The Way of the Clan 8

by Dem Mikhaylov

  GKN8.

  The Great March or Lost Lands.

  The long-awaited event is just about to begin - the Great Sea Trek. Hundreds and thousands of warships will go into the open sea and move towards the tempting goal - Zar'Graad, the lost, ancient motherland. The path of the brave sailors will be long and full of trials, and not every ship and nor sailor will be able to complete the voyage alive. Evil will do everything to ensure that the Sea Trek etched into the memories of its participants. But that is not all - while powerful combat ships align into marching order, new mysterious persons are quietly organizing some very ambitious plans...

  Part one.

  Eruption of fire.

  “Mom! Mommy! What’s that over there?”

  "It is a war, son."

  Prologue.

  We are the Bulletin of Valdira! The most complete and objective source of knowledge about all current events in the magical world! We find out what cannot be learned, so that we can then tell our kind and devoted readers! Right now, several chroniclers of the "Bulletin" are in terrible danger! They are like mice hidden in secluded, dark corners, with their sensitive ears, their noses glistening with their thirst for knowledge. They collect and collect new and exclusive information. And there is a lot going on!

  But enough lyric, good readers! We move on to the main topic - the orcs! The orcs are coming!

  Just yesterday, there were no signs of trouble!

  Everyone knows about the ancient forest of giants on the Dark Edge, which is freely stretched to the west of the mountain range, partially encircling the fire-breathing volcanic plateau, fencing it off from the waters of the Sea of Ice. We all know about the orcs living under the ridge! Hundreds and thousands live in the dark underground aisles, in the awful caves! And they are ruled by the mighty and vicious orc Rabbah Gokh - the king of the orcs, the strongest of the strongest, the worst of the worst, the most bloodthirsty and the most vindictive!

  What calls for such a detailed description? Oh, you bet there is a reason! It is here that the recent nightmarish events took place!

  Without the slightest warning, the orc army suddenly set in motion!

  The orcs surfaced shortly before dawn and began to descend, carrying with them a plague of death and destruction!

  Hundreds of thousands of orcs stamped down the mountain slopes. The advance detachments had already stepped upon the ashen earth of the volcanic plateau called Vale of the Darkness! The orcs made straight for the Great City of Roghalrome, which is located in the northern part of the plateau. Along the way, they destroyed all living things, including a number of peaceful caravans, freight wagons, and travelers — as well as many adventurers, and several guards and mercenaries.

  The Bulletin of Valdira states - without the slightest doubt - this is war!

  Full-scale war, engulfing the entire volcanic plateau, and slowly marching farther to the south and east - to the southern peaceful lands and to the hot desert in the east.

  But what was the reason for such a sudden bloody turn?

  Was this a carefully concealed military plan for the orcs? A plan for a global invasion?

  Hardly! Everyone knows about the orcs’ hatred towards the other races, and therefore, their movements are watched with special attention and very thoroughly. However, this time, the whole horde of Orcs took off at the same time. All at once! In one fell swoop! No tactical movements, no preparation. And no training - in the literal sense! Our scouts, to our great amazement, informed us that many of the green-skinned warriors did not even have time to dress in combat armor and take up arms! They went on the campaign in ordinary clothes, armed with the first objects they could grab – whether it was a sword, a stone, or a simple stick!

  And there was only one single explanation for this crazy haste - the order of the king of the orcs. Only Rabbah Gokh could have been responsible.

  But why?

  What could have induced the wise old Rabbah Gokh to give such a strange order?

  Why would he send the orcs into a military campaign so suddenly that they did not have time to put on armor and arm themselves?

  To this, Valdira's Bulletin responds honestly and humbly - we do not know. But we will find out! The truth will be revealed to us, and therefore, to our faithful readers! Just wait for the next issue of the Valdira Bulletin!

  About the green and gray-skinned warriors!

  Our observers, those who soar among the heaving pillars of volcanic smoke and ash, report - the main forces of the orcs are divided!

  Most of them come to the dark walls of the town of Roghalrome. Hundreds of thousands of orcs are preparing to besiege the Great City! O heroes and adventurers! Glorious defenders of the world and order! If your weapons are still intact, if your armor is strong, and your spirit is too - go to Roghalrome, which is about to be in the midst of a deadly siege! Every warrior is needed! Every arrow will find its goal! Every shield can reflect an enemy’s blow! Hurry to help, good heroes! Every moment counts!

  The second, a little smaller part of the army of the orcs, have already surrounded the proud citadel, crowned with a fiercely burning magical eye.

  The orcs took surround Barad-Gadur, the stronghold of the Sleepless Clan!

  The orc shamans and spell casters arrive – never in the history of Valdira has there been a larger recorded conglomeration of orc mages in one place! Moreover, we receive unverified reports that no fewer shamans were drawn to the citadel of the Sleepless Clan than to Roghalrome itself! Unthinkable! Now we have yet to discover the main goal of the orcs – likely, the capture of the ancient Great City or the fortress of Barad-Gadur - and we cannot help but remind the good reader - Barad-Gadur has never been taken! Ever!

  In short, we are speechless. And we continue to receive more and more fresh information, and believe me - having read it, even the veteran will shudder and wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat!

  Here are just a few of the details:

  In a continuous line, forest giants and some other inhabitants of the dense forest of Dark Edge move towards the eastern ridge, behind which lies the volcanic plateau of the Vale of the Darkness. At the mountain range, they are already waiting for the kobolds, those evil dark folk - and according to rumors, they will serve as guides for the guests from the forest within the underground secret tunnels going under the mountain and right up to Vale. Very soon heavy woodland critters start moving through the ash-covered lands, heading towards their goals…

  Smoke above the volcano! The mouth of the long-standing volcano Smogusdol, located in the northern part of the ridge near Roghalrome, in recent times serving as a military smithy for the orc race, is smoking again. We all know the heroic story by heart — how an elite fighting force of the Clan of the Architects, who performed personal errands for the King of Roghalrome, invaded the hot interior of Smogusdol. The great warriors of the Architects killed the guards and blacksmiths, and then used a mysterious magical artifact to seal in the outgoing heat, thereby extinguishing not only the furnaces of the smithy, but also extinguishing the volcano itself! For years after that, Smogusdol was just a cold mountain covered with a snowcap. And now a dark smoke again began to waft over the cold vent. With every hour, it grows thicker and thicker... Has someone rekindled the furnaces of the volcanic forge? But who? How is it possible? And for what purpose? Will the heavy hammers of the orc blacksmiths once again forge weapons for war?

  He ordered the king!

  Quite unbelievable information …

  A message received by us says that, not long before the mass invasion of the orcs, a human was granted an audience with the King of the Orcs! He stood with Rabbah Gokh, absolutely unfazed, proud, upright, without any chains or shackles.

  Impossibl
e!

  The Orc King hates people terribly! He is the sworn enemy of the human race!

  The man arrived quietly, quite literally. He could not hear his words. But King Rabbah listened to the guest's words, and then slowly inclined his massive head, lined with human, elven and gnome skulls.

  Who is the mysterious person who visited the king of orcs?

  What did the mysterious guest say?

  Why did the king even listen to a man at all?

  And why did he bow his head, agreeing ... or obeying… another person’s words?

  Then the invasion of the orcs began ... a sudden mountainous avalanche descended, with a roar, from the snow-capped mountain peaks and a deadly wave swept over the peaceful settlements and outposts.

  Really, this "someone" gave the order to Rabbah Gokh, the ruler of the orcs and many dark creatures? Impossible!

  The Bulletin of Valdira is now checking the information received - details in the next issue! We caution peaceful travelers and traders from visiting the northwestern part of the continent and we implore you not to approach the Vale of the Darkness region, where something very bad will happen soon...

  To our deepest regret, the gloomy saga has not yet ended.

  In the southeast of Algora, the prolonged war within the local tribes – the orcs and Gyhle runts - continues. There are reports that two settlements and one guard post have managed to repel several enemy attacks and continue to hold down the fort. The glorious King of Algora has already given the order to reward each of the distinguished soldiers there. Their courage and fearlessness will not left unnoticed! In the same place, in the black clouds, were spotted two Drughoans the Scorchers – gigantic hawk moths “Dead Head”, raised in the temples of the goddess Guorra, whose name was recently voiced by the Great Oracle, which forewarned that Guorra was to be overthrown from the divine Olympus.

  We are again warning travelers from visiting those places. Many caravans and convoys have gone missing, and others have been destroyed. Dozens of villages and towns are being burned to the ground. The sky is filled with black storm clouds and the acrid smoke of fires. Be extremely vigilant!

  Lazurovode on fire!

  A small port town, famous for its shipyards, is being engulfed by fire! In real time! Just yesterday there was a big melee involving the Sleepless and their battle fleet. We do not know all the details and so far, we abstain from accusations of anyone, as well as from praise. But soon there will be a large article devoted to the events in Lazurovode on the pages of the Bulletin.

  In the meantime, we are reporting that the pirate admiral Lihodey appeared in Lazurovode, with his ships!A brave hero and his squad died heroically in the battle with the pirate fleet, and we mourn the deceased team together with everyone. All sailors were posthumously awarded.

  On the streets of Lazurovode, embittered by fire, fierce battles continue - many heroes come to the aid of the inhabitants, who continue to fight the bloodthirsty pirates! They need help, and now adventurers and heroes hurry to the rescue! Intercept the pirates on the yards! Kill those sea robbers! No mercy for the merciless destroyers of cities, no mercy for the greedy robbers!

  Another dungeon!

  By the way, speaking of adventurers - a new dungeon has been found! Gloomy, raw, deep, and filled to the brim with evil monsters - all according to the canon of the classics! The new dungeon was discovered thanks to the efforts of the glorious gnome Murohrom - his name already appeared once on our pages, as this particular hero saved many residents during a terrible disaster in a small town. And now he again distinguishes himself - during the excavation of a long-depleted and abandoned mine in the area of Uzkoprud, which is to the south of the Free Valley. Now, dozens of adventurers are hurrying to the dungeon to try their luck in the darkness. Rumor has it that the yet unnamed cave has to do with the mysterious race of Ancients, or the Greats, as they are often called.

  And also...

  Chapter One.

  Morning. Coffee.

  Having closed the express issue of Valdira Bulletin, I gave the magazine to the green-skinned giant half-orc sitting next to me. Taking a porcelain cup full of coffee from the table, I took a large sip.

  The half-orc picked up the newspaper, rustled the pages, and thoughtfully scratched his perfectly shaven chin with his fingers. He ran a hand over his short statutory hairstyle, adjusted the newly purchased white cotton shirt. He pulled out a watch from the pocket of his wide black pants, snapped open the lid, and glanced at the dial. Gently closing the watch, he put it back, and fished out a couple of gold coins. After looking for a second at their dull gleam, the half-orc returned to the study of the articles. He emitted another thoughtful grunt. I waited patiently.

  “And these are the gaming news?” The giant half-orc asked in surprise.

  “Uh-huh,” I sighed. “Such is life.”

  "That's nothing, daddy," sighed the girl in a simple green dress, who was sitting next to my wolf — Kirea the Protectress.

  I looked angrily at Kira, struggling to keep my mouth shut. However, I was completely ignored, along with all my puffing and indignation. Kira continued:

  “It could be worse. I, by the way, have seen him! The king of the orcs! Rabbah! Oh, the horror! The nightmarish, muscular type— three meters tall, with broad shoulders, arms thick. Hair black, sticking out in bunches on different sides and on his head a tall turban-crown with skulls surrounding it, and in their eye sockets, inserted precious stones of all colors! On the body, a gold cuirass, below, a gold-embellished skirt. In each hand, an all-metal halberd with a shaft the thick of the wrist! Each such thing over a hundred pounds, and he was waving them like nothing. And if it starts spinning around and waving his arms - nothing and no one can break through the tornado of death. He scattered us, the whole squad of fifteen. I flew to the resurrection the second to last. Hmph. In general - I somehow cannot believe that Rabbah himself bowed his head before some man.

  “Yeah,” Grokhot Storm shook his head and glanced sideways at me. “Have you seen the king of the orcs, sailor?”

  "I have not seen him," I muttered in response. "So what?"

  “Eh, nothing.” The hand of the half-orc dropped and stroked Roska's hair, who was falling asleep in the armchair, resting on the back of the black and white giant wolf. “And here’s my little granddaughter. What about in real life?”

  "Very likely!" Kira answered, forcing me to choke on my coffee.

  “Well, glorious!” sighed the half orc. “Perhaps I can educate her!...”

  “I will go,” I grumbled, getting up from the chair. “Kira, watch the child and the wolf. Follow the child and the wolf so that nothing happens to them. Follow my father for the sake of collecting compromising evidence, which I will then show my mother. If he dies – get the details on camera. I will enjoy his death later with a cup of tea.”

  “Hmph,” pouted Kira. “And where are you going?”

  “I have a thought,” I said. “An important one. Therefore, in an hour, I wait for you in the city of Krom. Until that time, I will try to build the rest of the team. I am sure they are tired of swimming in luxury, and will be eager to get into a new adventure.”

  “Wow! I am with you! And what kind of thought is it?”

  “The Dark Edge is empty,” I smiled. “The forest giants and other creatures are marching to the east. Is this not a chance? Quickly show dad how to level up, and then fly to me.”

  “Alright. How interesting! Did you read about Murohrom?”

  “The gnome becomes more famous by the day,” I nodded. “A hero and an adventurer worthy of imitation.”

  "Do you believe that? Two such distinguishable events in a row?”

  “I do not care,” I confessed. “It is his own business.”

  “Hmm,” the Storm rumbled, never looking up from the reading. “Well, well ...”

  "I will go," I repeated with a sigh, and made my way to the hotel, which, by a very lucky coincidence, was directly over Valdira's bank.

 
The next half hour I intended to deal with the distribution of funds, as well as stocking my inventory of my acquired property. A lot of nonsense, basically — but necessary.

  My father had bought a game cocoon – seven times cooler than mine! – set it right in the hall — and embarked on his first journey through the world of Valdira.

  He slipped through the cradle of Algora in half an hour, passing a couple of levels. At the exit, he was met by Kirea, who hastily dressed the "newborn" in decent clothes and provided him with a couple of gizmos.

  And no, thank God, my father was not going to control my life in Valdira, as he announced loudly and clearly during yesterday's dinner. He read a lot about the World of Valdira in recent days. And I decided to make sure that he was right. I wanted to see everything with my own eyes. Caught in a magical colorful world, he managed to keep an impassive expression, but my eyes did not deceive me - he was shocked. This was clear as a day. Although he kept his cool outwardly, his quick glances from side to side betrayed his interest. Just seeing him look at his own green fingers was worth it. He so often moved his fingers in front of his nose that I was waiting for my father to show me some kind of magic trick. And his wandering gaze along the ornamented pediments of the buildings and the roofs of Algora was a dead giveaway. My father was shocked down to the center of his sea battered soul...

  By the way, I would give a tooth, and the tooth is real, not virtual, to bet that the word "Grokhot" in the father’s nickname appeared not simply so...

  The bank met me with business impassivity. I took out a heavy, black and yellow bag of gold coins. The banker moved his hand, and the area around us was enveloped in an impenetrable golden haze. Now other visitors would not be aware of exactly what I was going to do in the majestic hall with high ceilings and expensive finishing. The main hall was more like one of the luxurious rooms of the royal palace, and not a business,

  The official ceremoniously inclined his head and asked: