Inferno

by Paul J Bennett

  Their leader, a man named Frithwald, turned his head. "It is the command of the king that no Orc shall be within the walls of Runewald without an escort."

  "We have no walls," said Athgar in reply. He moved closer until his view of the Orcs was unobstructed, and then his face immediately broke into a grin.

  "Natalia," he called out. "You'd better come and see this."

  "What is it?" she asked as she opened the door.

  "It appears we have visitors."

  She was only three paces past the door when she saw them. "Shaluhk, Kargen, so good to see you!" She closed the distance quickly, her discomfort soon forgotten. Shaluhk was the first to feel her embrace while Athgar welcomed Kargen.

  "Sister," said Shaluhk. "It is so good to see you again."

  "And you," said Natalia, "but I don't understand. Weren't you travelling east?"

  "We were," the shamaness replied, "but fate has sent us to your door."

  "The tribe?" asked Athgar.

  "Safely within the village of Ord-Ghadrak, guests of the Black Axe," replied Kargen.

  Athgar took note of the third member of their party. "Urughar, good to see you again."

  "And you, my friend."

  The Therengian turned to the warriors. "It's all right, Frithwald. These are my guests. This is Kargen, Chieftain of the Red Hand, and their shamaness, Shaluhk."

  Cenric's man stared back, his face growing red. He clearly wanted to say something, but the sight of the Orcs was intimidating, not to mention the thought of Athgar's Fire Magic. Instead, he simply nodded, then led his men away.

  "I hope we have not caused trouble," said Kargen as Natalia embraced him.

  "Nothing we can't handle," said Athgar.

  "You have done well for yourself," said Shaluhk. "Is this your hut?"

  "It is," said Natalia. "Now come inside, and I'll introduce you to Skora."

  "The old woman?" said Kargen. "I thought her dead."

  "You know her?"

  "Of course," the Orc replied. "Who do you think used to prepare your bondmate's skins?"

  "Come," said Urughar, "it is this way." He took them through the door, the hunter nodding to Skora as he entered.

  "Greetings, Kargen," the old woman said. "It has been a long time since last we met."

  Kargen bowed his head. "Skora, you honour us with your presence. It is good to see a familiar face."

  "Sit," said Natalia. "I shall fetch us something to drink."

  "Let me," said Skora. "A person in your condition has better things to do."

  Shaluhk looked closely at her tribe-sister. "Nat-Alia, are you carrying?"

  "I am."

  "This is glorious news."

  "Yes," agreed Kargen. "It means Agar will have a sister to play with."

  Natalia beamed. "I'm glad you're here, Shaluhk. There's something I need to ask you about."

  "Go on," urged the shamaness.

  "Something happened to me while casting, and I'm not sure what to make of it."

  "How long ago was this?"

  "Some weeks ago. I was casting a spell, and I felt a coldness in my belly as if it was turning to ice."

  A look of concern crossed the Orc's face. "Did you feel any pain?"

  "No, but I have taken care to limit the use of my power since."

  "Natalia's been restricting her magic to purifying water," explained Athgar, "and only in small amounts. We thought it best."

  "A wise precaution under the circumstances. May I examine you?"

  Natalia nodded as Shaluhk moved closer, placing her hands on the Water Mage's stomach. She pressed gently on several places, then looked into Natalia's eyes. "I can not speak for Humans, but if you were an Orc, I would say that all is well. But to be safe, I'd like to cast a spell."

  "Go ahead," said Natalia. "I trust you."

  "I shall detect life." Shaluhk sat back, sitting cross-legged, facing Natalia. Placing her hands on her lap, she began uttering words of power. A familiar buzz tingled throughout the hut, then Shaluhk's eyes glowed slightly. She gazed upon Natalia's stomach once more, nodding her head. "All is well," she finally said. "The young one's life force is strong and healthy."

  "And the cold I felt?"

  "I am afraid that is beyond my experience, but I shall consult with Laghul upon my return to Ord-Ghadrak. She is more experienced than I."

  Natalia reached out, grasping Shaluhk's hand. "Thank you. It's nice to be reassured."

  "Only the best for my sister-child."

  "Can you tell if it is a boy or girl?" asked Athgar.

  "No," replied Shaluhk. "It is far too early to tell."

  "When is the youngling due?" asked Kargen.

  "Some time in late winter, maybe early spring if we're lucky," said Natalia.

  Shaluhk looked around the hut, taking in the entire contents. "You appear to have done well for yourselves. You have a home now, and a family on the way. What more could you ask for?"

  "It's not all good news," said Athgar. "It appears the Church has reared its head again."

  "Tell me more," said Kargen.

  "At the Ancestors' urging, we travelled north, seeking a city called Ebenstadt."

  "I remember it well, my friend."

  "It now appears the Church is raising an army to wipe out my fellow countrymen."

  "Yes," added Urughar, "and if the Therengians fall, how long do you suppose they will wait to come after us Orcs?"

  "Precisely my thinking," said Athgar.

  "What can be done about it?" asked Kargen.

  It was Natalia that answered. "We suggested to King Eadred it was time to fight, but he was unwilling to take the risk."

  "If the Orcs joined in the fight, he might change his mind," suggested Urughar.

  "A good idea," said Athgar, "but before we fight, we must learn more about the enemy."

  "What are you proposing?"

  "Natalia and I will go to Ebenstadt and try to learn what we can about the situation there. If nothing else, it will let us determine their strength."

  "Are you sure that is wise," said Kargen, "considering Nat-Alia's condition?"

  Shaluhk waved him off. "You forget, Human younglings take a long time to gestate. Nat-Alia will be fine."

  "Very well," said Kargen. "And in the meantime, we shall return to Ord-Ghadrak and, with Urughar's help, convince Kirak to support us. Naturally, the Red Hand shall stand with you."

  "Do you think we could convince the Stone Crushers to join us?" said Shaluhk.

  Athgar's ears pricked up. "Stone Crushers?"

  "Another tribe that lies to the south of us. Their mages employ Earth Magic, something which would benefit us greatly in the upcoming fight."

  "Are you sure it will come to that?" asked Urughar. "Is it possible this 'Church' will see reason and stay their hand?"

  "I'm afraid our experience indicates otherwise," said Natalia.

  "You must have had quite the adventure," said Athgar, "bringing the entire tribe across the mountains."

  Kargen grinned. "It was, as you would say, quite something. It all started when we finally left Ord-Kurgad…"

  * * *

  By the time each of them finished telling what had befallen them over the last few months, it was quite late. Urughar was the first to notice it had grown dark.

  "I fear we have overstayed our welcome," he said. "Your king will not like us within the village confines for so long."

  "It's too late to go now," said Athgar. "You'll have to stay the night."

  "Are you sure that is wise? It could mean trouble for you."

  "Nonsense, you're my guests." He turned to Skora. "Have we room for them?"

  "We have furs enough," the old woman replied, "and plenty to eat."

  "There. It's settled; you're all staying."

  "I must say," noted Natalia, "your common is coming along nicely, Urughar."

  The Orc blushed, turning a darker shade of green. "It comes from attending all these negotiations. Your bondmate is a good teac
her."

  "It certainly helps having other translators," said Athgar. "And now that Kargen and Shaluhk are here, we can start making real progress."

  "Not to mention Laruhk and Durgash," added Kargen.

  "Don't forget Kragor," said Shaluhk. "He, too, speaks your tongue."

  "So many of us," noted Urughar. "The Therengians will not know what to do with us all."

  A voice interrupted their discussion. "Athgar, come out!"

  "Who's that?" asked Natalia.

  "It sounds like that fool, Frithwald," said Skora. "Likely back to do the bidding of his master."

  "I'll deal with this," said Athgar. He stood, making his way to the door.

  Shaluhk looked at Kargen, who nodded, rising to his feet to follow his friend. Athgar threw open the door to see Frithwald. This time he was backed up by five men, all armed with spears and shields.

  "Does he expect to fight us with spears?" said Kargen.

  "You are in violation of the king's orders," the warrior announced, ignoring the Orc's comment.

  "And?" pressed Athgar.

  The warrior sputtered. He had clearly been expecting Athgar to comply with King Eadred's decree, but now, facing the Fire Mage, he was clearly out of his depth.

  "You must send them away," Frithwald finally spat out.

  Athgar stared back. Beyond the warriors, a small crowd was starting to gather. "And if I don't?"

  "Then I shall have to arrest you."

  Athgar crossed his arms. "What does that mean, precisely?"

  "It means you will be taken into custody."

  "Where? We have no jail!" He noticed the onlookers growing uneasy at the confrontation. None of them appeared happy about the presence of Frithwald and his men. "Go back to your hut," he continued, "and tell Cenric he has no power here."

  "You would defy the orders of your king?"

  Athgar smiled. "He is not my king. I have sworn no oath to him."

  "And yet you live within this village."

  "Athgar is one of us!" someone from the crowd yelled out. "Go back, and tell your master to leave him alone."

  "We are causing you trouble," said Kargen, his voice low. "Perhaps it would be better if we leave."

  "No," said Athgar. "Eadred has had his way for far too long. A king must protect his people, not use them to his own advantage."

  "Will you submit?" demanded Frithwald.

  "I hold no animosity towards you, and yet I will not submit to an unjust law. This is your home, too, Frithwald. I invite you to help defend it rather than slink away as your king does." He felt sorry for the young warrior. It was not easy to be caught between loyalties.

  The villagers started calling out to Frithwald, telling him to join them. For his part, Athgar kept silent, letting Frithwald consider his options. Finally, the man lowered his spear and turned to the warriors behind him.

  "Each of you must make your own decision on whether to fight or stay. The king has commanded us to arrest Athgar, but I cannot, in good conscience, carry out that order. I have taken an oath of obedience, and yet I now find myself conflicted. As a result, I shall return to King Eadred and plead to be released from his service."

  "He will not like it," warned Athgar.

  "No, nor will I, but I must, regardless. To do otherwise is dishonourable."

  Frithwald left them, marching off with his head low, feeling the burden of what lay before him.

  "This king will cause trouble," said Kargen.

  "Yes," said Athgar. "He likely will."

  Kargen took in the mood of the crowd. They were growing more vocal, calling out to the king's warriors to throw down their weapons. "The village respects you, as they should, but I sense your popularity will work against you."

  "How so?" asked Athgar.

  "The king will see you as a threat."

  "He already does, but there is little I can do about that."

  "You must try to win him over. If you do not, it will divide the loyalties of Runewald, and that could prove disastrous in the long run."

  "You make a good point," said Athgar. "We need the people united if we are to make a stand. I'll visit the king tomorrow and see if I can't make him see reason."

  Kargen nodded. "A wise choice. Now, shall we return inside? There is still much to catch up on, and my stomach yearns for more of that venison."

  Athgar looked over those gathered one final time. One of the soldiers threw down his spear, and the crowd surged forward, patting the man on his back. It didn't take long for the others to follow his lead.

  From across the way, Raleth met Athgar's gaze, and the young hunter nodded in support. It appeared the villagers had the upper hand this night, but Athgar couldn't help but wonder what the ramifications might be of such an encounter.

  They returned to the inside of the hut, where Shaluhk and Natalia were deep in conversation.

  "...and he carries it everywhere," Shaluhk was saying.

  "I hope he can't hurt himself on it," said Natalia.

  "It is a wooden axe. It can not do much damage. My brother, on the other hand, made him a bow."

  "Is he old enough to use it?"

  "No," said Shaluhk, "but Laruhk will not believe me. It was a nice sentiment, even if he can not use it for at least another year."

  "A Human child would have to be much older to use a bow. When do Orcs learn such things?"

  "Laruhk started when he was two, though I must admit he had a gift for it. Most are a little older, three being more common."

  "They can use weapons at three years old?"

  "Of course," said Shaluhk, "though they can not fight if that is what you mean. It takes years to master the use of it."

  "Humans can barely speak at that age," said Athgar, "let alone carry an axe." He took his seat, settling into the furs to Natalia's right.

  Natalia looked at him in surprise. "Are you an expert in children now?"

  Athgar blushed. "I might have been talking to some of the villagers of late. Isn't that normal for a new father?"

  Natalia smiled. "Father. I like the sound of that."

  "I suppose that makes Kargen his uncle," said Athgar.

  "Yes," agreed Shaluhk, "and I, his aunt." She looked at Natalia. "That is how you say it, is it not? Aunt?"

  "It is," said Natalia, "it is indeed."

  The Trap

  Autumn 1104 SR

  * * *

  They gathered in the king's hall. Eadred had called an assembly to address the village. A rare occurrence, and as a result, they packed the place to overflowing. Indeed, as Athgar and Natalia arrived, they had to push their way through the door, helped by the bulk of Kargen, Shaluhk, and Urughar. The arrival of the Orcs brought silence to the room, a silence soon noted by the king.

  "What is this?" he called out, his face a mask of distaste.

  "I am Kargen, Chieftain of the Orcs of the Red Hand," the great Orc began. "I come this day to offer the support of my people. Stay to fight the intruders, and we shall fight by your side."

  Urughar moved up beside him. "My people, the Black Axe, will fight as well," he said. "Come, let us stand shoulder to shoulder as it was in days of old."

  The room exploded into a cacophony of chatter. The sight of Orcs had become more common in the last few weeks but to hear the offer of help was a stirring vision.

  "And where were you when the skrollings took Dunmere?" demanded the king.

  "They would have fought beside you,” said Athgar, "had you but asked. Instead, you moved onto their lands, calling it your own. Now you are caught between the Orcs and the skrollings. However, there is a solution, Your Majesty. You can join with the Orcs and repel these invaders."

  "Don't be ridiculous," said King Eadred. "The enemy outnumbers us, and no one can defeat their Temple Knights. They are the scourge of the Continent."

  "You are wrong," said Kargen, placing his hand on Athgar's shoulder, "for this man has done precisely that. It was he and Nat-Alia who helped defend my village against the forces
of the Church. We knew not what to expect then, and yet, still, we defeated them. We have learned their tactics. Let us now take that advantage and apply it to your own defence."

  King Eadred leaned forward. "If what you said is true, then why have you left your land? You are new to this area, are you not?"

  "My people had to leave, for we are not numerous. Unlike you, we had only a single village, but you have five."

  "And where would I find the warriors to oppose the Church?" asked the king.

  "You have them," said Athgar, "or have you forgotten the fyrd?"

  "The fyrd? Don't make me laugh. We cannot take farmers and make them warriors."

  "Then why train them?"

  "It is a diversion for them, nothing more. No one in the fyrd seriously thinks they can fight."

  Athgar looked around the room. Everyone's eyes were locked on him. This was the moment where he would succeed or fail. He felt sweat beading on his brow as he began walking around the room, meeting each person's gaze. "Therengians have always been a people prepared to fight for what they believe in. In my village of Athelwald, fighting in a shield wall was a skill taught from an early age. Is it not so here, amongst my brothers and sisters?"

  People began nodding, giving him hope.

  "The tradition amongst my people was that the fyrd would gather once a week to practice such skills as the thane thought necessary. You may have a king rather than a thane, but the result is the same. We train in battle so that we can stand up for what is ours."

  Murmurs of agreement began to circulate amongst those gathered in the king's hall.

  "If we allow the Church to overrun our lands, we shall be scattered, or worse, enslaved. My own village was destroyed by such men. I will not stand by and watch yours suffer a similar fate. I say we stand and fight!"

  Those watching erupted into howls of agreement. Athgar paused, his eyes locking with those of the king. Eadred did not look pleased.

  Cenric leaned in close to his lord, whispering something in his ear. A smile came over the king, but Athgar knew it was all an act.

  "Your words make sense," said Eadred, "and yet I see no plan before us. If we are to make a stand, then where? How many warriors would we deploy? How would they be arranged, and what of the Orcs? Will they stand by on our flanks and watch the slaughter? Or will they join in battle, and suffer as do we? You have no plan, Athgar. The Church destroyed your own village, and now they're coming to destroy us."