by Eden Redd
“I cannot risk the three of you getting hurt. For now, we will go with them,” The witch said with a hard edge.
“I thought you would do anything to protect us,” Aznara said with a hint of craziness in her eyes.
Gwen looked back to the orcs as they stood ready for either decision, “If I knew for certainty that none of you would be harmed, I would lay all of them to waste. There is a game being played so we will join the game willingly. Put your hands down.”
Heads turned to each other and reluctantly hands went to their sides, spells fizzling. The circle of orcs moved closer, muscles bulging and ready for anything. The head orc sheathed his sword and stepped to the ink witch. His black eyes looked the witch up and down, his pointed little nose taking in her scent. Gwen showed no fear as the orc leaned in closer.
“You are strong. I like a challenge,” The orc leered.
“I fear this challenge will only kill you,” Gwen said defiantly.
“Be still my black heart,” The orc turned to his soldiers, “Take their packs and weapons. If any one of them whispers one spell, slay all of them.”
The orc moved through his soldiers as they relieved the four companions of their packs and Lori’s staff. An orc removed Trystan’s canteen from his belt. Aznara blew an orc a kiss as it searched her, a rough hand fondling her breast.
“You might want to check between my legs. I have kept many swords snug there, tight and warm,” The orc ignored her as he finished patting her down and stepping away.
The leader turned to the orcs and four companions, “Let us be on our way. May the Emerald goddess smile on our travels.”
***
Trystan studied the enemy as they flanked their sides. Two hours had passed as they marched further and further North. The orcs did not speak or even acknowledge their presence but the mage could feel them watching from the corner of their eyes.
Trystan remembered everything he could about orcs. He knew they were savage brutes who attacked towns, raping women and killing men. They were of low intelligence, basing everything off their simple urges. The mage wanted to shake his head as he thought about myths and legends. The orcs here were organized and spoke with a normal intelligence. Watching the leader, he knew that they weren’t the brutes and animals they have always been made out to be. The mage continued to wonder why so much propaganda was placed on anything not human. The college accepted para-humans this year and now he and his friends were caught by the politest war party he had ever heard of. There were no snarls or pathetic attempts of brutality. The orcs marched and their group marched with them in uncomfortable silence, hardly the monsters of legend.
The mountain had poked high in the sky hours ago but now it loomed before the mage. Small streams of smoke rose into the air as the mage looked down to the base and saw a wooden town. A wall of pointed spears surrounded the town as chimneys bellowed smoke. Orcs dressed in simple folk’s clothes looked up and waved to the war party as they returned.
The main gates opened and three rows marched in, two rows of orcs on either side of the leader and the four companions. When the last two orcs marched in, the gate was closed and sealed. Trystan looked pass meaty green necks as orc children pointed and stared, calling out to their mothers. For the first time, Trystan felt like he was the monster on display and his stomach soured.
The war party continued their march until they stopped at the largest structure in the town, a stone and wood building built out of fine craftsmanship. The main double doors opened. The orc soldiers moved in unison as they stood off to the side, leaving the four prisoners standing alone in the middle.
A male and female orc stepped through the main doorway followed by a female orc in a black robe and the biggest orc Trystan had ever seen with a large hammer over his shoulder. The first male and female orc were dressed in ornamental clothes fit for royalty. The male wore a mixture of armor and green fabrics. The female wore a jewel encrusted circlet and fine clothes adhering to a strong womanly body. The second female wore a robe indicative of a court sorceress. The larger second male looked like a bodyguard.
The male orc stepped forward, lower jaw jutting out and two tusks pointed up pass his bottom lip, “I welcome you to Rudal. I am Lord Dubok War Bane and this is Lady Ursa War Bane.”
Gwen stepped forward, “I would introduce ourselves but from how your captain spoke at our capture, you already know who we are.”
Lord Dubok nodded, “I do apologize but my kinds reputation precedes us. I felt an invitation would not convince you to come willingly.”
“Why are we your….guests?” Gwen asked.
The orc lord took another step forward, “We can speak more once inside. I have had the chefs prepare a feast in your honor. We can talk further on many subjects.”
“And our equipment and gear?”
The orc smiled, “It will be kept safe until you are ready to leave our little town. Please come in and we shall allow you a moment to freshen up.”
Orcs behind the group took two steps forward. With little choice, the four followed the lord and lady as they turned and strolled back into the main hall. Once inside, all four were separated. Two soldiers escorted Trystan down a hallway and into a room. Closing the door behind him, the mage exhaled like he had been holding his breath for hours. Looking around the room, the mage spotted a large bed with fine clothes laid out. The windows were closed but the light from outside showed there were bars over the tinted golden glass. A mirror stood with a closet off to the left of it. A lavatory stood opposite of the bed with a single small window with bars on it. The mage felt like a special guest. So special that they put bars on the windows so he couldn’t escape their hospitality.
Trystan stepped over to the bed and peered down at the clothes. The garments were well made and pretty stylish. Feeling like he had little choice, the mage took off his jacket and threw it on the bed. A knock at the door caused him to turn around.
“Come in.”
The door opened and the black robed orc walked in. Closing the door behind her, she turned to Trystan and pulled back her hood revealing painted markings on her green skin. Her hand contained a small bowl with a black liquid.
“My name is Batul Seer Fang, Court Sorceress to Lord Dubok and Lady Ursa War Bane. I’m here to ensure you are fully prepared for dinner later.”
Trystan blinked, “Prepared?”
The sorceress gave a sly smirk, “Contrary to popular belief, we do not eat humans.”
“Ummm…I didn’t mean that. I just don’t understand….” The mage was cut off.
“Please remove your shirt. I must inspect your skin.” Batul said with authority.
Trystan was hesitated, “Why do you need to inspect my skin?”
The orc moved closer and placed the small bowl on the bed. Gracefully she took hold of Trystan’s shirt, undoing a button, “You are a mage and have familiars. We must take precautions if you decide to unleash them and attack our lord.”
“I had no plans on letting my familiars out or attacking anyone,” Trystan said genuinely. He was ready to defend himself and his friends but attacking wasn’t even his fourth option.
The orc unbuttoned the last button and opened Trystan’s shirt. Black eyes looked over Trystan’s skin as she peeled away his shirt, “You may be speaking the truth but we must be sure. I see you have two familiars, one on each arm,” The orc looked a little closer at the black oval over his chest, “What is this marking?”
Trystan looked down, “No idea. A bad decision after a late night out with friends.”
The sorceress peered closer, “May I inspect it?”
“I don’t see the harm. Maybe you can tell me what it is?”
A clawed hand pressed against the mage’s chest. Purple energy surrounded the orc’s hand as her eyes closed. The orc was silent as energy caressed Trystan’s skin. The mage could feel a tingling right before a small flash. The orc pulled her hand away like she was burned and clutched it to her chest.
“Why do you have
such terrible magic marked on your skin?” The sorceress hissed.
“Terrible magic? I don’t know what it is. Why is it terrible magic?” The mage asked as if he offended the orc.
The sorceress picked up the small bowl and dipped two fingers in, “Someone has marked you. They can see into your mind. The mark has tendrils reaching deep into your chest and entwining with your heart. I must put it to sleep before you can step out of this room.”
Trystan watched as the orc sorceress painted a line over the oval. She then moved and painted a line over Sylk. The orc peered at the image of Bella with several stars around her form. A moment passed before she painted a line over the blue slime.
“How can you tell? How do you know?” Trystan asked.
The sorceress made eye contact with the mage, “My people have studied and passed down the old ways. You have a tribal marking mixed with many different techniques. The marking I have placed over your tattoos will seal them into place. You will not be able to call on your familiars and they will not be able to hear or speak to you. The effect is temporary. You will be able to remove the seal by morning.”
“Will they have any ill effects? Will they be okay?” Trystan worried how Sylk and Bella were going to take it knowing that they were imprisoned on their master’s skin.
“Your familiars will be asleep for the duration,” The sorceress leaned in close, fanged mouth an inch from Trystan’s ear, “Be sure to remove the markings I have placed by morning. Do you understand?”
Trystan nodded with a slightly confused look, “I understand.”
The orc pulled away and took one last eyeful of Trystan’s chest, “Then dress. Guards will come at dusk to escort you to dinner.”
***
Trystan walked with two orc guards slightly behind him. The waiting was the worst but he was finally glad to be out of his room. The setting sun painted windows a deep orange. The mage looked around as he walked a long hallway. Tapestries hung from the walls. Orcs in various battle poses stood with groups of orcs looking to their leader. Trystan eyed a tapestry as he walked by it, the orc leading a charge had the same features as their host. The mage wondered if the lord of Rudal had an ego the size of his tapestries.
Further down the hall, Gwen walked toward the mage with two guards at her back. The mage turned to see the ink witch, dressed in red with embroidered long sleeves and crisscrossed thin rope down the front of the dress. On top of her head was her witches hat. Gwen looked to her friend and smiled, eyes drinking in his royal looking garb and happy smile on his face.
The two met in the middle, in front of a pair of large and sturdy wooden doors. One of the guards took to each side and opened both of them. The mage and Witch stepped into a large banquet hall. Candles glowed and a fireplace warmed the room. A long table sat in the middle. Lori and Aznara were seated, the druid and succubus wearing similar dresses as Gwen’s, Lori in green and Aznara in black and red. Lord and Lady War Bane sat at the head of the table. The guards escorted the mage and witch to the head of the table. Trystan took a seat to Lord Dubok’s right while Gwen took a seat to Lady Ursa’s left.
Servants poured in from side doors, carrying silver trays and bottles of wine. The trays were placed on the table and covers lifted. Scents of freshly cooked meats swirled and more trays of breads, cheeses and fruits were placed on the table. Goblets were filled with wine and placed in front of each dinner guest. All four eyed the wine. The same bottles were used to fill the lord and lady’s goblets. Lord Dubok took a long sip and placed the cup on the table.
Aznara took her goblet and took a sip. She put the cup down and looked to Trystan and Gwen and nodded her head. All three took their cups and sipped cautiously. Trystan looked off to the side to see the captain from their capture leaning against a wall in the corner. The orc used a toothpick to clean his teeth. Glancing over at Trystan, the orc nodded and went back to picking at his teeth, a sheathed sword at his hip.
“Captain Sord is here merely in a protective capacity,” Lord Dubok smiled at Trystan.
“Is he here to protect us from you?” Aznara said sarcastically.
Lord Dubok looked to the succubus and let out a hearty laugh, “You have such wit. It pleases me you can join us for dinner.”
The table was quiet.
“Please eat your fill. I’m sure travelling all this way has left you famished,” Lord Dubok said heartily.
The succubus was first to reach for the food and start tearing away at it. Lori soon followed. Trystan gave a look to Gwen and began filling his plate. The lord and lady began eating from their full plates in earnest. The room filled with the sounds of eating and Trystan had to admit the meat was delicious.
Gwen nibbled a bit of meat before speaking, “How long do you plan on keeping us here as your guests?”
Lord Dubok sipped his wine, “I believe only for tonight. You can leave in the morning back to your homes.”
“I noticed your town is right before the mountain. We are travelling there on college business,” Gwen let go of her goblet and looked at their host.
“Yes, it is. I also know you seek to capture the Emerald Goddess. That is why we are having a lovely dinner so you will be refreshed when you leave back the way you came.”
“Please pardon me if I may come off rude but how do you know our intentions or our quest?” Trystan asked as polite as he could.
“The Emerald Goddess informed me of your quest and intentions. We had a very long discussion a few days before you arrived,” The orc lord said and stabbed a piece of steak with his fork.
“We mean no harm to you or your people. We mean to only investigate the ruins and speak with the slime living there,” Lori said as she leaned in to see the orc lord.
Lord Dubok took a bite of meat and sat back, “Do not presume I am some brute who doesn’t understand what you are doing. I know the lovely Ink Witch has an artifact that can capture our goddess.”
“Lord Dubok, we only have such an artifact if your goddess means us harm. We simply wish to investigate the ruins as part of our research,” Gwen said while making eye contact with the lord.
“Despite whatever your intentions are, I will not risk it. The Emerald Goddess has shown my people and I more than any human ever has in the history of Lurth.”
“What if we promise to not interact with your goddess? What if we can see the ruins and make some notes?” Trystan asked.
Lord Dubok smiled, “Notes? I know mages are a crafty lot. You will say anything to achieve your goals.”
Lady Ursa was quiet. Goblet in one hand, she reached out and touched her husband with another, “Husband, maybe we should hear them out? Come to some agreement we all can settle on?”
Lord Dubok took her hand and squeezed it, “You fear too much my love.”
The orc lord looked to the questioning faces of his guests and continued, “My wife has concerns just as I do. The Emerald Goddess will only speak with me. There will be no reasoning with her if you arrive to take notes,” The last word came out with a hint of sarcasm.
“Lord Dubok, we cannot leave until we have investigated the ruins. We believe there is foul magic being used. Surely you do not wish for the college to send a stronger force?” Gwen said.
The orc lord’s mouth twisted into a frown, “You eat at my table and then throw out a threat?”
Gwen lowered her eyes, “I meant no disrespect. This has become an urgent matter for the college and the wellbeing of all creatures. We simply need a small amount of your time to see if there are threats on your lands.”
Lord Dubok sneered, “And the college will come along and snuff out those threats? My calm demeanor will only take this abuse so much. My lands know peace. While the other orcs, goblins and trolls run to Fallen York, my tribe is here and living in peace.”
“Fallen York?” Trystan repeated.
The lord looked at him coolly, “You must have heard of the migrations?” Lord Dubok turned to Lori, “Druid, you have heard the whispers?”
Lori was quiet for a moment, “We have heard of it but we didn’t know the location.”
Lord Dubok smirked, “It is no great secret. I find it hard to believe you didn’t know completely. Emissaries have passed through, telling of a new age. A place where our various races can grow and learn in peace. The wilds have been harsh on many and they took to the sweet talk of a future paradise. Fallen York is the location of the great migration. My people have been happy here and have chosen not to leave. Our Emerald Goddess has taught us much so we are now self-sufficient.”
“Then it is important that we investigate the ruins so your people may live on in peace? You spoke of concerns and we are willing to help with those concerns,” Gwen spoke with an edge of pleading.
Lord Dubok gave her a hard stare, “I doubt anything you or the college can do will change anything. You will leave in the morning. If the college decides to send more mages to my doorstep, they will be met with war.”
Lori stood up from her seat. The druid walked over and bowed before the orc lord. Captain Sord put his green hand on the pommel of his blade.
“I believe we can negotiate for fair terms on both sides. We have come all this way and simply cannot turn back,” Lori said with her head bowed.
Lord Dubok gave a small deep laugh, “I admire your tenacity but you have nothing to bargain with. Even if you did, I doubt it would change my mind.”
Lori stood up and stared into the orc lord’s black eyes, “I believe we should continue negotiations. Are you aware of the Nobo Accord?”
The orc lord was silent for a long moment, fingers pressing together as he gazed at the druid, “The Nobo Accord has not been used in over two hundred years. Not since most of humankind pushed away contact between the races.”
Trystan looked around, “Nobo Accord?”
Gwen picked up her goblet, “The Nobo Accord is a form of negotiating practiced centuries ago. It was a way to gain intimate knowledge and sharing for improved contracts and treaties.”
“The druids still hold this form of negotiating in high regard and though it is not practiced in the world at large, druids still practice it to this day,” Lori said with conviction.
