In their reckless attacks, the Humans thought the Orcs to be low in numbers. They thought they were a cowardly race that would rather run than fight. They were wrong on both counts. The Orc population out number the Humans ten to one and Orcs lived to fight.
For the first time in Orc history they banned together and raided the Human towns and cities. They killed and slaughtered and drove the Humans out of Ardia and took over the cities then went back to their tribal feuding.
For centuries the feuding went on. When it started there were over a hundred tribes and after hundreds of years and wars, the tribes dwindled down to a hand full with four major tribes coming out to rule the majority of Ardia. These four tribes ruled the four existing large cities in Ardia. In Laxa in the north, near the river Gatz where the falls ran red during the war, ruled the Bloodfalls clan. They were tall Orcs that wore a splash of red across their face during battle. They were strong, savage and unforgiving to their enemies. There was a story told of long ago when a Bloodfalls princess had been capture and given to the son of the chief of another clan. When rescue came for her, they found her in bed in the arms of the warrior. In anger her father slew every warrior of that clan leaving the warrior, his chief and his daughter for last. As punishment the chief of the Bloodfalls sent the warrior and his chief into a pit and made them battle to the death. As they fought, he tied his daughter to a post and set her on fire. Her screams were the last thing the warrior heard before he died. Laxa was ruled by the cantankerous Drega and his two conniving sons Hamar and Gulak. They ruled the land with fear and suspicion.
A days journey west and you come to the mountains and volcano's of Klymark. Klymark was a dark place full of strange creatures and dark magic. Most Orc mages either came out of Klymark or from the hidden caves of east Metius. The city in the dark smoky mountains was called Ihana and it was ruled but the blood thirsty and cruel Edus Udail, high priest to their unknown dark god and chief of the Klymars.
In the east on the plains of Folpah sat the city of Metius and the Blackbane clan. A dirty place full of thieves and warriors It was the second strongest of all the cities. Ruled by Oggha who always kept his eye on the south for treachery from the Orc pirate queen of Karnevil.
To the south by the ocean was the city of Karnevil. Karnevil was a city on the shore of the Shyr and ruled by Umog the Dark, a notorious clan of pirates and raiders. Umog was the only female clan leader among the four major clans leaders. She was sly and ruthless, but the most honorable of them all. Her ships went out and raided all along the coast of Taggitia and all the islands up and down the coast. Some she had even sent out across the seas to come back loaded with loot sacked lands far away.
At Umog's side sat her consort for the year. A heavy set tall Orc, very handsome with a long scar that spread across his cheek. His name was Kuda. Kuda was a bold Orc who took many chances trying to impress Umog and gain her favor. He had command of his own ships and was highly successful. His only bane had been Umog's three sons who she would always hold in higher esteem then him. After all, he was just a lover. There was no blood between them and he was not the father of any of her five children. His place as her consort would one day end while her sons would always be hers. And that was why Kuda would do whatever he could to destroy them. He had already had success. Unknown to Umog, Kuda had been the one to organize the sink her youngest son Farod's ship the Lustful Raider. It had been Kuda who hacked off Farod's head and send his ship down into the deep. It had also been Kuda who put a name to Farod's murderer. He had blamed Umog's oldest son. He had pointed his finger at Zark as his brothers killer. With no way to prove his innocence, Zark had fled Karnevil and wandered Ardia being hunted by his own people until he had made his way to the Human lands where he met Gorak and joined his band of raiders. And now he was going home to face his mother and get his revenge on both Gorak and Kuda. His first step would be to find his brother Kellam and prove his innocence to him.
It was dark when Zark and Craven rode through the plains of Folpah. Rychs and Nayr ran as if they galloped on air. Hardy a blade of grass was disturbed by their passing. They could see the lights and the smoke rising from Metius. Zark directed Nayr to head in a southerly direction once they were pass the city.
[Aren't you worried we'll be spotted by Metius guards or sentries on the look out?] Craven asked in mind speak.
[No one will see us until we want them too.] Rychs answered. [We are very good hiding ourselves.]
[It is how our people have survived over the years.] Nayr sent. [Do not worry. We will get you through Ardia safely.]
[What then?] Zark asked.
[We will stay near. You may need us again.]
From the Plains of Folpah they turned south and entered the forest that split Metius and Karnevil. It took most of the night but soon they found themselves coming upon a small Orc village called Gygax. It was a very rowdy place with Orcs fighting and wrestling in the streets. There was a double line of buildings with a few streets that branched off from the main lane. Zark and Craven climbed down from the unicorns back and gathered the things they needed. Gygax wasn't a big village, there were a few taverns, a blacksmith shop and a number of shops that sold and bargained different supplies for the ships and Orc crews. There were no schools or healers in Gygax. Each family schooled its young in battle tactics and warfare and choose someone with the talent to train as a healer.
From the dark edge of the forest, Zark and Craven made there way down into the village. It was a wild place with fighting going on everywhere they looked. Orcs wrestled and drank great flagons of ale from the taverns that lined the street. As they walked, a lone Orc approached with a mace in and and swung it at Zark. With a grunt and a nod, Zark countered with his club and swung his heavy fist straight up with a blow to the Orcs chin. Knocking him off his feet, the Orc went sailing to fall on his back.
"Grew ta!" Zark spat as they walked on.
[What was that?] Craven asked.
"Just a welcome to Gygax." He pointed up the street. "We go this way."
With his eyes open and a spell ready, Craven followed the big Orc. The passed the blacksmith shop where the Orc smithy argued over the price of a set of armor he had made. Grabbing a sword from his side, the smithy bashed his client in the head then took his purse and tossed him and the armor into the mud in front of his shop.
[Interesting way to do business.] Craven said.
From there they moved on. This was the first time Craven had ever seen Orc society. He was amazed at its brutality and savagery. As they passed another tavern, Craven looked in and was started at what he saw. He took a step towards the tavern and Zark grabbed him just as someone from inside slammed the door shut.
"What the blazes do you think you are doing?" Zark snarled. "Do you want to die here?"
[Did you see that?]
"No," Zark said. "What?"
[There were men in there.]
"Impossible." He looked at the dark tavern. "There are no men here. Not for centuries."
[I saw men in there.] Craven sent. [Strange men dressed in gray. I know what I saw.]
Zark looked down at Craven. He had sworn long ago to be his protector and they had become almost like brothers. He would give his life for Craven, so if Craven said he saw men in Gygax, then he had to believe him.
"What would men be doing here in Gygax?" He asked. "Could they be here with Gorak?"
[It's possible. Sarella has many different races under her power. Unless there's someone else here collaborating with Human's. Who runs this village? Can he be trusted?"
"My brother Kellem has the biggest ship in Gygas port." Zark said. "He is master of this village."
[Then we should be looking for him. Do you know where he will be?]
"Either on his ship, the Red Hammer or up on the hill there." Zark pointed out a great manor on a ridge that overlooked the bay."That is his home. But we should check the Hammer first. It will be in his private bay."
[Lead on.]
In the lower decks of the Red Hammer, Kellem woke up in his cabin in chains. He sat up and wiped the blood that ran from the open cut in his forehead away. Looking out of the porthole and saw the sun had gone down. How long had he been here he wondered and which one of those rotten bastards had dared attack him on his own ship? Was it Naguk his first mate or that rat Snog. He never trusted him. He has the eyes of a rat.
With his arms and legs bound, there wasn't much Kellem could do except roll off the cot and lay on the floor. But that just might be enough to get him out of his chains if he could get to the dagger he kept hidden in his desk.
Laying back down, Kellem rolled over until he fell on the deck. Then he inched his way over ti the desk, got on his knees and managed to open the top draw and empty it on the floor. On the bottom of the draw he had hidden a dagger. Thank Rimnar they hadn't chained his hands behind his back. Reaching over, he took the dagger and carefully put the needle like point into the locking mechanism.
After a few fumbled attempts he heard a click and his cuffs fell open. Once his hands were free, it only took a matter of second to get the leg irons off. Now he was free. All he needed was weapon and he could take his ship back.
Rubbing his wrist to restored the circulation, Kellem stood up and looked around his cabin. In a chest in the wall of his closest he always his private weapons. Skull Crusher, the sword his mother had given him when she gave him command of the Red Hammer, and the mace he had made during his Nuawynni, the Orc rite of manhood. Kellem opened the closet and pushed the spring that opened his hidden caches.
To his surprise, his sword was gone. So were the knives he kept in there, but the mace was still there. He took it out and shut the closet. When he was sixteen, he had killed his first bear with the mace. It would have to do. Now to get out of the cabin, and get control of his ship back.
Moving to the hatch, Kellem listened for any sign of a guard outside the door. He heard a scuffle going on out there. Noises like someone was fighting. Then hew heard footsteps that led to his cabin door. They were coming for him. Well they were going to find the lord of this ship ready to do battle for his place on the Red Hammer.
Kellem moved behind the door and raised the mace ready to smash the skull of whoever came through the door. He listened as a key was fit into the door and heard the lock click. The door opened and a gray mottled skinned Orc stepped into the room. Kellem slammed the mace door and cracked open the Orcs skull. Quickly he kicked the Orc over and knew he was dead. He searched its body but found no weapons then turned to hurry out the door and ran into another Orc coming in. He fell back ready to attack again.
"Easy brother!" Zark grabbed his arm. "I am not your enemy!"
"Zark? What are you doing here?"
"Getting you free before they can kill the Captain of the Red Hammer." Zark looked down at the dead Orc. "Do you know what that is?"
Kellem looked closely at the corpse on the flood. He looked familiar, he had seen him somewhere before.
"I know him." He said as he recognized him. "Duross? But that is not possible. He died two years ago in a raid on my ship. How can he be here now? I saw him buried in a mass grave."
"There is trouble in Taggitia brother, and it comes to Ardia. Come with me, there's a war to be fought."
"And why should I trust you?" He asked frowning at Zark. "You killed Farod. I should turn you over to mother for punishment."
"If you really think I killed Farod." Zark took his sword from its place on his back, and offered it to Kellem. "Kill me, take your vengeance, but I swear to you that it was not me. Our brother was betrayed by someone close, but it was not me."
"Then who?" Kellem asked.
"I suspect it was by the same person that put you in chains." Zark looked around knowing they could be discovered at any moment. "I will tell you, but we have to leave here now before we are caught. Will you follow me?"
"I will follow." Kellem said. "For now."
With a nod, Zark turned and led Kellem back through the ship. The climbed up to the upper decks where the found Xonoth waiting with two dead Orcs.
[We should hurry.] He sent. [Someone may have heard the fighting. We are not alone here.]
Quietly they made their way to the gang plank and started down. As they reached the docks, three of the gray skinned Orcs came running towards them. Zark and Kellem grabbed their weapons and stepped in front of Xonoth ready for the attack.
[We do not have time for this.]
Xonoth pushed his way passed them and reached out with the magic and grabbed them. Like dolls he lifted them and slammed them together, then sent the sailing through the air out to fall into the ocean.
[Now we must go.] He said. [We need a safe place for the night to plan. Can we go to the house on the hill?]
"No." Kellem shook his head. "He who is behind my down fall would have already taken my house, but I think I know where we can go. Follow me."
With cloaks Zark and from a shop they had passed, they made their way through the streets of Gygax. They passed only a few as they traveled, and were attacked twice, but that was average for any place in Ardia. From the docks they headed out to the small houses and huts where the populace lived. Craven was surprised to find that Orcs lived in houses. He always thought they lived in caves and small camps.
[We are not quite the savages you thought we were,] Zark sent privately to him. [We did once live like that, but that was long ago. We build and invent things too. War is not the only thing we live for.]
[My apologies my friend.] Craven sent. [My ignorance shames me.]
[You will learn many things here if you keep your eyes open without judgement.]
[I will try.] Craven promised him.
With Kellem in the lead, the turned down a street and went through a small garden to the back of a house where he knocked at a door. As they waited, a slot in the door opened and the dark eyes of an Orc stared out.
"Naguk." Kellem whispered. "Open up, its your Captain."
The slot closed and they heard the sound of locks snapping open. The door opened and a shocked Naguk waved them in.
"By Olfin's horns!" He said surprised to see Kellem. "I thought you were dead."
"Not yet." Kellem strode in and grabbed a stein of grog from the table and drank it down in one swallow. "They had me ready to go down to the dark deep but I am not dead yet. It will take a lot more to kill me."
"That is good to hear." Naguk smacked him on the back. "When Kuda took the ship, I thought they would kill you right off."
"Kuda?" Kellem wiped his mouth and put down the stein. "What does he have to do with this?"
"It was Kuda who invaded your ship and put you in chains." Zark told him. "It was Kuda that killed Farod and sank his ship. He wanted to blame me to get me out of the way to gain favor with Umog. With Farod then me out of the way, you would be the only one that stood in his way in getting control of Karnevil."
"But what about Umog?" He asked. "She would still be in control even if we were dead."
"She would be next Brother."
"But why?" Kellem scratched his chin. "Surely others would see what he was up to and stop him. What about Umog's other captain's?"
"You know the Orc way, Kellem." Zark said. "They will not care who rules Karnevil. They all want the chance at Umog's place. They will wait to see who has the stronger position, than stand behind whoever survives, and make they're own move."
As Kellem thought, he knew Zark was right. But there was still something missing.
"Kuda does not have the power to beat Umog." He said. "He's fool with ambitions greater then he could ever reach. He is not smart enough to rule in Karnevil."
"No." Zark said. "But Gorak Ra' Enar is. And he is not alone. There is a war going on in Taggitia Brother, and Ardia is about to be dragged in. If we don't help stop it, Orcs will be the slaves and foot soldiers for a dark banshee who seeks to rule us all. I will not be anyone's slave, and I do not think you will like it either."
"Magic?" Kellem threw the stein across the room against the wall. "That bastard Gorak has something to do with this? How am I to fight that?"
"Calm yourself Brother. He is not the only mage in Taggitia. We have magic on our side as well and we fight with honor. I will not allow Gorak or anyone else turn Taggitia into place where fear and nightmares rule out lives. Those days are long behind us and we all not be going back."
Kellem looked into Zark's eyes and could see how determined and serious he was. He knew Zark had no special love for magic, and how hard he had fought his mother's enemies in the past. Umog hadn't been the perfect mother, but she had taught her sons a deep sense of honor, which for an Orc wasn't easy. She had trained them to take over one day in hopes of turning Karnevil and Ardia into a serious hub of commerce. After Gorak and Kuda took over Karnevil, they would destroy everything they had worked for years to accomplish. He couldn't let that happen. Farod had to be avenged.
"If you help me get my ship back." Kellem said. "You will have my sword and my crew at your side."
"Good." Zark reached out and gripped his brothers wrist in a vigorous shake. "Then let's go get the Hammer back. We have a war to win."
In a dark palace in the eastern part of Ardia, a robed Orc sat high on the throne drinking gak from a cup craved from the skull of the long dead human king that once ruled the city of Laxa. Below him on their knees in chains and surrounded by strange ghoulish human warriors waited Drega chief of the Bloodfalls and his two sons. Gulak lay prone, knocked out from his capture while Drega and Hamar snarled and snapped trying to get free and and at Gorak Ra' Enar on the throne. Gorak laughed and tossed bits of meat at them as they struggled. Beside Gorak stood Kuda the Orc traitor who had made the fall of Laxa possible.
"Struggle all you want." Gorak said licking his fingers. "I will do you no good. Even if you got you could get free and pass my guards, I would blast you where you stand before you could reach me. You have lost and Laxa is mine now. Bur do not worry, I have something in mind for you, your sons and all of your warriors. You will be my personal guards once your is more complaint to my needs."
"We will never follow the likes of a jackal like you!" Drega spit at him. "We would rather die first."
"You will die." Gorak got up from the throne and walked down to Drega. He lifted his chin to look deeply into his eyes. "But I will be the one to determine when and how."
Drega pulled back away from Gorak and spit at him, sending a gob of phlegm flying at Gorak. Like a missile it flew straight into Gorak's eye. He stepped back wiping it away then charged in and hit Drega with a back hand slap knocking him across the floor. Drega climbed back up on his knees with blood running from his slit lip.
"How dare you!!" Gorak screamed. He grabbed Drega by the front of his tunic and tried to pull him up to face him, but the Orc was to heavy for the weak mage. Frustrated, he kicked him in his chest knocking him back. Drega laughed as he looked up at the steaming Gorak.
"What are you going to do dog?" He laughed. "Without Kuda and your human dead things, you are nothing but a disgraced worm! You have no power here in Laxa or anywhere in Ardia. Your own family and clan will kill you if you take one step back in Metius. Me and my warriors spit in your eye!"
Fuming, Gorak took a step toward the laughing Drega then stopped.
"I do not need your respect or acceptance." He snarled. "Laxa is mine and in a moment, so will you and all your warriors. Behold!"
From inside his robe, Gorak reached in and pulled something out. He stepped up to Drega and reached toward his face.
"Get away from me dog!!" Drega struggled to pull away from Gorak's touch. "Do not touch me!!"
Opening his hand, Gorak revealed the black crystal like stone. He grabbed the front of Drega's tunic hand forced the stone to his forehead. Drega screamed as the power of the stone flowed deep into his mind destroying his will and overpowering mind. His eyes turned a deep shade of red as his body began to shake. Then Gorak started his spell.
ONE BY ONE FROM FATHER TO SON.
FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE TO EVERYONE.
YOUR WILL IS MINE FROM BODY TO SOUL.
THE SPELL I CAST WILL TAKE ITS TOLL.
SO HEAR ME NOW WHILE I TAKE CONTROL.
YOUR WILL IS MINE TO REACH MY GOAL.
In a flash of magic, bands of energy streaked out from Goraks hand to touch every single Orc in Laxa. All activity stopped at once in every tavern, home and shop. Every Orc fell under the spell and became a red eyed slave of Gorak. Kuda stared amazed at the power of the spell he had just seen cast right before his eyes. Drega and Hamar who had just moments ago struggled and fought against their bonds were now motionless and staring up at Gorak looking completely mindless.
"What now Drega?" Gorak laughed. "Nothing more to say?"
"No my lord." Drega bowed his head. "I am yours to command."
"Is that so?" Gorak smiled and walked back to Kuda. He reached over and took his sword from it's place on his belt and turned back to Drega who still knelt there on his knees.
"Get up."
Obeying the command, Drega got up to stand in front of Gorak.
"Take this." He held out the sword. "Kill your son Gulak."
Without hesitation, Drega took the sword and turned to Gulak who lay still on the floor before Drega's throne. As Gorak and Kuda watched, he raised the sword over his head, then plunged it down into Gulak's back. Without a single sound Gulak laid there and died. Pulling the sword free, Drega turned to Gorak and laid it at his feet and bowed to his master. Gorak looked up at Kuda with an evil grin on his face.
"And now." He said. "Laxa is mine."
As Gorak through back his head and laughed, a sudden crack of thunder rang out through the throne room and rocked the castle to the foundation. Gorak and Kuda looked up, every torch in the room flickered down to a low glow, then blazed up sending its light out to blind everyone for a minute. Gorak stepped back rubbing his eyes as the sound of howling wind came out of no where. When the spots cleared from Gorak's eyes, he looked up to find Sarella hovering there high up in the rafters of the throne room. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed as she slower drifted down to land in front of him. Gorak bowed his head to acknowledge her presence then waved Kuda and all other Orcs in the room away. As they left and the throne room door close, Gorak spoke.
"All goes well here Sarella." He didn't even look up at her. "Laxa is mine, Ihana will fall tomorrow."
"And what of Klymark and Karnevil?" She asked as she sailed closer to his throne. "I will need the magic of the Fiery brotherhood and the navy of Karnevil if I want to bring all of Taggitia under my rule."
"Be patient." Gorak smiled. "I have it all under control. It will all be mine in a matter of days."
"I care nothing about what is yours!" Sarella said as her feet touched down on the floor. "And you will watch your tongue when you speak to me Orc, or I will dine on that sorry excuse you call your soul."
"My apologies Lady Sarella." Gorak bowed keeping his head low and his eyes on the ground in front of him. "My excitement got the best of me. It will not happen again."
"That you can count on." With glowing eyes she walked up to the throne and sat down and made herself comfortable. "Now, Winterhaven is lost to me and I want it back. Vasagi is abandoned and surrounded by my forces but the magic of the city resists me. I want a way in."
"There is but one way we can get into the vampire city." Gorak told her. "We will need one of the royal family. Valkar or one of his sons are the only ones the gates will open for."
"Hmmmmm." Sarella clasped her fingers, joining her hands and leaned forward in thought. "Would they have to be alive or would the gates open for a dead body?"
"I do not know." The thought had not occurred to Gorak. It might work, but how would they get Valkar back in their hands. "It is possible."
"I have Prafa ready to march on Winterhaven and the Dragon city." She said. "My dead soldiers from Kyan wait near Vasagi for the word to attack, they are not enough to overwhelm Winterhaven, New Keanna and Tir Na. You promised me the Orcs, are they ready?"
"I have Laxa." Gorak assured her. "But it will take a few more days to conquer Karnevil, Ihana and Klymark."
"Not if I kill them all and take them into my service."
"If you kill them my lady." Gorak stood at the bottom of the throne. "You put them in the hands of the Goddess Angela who might deny us their service. There is a better way."
Gorak held up the red gem he had sent to Prafa and to Valkar. Sarella looked down at it and smiled.
"I can have this in the hands of Umog, Oggha and Edus Udail by tomorrow night. Then all of Ardia will be in your hands and you will have all the power you need."
With a sweet smile on her lips, Sarella stood and rose into the howling winds.
"Make it so. I will be back in two nights." Her voice became a howling scream as she flew up and out the window. [You will be ready.]
"I will be ready." Gorak watched as Sarella left and the winds died down. "And we will see who's soul gets burned."
It was dark in Karnevil as Kuda on the back of his jet black Warg rode down from the east out of the hills. Behind him rode two Bloodfalls warriors sent there as his aids on this mission. He stopped to look down on the port city in the light of the moon. Everything looked quiet and peaceful, well as peaceful as an average Orc dwelling could be. Torch light blared from the high towers and all the tavern, shops and homes behind the high walls that protected the city on three sides. He could hear fighting but it was the normal sound expected from any Orc stronghold. He looked down to the bay and noticed the pier was full of ships. Umog's fleet was in for restocking. That was just what Gorak had expected.
Red eyed, Kuda smiled looking at the city then patted the saddle bag at his side that held the gift he was to deliver to Umog of Karnevil. He looked back at his men and ordered them on.
On the gates to Karnevil, a bored guard looked out from his station and saw rider coming down the path to the city gates. Grumbling he picked up the horn at his side and blew to announce the arrival of strangers to the gate.
In his small office, Mauka put down his clay cup and pushed back his dinner plate annoyed at the disturbance. He step out of the office to see three Warg riders riding down to the gate. Mauka walked down to the gate to wait and see who had come to ruin his dinner.
As Kuda stopped at the gate he called out to a guard who stepped out and looked down at him.
"We are close." He said. "Go away, the gate will open one hour after dawn, then you can come in and fight for a place at the market."
"I am not a merchant." Kuda called out. "It is I, Kuda and I come with a message from Drega of the Bloodfalls for Umog. It is an urgent matter, open the gates."
Kuda could hear talking coming from the top of the gates, then someone shouted an question.
"Umog's consort Kuda?"
"I am Kuda." Kuda climbed off his Warg and handed the reins to one if his aid. "And I am very impatient."
As Kuda waited, a door opened and Mauka stepped out with his sword in his hand. He walked across the ramp to see if it really was the chiefs currant mate waiting to be allowed in. As Mauka made his way closer he recognized the Orc and relaxed re sheathing his sword.
"Mok'ra Kuda." Mauka nodded in salute. "May you die with honor."
"I would see Umog right away." Kuda pushed pass Mauka ignoring his greeting. "See to my Warg and my aids. Have them fed and rested then have them sent to meet me at the palace."
Mauka stared at Kuda's back as he walked away wanting to sink his sword in his honor less heart. Then he turned to the red eyed aids and waved them in. As then passed, Mauka saw the red in their eyes and a shiver ran up his spin. Kuda had red eyes to he remembered. Something was not right about these three.
From the gate it took Kuda about and hour to travel on foot to Karnevil palace. Seven solid, round towers are both a defensive and decorational aspect of the old Human built castle and are connected by huge, solid walls made of stone. Tall narrow windows are scattered and placed strategically across the walls in an asymmetric pattern, along with huge gaps for archers and artillery.
A huge gate with tall metal doors, a draw bridge surrounded the castle. As Kuda made his way across the draw bridge he saw that even at this early hour, the castle was bustling with activity. Guard stations were being changed, servants and other high ranking members of Karnevil were on their way to work or to try and get an audience with Umog.
With his head high, Kuda pushed his way through the crowd boldly trying to get to the entrance and get in. At the castle door, he saw one if Umog's highest ranking lieutenants sorting through her days appointments deciding what was urgent and who could wait. When he saw Kuda barging his way to the front, the lieutenant whispered something to warrior at his side who looked at Kuda then hurried away.
"Mok'ra Kuda." He looked and snarled at him. "You are suppose to be on the Reppelin coast, gathering Lohar beans and raiding the shipping lanes. What brings you home again?"
I have a urgent message and a gift from the Bloodfalls for Umog." He said. "I must see her right away."
"Bloodfalls?" He looked at Kuda with suspicion. "What could Drega want now?"
"I do not know. The packet and message is sealed."
"And how is it that you managed to find the Blooodfalls?" The Orc asked. "Reppelin is no where near Laxa."
"I do not answer to you Gromit." Kuda stepped forward until he was nose to nose with the lieutenant challenging him. "I am first prime of Karnevil. First warrior second to none and consort to Umog. I will not be questioned by a mere lieutenant, no matter how high, or who's ear he has. Now stand aside and let me pass."
Gromit looked deep in Kuda's eyes, then stepped aside. In a huff, Kuda made his way into the castle and headed straight for Umogs private apartments in the center tower. As he climbed the stairs, he fumbled in his pouch for the box with gem Gorak had given him to present to Umog. Once her was sure it was still there, he reach the first floor of Umog's quarters, Kuda stopped. There was two warriors standing guard at the door into her rooms. This was strange. There was never guards there before. But being her consort, Kuda expected they would let him pass without any resistance.
Pushing out his chest to puff himself up, Kuda continued on up to the two guards.
"Step aside." Kuda roared as he tried to push pass the guards. Like two great golums, the two guards stepped together and blocked his way. Kuda grabbed at a guard and tried to force him out of the way. With quick reflexes, the guard folded his arms in front of him and pushed Kuda back, he fall back to the edge of the stairway.
"By orders of Umog." He said. "No way passes."
Angry, Kuda climbed to his feet to confront the guards."Do you know who I am? I am Kuda, first warrior and consort to Umog. Not get out of my way of suffer my wrath!!"
"We care not who you are." The warrior said with his hand on his sword hilt. "If you wish to see Umog, you will wait with the others down in the great hall. If you take one more step toward the door, you will die."
Kuda reached for his sword meaning to fight his way in, then stopped as the door opened and two more warriors stepped out on to the landing. Growling he turned and stormed off back down the stairs and headed for Umog's great hall.
Gorak's plan had been for Kuda to take the gift to Umog and give it to her in private. Then he could either kill her and take control of Karnevil, or they could use her to be a puppet under Gorak's control. But now he would have to present the gem in her great hall let its magic take her in front of everyone there.
From Umogs tower, Kuda went down to the great hall. There he found he would have to wait to be called in for an audience. That infuriated him. As Umogs consort and the first warrior of Karnevil, he should be the first one admitted. These people could wait. He was more important then any of them including Umog. As he waited and watched others called, Kuda paced the chamber furiously. A servant came in and offered him, something to drink. Annoyed, he smacked the chalice from from the serving girls hands. Just as Kuda raised his hand to strike the girl, the hall doors opened and his name was called out.
Feeling the small box in his side pouch, Kuda went into the great hall. As Kuda boldly walked into the hall, he looked around at the splendor or the once elegant and beauty of Karnevils great hall. Great old shields and ancient weaponry decorated the dirty walls of the old castle. From high on the walls, old drapes and ripped torn hung draped all around the room. Placed evenly apart around the hall, suits of old rusted armor stood as if Human warriors still protected the long dead king.
To Kuda's left and right there were tables littered with what he knew must have been the remains of some huge from a recent gathering. Bones of horses and oxen were scattered everywhere, with slop smeared and something that smelled foul dripping on the floor. Ahead of him sitting high on her throne, Umog sat and watched as he approached. Beside her stood her court mage dressed in his dirty black robes Nagga T'ruk. On the other side where he usually stood, was the tall one eyed Orc Zong in dark pants with the red sash. He was bare chested with the sword and skill symbol of Karnevil painted on his chest and at his side was his second, the weaselly dolt Bekep. was not a got thing. Kuda started to growl deep in his gut the second he saw them. Zong being at Umogs side was not a good thing. They had been rivals for years. Some even whispered how Farod had really been the son of Zong and not her mate Yargol, but none would dare to say it out loud or in the presence of Umog or Yargol.
But now, Yargol was dead and Zong was here at her side where Kuda should be. None of that matter Kuda thought for both Umog and Yargol would soon be under Gorak's control and he would kill them both when they were no longer of any use to him.
As Kuda reach the end of the aisle and stood before Umog and the others, Zong stepped down to face Kuda.Things in Karnevil was about to change
As Kuda made his way down to the throne, his ship the Black Flag came in and docked at the harbor. Slowly one by one, red eyed Orcs came up on deck and headed down into town. No one had any reason to stop or question any of the silent Orcs as they made their way through town to the gate and to the other key places in Karnevil. Quietly they all found a place and mixed in with the waking Orc city. Once in place, all they had to do was wait until the appointed time and the signal.
"Mok'ra Kuda." Zong took his left fist and stuck his right hip then trust it out in salute. Kuda ignored his salute with returning the gesture. Zong knew this was disrespectful, but he let it pass. "You are early, what brings you back to Karnevil?"
"While at sea, I met an emissary from the Bloodfalls." Kuda turned from Zong and spoke directly to Umog. "Drega would parlay with you Umog. He sends a gift with hopes you will accept and meet him and talk over something he said will be a benefit to both the Bloodfalls and Karnevil."
"And what is it Drega thinks he can give me that I might want?" Umog asked as she sipped from a glass of Bloodwine. "My navy bring me anything I might wish for. What could the Bloodfalls have that interest me?"
"This." Kuda took out the fist sized package and held it out in front of him. It was a small box wrapped in paper, a plain thing but for some reason it drew the eyes of everyone in the room to it. It was either the mystery of what was in the box, or perhaps it had some kind of magic. Either way, both Umog and Zong couldn't take their eyes off it. Umog stood up from her throne and took a step out towards Kuda, her eyes blazed with curiosity.
"What is it?" She asked as she reached out for it. As Kuda spoke, she snapped back to herself and pulled her hand back.
"It is a gift." Kuda smiled. "A special gift made only for you Umog. A gift from Drega, it is very special, there are only a few in the world. One was given to Valkar Zlenka, king of the Vampires and one was presented to Queen Dasyra of Eventide. They were made for the royalty of Taggitia, and this one was made for you."
Kuda watched as stars sparkled in Umogs eyes. She wanted whatever he had in that box, she wanted it bad.
"Give it to me!" She ordered. Kuda knew the gems magic had reached her. He had her just where Gorak wanted her. Kuda glanced to his left and saw that the hour candle had burned down to the seventh hour of the morning. It was time, his warriors should be in place by now.
Kuda stepped forward, bowed and held the box out for Umog to take. With hungry eyes, Umog reached out and took the box from Kuda's hand. He stood up and smiled and evil smile of anticipation. With the box in her hand, Umog reached for the string to untie it and open the package. As she pulled the string and the wrappings fell away, a door opened behind the throne and Zark, Kellem and Xonoth rushed out.
"Mother do not open that!!" Zark charged in and slapped the box from her hands. "You have been betrayed."
"What is the meaning of this?" Umog screamed. "How dare you barge in here and interrupt me!!"
"This is a trap!" Zark pulled his sword and moved toward Kuda. "That gift is not from Drega of the Bloodfalls. It came from Gorak Ra' Enar, and if you touch what is inside, you will be under his control and Karnevil will be his."
Umog stepped back recoiling away from the box on the floor. She looked up at Kuda then at her son, Zark.
"Is this true?" She asked stepping down to Kuda. "You are in league with that black hearted bastard? Answer me and do not lie."
"Never Umog." kuda tried to look wounded by the accusation. "My sword is yours always. Have I not fought for years to defend you? Am I not your ever faithful first prime? He lies in order to smear the honor of my name."
"There is no honor in you Kuda." Zark spat at him. "You have lied and killed to get to where you are next to my mother. But this time your lies betray you."
"Bah!!" He waved his hand in Zarks face to dismiss his accusation. "You are jealous of my place beside the chief of Karnevil. You and that dog Zong would do anything to bring me down, but I am first prime and you can accuse me of anything you want, but you can prove nothing."
"But that is where you are wrong." Zark smiled. "We can prove all that I say and more."
"How?" Umog asked. She waved two guards from the door ti come over and watch both Zark and Kuda."Though you are my sons, I will not believe you without proof. Kuda has served with honor, but I will see your proof if you have any."
"I accept the challenge." Zark re sheathed his sword and bowed to his mother and her court. "Five years ago Farod was killed and the Nabora was sank. I was accused of treason and banished from Ardia for the crime which I did not commit, though I do know did it."
Zark turned and pointed to Kuda. "There is Farods killer, he stands right before us and I can prove it."
"How?" Zong asked. "How can you prove it?"
[With Magic.] Xonoth stepped out from beside Zark and Kellem. [I know a spell that will reveal the truth.]
"Who are you?" Umog asked. "And why should we trust a spell of your casting? An unknown mage from who knows where."
[Because I will not be the one doing the casting. I will give the spell to your mage and he will know of its truth and accuracy. Will that suffice?]
Umog waved Naga T'ruk over to her and whispered in his ear. He listened then whispered back an answer to her.
"This will be acceptable." She agreed. "How much time will you need?"
Xonoth started to answer when Kuda grabbed him and pulled his knife and held it to his throat pulling him back towards the room exit.
"Get back all of or he dies! I will not have my loyalty questioned or will I be the subject of any mad spells!!"
"I think you will." Umog smiled. "Bring him to me."
From behind Kuda, arms reached out and grabbed him forcing the knife from his grasp. Surprised, Kuda fought the warriors holding him but it was no use. Three warriors held him and dragged him back in front of Umog and threw him on the floor.
"What spell am I to use?" Nagga asked.
Xonoth whispered something in his ear and made a few hand gestures. Nagga nodded and smiled then turned to Umog.
"I am ready."
"Work your magic then."
NOW IS THEN AND THEN IS NOW.
WHAT HAPPENED THEN LET US SEE NOW.
YOUR MIND IS FOR US TO READ.
YOUR EVIL TASK, YOUR EVIL DEED.
As Kuda's struggling became weaker and weaker, Xonoth's spell took control of his memories and projected them in flashes of light on the ceiling of the throne room. As Umog and the others watched, an ocean appeared on the ceiling. Suddenly they were on a ship, Kuda's ship the Black Dagger. It was dark but from the images, Zark guessed they must be seeing through Kuda's eyes.
As they watched, Kuda ordered to douse the lamps, be quiet and get armed for the attack, then he looked out on the horizon at the ship they were chasing after. It was a large ship, a galleon painted black so it could hide in the night. Zark recognized the ship immediately. It was three masted, with wide square rigging, multi deck with at least eight catapults built on the top deck. It was the Nabora, Farod's ship, they all recognized it.
As Umog watched, she gripped the arms of her throne tightly staring angrily at you images. Quietly Kuda's ship sailed on until it caught up with the Nabora. Then with a signal, he sent his warriors over the rail to attack. As the first of Farod's crew died, Umog leaped from her throne, rushed down to Kuda and and struck him in the face disrupting the images on the ceiling.
"I will see no more!!" Umog shook with rage. "Zark was right. He tried to tell me long ago not to trust you, of your treachery, but I was blind. I would not listen. I should have trusted him, my oldest son. But instead, I let my lustful needs over rule my honor. Not anymore!! Get him on his feet."
Guards grabed Kuda ny his arms and lifted him up. He struggled to get free, but the guards held him tightly. He had been caught and he knew it. But he did have one more chance. He might still win Karnevil for his master Gorak.
"You think you have me?" He snarled. "You are wrong! By now my warriors will have spread out all over Karnevil and attacked the gates, the harbor and your warriors barrack. They should be attacking the palace right now as we speak. Free me and I will make sure Gorak spares your life. You might even be allowed to be my consort Umog. Free me and you may still live."
"Your warriors." Zark said as he stepped in front of Kuda. "Are dead!! They failed in the attempt to take over Karnevil and the priest of Klymark have been warned against Gorak's gift. Gorak has lost and we will be marching against him soon. Taggitia will not fall. We will fight and we will win."
"Nooooooo!!!!"
"Take him away." Umog ordered. "I will deal with him later."
As Kuda was dragged away, Zark picked up the box and handed it to Xonoth.
"What is in there?" Umog asked.
"Had you opened it a touched the gem." He said. "You would have been instantly put under Gorak's spell. You would have turned Karnevil over to him without a fight. This gem almost destroyed Valkar and it did killed the queen of the Eventides."
"You have my thanks Zark." Umog did something she hadn't done in years. She hugged her son. "You saved Karnevil. How will we ever repay you."
"By helping us to defeat Gorak and the Banshee Sarella." He told her. "This is not over. They have to be stopped or all of Taggitia will suffer."
"You will have the help of Karnevil." She promised. "So swears Umog, Chief of Karnevil."
Mok'ra. = An Orc Greeting
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