“Ahhh!” Amara shrieked while ducking and putting her hands up in defense. Frick felt embarrassed and lowered the steel pan, blushing beneath his freckles, “I’m sorry for having alarmed you.” She stood back up straight and was completely naked. Frick slowly ran his hands down her bare hips and kissed her.
“I need this wine,” he said with a laugh. “It has been a long day.” The two walked over to the large carafe of dry red wine and poured two glasses.
“To all your hard work,” Amara said and they clinked glasses. They drank the wine and Frick nearly drained half the large pour. Using his hand he wiped his mouth and let out a noise that showed he enjoyed the fine wine. “Let’s take this into the bedroom,” the female giant said with a wink.
“Yes, let’s.” The two made their way into the bedroom and Amara sat on the bed. The massive giant pulled his shirt off over his head as he entered the room. As Frick reached to undo the belt on his pants, he stopped. He put his hand to his chest and looked curiously at Amara. His expression turned to pain as the burning in his chest continued. Amara screamed as she too put a hand to her chest and throat. His vision became blurry and it felt as though his heart was consumed entirely by fire. The giant could hardly keep his large body upright and he tumbled against the bed. Amara screamed in agony again. Bouncing off the bed and attempting to stay on his feet, Frick crashed into the wall of the room, which gave way to his great weight. Wood snapped as the stumbling giant burst into the street outside of his house. He fell down onto the street gripping at his chest. He let out a gurgling scream as blood began to pour from his eyes, nose and mouth, soaking his goatee. His scream was matched by the whelps of his lady from within the hole in the wall of his house.
Frick started to try and get to a knee but was suddenly overcome by a crowd of orcs. Some slashed swords and axes into his body while others drove spears deep into his flesh. Within seconds Frick lie dead, his poisoned blood leaking into a puddle below him.
Minsheen, his gold chain with the bright red gem hanging proudly from his neck, stood over the dead giant. His hands were on his hips and his wrists and forearms covered by his remarkable bracers, which were adorned by inscriptions in the orcish language. “Go finish off the bitch,” he said and the group of frenzied orcs charged into the house to slay Amara, who was already nearly dead.
And so it went with all the remaining giants in Faletonia. They had mostly came from the mountains near the far western shores of the Salty Sea and helped to build what had become an impressive new civilization founded on diversity and the hope for a chance at civilized life. They had embraced life with the other races and prepared to continue to grow together. Instead, they were killed off from the very nation they labored to create; for giants did not have a place in an empire ran mostly by orcs.
Chapter 29
The army had been asked to assemble again in a great square near the center of the city. Elberon and Ostinus remained together. The two sat with the priestess Katriel amongst other soldiers. They eyed an amusing scene nearby.
A group of dwarves sat with some human soldiers at one of the many tables that had been carried into the square. A half sized wooden keg had been put on the table and a large man and a rather burley dwarf sat with the keg on the table between them. They had each filled their mug and drained it at least seven times already, clinking each other’s mugs before each guzzle. Once again, they filled the mugs and effortlessly drained them.
The dwarf smacked his lip and had foam in his mustache and beard. “I’m tellin’ ya in advance this won’t end well for ya me’ boy.” This comment brought about laughter from the other dwarves.
“Maybe we should get some bigger mugs?” Asked the man as he turned his mug over and not even a drop fell out.
“My money is on the man.” Katriel said.
“I’ll take the dwarf,” Ostinus quickly responded.
“And what happens if I lose?” Asked the priestess.
Ostinus stroked his goatee and said, “hmm...I’ll have to think about that one.” The man and the dwarf had each put back another mug during their short conversation. Another was quickly filled in its place. The spectacle went on for a few more mugs but was then interrupted. A bell was heard ringing towards the front of the square and several men ascended a short platform. The eyes of all men and dwarves turned towards the scene.
A dozen men were atop the platform, each a top commander of the armies of Abellard and Rogsnelk. Also present was Victus Antonel. “Good afternoon men…and dwarves,” began Orvious, speaking loudly so that all could hear. He was not a tall man, but was broad-shouldered with big legs and a barrel chest. Surprisingly he had on his armor. “We,” he turned to the other commanders behind him, “would like to express our gratitude for all that you have done. Only a fine army of solid soldiers would have earned victories in our two battles.” A few hoots and hollers went up amongst the army causing Orvious to stop speaking. He smiled. “And of course the valiant dwarves! What fine warriors!”
Orvious raised his arms out towards the crowd in front of him. “Yes…Yes! Give yourselves a cheer!” The soldiers roared and then sounded a collective “unto our honor”, the axiom of the army. As the soldiers quieted down, Orvious continued. “We came to Faletonia and we took their city. In doing so, we made it known that the cities by the South Sea will not be victim to the barbarous desires of any orc, goblin, ogre, giant or human for that matter. Ever!”
Another roar went up among the men.
“But…in doing so we lost many good men. Sorrow undoubtedly fills the hearts for many here in respect of the fallen. For our brothers, let us turn our intentions to the gods, and be silent for a moment as we bow our heads.” All, including the dwarves, bowed their head in respect and many prayed to the god to whom they were dedicated.
Orvious raised his head and, with a stern expression on his face, continued. “But Faletonia now knows us…and fears us…and respects us…so our brothers’ lives were not given in vain. In fact, we have news for all of you. There are two things of the utmost importance of which you must be made aware: First, with the help of our dwarven allies, we have vanquished the Faletonian armies.” Several hoots and cheers could again be heard from both man and dwarf. “After the fall of their city, they sent an army to defeat us…an army they thought would all but guarantee victory. Instead they were crushed by men and dwarves. So great is the fear in the heart of Faletonia...that they came crawling to us begging for peace with their tails between their legs…and their heads up their ass.” His voice was near a full scream.
Cheers and murmurs went up amongst the soldiers, “We have accepted their offer of peace. We have won the battles and the war!” The silence that filled the air quickly made Victus doubt his decision, but within seconds a slow cheer started among the soldiers. It continued until it was a deafening roar. Within moments men stood on tables screaming and rejoicing while others hugged each other. They did not want war, they wanted to go home.
Katriel tapped a cheering Elberon on the shoulder and pointed nearby. The large man had picked up his dwarven drinking partner and was hugging him in the air. The dwarf’s eyes were opened wide as he was squeezed and not so happy rumblings could be heard as he was being shaken about.
The people were happy. Most of these men were not soldiers by trade and would no longer have to serve as one. War had lasted almost two weeks and now it was over. The celebrating continued for several minutes as Orvious tried to settle the men down. “And secondly!” He yelled, but the soldiers were still too loud. Orvious hesitated and then repeated loudly, “And secondly.” Finally the men quieted down. He let the silence hang for a few moments to be sure he had everyone’s attention.
“The second bit of news I have for you,” he glanced back to Victus. “Long have our cities idled under the greedy leadership of our councils. We will go home now, and many of us will return to our poor families. Instead of war, many will have poverty and struggles. Instead of opportunity, many will have unre
warding labor.” The stout man looked around at the sea of men in front of him. Some men nodded, others looked down presumably sad to admit that his words were reality.
“There is no better time than now to change the ways of our past. The edicts that have suppressed…oppressed us for too long. Long have the men, women and children of our families been hampered by the so-called rule of our councils. The councilmen grow plump while many of your families fight hunger. They rest in warmth while your children huddle together to fight the winter’s chill.” Orvious paused and then said the next two words slowly and loudly. “No. More.” Several cheers rang out from the crowd, although no one quite knew what Orvious was getting at.
“We will not return to our cities obedient to the corrupt councils that fasten shackles to our lives. We will return as men with hope and opportunity, we will be subjects to the one true ruler in the land, who cares for each and every one of us. We will return free…” he paused again, “we will be united as one under the king, our king!” He stood as tall and confidently as possible. “King Victus Antonel, first king of the Kingdom of the South Sea!” He emphatically turned and pointed his arm towards Victus.
The crowd remained silent. Orvious added, “Long live our King!” All the commanders on the stage began to clap their hands emphatically. The silence of the crowd persisted. Then, after a few individual screams went up as the men realized what was happening, the army erupted into another grand cheer that could have reached the ears of the gods themselves.
Victus stepped forward and looked over the men. He thought about how they had served him loyally. The new ruler of the Kingdom of the South Sea stepped to the front of the podium to address his subjects. He had delivered motivational speeches to the army several times over the last few days, but only as their Captain. What would he say to them as their king? Fortunately for him, he would not have to immediately think about it, for a chant of “Victus! Victus! Victus!” burst out from the crowd and would continue for many minutes until it evolved into “King Victus! King Victus!”
The commanders on the platform stepped forward and stopped clapping. Almost all at once, they took a knee and bowed their heads. At first the men in the crowds took no notice of what was happening. Then, those in the front saw what their officers were doing and followed. Slowly, all the men in the city square and scattered into the streets took a knee and bowed their heads in homage and respect. The dwarves who were present looked around in confusion but eventually kneeled as well. Silence once again fell over the city.
Victus had nothing to say, but he didn’t need to. He was their leader…their KING.
***
Ardius was very fond of the room in which he found himself conducting business. It was a vast study with extremely high ceilings. The walls were covered by either bookshelves or large paintings. The bookshelves rose to the ceilings and had ladders spaced throughout, which rolled from side to side so that books on the top shelves could be reached. Within the room were rows of desks and smaller bookshelves. Toward the center were several large ruffled leather chairs, which is where Ardius, Rez and their clients sat to discuss their affairs.
Ardius had already met a very prosperous farmer, a long customer of the Crimson Fox. The transaction was just a continuous agreement of their terms, but Rez used the time to let Ardius lead the discussion and meet the high profile client. It was the summer time and the client paid to have rains periodically conjured over his fields. In addition, he had mages turn over large plots of soil, which took them only a fraction of the time it would for oxen or horses. The man left happy and was pleased to meet the new young soon-to-be Magi Warden.
Next, another man, escorted by a Crimson Fox member, entered the room and was lead to Ardius and Rez Mostin. “This is Daniel Woonton, who runs a stone quarry near the sea.” Rez whispered to Ardius as the man was approaching. Daniel had salt and pepper colored hair and wore navy blue formal attire with white cuffs and collar. He had the look of a man who meant business.
“Ah, Woonton’s,” replied Ardius in a tone that signified he knew of the quarry which simply was named after its founding family.
“He can be a nuisance, a shrewd man”.
Ardius rubbed his head and then rose from his seat to meet Daniel Woonton.
“Mr. Woonton, I am pleased to introduce you to Ardius. He will be working with me going forward,” said Rez.
“It is nice to meet you.” Ardius extended his hand as he greeted the quarry owner.
“The pleasure is all mine.” The men sat in their chairs and immediately got to the issue at hand.
“Many of my men have gone to war. Our inventory of stone is quite low. It is hard to predict what the economics of the cities will be like upon the return of the army; however my advisors and I believe that, like always, stone will be in demand.” Daniel said as he put his hands together, touching only his fingertips.
“And how can we help you?” Asked Ardius. Daniel looked to Rez and continued.
“In the past I have come to you to assist in transporting the stone from our quarry, to our production facility. Although the price was steep, the work done by your mages was efficient and saved much time.”
Ardius leaned forward in his chair. “Mr. Woonton, we are still able to aid in moving your stone.”
“It is not just the transportation of the stone that I am now coming to you for. It is also the act of obtaining it. You see, it takes many men to mine the stone from the quarry walls with pick axes and, as I’ve said, many of these men are no longer in the city. I believe that your mages would be able to blast the stone from the quarry walls with ease.”
Ardius sat back in his chair and shot a look to Rez. “You are correct Mr. Woonton, our mages have the ability to do so; however it could be dangerous and would require powerful spells. I therefore do not agree that it can be done with ease.”
Daniel Woonton smiled knowing that the keen man he just met knew he had mentioned “with ease” to set the stage for price negotiation. “As you likely recall Mr. Mostin, I paid the Crimson Fox thirteen hundred gold pieces to assist in transporting my stone the last time we did business. Now, to blast it from the quarry walls and then transport it for processing, I trust that twenty five hundred gold pieces is a generous offer?” Daniel asked; his eyes fixed on Rez who simply sat and looked to Ardius for a response.
“Twenty five hundred.” Ardius repeated as if thinking and returned Rez’s look. The old man would not say anything and Ardius knew it. This was his deal. “How far are the processing facilities from the quarry walls?” The question surprised the business owner.
“Less than a quarter of a mile.”
“So if I understand this correctly, Mr. Woonton. You believe having our mages come to your quarry and cast highly powerful and destructive spells to do, in less than a week, the work that would take a hundred men months to do…is an act that cost less than transporting already separated stone less than a quarter of a mile?” He asked if the question was ridiculous.
Daniel Woonton’s face twisted with exasperation. “I thought then that thirteen hundred gold was too much for transportation, and I still feel that way…but I paid it. Now I ask for two services and think the price I suggested is fair.”
Ardius rubbed his bald head as he nodded slightly. “I’ve got good news for you Mr. Woonton.” He leaned in and looked deep into the man’s eyes. “As a repeat customer, I am going to offer you again the favorable price of thirteen hundred gold pieces to transport your stone.” Ardius leaned back into his brown ruffled leather chair and raised his eyebrows to the man as if he expected a grateful response.
With his face distorting in confusion and aggravation Daniel asked “What?” He then looked to Rez. The old man sat stoically.
“And then, not for any favor to you, but because we look to aide the people of these cities and ensuring stone is available will do so, we will blast the stone from your quarry walls for the generous price of two thousand gold pieces. A total of three thous
and and three hundred gold pieces for both services done quickly and efficiently.” Said Ardius boldly.
“Is this a joke? I take offense to this counter offer…that is how bad it is.”
“There is no time for jokes here Mr. Woonton,” said Ardius in a serious tone.
“This is preposterous!” Daniel Woonton rose quickly from his seat and, with a snicker and a disgusted look to Rez Mostin made hastily for the exit.
Ardius stood from his chair. “You know it is the right move…from a business perspective, Mr. Woonton,” Ardius called out. Daniel continued to walk across the large room. “You won’t be able to bring your stone to the market for almost a year even if your men came home tomorrow.” Ardius’s voice rose even louder and was still greatly confident. Daniel stopped but did not turn immediately. The room remained silent for a few moments.
Then, slowly turning, the quarry owner said, “Twenty Eight Hundred.”
“Thirty three hundred.” Ardius said slowly, not budging on his price. And with a curse Mr. Woonton continued to the exit. “The city has other sources of stone Mr. Woonton and other trading partners eager to unload their stone,” Ardius said tantalizingly. Rez shifted nervously in his seat as he saw his former client reach the door. But then Daniel Woonton stopped while digesting Ardius’s comment, and then turned to face the two men again.
“I find this response to my loyalty appalling. Three thousand and I cannot and will not go higher, Ardius,” he said with disdain in his voice.
Ardius began to walk towards the quarry owner. “We can do that, Mr. Woonton”. He said as he approached the exit of the great study. When he reached Daniel Woonton, who still wore a displeased expression, Ardius reached out his hand again. He and Daniel shook on their deal. In a calm and reassuring voice, Ardius said, “ You will be the most prepared man in the stone industry when the men come home and you will not regret the steps you took to get there.”
Kingdom Come (Price of Power Book 1) Page 37