Breath of the Titans: The False Titanbringer: Complete Trilogy
Page 31
“That's the man who has to die. Why should I kill innocent men and women when that one man brought on this rain of destruction? He needs to be removed from power, if for no other reason than he doesn't know how to wield it.” Lov stopped to ponder for a moment. “That's why I want to bring the orc society into the fold of civilizations. I want them to help step up and take their place. To hold the other races accountable as we hold them accountable for their actions. Whole tribes of orcs have been wiped off the map since the Dragon Wars, and for what? What potential have we stifled?” He pointed accusingly at Draka, “And now you want me to do that to another race? Bring the humans down to the Stone Age, unable to even keep a city together without some reverting to sheer barbarism? I refuse to take that road. I refuse the path of least resistance. I choose the path that leads to equality and salvation for everyone. Just as my great-grandfather would have wanted.” Lov lay back on his pack, wrapping himself in his blanket and choosing to ignore Draka.
“If you say so, boy. I don't care what your reasons for things are, you want the same goal I want. The death of the Titanbringer.” She reached down, placing a ring in front of his face. “As long as that's the case, I don't care how you do it.” She took a step, disappearing from Lov's view.
Lov picked the ring up, seeing it was a serpent eating its own tail. Unable to fall back asleep, he climbed to his feet and walked over to Sanche. Lov helped his friend into his own blanket roll before taking the spot vacated under the fruit tree. He sat back and contemplated his path, not sure how to react, knowing that his were the actions a Wyrm would make.
Chapter Thirty two
Nord looked down on the orc formations below him. Charlot had been everything she promised to be. She whipped the males into shape in a few short months. Nord had been staging mock battles with the Anuunaki army. The orcs in formation were becoming a dangerous foe. The next step was to integrate them into the Anuunaki army by teaching them to ride the ant-like beings.
The tall elf knew some would complain, such as Poit and the other kegaroth riders. Nord would appease them by not forcing anyone to do it who didn't want to. Not forcing them would change the culture subtly the way Lov wanted in the process. And by getting the two races to work together, Nord fostered a companionship among them all.
Jaxon sat in front of Nord on the glider, giving a loud “Whoop!” as he dropped them towards the ground. They picked up speed, and skimmed just above the ordered formations. Jaxon pulled the glider over a short building, and it lifted in the draft. They swung around, weaving between the buildings as they looked for a clear area of street to land upon.
They flew out onto the square, those below them ducking as the glider swooped over their heads. Jaxon pulled the nose of the glider up, landing on the wheels they had fixed to the bottom. He pulled a lever that braked the wooden machine, and they stopped before the Greatmothers' Complex.
“Thanks, Jaxon. Shouldn't of stayed out so long with you, but damn, it was fun!” Nord shook Jaxon's hand before heading inside. “Tell Fiksu thanks for the smoke and drink. I want you to see if you can help him with any of his other ideas.”
“Yeah right, he's a tight lipped bastard sometimes.” The halfling flipped back, taking a rope and tugging the glider down the street. The orc horde spread to make room for Jaxon. The halfling was gaining a lot of respect from them, a few even rushing forward to help.
Nord hurried to the top floor of the building, knowing he was late for the day's proceedings. Kahia was sitting back, letting Nefrit, of the builders, talk for her. The young orc woman was beautiful, having an athletic frame and strong muscles from transporting bricks. Her hands were rough, but well moisturized with lotions from rare Aloe Vera plants. “Where is this young chief, anyways? What kind of a leader leaves his people behind with no word or order? I know we have to follow his directive, but he's been gone for months!” She paced the area before the Greatmothers, trying to get the crowd behind her. Most stood shaking their heads, but a few cheered and clapped. “When do we move on, Greatmothers?”
“In two months, if he's not back. I believe we'll have trained the army sufficiently by then not to kill themselves marching in the night. Until then, we won't move on Heart.” Nord strode through the crowd, taking his spot standing upon the dais. “Just because he's gone, doesn't mean we don't finish taking out the Titanbringer. One way or another that man needs to be replaced.”
“Who are you? Filthy elf! The only reason we listen to you is because the chief has said so!” Nefrit strode to Nord, her head held high, trying to intimidate the tall elf with her imposing beauty.
Nord just laughed at her. “That leader you speak of is half-elf. Not orc. He wants to make you more civilized...”
“Tame us!” Nefrit shouted in the elf's face.
“...Make you more civilized. So we can hold all the races, including mine, accountable for what happened to your leaders. We want to help you lift yourselves from a low station and rise higher. No one will force you from your lands. But those that want an opportunity are wasted here on these bare rocks.”
Nefrit spat at Nord's feet. “I say you can kiss my ass. People rise and fall with their merits in this society.”
“Yes, like Fiksu, a male that was ridiculed and hated until my halfling friend helped him perfect his glider.” Nord pointed an accusatory finger at Nefrit, “He's even a member of your tribe, with no scars! What have you done to help him? Shoved him aside, acted ashamed of him? He's your greatest asset with his mind!”
“Orcs were not meant to fly!" Nefrit shouted back.
“Then why can he?” The tall elf asked the young woman. She snorted at him, conceding the floor and going to take her seat.
“I don't know why you all refuse to trust us. Our elven society rests on the back of succeeding. On raising you all up to our level of civilization. To have philosophers, and teachers. Your shamans could learn from the humans at the Mouth of Truths, the same as they would love to learn from you.” He smiled down at Nefrit, “Even your voice would be listened by them. They love to hear people share themselves and their views. It adds flavor to their knowledge.
“Soon we'll be ready. In two months our army will be able to crush any other thrown at it.” Nord gestured emphatically around the room. “I see some soldiers amongst the crowd today. They can attest to what I say, they learn by leaps and bounds. And my Anuunaki are turning them into even fiercer warriors. You orcs have an unbridled ability to ignore your bodies and fight through anything that doesn't kill you. And with the Anuunaki goo, well, you've seen for yourselves what it does in battle.” He implored the Greatmothers. “Don't fracture yet. Let us at least take out a mutual enemy before you do!”
Nord was hanging his head dejectedly as he walked from the Greatmothers' Complex. He took off out the front gates, heading for the Anuunaki camp. The ant beings had a relaxing effect on his soul.
The tall elf found that Jaxon and Fiksu had glided out of the city to the camp as well. Now that Nord could authorize anyone to enter the city, the Anuunaki helped them carry the glider as they improved it. The next step was a fire bomb made from liquor with rags, but they needed to improve the lift of the glider. As Nord approached the two, huddled together talking, he heard the end of what Fiksu was saying. “... is to capture the wind to carry with us. Something that will help propel us through the air.”
“That's brilliant, but what?” Jaxon asked. “Whatever, why are we still talking about this? I thought we were gonna get drunk and not talk shop.”
“Again?” Nord asked, sitting next to his friends. “Can't you two take it easy, you don't want to end up with another hangover, do ya?”
Fiksu puffed away happily on his pipe, and the rich smell of dragonweed filled the area they sat in. Nord gestured, and an Anuunaki brought them all a mushroom stew with some mushroom beer. Nord passed on the beer, the last thing he needed was the hallucinations too much of it could bring. He settled for tea, adding a little sugar to sweeten it.
Tyrosh had been going on missions throughout the Orc Lands. She traveled far and wide, attempting to gather as much support for her son as she could from the masses. She competed with the established Greatmother propaganda machine, but held her own. She had surrounded herself with a following of supporters she had found in the city. Something kept her attention turned towards the Greatmothers' Complex. She wondered how Nord was doing at keeping the Greatmothers in line.
Nord finished his tea before venturing back into the city, heading for his room. He walked carefully. In the past week, three booby traps had been set for him on the ways to his room. The first, a tripwire, he had almost set off. Jaxon had been walking in front of his tall friend, and the arrow that had shot had been aimed above the halfling's head.
Nord felt his ears, stroking them in agitation. He didn't see any traps, but that didn't mean they weren't there. He crossed to his door easily, entering his room. He assessed if anything had been moved in his absence. His bed appeared ruffled, but Nord couldn't remember if he had made it this morning. He approached it cautiously, and pulled the sheet back. A large snake sat up from the bed, spreading a hood wide. Nord sighed, and took a deep breath.
The snake spit at him, a stream of venom heading for Nord's eyes. It missed, but the venom burned on his cheeks. The tall elf waved his hand to distract the cobra, then whipped in with his other hand. He caught the snake just below its biting fangs, staying just out of reach of the sharp teeth. He broke its neck before it could hurt him, and tossed it out a window to the street below.
Orcs converged on it, each wanting a piece for themselves. Snake meat was a rare and sought after delicacy. The tall elf lay back on the bed, hoping that his nephew would return soon to relieve him. Nord was getting tired of constantly watching his back, and having to check his bed for traps. All he wanted was to fade back into the ranks.
Chapter Thirty Three
Sanche glared at Lov's back as they rode across the farmlands. They had been heading south for weeks, distancing themselves away from Heart. Titan patrols dotted the landscape they rode across, searching for the young rebellious half-dragon. Lov withdrew from the world around him as they went, sulking in contemplative silence.
Sanche had spent the past few days deep in thoughts of his own, trying to find peace in a world that drove him to rages. Even now, as they rode through a large field of corn, the elder elf felt the rage burning within him. He was struggling to maintain control over it as they traveled. He felt the urge to lay waste and join the Titans, destroying the countryside.
The only thing that cooled his rage was the thought of his loving wife and children, waiting for him in the world after death. But therein lie the conundrum. The more he focused on happy thoughts of spending time with his family, the more his temper grew from being snatched away.
They walked out of the cornfield, a large grassy expanse spread ahead of them. In the distance, Sanche could see a moderately sized township. The lights floating over the fields as the two elves approached them. They could hear the sounds of lively music and loud cheering. As they rode up to the inn, Lov saw the sign had two people dancing, smiles upon their faces. Lov handed his horse to a young Ogier that was short enough to look the young half-elf in the eye.
Sanche watched Lov turn from the young Ogier, giving the boy the cold shoulder. The old general's anger burned a little hotter at that scene. “Forgive him, young one. I can't excuse his actions, but normally he isn't so rude.” Sanche tossed the boy a gold coin. “Please, make sure our horses are well taken care of.”
“Thank you, sir.” The Ogier replied, bowing low. “They'll be treated with the love they deserve.”
Sanche followed his young friend into the inn. Inside was a lively crowd, dancing and singing, and cheering each other on. Lov stood at the bar, talking with an elder Ogier, a long beard hanging down to his chest. As he approached, he heard Lov saying, “...take a room.”
The Ogier finished polishing his glass, then pointed to the bar in front of him. “I know who you are, young man. I know the turmoil you bring. You keep your nose out of trouble while you're staying here, you hear me?” The Ogier was shaking his finger in Lov's face, chastising the young leader as he finished speaking.
Anger flashed across Lov's face before he took a deep breath and replied. “Fine, I will do my best. But sometimes trouble finds me.”
“That's fine, we Ogier will handle any Titans. You just stay out of the thick of things. Stick to your room if you can't promise me you'll keep your head.” The elder Ogier lifted his head and called out, “Koan! We have guests, come take them to their rooms!”
A young Ogier, standing a foot taller than Sanche, rushed from the crowd. A large smile lit his face, and Sanche was reminded of why Ogier were intimidating. His canines were large, looking like an orc's. Koan rushed up to Lov and stopped short. “Da, do you know who this is?”
“Of course I know. Now keep your trap shut and take them to their rooms.” The elder Ogier began to polish down the bar, watching the dancers on the floor.
“Alright.” Koan turned to Sanche and Lov, pointing to the stairs behind him. “Rooms are up there. You two have any bags or anything?”
Lov's mind was far away again, ignoring the young Ogier as he was deep in thought. “You'll have to excuse my friend. He's been preoccupied for the past few weeks.” Sanche replied, stepping between Koan and Lov.
“Understandable.” The young Ogier replied, walking up the stairs trailing the two elves behind him. “Still, as he gets older I hope the young half-dragon there relaxes around people. I've met his mother. Is she still in Heart?”
“From what Lov tells me, she's with the orcs helping him solidify his hold there.” Sanche walked into the room that Koan opened the door to.
“Well, I hope that she's successful. I was ashamed of how the Titanbringer treated her.” The young Ogier took a deep rumbling breath. “Still, I know my family will do everything they can to help you. We have suffered under the hands of Martell, too.”
Sanche nodded his head to the young man thanking him before closing the door. Lov had already taken up half of the bed, spreading out and relaxing. It was early, but they hadn't had a bed in a week, so Sanche couldn't blame the youngster.
The elder elf left the room and went to the common room to enjoy the local brew. Hopefully it would help him forget the pain that filled his heart. Sanche drank himself into his cups, thinking of his beautiful wife and children.
Lov awoke late in the night as Sanche stumbled drunkenly into bed next to him, snoring loudly before his head had even hit the pillow. The smell of alcohol wafted off the elder elf, and Lov wrinkled his nose in disgust. He used the chamber pot to relieve himself, then opened the window and climbed out onto the roof of the inn. He sat staring up at the stars above him, drinking in the beauty. The moon hung full in the sky, casting a soft white light across everything.
Lov felt a presence appear next to him. He looked and saw a beautiful woman lying on the tiled roof. She was scaly as he was, but with the green and blue of the sea instead of stormy, like Lov. She smiled and Lov felt his heart skip a beat.
“Wow. You are so easy to crack. No one worked on any of your defenses?” He watched as she morphed into an old crone of a woman, her hair clumped together and unwashed. “It seems no one took the time to finish preparing you for the world. You need to watch your eyes, young one. I bring lessons to share tonight.”
“Who are you?” Lov demanded, sitting up and reaching out to take a hold of the crone.
She shifted away from him, not really moving, but seeming impossibly far away. “Now now, keep your hands to yourself, young man. I see you're amorous even with this nasty form.” She shifted again, becoming a large amazonian orc, restraining him easily with one of her
arms. “This will go so much easier if you don't struggle. I never did have very good social skills.”
She slapped her hand across Lov's forehead, and he felt information flood into him. He learned how to change his form, subtly shifting it to appear as those around him. And as he stared at her, Lov watched the woman holding him expand before his very eyes. She still stood as she did before, but connected to her was an enormous aspect. Lov could see a dragon behind her, as large as a mountain with scales swirling with the blues and greens of the ocean. Her appearance before him didn't change, but the picture of her inside of his mind expanded, and as he looked at her, he couldn't shake the image. As he thought about it, he looked at her and saw her weaknesses. She was stronger on her right side and quick, but lacked the true strength of some of her dragon brothers and sisters. The young half-dragon caught her hand as she swung at him to slap him.
“So you see! You are a quick learner.” She smiled at the young half-elf and sat back. “Remember, young one, keep your eyes open.” She faded slowly from his view, leaving Lov staring dumb struck at where she had been. He shook his head, climbing back down into his room and taking his spot in the bed next to Sanche. He sunk into the deep sleep of exhaustion, eager to build up energy to test out these new skills.
Sanche awoke with the sun shining brightly through their open window. A cool breeze wafted across the bed chilling his skin. He stretched as he sat up, looking to a figure sitting in the chair in the corner. A strange Ogier sat there, his skin a dark ashy brown. “Do I know you?” he asked, trying to shake the cotton balls out of his head . He rubbed his eyes to clear the sand of sleep out.
“Don't you recognize me, Sanche?” The Ogier asked, in Lov's voice.
“Seriously?” Sanche asked. “If you could do that why have we been running for weeks?” He asked angrily.