have my bondmate die," she said with a grin. "It would have been no end of trouble to select a new one."

  He moved closer, wrapping his arms around her in a hug, still able to feel her trembling. "I thank the Ancestors you were there," he whispered.

  "As I shall always be."

  * * *

  "What shall we call that thing?" asked Laruhk. He was sitting at the fire, roast beast on his dagger.

  "I do not know," said Kargen. "It is like nothing I have seen before."

  Laruhk took a bite, spitting it out immediately. "Well, it is definitely not a boar. This meat tastes rancid."

  Kargen laughed. "Then it is not to be hunted. What of the hide?"

  "It is tough," said Shaluhk. "Unsuitable for clothing but perhaps useful on a shield?"

  The chieftain smiled. "Shields! An excellent idea."

  "I haven't seen a shield for some time," noted
Laruhk, "though they were common enough in our youth."

  "Then we shall have to learn to use them anew," announced Kargen.

  "Why?" asked Kragor. "Surely there is nothing in these woods against which it would prove useful."

  Kargen smiled. "While it is true that such a thing would be useless against that"—he pointed at the carcass—"it would certainly be useful against Human horsemen."

  "But there are no Humans here!" said Kragor.

  "You forget. We are following in the footsteps of Athgar and Nat-Alia."

  "And?"

  Kargen turned to Shaluhk. "Tell me, bondmate, where it was the Ancestors told them to seek?"

  "A Human city," she said, "named Ebenstadt."

  "We have no idea where that is," said Laruhk.

  "Nor do I," Kargen confessed, "but if the Ancestors are interested in the place, should we not also be?"

  "You think we are going into danger?" asked Kragor.

  "Life is dangerous, and I might remind you that the creature was defeated only by the combined might of the tribe. If we work together, we will prevail."

  "Elk-boar," proclaimed Laruhk.

  They all turned to him in surprise. "What?" said Shaluhk.

  "Elk-boar. That is what we should name the beast."

  Shaluhk rolled her eyes, a mannerism that threw the others into fits of laughter. "That is the worst name I have ever heard!"

  Parley

  Summer 1104 SR

  * * *

  Athgar pushed the branches away from his view. "There's a clearing here," he announced. "The perfect spot to wait for the Orcs."

  "And you're sure they will find us?" asked Cenric.

  Natalia looked at the king's champion. "You doubt the word of my husband?"

  A look of annoyance briefly crossed the man's face, but then he composed himself. "It is not that I doubt his word, but these clearings all look so similar. Could he be mistaken?"

  Natalia looked at Athgar. "What do you say to that?"

  "There is a large elm tree over yonder split by lightning in the distant past. I doubt every clearing would have such a thing."

  Cenric grunted an acknowledgement. Behind him, three warriors waited, each clutching their spears, their fear making them alert.

  "The Orcs are willing to negotiate," said Athgar. "I can guarantee you they mean no harm."

  "Easy enough for you to say," noted Cenric. "It's not you who has had trouble with them."

  "Perhaps you will understand them better when we talk with them."

  "Perhaps," the warrior replied, his words lacking conviction, "but I shall still be on my guard."

  "As you should be," said Natalia. "Shall I take the lead?"

  "By all means," said Athgar.

  Cenric reached out, grabbing Athgar's arm. "You would let your woman walk into danger? What kind of a man are you?"

  "Natalia is a powerful mage and more than capable of looking after herself. In any event, we are MEETING Orcs, not attacking them."

  "They cannot be trusted," Cenric asserted.

  Natalia's voice turned frosty. "I have found them to be far more trustworthy than most Humans."

  Cenric stared back, unsure of what to make of the statement.

  "In any event, we should get moving," pressed Athgar.

  They entered the clearing, Natalia taking the lead with a strong stride. Halfway across the field, they heard a call, then a rustle of leaves revealed a trio of Orcs making their way from the other side, led by none other than Urughar.

  "Greetings, Athgar of Athelwald."

  "And to you, Urughar."

  "I see you have brought the other Torkul. Are they willing to talk?"

  "That is my hope," replied Athgar. "Allow me to introduce Cenric of Runewald. He comes representing King Eadred of the Therengians."

  At the mention of his name, Cenric stepped forward. He stood for a moment, examining the Orc in detail, his hands resting on his hips. Urughar adopted a similar pose. Athgar had the uneasy feeling they were sizing each other up.

  "Lord Cenric," said Natalia, "have you anything you wish to say on behalf of your king?"

  "Yes," the big man replied. "Tell them King Eadred agrees to meet with their chieftain. He should come to our village in two days with no more than three of his followers."

  "That is quite unacceptable."

  Cenric turned on her, his face growing red. "It is not your place to gainsay my king, skrolling!"

  Natalia stood her ground. "And would King Eadred be willing to enter the Orc village with just three men?"

  His silence spoke volumes.

  "I thought as much. King Eadred must treat the Orc chieftain, Kirak, as an equal. Only then will peace be achieved."

  Cenric's lips went tight as he considered the situation. "What would you suggest?" he finally said.

  "This is a nice place. Why not have each side send a delegation here?"

  "An excellent idea," said Athgar. "Shall we say in two days? That would give each side time to consider what they'd like to say."

  "Yes," said Natalia, "and we should limit the numbers on both sides."

  "I would agree to that," said Cenric. "Shall we say three advisors per side?"

  Athgar turned to Urughar, resorting to the tongue of the Orcs. "We propose that the leaders meet in two days at this location. Each side will limit their numbers to include only three advisors. Would this be acceptable to Kirak?"

  "I believe it would," answered the Orc. "Very well, we shall meet again in two days. Farewell, Orc friend."

  Athgar bowed, then turned to Cenric. "He agrees."

  "Good," the warrior replied. "Now let us be gone from this place; the air here is foul." He turned around, stomping past his trio of guards to make his way back to the treeline.

  Natalia hung back, waiting until he was out of earshot before speaking. "I'm not sure I trust him."

  "Nor I," Athgar admitted, "but he will do his duty to his king."

  "And Eadred? How will he react?"

  "I can only hope he has the best interests of his people in mind. Reaching an understanding with the Orcs will lead to prosperity and peace, something they desperately need."

  "And when the soldiers from Ebenstadt come for them?"

  "We'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it. We can't fight all their battles at once."

  She smiled, warming his heart. "You've become quite the statesman."

  "Statesman? That's a word I'm not familiar with."

  "Don't worry, it's a compliment. It means you've learned how to help people."

  "I like it, though I fear the declaration might be a bit premature. There is still much to discuss before they even begin to trust each other."

  "True, but we've made progress today. It gives us something to build on."

  * * *

  The hall of King Eadred was lit well into the night. A great fire burned while around it gathered the important people of the village. Athgar had to wonder who determined their distinction as such but soon came to the realization it was those who agreed with the king's missives. Athgar was only present because of his knowledge of the Orcs, while Natalia's presence was due to his insistence that, next to him, she was the foremost authority on Orcs in Runewald.

  "The real question," the king was saying, "is whether or not we can trust them. How do we know they will keep their word?"

  "They are an honourable race," said Athgar.

  "And yet their reputation would say otherwise."

  "I don't trust them at all," added Cenric.

  Natalia bit back her exasperation, electing instead to try a calmer approach. "If I may, Your Majesty? How many Orcs have you actually met?"

  "None," relayed the king, "but we have all heard the stories."

  "Stories?"

  "Yes, of their barbarity."

  "You are a Therengian," she continued.

  "Yes, what of it?"

  "Would it surprise you to know that amongst the Petty Kingdoms, your own people
have a reputation for depravity and barbarism?"

  "That's a lie!"

  "Just as it is for the Orcs," Natalia said. "I have spent time amongst their people, and I can assure you they want the same things that you do."

  "Which are?"

  "Peace and prosperity."

  "They shall have peace," said Cenric, "at the point of a spear!" He roared with laughter, the others soon joining in.

  Athgar fumed. This was going nowhere. How could he convince them the Orcs were not their enemies?

  Skora, who had been helping serve the assembled group, knelt beside him, whispering in his ear. "Natalia is tired."

  Looking over, he saw his bondmate stifling a yawn. He stood, bowing respectfully. "With your permission, Lord King, I shall retire. It appears my wife is fatigued."

  "Of course," said Eadred, "and our best wishes go with her."

  Athgar saw the scowl on Cenric's face but chose to ignore it, instead reaching out to Natalia. "Come," he said. "It's time you were abed."

  She stood, steadying herself on his arm as a wave of dizziness rolled over her. Taking a breath, she nodded, letting him lead her from the room.

  Skora held the door for them. "I shall stay here and be your ears," she said quietly.

  Athgar nodded his head and then led Natalia from the hall.

  "This is going nowhere," he commented as he guided her towards their hut.

  "They see nothing of value in the Orcs. What was it like in Athelwald? Did they distrust Kargen's people?"

  "Granted, there were some that disliked them, but most saw the wisdom in trade."

  She latched on to his words. "Trade? What kind of trade?"

  "Primarily finished goods—arrows, pots, cloth, that sort of thing."

  "And for this the Orcs traded…?"

  "Raw materials, wood, skins, and, of course, meat."

  "That might be the answer to all of this," Natalia advised him. "If we can explain the benefits in terms of trade, perhaps they will be more amenable?"

  "Where would we start?"

  "We need to determine what this village has that the Orcs might like in trade."