by Justin Wayne
***
“There’s Journ.” Ulgvhen pointed across the plains to the foreboding woods. “No more than a day’s ride.” He flashed his teeth in anticipation of avenging Toric and the others. The desire for revenge had been smoldering in him just as the young orc’s corpse had done. And now, this close to those responsible, the embers within had caught flame in the mountain air.
“I will make them suffer for what they did.”
A quick movement to his left and Ulgvhen was on the ground. His broken leg seared with pain as he landed, his arm tucked in close to save it. He eased his neck up from the flat of his belly and saw two black boots, metal rippled and warped like used candle wax. He was flipped over on his back and grunted at the throbbing that shot up his leg.
A black skull stared down at him emotionlessly.
“You will do no such thing, brother.” Cleave Rend spat the last word like an insult. “I shall deliver our revenge with the utmost fury while you watch in awe at the power before you.” The axe was lowered beside Ulgvhen’s face so close he could see his reflection in the deep black of its blade. “Anything less will have undesirable side effects. You are a mighty warrior and I do not benefit from your death. Obey me now, and your future will be bright with the flames of our enemies’ homes.
"Understood?”
Ulgvhen stared into his own eye a moment longer before replying. “What choice do I have…brother.”