The Halls of the Fallen King

by Tiger Hebert

  “Did ya forget about the goblins? Keep your voices down,” snapped Nal’drin.

  Dom winced and placed a cupped hand over his mouth in tacit acknowledgment. The group then turned their attention to the source of the water. With the echoing nature of the underground city, it was difficult telling which direction sounds came from, so they would just have to hunt around.

  “This can’t be right,” said Kiriana as she pointed to a large wash basin on the left side of the room. “It’s bone dry.”

  “Perhaps it’s stopped up?” added Nal’drin.

  “It’s gotta be, we can all hear the water running,” replied Dom.

  Theros pulled a nearby torch down from its wall sconce, and with a few a few strokes on his flint, it was lit. “Let’s find it. Quietly.”

  They spread out through the kitchen and the adjoining dining hall, despite only having one torch. Fortunately, the strange crystals they’d seen before seemed to continue throughout the ruins and provide consistent lighting. If anything, the faint blue light they emitted may have even gotten stronger.

  “Over here,” echoed Sharka’s voice.

  Theros and the group looked around, but female orc was nowhere to be seen. She had slipped out of the room without anyone noticing. After a look of confusion swept over his face, Theros nodded his head in understanding.

  “Around the wall,” he grunted as he carried the torch light into the darkness beyond the dining hall.

  As they rounded the wall, the sound of the rushing water grew. The warm yellow light of the flames revealed a roughly hewn room that was much different from the rest of the places they had traveled through thus far. There were no fine carvings or intricate architecture in this unshapely place, at least not anymore. There was evidence of one stone structure at one point in time, but all that remained were the smashed stone bits upon the ground. It must have been a trough used to feed water into the wash basin in the kitchen. In general, the room almost appeared to be something of a forgotten space that was never finished. Its odd, not-quite triangular shape was highlighted by a great spout of water that gushed from a crack in the bedrock above. The majority of the torrent of free-falling water plummeted down at least fifteen feet before disappearing into a chute like passage through the floor. The relentless pounding of hundreds of years of running water had carved a smooth channel right through the rock, where it ultimately disappeared out of sight.

  Theros set his torch down on the nearby rocky ledge as he dashed forward. The monster of a man dropped down onto all fours as he began to drink from the icy mountain spring. They had been underground for four days now and this freshwater find was a treasure, so the others crowded around the waterfall in an only slightly more civilized manner. Even the ladies said to heck with their leather waterskins, as they cupped handfuls of crystal clear water to their mouths. For a moment, no words were exchanged; only the primal sounds of gulping and slurping were heard as they sated their thirst.

  “So good,” panted Kiriana as she wiped the water from her soaking wet face.

  “Yes, you are,” mumbled Nal’drin as his thoughts escaped his lips.

  “What was that?” she asked as she snapped her head around.

  “Oh,” stammered the young man, as blood rushed to his face. “You’re so right, so good—the water is.”

  Dominar couldn’t hold back his laughter as he chuckled at the boy’s awkwardness.

  “What’s so funny?” asked Kiriana with a scowl.

  “Oh nothing, dear. The poor lad’s brain is fried. Too little water for too long, you know,” suggested the old dwarf as he tried to cover for him.

  Kiriana was a sharp girl, and rarely did anything slip past her notice. However, she was oblivious to the young king’s interest. Her mind was just focused on so many other things that she missed the cues. That wasn’t exactly a good thing though, because instead of catching onto his intentions, she mistook it for a personal jab. So she did what any reasonable Master Slayer would do, she threw water at him, handfuls of it. The watery barrage laid waste to the last vestige of dry clothing, leaving Nal’drin stunned and sopping wet.

  As the assault continued, Nal’drin quickly realized that the victim mentality would not save him here. He would have to fight back. Soon he was tossing water back at her. Of course he managed to get everyone but Kiriana wet, and a free-for-all ensued. All thoughts of their security and secrecy were lost as the five battled like children, splashing water in every possible direction. After everyone was good and soaked and had shared a few laughs, the battle ended.

  The seriousness returned to Kiriana’s face as she turned to their leader. “Theros, you know that is not the last of the goblins.”

  The gray-skinned orc kept his eyes upon the rocky ceiling. He took a depth breath and sighed. “I know.”

  It was quiet for a moment, then Nal’drin broke the silence. “I don’t get it. If the goblins want to establish a presence here, why send them in small parties? Why not just send a whole army?”

  Theros’ eyes fell to meet Nal’drin’s. “From what I have been told, they did send an army, and it never returned. The goblin king knows his treasure is here, but he doesn’t want to lose all of his forces before he finds it. I think he also understands that a small team is more likely to get around the traps and surprises that lurk down here. So he sends small hunting parties in after it.”

  “Well, hopefully the goblins find these surprises before we do,” remarked Nal’drin.

  Sharka placed her hand upon Theros’ and said, “I agree, that is why we must try not to engage them if at all possible.”

  Theros grunted with dissatisfaction. There was little in this world that he despised more than goblins, but he couldn’t argue with her. Sharka was right, she was always right. Besides, he thought, it would be awful satisfying to see the goblins clearing up all the traps that await us. So the big orc conceded and simply nodded his head in agreement.

  Sharka got the agreement from the rest of the group before turning back to Theros. She found his blue eyes and she smiled. He tried to smile back, but she knew it was forced. He hadn’t been the same since Ogron’s death, she knew that. Sharka still loved him, she always had. Ever since they were children. There was a time when they had done everything together. Their adventures went on for years, until he started venturing further across Darnissi, back when he met Dominar.

  She missed that orc. The one that was always smiling, and brimming with confidence and optimism. She would do anything to see that orc again, the one full of life. She would carry all of his burdens for him, if only he would let her, but that wasn’t the orc way. She would take his name, and give him every part of herself in return, but they were from different clans and tradition forbade it. There were certain concessions that could be made, of course, but she knew that the stain upon their honor was something he’d never allow.

  Theros struggled with meeting her gaze. He could feel the intensity, the passion her eyes held. The passion that he’d come so close to tasting all those years ago. But that hot summer night was a long time ago. They were young then, and reckless. Even if their traditions allowed their union, he still couldn’t. Not right now, not until he was better. Sleep was evasive, his mind played tricks on him, and the dead king wouldn’t stop talking to him—his own desires couldn’t be a priority. He forced another half-hearted smile before looking to the others. He knew Sharka was completely committed to him, even now, and him doing anything less than fully committing would be selfish. It stung, it really did, but of all the pains he was now bearing, this was one that he would need to bear a little longer.

  Theros realized the group was waiting for him to speak. “Sharka is right. We need to do our best to remain out of sight. I know we didn’t cover much ground today, but this is as good a spot as we’ve seen. Let’s setup camp here, and stay through the night. It’ll be a good chance to rest up. Then tomorrow we can make up for lost time,” instructed Theros.

  “The dining room has a n
ice fireplace with a large hearth. It’ll be a nice spot,” said Kiriana.

  Dom set down his pack and made his way toward the kitchen. “I believe I saw some firewood back here by the pantry. Nal’drin, give me a hand, will ya?”

  Nal’drin nodded, set down his pack and followed.

  Sharka ran her finger through the thick dust on the table’s surface. “Kiriana, would you mind helping me fetch some water so we can clean this up a bit?”

  “Good idea.”

  Soon Kiriana and Sharka were rummaging through the kitchen. Then a moment later they emerged. Kiriana had a large clay pot, and Sharka carried a wooden bucket. Dom and Nal’drin were a few steps behind them, each with an armful of wood for the fire.

  “What do you need me to do?” asked Theros.

  “Nothing,” replied Kiriana.

  Nothing, thought Theros as the women passed through the room into the room behind, where the waterfall was hidden. The logs clattered as they fell to the floor near the hearth. Dom and Nal’drin chatted about something as they began stacking a few select logs onto the hearth. Theros watched as Dom gave the young man pointers on the proper way to build a fire.

  “Watch out, big guy,” warned Kiriana from behind.

  Theros turned quickly to see the redhead making her way towards him with a large pot of water sloshing every which way.

  “What, afraid I might get wet?” said Theros as he stepped aside and rung water out of his tunic.

  Kiriana poured water across the table top, and Sharka followed suit.

  “A few more trips should do it,” said Sharka, as they both made their way out of the room once more.

  Theros turned back to the guys, and a fire was beginning to bloom on the wood stacked hearth.

  Dom said, “Now be a good lad, and fetch some of that fresh water with the kettle.”

  Nal’drin dug through the pack until he could pull the kettle free, then he too disappeared into the dark room beyond. Sharka and Kiriana returned and dumped their buckets out on the table top. It wasn’t immaculate, but the majority of the dust layers had been swept away.

  “Nice, now how about these chairs.” Kiriana then picked one up and motioned for Sharka to follow.

  Sharka grabbed a chair of her own, and walked off. Nal’drin ducked into the room, just barely dodging one of the legs of the chair that Kiriana carried. He made his way over to the hearth, and hung the kettle over the flames.

  “Good, good! Now just because you’re a king, doesn’t mean that you don’t need to know how to cook. So pay close attention, lad,” said Dominar with a smile as he pulled a small bundle from his nearby pack.

  “Yes, sir,” was Nal’drin’s eager response.

  Theros decided he’d give the girls a helping hand. He turned around to see them setting down two freshly rinsed chairs, and pick up two dusty ones. He grabbed the fifth chair, and followed them into the dark room beyond.

  “So, Theros,” said Kiriana, “what are your plans for the future, you know, when this is over?”

  The big orc thought for a second and said, “Honestly, I don’t know. What about you?”

  She stuck her chair out into the stream of falling water and held it there as the water washed away the grime of the years.

  Kiriana said, “It depends. I might go overseas, see the Old World and whatnot. Unless you’ve got something more exciting planned.”

  “Hopefully not,” he mumbled.

  “What was that?” shouted Kiriana. “It’s hard to hear you over the water!”

  “I said—hopefully—not!”

  Kiriana gave the half-hearted smile and nod that people give when they are pretending that they understood what was said, and then pulled the chair out of the rushing water.

  “You have no idea what I said, do you?” asked Theros.

  “Nope,” laughed Kiriana.

  Theros looked over to Sharka who stood by quietly and said, “I think after this, I’m done with exciting adventures.”

  It was Sharka’s turn to rinse her chair clean. She stuck it out and let the water run over the hand carved surface of the wooden chair. For the first time Theros noticed the intricate carvings throughout the cedar. It was beautiful. Once the chair was clean, she pulled it free from the water.

  Kiriana asked, “Sharka, what about you?”

  The orc woman shared looks with both of them then said, “I’d like to settle down somewhere new, somewhere free of old ways and old mindsets, a place where we can make a new way of life with new traditions.”

  Theros didn’t look away this time. He met Sharka’s eyes. He wished he could reassure her of his feelings for her. He wished he could give her exactly what she wanted... and for a fleeting moment he had a glimpse of a future where he could.

  “Boring!” shouted Kiriana. “Really, how old are you guys?”

  Theros laughed and answered, “Too old.”

  Kiriana shook her head and carried her freshly rinsed chair out of the wash chamber. Theros stood there, with his eyes fixed on Sharka. He extended his arm toward her, and she placed her hand in the palm of his massive hand. He gently closed his gray fingers over her sage green skin.

  She began to speak, but her voice cracked. He couldn’t see her well in the dark, but he knew those big brown eyes of hers were starting to well up with tears. Then she whispered, “I love you.”

  “There has never been any doubt. I love you, and I love this future you see, but I need time.”

  “I’ve already given you my whole life, how much more time do you need?” she asked.

  “You’ve given me more than I’ve ever deserved. I just need you to continue to be patient with me, Jhano.

  “Jhano... you haven’t called me that since—”

  “I know, but you have always been my love.”

  With her free hand, Sharka wiped tears from her eyes. “Okay. I will be patient. But I swear I’ll kill you if we die before I get to have my future with you.”

  They both laughed. Theros released her hand, and she grabbed her chair and left the chamber. Theros sighed and dropped his face into his hands.

  “Liar!”

  “What?” Startled, Theros spun about looking to see where the voice came from.

  “Theros Hammerfist, I expected better of you.”

  Oh, it’s you again...

  “Don’t take the tone with me young man,” bristled Duroc.

  I wasn’t completely lying...

  “Oh, so you were only half lying then? Does that only half break her heart then?”

  I’ve no intention of breaking anyone’s heart.

  “The road to hell is paved with good intentions, or so I’ve heard. Besides, what exactly are your intentions for your Jhano? Hmm, do you even know?”

  I have always cared for her. I will continue to protect her, even if that means protecting her from me.

  “So, you lied. The whole ‘have patience with me my sweet, sweet love’,” said Duroc in a mocking tone, “was a lie.”

  No, yes... no!

  “My dear Theros, your mind is tied in more knots than a pretzel. Do you intend to wed this woman, to make her your wife?”

  I love her.

  “Stop being thick. That’s not what I asked. Are you going to marry this woman, or are you stringing her along.”

  I will.

  “And what of your customs? Is it not forbidden for orcs of chieftain blood to intermarry? This is the crux of the whole issue, is it not?”

  It is.

  “You okay in there big guy?” interrupted Kiriana.

  “Uh yeah, I’m fine. The sound of the water relaxes me.”

  “Okay.”

  “So Theros Hammerfist, are you an orc of your word, or are you liar?”

  My word is my honor.

  “Then you’ll say to hell with your silly orc customs, and you will marry the girl?”

  It is not that simple, it would bring dishonor to all of the orcs associated with us. Under the law, the tribes would be forced to banish
us, or be banished themselves. The very confederation that my brother worked for years to build would instantly become destabilized and be torn apart.

  “Do you really think that after everything your people have been through this past year, that they would start fighting amongst themselves again?”

  I fear so. My people are a hard people, that have long been judged and hated. We’ve had to learn to live off the land and fight for everything in this life. It’s always been this way for my kind. It is their instinct, it is in their blood.

  “Then your people are stupid. Blood and instincts, hogwash! It’s an excuse. Your people just survived extinction. If they would turn to civil war the moment you are gone, then they are already doomed! I have to hope that you and your Jhano aren’t the only ones with brains in all your tribes.”

  Why do you even care?

  “Maybe I don’t, perhaps I just want to pick at your scars.”

  That is an odd thing to say for someone who is trying to earn my trust.

  “Ever heard of sarcasm?”

  Get to the point.

  “Theros, I know this probably won’t make any sense to you right now, but there are other things at work here. You are going to need some help navigating some of this in the time to come. We’ll talk more later, it’s time for you to get back to your friends.”

  That doesn’t help me at all...

  Theros took a deep breath and the link was broken. Theros turned and walked out of the chamber.

  “Now have ya got the water boiling yet?” the dwarf asked.

  Nal’drin peeked into the kettle that hung over the fire. “Yup.”

  “Good,” said Dominar as he unrolled the small bundle. “Then we can get started!”

  Nal’drin wasn’t impressed with the pile of what appeared to be dead leaves laid before him. “What is that?”

  Dominar lifted up one of the dark green stalks of the dried out plant and said, “This is dried Bellweed.”

  “Dom, we are going to eat weeds?” asked Nal’drin with a look of disappointment.

  “It is true that it was once considered a weed, I think due to the simple fact that no one bothered trying to eat the blasted things. No, these things are wonderful to cook with!” said Dominar with the usual bit of excitement that overtook him when food was involved.