by Dan Mat
“What happened then?”
“The word of massacre came to my attention.” Roshnak said “In a blink of an eye, I was back in Vur-Paan. I feared the worst, but there was nothing that could prepare me for such amount of hatred and destruction.”
“What else would you expect from the humans?” Grodish asked “Why would that surprise you?”
“Because the idea of us mixing, came from the humans.”
“So?”
“Why did they suddenly change their minds?” Roshnak was troubled “Why would they risk reigniting the conflict?”
“The peace wasn’t broken.” Grodish observed.
“That draws me to a conclusion, there was another agreement in play.” shaman frowned “How else to explain a free passage of human death squad into Chaygor?”
“That sort of betrayal must’ve reached deep.”
“Just a reason more to carefully assess our approach to all of this.” Roshnak almost whispered.
Silent, almost shy knock on the door, was a sure tell, Uggut was about to walk in. Roshnak winked at half-orc, as a signal, they’ll pick up on this conversation.
“First, let’s find out what happened with these documents.”
Grodish nodded, knowing very well they can’t begin throwing accusations left and right. They couldn’t afford to make enemies out of these orcs, now that they were so close to gaining their trust. Grodish knew they needed all the help they could get, otherwise his dreams of vengeance would be practically dead. And if Roshnak’s plan is to succeed, he’d have no problem of turning his back to these hypocrites and backstabbers.
“Morning your highness.” Uggut warily peeped through the ajar doors “You’ve asked for me?”
“Come in my friend.” Roshnak beckoned him with a large smile “Could we bother you for some time. We need some help.”
“Of course, it would be a pleasure.” Uggut bowed slightly “What seems to be the problem?”
“There’s something wrong with these documents.” Grodish was straight forward.
“I…I don’t understand.” Uggut stammered “What do you mean?”
“It appears that someone tampered with the scriptures.” Roshnak snarled at him.
“But…but…I wouldn’t know.” Uggut acted all innocent.
“As if something could slip past you.” Grodish grinned “Don’t be afraid to tell the truth.”
“You can trust us.” Roshnak added “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
“There’s nothing left, but fear.” Uggut toppled in his chair “They made sure of it, when they decided to take everything from me.”
“You speak in riddles. You avoid questions.” Grodish shook his head, as he turn towards shaman “After all, he still don’t have fate in us.”
“I admit, what you did in Khoill was by all means miraculous. But, I’m afraid this is beyond you even.”
“Speak out Uggut! Either deliver on your promise, or fuck off!” Roshnak slammed his fist against the table “Help us, help you.”
“But they are much too powerful.” Zhinnaeg sorcerer cried “You don’t understand.”
“Who are they?” Roshnak was fast to ask.
Uggut sighed loudly. He was reluctant to answer.
“The elders.” he finally whispered “Snikork and Wallug.”
“Those two scared old farts.” Grodish grinned “You are afraid of them?”
“Believe me when I tell you.”
“Explain.” Roshnak said.
“Where should I even begin?” Uggut sighed “You are right, of course. The documents were replaced.”
“I knew it!” Grodish exclaimed.
“But! But, I hid the originals.” Uggut added hastily “I’ll show them to you, later.”
“Alright.” Roshnak said, scratching his chin “Carry on.”
“In a few last years of the great war, Zhinnaeg was led by newly formed council, composed of Wallug, Snikork, Phall and me.”
“Phall.” Roshnak said pensively.
“We were young and hungry for power. Once we seized the control of the town, we couldn’t simply let it go.” Uggut proceed with his story “And Phall find us a way for doing so.”
“How come?” Roshnak asked.
“By finding the energy stones.”
“What are those?” Grodish asked.
“A particular minerals growing around the magic pools.” Roshnak answered instead “Where did you find them? Haven’t seen them in cen…a very long time.”
“In the caves, deep underneath Zhinnaeg.” Uggut said “The stones gave us the powers, we could only dream of.”
“But at a cost.” Roshnak added.
“Yes.” Uggut nodded “And before we realized, the power begin to change us.”
“I presume Phall more than others?” Roshnak asked.
“The power drove him mad. Wallug and Snikork were forced to banish him from the Zhinnaeg.” Uggut said “And just in time. Otherwise, we could’ve easily shared Khoill’s fate.”
“What happened next?” Grodish asked.
The sounds of the approaching footsteps made Uggut almost jump from his seat. Elders were coming to the meet. He wouldn’t dare to speak more.
“I promise I’ll tell you everything later.” Uggut whispered in panic “Please.”
“Alright.” Roshnak nodded, as the door to the chambers open wide.
Snikork was first to march in. Followed closely by Wallug. They desperately tried to hide the surprise of seeing Uggut, Roshnak and Grodish already sitting at the table. But they failed. A couple of steps behind them walked Felgor Galdir, commander of Zhinnaeg’s armies. He was a very strong looking orc, build like a bull. He just recently got the opportunity to lead the guard and was eager to prove his worth. Being invited to this meeting was surely the first step of doing so.
For elders on the other hand, this meet was nothing but a nuisance. Half-orc’s attempt to impose himself as a sole ruler of Zhinnaeg, was clear as daylight. That became evident as soon as their new king decided to set off for Khoill, for what they hoped would be a one way trip. Elders counted on him to fail, when they agreed to the deal. But Grodish prove them all wrong and more than capable, once he successfully returned from Khoill. And with him, the news of incoming reinforcements. There was no turning back now, Snikork and Wallug realized that. Orcs were about to go to to war.
“Good day gentlemen. Come in. Sit please.” Roshnak bowed gently “We bring excellent news.”
CHAPTER 6
Bell from the harbor watchtower, suddenly interrupted the peace of still sleeping town of Vallsynk. Loud sound echoed through the streets, before dissipating several seconds later. It startled dozens of birds, perched on the rooftops overlooking the docks. They fluttered their wings, looking all tousled, squawking and screeching in fear. But soon calmed down, as they realized they are not in any danger.
Pale red line of light just appeared on the horizon. It was still full hour left till the sunrise. Second strike of the bell woke up Xavnier Gloir. And with third, halfling was already on his feet. His hair was all messed up. He was still in the outfit, he wore yesterday. He seemed tired and exhausted. The forthcoming assembly between the allied cities gave Xavnier nothing but a headache, despite lady Eilonna’s persistent reassurance, his inauguration will be a mere formality.
Still, halfling couldn’t sit idly, hoping everything would go as planned. He had to make sure nothing can turn around on a later date, and bite him in the ass. So he requested every document his former associates, councilors, had in their possession, to be delivered to him. No matter how small or insignificant they seemed. Everything, from personal correspondence to the transactions and various contracts. Piles upon piles of paper, stretching back for decades. Amount of work so huge, it would waver any other man from doing it. But not Xavnier. He had to do it. If for nothing else, but to prove to himself, he’s more than ready to rule this city.
In just a couple of days halfling managed to comb throug
h hundreds of trading contracts. Most of them, as he presumed, weren’t even worth mentioning. For now, he was only interested in the most lucrative ones. The acquisitions that stood out. Especially those, from the most powerful councilors, who were the active participants of the upcoming assembly.
With the fourth strike of the bell, harbor lookout warned about the imminent arrival of the ship. A two masted brig from Garhmier, carrying Teer Scejvor, the chief regent for the Lord Pserofes. Xavnier had an opportunity to meet the eccentric regent a couple of decades ago, when he obliged to the service of Vallsynk, alongside with other councilors. He remembered that short, odd ceremony. And the document of appointment, which copy he still kept in his private vault room, underneath the mansion.
Xavnier remembered the uptight regent. His pronouncedly pale skin and excessively combed hair. He remembered Scejvor’s long, bony finger, that pointed on the paper, for him to sign. Halfling remembered all those derisive, and very malicious rumors circling about Scejvor. Not only among those of higher status, but surprisingly also with the likes of the lowest class citizens.
“You instructed me to notify you, once the ship approaches the harbor.” halfling’s main butler said, after knocking two times on the ajar doors.
“Nothing can slip past you, Alderf.” Xavnier retorted.
“Should I send for carriage?” butler asked.
“Mhm.” Xavnier nodded “And I need a clean suit.”
“Certainly sir.” Alderf said “Do you want breakfast?”
“Sure.”
“I’ll inform the cook.” butler bowed out, as he closed the door behind.
Xavnier couldn’t be bothered with that. His attention immediately switch back to the documents he set aside the night before. He carefully picked and sorted the papers by date, placing them one by one in a leather binder. He was done right before Alderf returned, but he had no time to enjoy the food like he usually did. Nor to spend a couple of hours contemplating what article of clothing to chose from. This time was different. Xavnier couldn’t afford to be late. He had to be on the docks, to greet the chief regent. And he was quite pleased to see the carriage already waiting him. For there was no time to waste.
The carriage was made out of the most exquisite oak and pine, under the specific Xavnier’s needs and wishes. Its interior was completely covered in red leather and velvet, looking more like his lounge. But what else was to be expected from halfling. Four strong, beautiful looking, black horses, effortlessly pulled the carriage down the wide, cobble paved alleyway. And then to the right, through the long street, leading straight for the docks.
Harbor was already very lively. Which was usual whenever a ship sailed into it. Even more so today, with the arrival of Teer Scejvor. Beside the dock workers, sailors, fishermen and merchants, there was a significant number of ordinary folk, who were just curious to see the chief regent. In several well measured, skilful maneuvers, the brig docked parallel to the pier. Its crew already tied the sails and were ready to throw the ropes. At the same time, a couple of sailors stretched out the plank bridge towards the landing.
Xavnier hastily jumped out of the carriage, right in front of the ramp. Detachment of Vallsynk’s finest positioned themselves between halfling and the carriage, creating a cordon some twenty feet long. At the same time, two golden dagger elite soldiers appeared on the deck. They wore the same, completely black, leather armor uniforms and masks, covering half of their faces. Soldiers stood there motionless, for several seconds, seemingly not doing anything. But in that brief moment, they managed to make a notice of the surroundings. The docks, the adjacent streets and alleyways, the buildings, and the rooftops even. Recent tumultuous events in this town, forced them to be overly cautious. Doubtful even. But everything seemed in order.
A few seconds later, one of them signaled for others to join. Surrounded by four guards, Teer Scejvor climbed to the deck. At first, Xavnier haven’t even recognize him. Regent’s hair was all tousled and greasy. His clothes dirty, pleated and untidy. Sleeves of his exorbitant, fancy shirt were rolled up. He was missing a couple of buttons, which were undoubtedly ripped off. Scejvor looked a mess. But he was cheerful and smiling. A complete oppposite to the person, halfling had met in Garhmier.
“So long captain.” Scejvor said.
“Don’t be a stranger.” Wilsen answered.
“I’ll see you in a week, atmost.” regent nodded, as he took a step onto a plank bridge.
Moments later, he was in front of Xavnier Gloir.
“Welcome to Vallsynk mister Scejvor.” halfling bowed “I hope you had a pleasant journey.”
CHAPTER 7
Gollvin miners were ready and eager to leave the Thirel fort at a first sign of light. Fourteen carts, escorted by twice as many heavily armored horsemen, could barely fit inside the fort’s yard. And now as the miners were preparing to resume the journey, they found themselves in a bit of a trouble. They simply had no room to maneuver the carts. They had to turn them around by hand. Push them through the gates, out of the fort. Where they could hitch the horses.
They lined the carts next to each other, until every single one was outside of the fort. And it took them several hours to do so, even with the wholehearted help from the Thirel post soldiers. They were behind the schedule. Irritated and annoyed, miners were losing their patience quite fast. And they weren’t shy to express themselves. And with the end of a line this close, who could’ve blame them.
In the stark contrast to miners, the soldiers of Gollvin, remain calm and collected. And they had to be, knowing that the journey is far from over. There was still a long way to go, and the unpredictable road ahead, was everything but safe. Gollvin soldiers were armed to the teeth, willing to defend the shipment at any cost. And it was the largest shipment Thorin Lutir had ever see. Miners couldn’t allow themselves to lose it, if only for that reason alone.
Captain Lutir sat at the head of a massive, wooden table, situated in a large, central room of the command barracks. It was a very large, bright and warm room. A hall even. He was in a company of sergeant Gelian Sellden and Elben Sartain, the lieutenant from Gollvin. By the piles of empty plates and mugs, it was obvious they’ve spend the night in here.
“Do you think we’re doing the right thing?” Elben asked.
“Without a doubt.” Thorin answered.
“But what if they refuse us?” Elben couldn’t hide his concern.
“Can you continue living like this?” Thorin asked.
“No.” Elben retorted.
“Well in that case, you have to persist in your demands.” Thorin said.
“People are tired.” lieutenant Sartain sighed.
“That’s understandable.” Thorin nodded.
“Not because of the work they are doing.” Elben said “It’s not the work.”
“I know.” Thorin said.
“It’s that constant derogatory attitude they hold against us.” Elben continued “It is draining our will to live.”
“That doesn’t surprise me at all.” Thorin frowned “Councilors lost their sense of value a long time ago.”
“Even so, why would they risk losing that, which made them rich in the first place?” Elben wondered “It doesn’t make sense.”
“What risk? What loss?” Thorin asked “Everything is the same for decades, now. A stalemate. No one is raising their voice. No one is complaining. Nor demanding changes.”
“Now we will.” Elben retorted.
“If you say so.” Thorin waved his hand.
“I am serious.” lieutenant Sartain leaned closer “Half of us are already prepared to leave the Gollvin as it is. If we don’t get a positive answer in Vallsynk, rest of the people will surely follow suit.”
“Just like that?”
“It’s far from being sudden.” Elben smiled sourly “This will be the fourth time in the last year and a half, that we are trying to change the arrangements.”
“So you would leave Gollvin?” Thorin asked.
&nbs
p; “Yes.” Elben retorted.
“Where to?”
“Anywhere.” Elben said “To the south, east or west. Wherever we can find a piece of arable land.”
“I am beginning to suspect, you delved on this matter for more than a year and a half.” Thorin scratched his chin.
“Can you blame us?” Elben asked.
“Certainly not.” Thorin answered “Sometimes, I even ask myself, what am I still doing here.”
“Well, if those assholes in Vallsynk refuse to make changes, you are welcome to join us.” lieutenant Sartain smiled.
“That’s tempting.” captain Lutir said, in between two sips of a wine “But I couldn’t abandon my men.”
Loud knock on the door, made them all turn around. Young, very strong looking and somewhat gallant soldier from Gollvin, marched in the hall. He stood still for a moment to salute, before approaching the table. He did it quite intensely, and with a lot of enthusiasm.
“We are ready to leave.” soldier said hastily “Chief miner Mykhil insists upon it.”
“Very well.” Elben answered “Dismissed.”
Soldier complied without a word, as he turned on his heel. Moments later, he stormed out, as quickly as he entered.
“I guess that’s my que then.” lieutenant Sartain said.
“Good luck.” Thorin shook Elben’s hand.
“To be completely honest.” lieutenant Sartain whispered “I don’t know what outcome would I prefer more.”
“Whatever it may be.” Thorin answered “You can always count on our support.”
“Thank you my friend.” Elben nodded “That is most kind of you.”
Moments later, lieutenant was back in the saddle, steering his horse towards the front of the caravan. A minute and a half later, the first cart moved, following the lieutenant and a few soldiers he was riding with, at the front of the column. And it took a full ten more, before the entire caravan was back on the road for Vallsynk.
“You were unusually quiet, Gelian.” Thorin said, once they were back inside the command barrack.