Inferno

by Paul J Bennett

  "That will die off in time."

  "Will it? I have my doubts."

  "Nonsense," he soothed. "You're already popular with the women of Runewald. It won't take long for the men to come around."

  They spotted Raleth. The hunter had only just returned, his boots still covered in mud.

  "We haven't seen you in a while," called out Athgar. "Where have you been?"

  Raleth turned, making his way towards them. "Ebenstadt," he replied.

  Natalia's ears pricked up at the name. "To the city?"

  "Only to the outskirts. The king wanted to know what the skrollings were up to." He looked at Natalia and blushed. "Sorry, the outsiders."

  "And what did you discover?" she asked.

  "They are massing an army. I fear another attack is imminent."

  Natalia was struck by a thought. "The Crusades," she said.

  "What of them?" asked Athgar.

  "The Crusades are a series of military campaigns carried on by the Church to suppress worshippers of death. At least that's what they tell everyone."

  "I don't understand?"

  "Don't you see?" she said. "Look around you. It's not death worshippers they're trying to destroy, it's Therengians! They're coming for us, all of us."

  "Why? What could we possibly have that the Church would want?"

  "Who knows? Plunder, or maybe it's just an excuse to get their warriors ready for battle?"

  "How long would it take them to assemble their army?" asked Athgar.

  "Who knows?" she replied, looking around at the distant trees. "No, that's not right. Let me think this through. The terrain here is harsh, and that presents all manner of difficulties."

  "Harsh?"

  "Yes, difficult to traverse for an army. They would have to bring their own supply wagons. Not easy for an army that primarily lives off the land."

  "And even more difficult to move in these woods," noted Athgar. He noticed Raleth staring at them both. "Natalia was trained as a battle mage," he explained.

  "I remember," said Raleth, "though in truth, I have no idea what that means."

  "I am trained to use magic in battle," explained Natalia, "but it's more than that. We learned all about the tactics of the Petty Kingdoms."

  "The attack will be led by the skrollings' church," said Raleth.

  "Are you sure?" asked Athgar.

  "It has always been so in the past."

  "Then it is definitely a crusade," said Natalia. "That means they will be eager to fight."

  "We defeated them once," added Athgar, "and can do so again."

  Raleth's eyes went wide. "You beat the army of the Church?"

  "We did, though we had some help," said Athgar.

  "From who?"

  "The Sisters of Saint Agnes," explained Natalia.

  "I don't know who that is."

  Natalia's eyes bore into the young hunter. "They are a fighting order of the same Church you condemn."

  "So they fight amongst themselves? I find that difficult to believe."

  "It's true," said Athgar. "The Church is widespread, with its members scattered across the Continent. There's bound to be dissension in such a thing. Look at our own village; is there not disagreement here?"

  Raleth nodded. "There are many who disagree with our king, but our voices are silenced."

  "You said this was not the first time they have attacked," noted Athgar. "Tell me what happened last time?"

  "We fled our homes, coming east. We have been doing so for years. Now our enemy masses in the village of our ancestors, Ebenstadt."

  "An unusual name for a Therengian village, isn't it?" asked Natalia.

  "It is the skrollings' name for it. We used to call it Dunmere."

  "When was it lost?" asked Athgar.

  "Many years ago, long before I was born."

  "And how many times have they attacked since?"

  "Twice," said Raleth. "The last time was only five years ago. They razed Ashborne, the village of my birth. I still remember fleeing the flames. Each time we have moved farther east, hoping to escape their grasp."

  "Surprising," said Natalia. "I would have thought Runewald older than that."

  "It is, but it used to be on the eastern border of our land. Now it is the very frontier. Ebenstadt lies only about fifty miles from here. It will not take long for their armies to arrive once they start moving."

  "Do they know the location of Runewald?" asked Natalia.

  "I can't say for certain. We have seen naught of their troops in this area, but many of our people have been captured in past campaigns. Someone must have revealed its location by now."

  "What will Eadred do?" asked Athgar.

  "He will do what he's always done, flee eastward once more."

  "That won't dissuade the Church," said Natalia. "They'll be eager to bring about your defeat. I suspect they won't settle for anything less than your total annihilation. The only way to prevent that is to stand and fight."

  "Would you have us slaughtered?" asked Raleth.

  "You have the advantage. Maybe not in numbers, but your people know the forest, and the Holy Army will have a vulnerable supply line. Proper planning can mitigate their numerical superiority."

  Raleth stared at her. "You are wise, Natalia Stormwind, but it is King Eadred who must be convinced, not me."

  "Then let us accompany you to his hall. You were about to go there yourself, weren't you?"

  "I was," he said. "As soon as I washed the stench from my clothes."

  "Then go and wash, Raleth. Athgar and I shall await your return, and then we'll all go there together."

  "Very well," the young man responded. He left them quickly, eager to prepare for his report.

  "Are you serious about fighting?" asked Athgar. "That doesn't seem like you."

  "Perhaps I have been jaded by the recent battle for Ord-Kurgad, but I've come to realize the only way to negotiate with these people is from a position of strength."

  "Are you talking about the Church or King Eadred?"

  She smiled. "Does it matter?"

  * * *

  The king's hall was relatively quiet when they arrived. King Eadred sat, conferring with Cenric, but other than the presence of two guards, the room was empty.

  "My king," said Raleth, "I bring news."

  "Let him pass," the king commanded. The guards moved aside, allowing them entry. Athgar noticed Eadred's look of distaste as he spotted the additional members of the party.

  "I have come from Ebenstadt," began Raleth.

  "And?"

  "It is as you feared, Lord King. The skrollings are massing for another attack."

  Eadred placed his hand to his temple, looking down in disappointment. "I feared as much."

  Those in the room remained silent, allowing him time to absorb the news. When he raised his head, he looked once more at Raleth. "Tell me all you have seen."

  "Their army is large," the hunter replied. "Easily twice our number. Many mercenaries have joined them, swelling their ranks. Even as we speak, their army has expanded past the confines of the town."

  "And what is the nature of these mercenaries?"

  "Mostly foot, my king, though archers were in evidence, along with more knights."

  "Temple Knights?"

  "No, they remain within the confines of their fortress. These are men of the Petty Kingdoms."

  "They are likely not mercenaries," interjected Natalia, "but rather nobles of the land, coming to make a name for themselves."

  King Eadred stared daggers at her. "And what would you know of such things?"

  "I am a battle mage."

  "So you have said in the past, but of what use is that to us now? Are you saying you can defeat their army with your magic?"

  "No, but I know their tactics. We can defeat them, Lord King, but we must show courage."

  "Courage? Do not speak to me of courage, skrolling! You know nothing of our suffering at the hands of these people, YOUR people."

 
"They are not my people," countered Natalia. "This is my home now, and I will do everything in my power to protect it."

  "Then you are a fool! We cannot withstand the might of the Church. We must withdraw eastward once more."

  "We cannot," said Athgar. "That would move us into the Orcs' lands."

  "Better to fight the Orcs than this army that so overwhelms us," said the king.

  "We can use the terrain to our advantage," insisted Natalia, "and attack their supply wagons."

  "No, it is too dangerous. We must withdraw eastward. My decision is final."

  Raleth nodded. "Of course, my king."

  "Now be gone," Eadred commanded. "I have much to consider before the evacuation begins."

  Raleth led Athgar and Natalia from the hut.

  "So is that it?" asked Athgar. "We're to run at the first sign of trouble?"

  "What else can we do? You heard the king. The enemy outnumbers us. We have little choice."

  "You DO have a choice," said Natalia. "You can stand and fight. Retreating now will only delay the inevitable. If you don't stand up to them, they shall return."

  "And if we do fight?" said Raleth. "A loss could mean the death of us all."

  "Better to die fighting than live a constant life of flight," said Athgar.

  "I understand how you feel, Raleth," said Natalia, "but running is not the answer. Trust me, I know. I've spent the best part of a year running from my past, but it keeps catching up to me. The only way out of this mess is to make a stand. Defeat them once and for all, and they will think twice about returning."

  "I saw the size of their army, and they were still gathering more."

  "Their size works against them," Natalia continued. "Nobles are loathe to follow the commands of others. True, the Temple Knights are a threat, but without a coordinated army behind them, they are useless." She swept her arms out in a grand gesture. "Look at these woods. Do you really think their knights could charge in such terrain?"

  "You make a good argument," said Raleth, "but the king has made his decision."

  "Then maybe it's time for a new king."

  The hunter laughed. "You cannot make a new king. It is hereditary."

  "Nonsense," said Natalia. "If a king cannot serve his people, he does not deserve his throne."

  "What you speak of is treason."

  "No, what we speak of is survival. Which will it be, Raleth? Scurry away whenever danger threatens, or stand and fight?"

  "You have given me much to think on."

  "Go back to your hut," said Athgar, "and discuss this with your family. Then maybe you will see the wisdom in our words."

  "I shall do as you suggest," the young hunter responded.

  They walked the rest of the way in silence. Raleth bade them a good day as they arrived at their hut, then ran off seeking his brother.

  "Do you really think King Eadred deserves to be removed?" asked Athgar.

  "It is now apparent that he only cares for himself, not his people."

  "Still, to replace him feels like a big step."

  "Do the Orcs not replace a chieftain who cannot lead?"

  "I suppose they do, but these are not Orcs. They are Humans, and as such, are used to doing things their own way."

  "And what has it brought them?" Natalia asked. "Only misery and death." She leaned in close, placing her hand upon his arm. "I mean no disrespect to your people, Athgar, but look around you. All they want is to live out their lives free from the heartache of war. They deserve more than flight. They need a reason to live, and you can give it to them."

  Athgar's eyes went wide. "Me? I don't want to be king!"

  "It's that very thing that would make you a good leader."

  "But I'm only a bowyer."

  "No," said Natalia, "you are much more than that. You are a master of flame, and just like Artoch, you know, deep in your heart, that you have the best interests of your people in mind. We've only been here a short time, my love, but already you have gained the trust and respect of all."

  "I doubt the king feels so," said Athgar.

  "And that is his folly. You know how to listen to others, and most of all, how to inspire them."

  "Since when have I been a leader?" he asked.

  "Since Ord-Kurgad. The Orcs of the Red Hand saw you as one of their own, much as the villagers in Runewald do."

  "Perhaps you're right."

  She smiled. "I know I am."

  Welcome

  Autumn 1104 SR

  * * *

  (In the tongue of the Orcs)

  * * *

  Laruhk halted, raising his hand to signal Durgash to do likewise. "I sense someone ahead," he said.

  "Humans?" asked his companion.

  "No, more Orcs."

  "Ah," said Durgash, "the Orcs of the Black Axe, as Kargen predicted. Shall I fetch him?"

  "Yes," said Laruhk, "and my sister as well."

  "And in the meantime, what will you do here?"

  "I shall wait."

  Laruhk crouched, listening carefully to the sounds of the forest. Birds chirped in the trees, a sure sign danger was not at hand. He relaxed, letting out his breath. He was in the same position when Kargen and Shaluhk found him.

  "You have news?" said Kargen.

  "Orcs are nearby," he replied, "likely beyond that twisted tree."

  "Then it is time we introduced ourselves," said Kargen. He took a step forward, revealing himself with Shaluhk by his side. "I am Kargen, Chieftain of the Red Hand," he called out, "and this is Shaluhk, our shamaness."

  "And I am Urughar of the Black Axe," a voice drifted back. "Come forward so we may see you mean no harm."

  They moved closer, soon detecting the carefully hidden hunter. "We come in peace," announced Kargen.

  Urughar stood, then came forward, his hands held palms up in front of him to show he was unarmed. "Honour be to you, Kargen and Shaluhk. My chieftain, Kirak, will be pleased for you to visit him. I understand you have come far?"

  Kargen looked at Shaluhk, whispering, "How would he know that? The Ancestors?"

  "I have no idea," she replied. "And we shall never find out unless we take him up on his offer."

  "You are right, of course." He raised his voice once again. "Very well, Urughar. Take us to your chieftain that we may greet him."

  * * *

  They entered the village of Ord-Ghadrak with little fanfare. Word of their arrival spread quickly, and by the time they arrived at the great hut, the chieftain of the tribe was standing before them.

  "Greetings, Kirak," said Kargen.

  The immense Orc stepped closer, his scarred visage a mere finger's width from Kargen's face.

  "Welcome, Kargen of the Red Hand," he finally said. "Welcome to Ord-Ghadrak." He embraced Kargen, a move that surprised everyone.

  Kirak looked towards Shaluhk, bowing his head. "And honour to you, Shamaness." Returning his attention back to Kargen, he continued. "Come, let us share the milk of life to celebrate this meeting."

  "I would prefer some drink," said Kargen, "for my throat is parched."

  Kirak let out a chuckle, leading his followers to relax the grips on their axes. "Well said, my friend. So be it. Come and sample the hospitality of the tribe."

  They soon found themselves inside the great hut, sitting around the central fire that dominated the place. Other Orcs had drifted in and now sat nearby, listening intently to the discussion.

  "Tell me," began Kirak, "what is it you desire for your people?"

  "A place to live," said Kargen, "nothing more. Surely there is room in these parts for another tribe?"

  "Ordinarily, I would have said yes, but recent events have changed everything. We have had to deal with the Torkul, you see."

  "Torkul? You mean the Humans?"

  "They are more than mere Humans," noted Kirak, "for they have the grey eyes of their ancestors."

  "Athgar's people," said Shaluhk.

  "Yes," Kirak agreed. "It was Athgar that helped broker the peac
e."

  "Athgar is here?" said Kargen.

  "He was," the chief replied.

  "What of Nat-Alia?" asked Shaluhk. "Was my sister with him?"

  "If you are referring to the Human female with pale skin, then yes, even now they live amongst the Torkul in Runewald."

  "Is that the village of the Therengians?" asked Shaluhk.

  "It is."

  "Then it appears our journey is almost done."

  Mortag, the master of flame leaned forward, intent on the conversation. "Why would you say that?"

  Shaluhk smiled. "From the beginning, Athgar's arrival in Ord-Kurgad portended great change. After we defeated our enemies, we sought to move east, but fate placed an army in our way. As a result, we were forced north, following in his footsteps. It soon became clear our Ancestors were guiding us closer, perhaps to a shared destiny."

  "Then it could be that the fate of both our races is tied up in this 'Therengian,'" noted Kirak, "though I must admit Torkul is easier on the tongue."

  "Torkul is the name for an enemy," said Shaluhk, "but I believe the Therengians might be our allies. The Ancestors have indicated it was thus in the distant past."

  Kirak nodded his head, turning to his master of flame. "What do you think of that, Mortag?"

  "We have seen Athgar represent the interests of our tribe," the old Orc remarked. "I think it a reasonable supposition."

  "That is his way of agreeing," said Kirak. "And what of you, Laghul? You are our shamaness. Do the Ancestors tell you any different?"

  "I would agree with Shaluhk," she replied. "Our race is at a critical time as the Humans spread into our lands. The arrival of our cousins gives us the strength to resist them."

  "War with the Therengians is to be avoided," insisted Kargen.

  "I agree," said Kirak, "but their king is difficult to deal with."

  "Difficult in what way?"

  "He pretends to want peace but secretly prepares for war."

  "How do you know this?" asked Shaluhk.

  "Our hunters keep their eyes open when they visit Runewald."

  "How far is this village?" asked Kargen.

  "Two days' travel," said Kirak. "I can have Urughar take you there if you wish."