Seth smiled. "I know it was directed at me because he used my name."
CHAPTER 18: MYTHOLOGICAL DIPLOMACY
Chance – Creek County, Oklahoma
“Well what do you think we do, Seth?” asked Asher Cries-For-War.
“I think the answer is obvious, but it's so hard for me to comprehend,” said Seth. “Maybe the Sons aren’t exactly who we think they are.”
"They're dangerous."
“Yes they are, but so are we. There are no orc lieutenants in Ragnog. Men lead, and orcs follow. We are dealing with a new kind of animal,” said Seth.
“A fascist animal. Orcs that think they are going to rule the world,” said Asher.
"Yes, fascist orcs, or mystic goblins, choose your poison," said Seth. "But now we have a option. If we want to have a choice, I think we have to talk to them."
"Are you going to tell any of this to the elder races? And who do we take with us?"
"I think that tribe may be a little too set in their ways," said Seth. "And who knows, maybe they contacted us because they wanted council against the elf warriors in Green Country."
"If the elves catch word of this they may kill us," said Asher.
"Then we keep them preoccupied," said Seth, "I've got nothing but respect for them. You just have to know how to handle them."
“What about Chance? Do you want him to go with us to the link-up point?”
"I think we do. The financier will be our ambassador," said Seth. "Keep Butch here while I go with Chance to the link-up point."
“Could orcs be trusted in diplomacy?” thought Seth.
Chance and Seth had made sure all magazines and clips were fully loaded and their weapons were lubricated before moving. Chance and Asher found their location on the map and went towards it. Seth looked like a cowboy, but he always reminded Chance of a jazz musician with a harsh face. He reminded others of a jazz musician, because he could be hunting orcs, and remain calm when talking. He remembered his time with Nomads, Seth coming back and calmly telling the group that there were some orcs in the neck of the woods. But even with Seth's calm exterior, Chance could see the perspiration on the security guard's face.
“That’s far enough,” said Seth.
Chance froze in place and then raised his weapon.
"Keep your hands where we can see them, and nothing bad is going to happen," said Seth.
Chance eyes looked everywhere, he could not see the orc.
Then a green figure emerged from the woods and lifted his hands into the air.
"Who are you?" asked Chance.
"Get down on your belly," said Seth.
"My name is Ziles, and I am in full compliance. I will perform any duty necessary to show I am not a potential threat."
Ziles mannerism and use of language displayed professionalism. As Chance thought of this, his skin crawled at the thought of a well-trained orc army. They weren't just dealing with a monster, they were dealing with a well-trained soldier, who had the physical strength and attributes of an orc.
Seth’s weapon was still raised as he approached the orc.
“You send forth the champion to speak to me? My master will be ashamed he did not make the trek himself,” said Ziles.
Seth’s hand visibly shook as he reached out and grabbed Ziles’ weapon and pulled back from him and set it on the ground. Seth’s hand pulled back at black poncho Ziles was wearing, revealing a tactical kit, a vest containing plate carriers, and extremely muscled body underneath the body armor. Each magazine in Ziles’ kit was identical to the other, faced in the same direction, with the magazines pointing down. Chance came forward and raised his weapon towards Ziles, and Seth slung his assault rifle to search Ziles.
“Orcslayer, I have an ordinance on my body. On my hip, you will find my secondary weapon system, a Colt .45 caliber pistol. Beneath my kit, I have a traditional orcish blade which you do not see. In my pants and boots I carry no weapon, but for your peace of mind, I understand you still will search. I recommend taking my kit, but I plead with you to pull an item, a gold ring from the pouch on the section left of my magazines.”
Seth removed the kit and pulled the orcish blade from behind the kit. It was sheathed on a forty-five-degree angle across his chest, so that it remained concealed, but was rapidly deployable.
Filius was inscribed into the handle.
“Seth Adams, the Orc Slayer, a worthy adversary," said Ziles.
“How do you know my name?”
"Reconnaissance and intelligence gathering are not unique to your species."
“Don’t try anything stupid, Ziles,” said Seth.
"Of course not, Mr. Adams. I am fully confident in your lethal abilities I desire to only have a dialogue with the Nomads."
"What devilry is this?" a voice from the trees called out.
All three stared up at the voice. There in the tree was Greenoak. The elf had his bow pulled back with a noticeably thicker arrow pulled back. Seth recognized what it was. It was a select arrow, benefits of mythological trade. A dwarf-crafted arrow with an explosive shaft. Greenoak had a small piece of flint on his fingertip that would light a short fuse on the arrow as it left the bow.
"Greenoak, if you let that go, we will all die."
"Do my eyes deceive me, or do the Nomads conspire against the Council?"
"No, that is not the case, elf-friend," said Seth. "We are gathering information. There is a chance for peace; it is too great to pass-by. The reward is too great, please do not let that arrow fly."
"Two orcs with one shot? I call that combat calculus pretty impressive."
"I am at your mercy, I wish only to speak to the Nomads and, yes, I wish to speak to the Elves," said Ziles.
"This is rich," said Greenoak. "My amusement at a talking monster has spared your life." Greenoak put the combustible arrow back into his quiver and drew another arrow. The elf let the arrow fly, and as it did, a thin rope was released from inside its shaft. Taking the line, he tied it to the tree branch he was standing on. Then using his bow, Greenoak slid down the line, landing within a few feet of the trio.
Greenoak stepped forward, pressing an elvish blade against Ziles’ throat.
“Looks like you got your wish, amigo,” said Seth.
"I get the fact that we are in the great orc/elf Oklahoma apocalypse," said Chance, "but I got to be honest. That is the coolest thing that I have ever seen."
No one laughed. Seth stared as Greenoak stared at Ziles, and Ziles stared back. Ziles' respect for Seth was not shared for Greenoak. The goblin who had rehearsed the old language, and who appeared so disciplined, could barely contain his apparent hatred for his elvish adversary.
"I come only to speak," said Ziles.
"When do monsters speak to my tribe?"
"When we, as a people, grow tired of these forever wars."
Greenoak almost dropped his blade, from the shock of Ziles’ words. Seth set his hand on his shoulder.
"Stay calm my friend," started Seth.
"Speak, orc!" said Greenoak interrupting Seth, "My judgment tells me your death is the clear answer, but for my amusement at this freak show, I will let you plead your case. I find an orc with an impressive vocabulary to be quite humorous."
"I speak for the purpose of diplomacy. While from my training, I remain dangerous, I am unarmed. I do not wish violence. I bare good news for the weary and the diligent souls who pursue Elena Elvinmeyer, and desire her freedom.”
“Orcslayer, let's end this debacle quickly, and with his death," said the elf, suddenly reverting to anger at the mention of Elena's name.
“Greenoak, have some compassion,” said Seth.
"I would, Seth, one fatal blow to the head, no suffering," said the Old World native.
“Greenoak,” said Ziles, “if you do not listen to my words, there is no hope for the Elvinmeyer line. Please know she is protected. And, yes, we seek to give her back to you -”
“But what, greenface?"
"We wish to speak to t
he Council of the Elder Races."
Greenoak laughed incredulously, and shook his head. “Your request is impossible!”
“Must I remind you that Elvinmeyer is with us? This means we tracked her, defeated the Nomads' security, slipped past the elfish scouts, abducted her, and now," said Ziles, who suddenly slowed his speech making his more deliberate, "now we protect her better than you could."
Greenoak could barely contain his rage. He began to walk towards Ziles, but Seth stepped in front of him and whispered something in a fluid language. Seth stood with Greenoak for five minutes, though it felt like an eternity. Finally, Greenoak nodded and turned his attention back to the goblin.
“How strange this day is! An orc gives diplomacy, a man provides wisdom, and it is the child of the fair race who fails to keep his temper,” said Greenoak. “Orc, I do not trust you. But if you are sincere, and I am in the wrong, please understand my situation.”
“Of course, sir,” said Ziles, "we are warriors, and warriors are the best diplomats. My apologies if my orc-pride serves as an obstacle in my mission, but my plea is this: understand that our mission is peace."
“An orc that seeks the Council of the Elders is to request peace? That is impossible!” said Seth. “But I must admit, that is very appealing.”
“Yes, and it is appealing to my people as well,” said Ziles. “I am young, but I am weary, as is my Master, Elden Orkenkind -”
“Elden Orkenkind, the Missing Link?” asked Greenoak.
Ziles clenched his fist, at the perceived insult to Elden. "If I die defending my Master's name, then I die with honor."
“But then you would die, as would Elena, and as would your quest for peace,” said Seth. “I’m impressed. You are not some mindless beast. I’m genuinely impressed you knew that was an insult.”
"Yes, I have studied your history and your culture," said Ziles, “and Mr. Greenoak, I have studied your ways as well.”
“And make no mistake, we have studied you as well. Elden Orkenkind, though he is a beast, is wise. As you said, a worthy adversary. What is that old fox's request?" asked Greenoak.
“It is simple, we wish for the Sons to have a seat in the Council, and for the Elves and the Nomads to stop killing our people.”
“It is a total war between our people, there is no compromise,” said Greenoak.
"But there is a compromise. We have demonstrated it, with our humane treatment of the Elvinmeyer’s last daughter. We can show restraint. We do not want our people killed any longer. We want peace.”
"But I don't entirely believe that," said Seth. "For far too long, I have seen the cruelty that comes out of Ragnog, and the cruelty of your kind, whether or not you belong to that town. If the Nomads weren’t killing you, you’d be killing your own.”
“My master said you were wise, Seth Adams, and know I experienced your wisdom for myself. Your words are true, but the Sons will change this. Please, come, we can end this now. This conflict does not have to belong in this world.”
“What about this?” said Greenoak, “We kill you, and we take her anyways -”
“Do you think Elden would let that happen?" asked Ziles. "Mr. Greenoak, you said he was a worthy adversary. I am dumbfounded by your praise for my Master, it is the first I have ever heard of the ‘fair race' praise of my people. But think of this, Mr. Greenoak, if you praise him, how much more deadly is my master than you think? Please, if I offend, if my arrogance hinders my message, forgive me, but our people could have peace.”
“But there will be war with your people,” said Seth Adams. “Whether or not we officially end this conflict, Ragnog will fight against you."
"And Ragnog will make war against you too,” said Ziles. "My Master begs you. Read between the lines."
Seth stood with his gaped mouth as the young orc spoke. He looked at Greenoak who was also visibly shaken.
“Mr. Greenoak, we are warriors. Skepticism is necessary for planning our actions. If you doubt my words, please take this as a token of my sincerity.”
"And what of value can a goblin offer me?"
“Do you recognize this?” asked Ziles as he held up a ring. “Do you recognize the seal?”
Seth took the ring from Ziles, and held it up, “this is the Elvinmeyer crest.”
“Yes,” said Ziles. "Understand the Sons did not have any hand in killing that family. We have become knowledgeable in the history of the Elves, the Nomads, and the Council. Knowing their mission, we would not have been a threat to them. Listen to the wisdom of my Master,” said Ziles as he looked to the left and right. “Listen to what we are trying to offer,” he moved his head forward and whispered.
“Ten minutes ago, I would have called this ring a murder trophy. But the past few minutes have been enlightening," said Greenoak, who now held the ring in his hand.
Seth and Greenoak exchanged glances, giving mental cues to one another. Chance saw these and was surprised to realize that Ziles noticed them as well. Not only did Ziles read them, he understood to leave when their curiosity was the most peaked. It was a technique Chance had used both with women and as a salesman: leave his audience asking for more. Chance also knew that if Asher were here, he would point to Ziles and tell him that was the example of a lieutenant to imitate.
“We will escort you back,” said Seth.
“No!” exclaimed Ziles adamantly, "I must go alone. Orc lives depend on that. I am humbled to be in the presence of such potent warriors, but I must depart alone."
"Orc-son," said Greenoak, "tell your Master, tell Elden Orkenkind, we wish to have more dialogue.”
Seth's eyes bulged. Ziles smiled and stood up, and it was Greenoak who handed the orc his equipment.
“This news shall be carried swiftly to my Master,” said Ziles.
"Make haste. Our hope is with you," said Greenoak. He unbuckled his sheath, and the knife that he bore. "Take this to your Master. May it be a sign of things to come.”
With that the orc sprinted away from them and towards his Master.
CHAPTER 19: THE PLOT THICKENS
Elena - Creek County, Oklahoma
Gorgon Bartok gait grew ungraceful as he became more and more fatigued. Fearing his violent mood, Elena moved closer to Elden as she walked. She was not sure of the response she would get from him. She looked up at him and he stared back at her with his terrifying visage. He looked at Bartok, then looked at her and smiled. This made Elena feel at peace. Ziles had smiled broad, baring his fangs, but Elden kept his lips closed to conceal the tusks that he bore.
“Where is Ziles?” barked Bartok.
"You sent him back. He knows where we are stopping, he can find us at our stopping point."
Green County foliage covered the ground and Elena knew what part of the state they were still in. She had seen Elden pull out a map on more than one occasion, but he refused to let her see it. He wore a large watch on his wrist that she believed was a GPS. As the night grew into the morning, she knew they were about to stop, and Elden walked up towards Bartok and directed him on the path to take.
They had reached Kiefer, Oklahoma.
Finally, something Elena recognized. Now, she knew where they were.
The Kiefer castle; the closing of the state parks, combined with state government's failed attempt to privatize them resulted in a complete drop in Oklahoma tourism. This drop in tourism had lef the Kiefer castle completely abandoned. Bartok attempted to go straight into the castle, but Elden, silently but quickly, grabbed him by the shoulder and stopped him. Elena could see the rage in Bartok’s eyes, but Elden spoke to him softly. The orc nodded, and then walked towards Elena, while Elden circled the building in a clover-leaf shape.
After Elden went around the house, he slung his rifle and drew a concealed pistol. He entered the house the way she had seen cops and soldiers go into homes in the movies. Elden was inside the house for what felt like twenty minutes. As Elena watched the house while he continued working through the inside, she realized that she and Bart we
re outside the castle all by themselves. Gorgon Bartok appeared to come to the same realization at the same time Elena did. The orc leader turned his head and then moved towards the cellist.
Elena shrunk back as he came towards her. The Gorgon Bartok said nothing but continued to stare at Elena. She was afraid to speak, but she was more fearful of the silence.
“You look tired,” said Elena.
The intensity in Bartok’s eyes did not lessen. “No elf-daughter, I am not tired.”
"Oh."
"I'm...hungry."
At that same moment, Elden came back and placed his giant hand on Gorgon Bartok shoulder. With all his muscularity, Gorgon Bartok did not hear him coming and he jumped when Elden put his hand on his shoulder. He turned to Elden who then pointed in the direction of the abandoned site. Elden spoke in the old language. Elena could tell he was giving explicit directions onto the entrance. Bartok nodded and then began walking towards the structure.
When Bartok was out of sight, Elden turned to Elena.
“Are you alright?” he asked.
"Gorgon is not like you or Ziles.”
"You are observant. Yes, Elvinmeyer, remember those differences when you are back to your people."
“When will that be?”
“When it is appropriate. Remember the humane treatment you received from Ziles, and the compassion he demonstrated when he cared for your injuries."
“When will Ziles return?” asked Elena.
“I think…” he started to speak, and then deliberately changed the pace of his words, to better control the outcome. “No, he will back soon. Soon.”
"I believe he will be back soon too."
"Then, for the first time, I think we agree,” said Elden.
The Dark Lord of Oklahoma Page 20
