by Nova Rose
Chapter VI
Deep in the Orcs’ Council
Rybnik sat alone in the shadows as the sun slowly disappeared beneath the horizon. He watched the mixture of men and orcs go about their business. There were no tents, just fires that dotted the landscape. Rats roasting above the flames filled the atmosphere with a stench that nearly gagged him.
Rybnik’s cold expression fell upon one man in particular. Blynak. He knew the name. Like him, Blynak tried to overthrow his king. Before execution, he had fled Belyndril finding safety in the farthest reaches of Sym’Dul. He remembered Blynak. The man joined his revolution and even attempted to usurp him. Loathing filled Rybnik’s core when he looked upon the man. Hatred, was all he felt. Blynak mirrored the same sentiment.
“Rabok wants to speak with you,” croaked an orc.
Rybnik tossed his musing aside and followed the messenger to where Rabok awaited him.
“I am glad that you decided to join us,” said Rabok.
Rybnik gave a slight nod of his head in response.
“Rybnik,” hissed a sly voice. Blynak stepped into the lamplight. “I know you. You tried, unsuccessfully I might add, to take over Sym’Dul. You nearly succeeded. But the love of a woman stopped you.”
“Still trying to feed your ego,” spat Rybnik.
“If you had listened to me,” sneered Blynak. “Then you would be king of Sym’Dul.”
“Listen to a man who betrayed his own friend? If I had followed your advice, I’d be in a grave,” shot back Rybnik. “I suggest you leave, before I put you in yours.”
“You, who allowed yourself to be blinded by a woman.” Blynak leaned close to Rybnik.
“Enough!” snarled Rabok. “Blynak, you have proven useful with your knowledge of La’nar’s fortifications. Rybnik is here at my invitation. And he will be meeting Galbrok.”
“Galbrok?” said Blynak. “He only just joined us.”
“And he helped us greatly in taking Hemίl,” replied Rabok. “We would have succeeded if it hadn’t been for that earthquake.”
“Another near success,” grumbled Blynak.
“Can you control the movement of the earth?” demanded Rabok.
Blynak looked away in answer.
“I thought not,” continued Rabok, “Rybnik, you were with Tesnayr for some time before you joined us. Can you predict his movements?”
“Yes,” replied Rybnik. “Tesnayr was trusting. He told his lieutenants everything, including me.”
“Why you?” asked Blynak.
“I gained his trust,” said Rybnik. “At the time I needed him to get through the mountains. Act like a hero and he brings you into his fold. Of course, the princess of Sym’Dul assisted me even though she remains unaware of it.”
“Really?” said Rabok.
“Yes,” said Rybnik, “I spent a number of years pretending to be her friend. When she told Tesnayr that she trusted me, so did he.”
“Interesting,” said Rabok, “Why did you maintain contact with her even after your banishment?”
Rybnik smiled coldly. “Unlike the convictions of some, I never abandoned my desire to rid Sym’Dul of its current king. Gaining the girl’s trust was easy. She was young.”
“Clearly, you understand the usefulness of people,” said Rabok. “What I want from you now is knowledge of what Tesnayr’s next move will be.”
“Before the last engagement,” said Rybnik, “He planned to go Drynelle. I am certain he is headed there now. Tesnayr believes that if he gathers his army at Drynelle then he will be able to defeat Galbrok. Most likely he will come straight through here. It is the most direct route.”
“With King Slyamal with him he will have knowledge of Drynelle’s weaknesses,” said Blynak.
“You forget, Blynak, that I have the same knowledge,” said Rybnik.
“And what of the princess?” mocked Blynak.
“What of her?” said Rybnik without an ounce of concern.
Rabok raised his hand for silence. “You two now serve Galbrok. What he says goes. Now, I think we best leave Tesnayr a parting gift for when he comes through here.”
Grudgingly, Blynak and Rybnik saluted in agreement.
“Rybnik,” said Rabok, “What happened to the woman you loved?”
Rybnik looked directly into the orc commander’s eyes. His face betrayed no emotion. “I killed her,” he said.
Rabok grinned pleased at the response. Another useful man had joined their ranks. He knew he could go far with Rybnik.