Master Pilk knew that Kade had no major ambitions in the army. He would simply do as he was ordered to do. If he was offered a promotion he would take it no doubt, as he would see that as a way he could serve the army even better. He was a very talented swordsman and well-built for a man of average height. As he watched Kade take up his guard position and the rest of the men lying down trying to make themselves comfortable, Master Pilk decided he'd better get some rest himself. He'd need as much energy as he could to get these soldiers safely back to Arthea in the morning. He advised the boys to get some rest before lying down himself, using his pack as a pillow.
* * *
Vik didn't think he could possibly sleep. He had lost his entire family in less than half a day. But exhaustion soon overtook him and he slept long and deep. He woke up feeling very stiff, the result of laying on hard rock all night with nothing but a thin blanket for cushioning. The rest of the camp was already awake, including Trent. Thirty-eight men set out on this mission, plus the two boys. One was sent back to Arthea, and so of the thirty-seven who went into this battle, only eleven made it out of the grove. Vik had never seen a dead body before this night and now he had seen more than he ever wanted to again.
The soldiers had nothing to eat but the rations they carried on their person, and there was scant chance of finding anything in this barren terrain in a hurry, so after nibbling on their rations Master Pilk set up another two gates, taking them as far south as he could see. He did this two more times before they came to the river.
"From here we walk. I dare not use up all my magic with so many orcs about."
They headed southeast, following the Tear Drop River briefly before it curved back around to the south, and came across the road connecting Arthea to Fort Lowmount about an hour later. The journey so far had been uneventful, for which Master Pilk was very thankful as the boys looked like the walking dead. Neither of them had said a word all morning.
They continued east along the road for another hour as the day began to warm up without seeing anyone. This was not totally unusual as the main people to use this road were soldiers, stone cutters and merchants. They were now only about an hour's walk outside the city of Arthea when a lone horseman was seen galloping their way. As he neared, Master Pilk could see that he was one of the duke's personal messengers. When he was within shouting range, the messenger yelled out, "Get back to Arthea as quickly as you can. Orcs are coming out of the mountains in huge numbers and heading this way."
"This way? But Arthea is that way," yelled back Master Pilk, pointing in the direction the messenger had come from.
The messenger was now close enough to be heard without shouting as he said, "I know, our scouts believe they intend on attacking Fort Lowmount, not Arthea. I am on my way now to warn them. Hurry back now, Master Pilk," said the messenger, recognising the wizard. "I'm sure the duke will be anxious to hear your report, as am I, but I have to be off." The messenger kicked his horse into a gallop once more.
"This is ill news indeed," muttered Master Pilk to himself.
* * *
Jeff recognised some of the words as being orcish, which he and Gerard knew quite well, but a lot of words he didn't recognise. However, he got the gist of it soon enough. They were to lower their weapons or die where they stood. Jethro looked across at him, and Jeff made the gesture to put his weapon on the ground, willing to see where this led. After all, his options were limited at this point. Both men bent down and gently placed their weapons on the ground and took a few paces back.
When they had stopped, two orcs for each of the three men came in, grab-bing Jeff and Jethro by the arms and lifting a groaning Gerard up. As Jeff looked around he noticed some of the other soldiers were being treated in a similar way. He assumed some of them had died in the brave defence of their fellow soldiers. The massive orc continued to bark commands that Jeff missed, but figured it was orders as to what to do with them.
It was very strange for orcs to take prisoners, but it seemed as though that is what was happening here. He found himself being half dragged along by both his arms toward the magic gate. As orcs made room around them Jeff was able to notice that beside himself, Gerard and Jethro, only three other soldiers survived. Still, perhaps a better result than he realistically expected.
Jeff noticed that more orcs had come through the gate, but his eyes widened in horror as he saw what else had come through. He had seen ogres before, but they were normally only a head or so taller than Gerard. Uglier and broader, yes, but nowhere near as tall as the five ogres he now caught sight of. They were a head taller again, coming close to nine feet tall, if not exceeding it. If these orcs ate small humans like him to become as big as they were, these ogres must eat these large orcs to become as big as they were. Jeff figured they must have brought through a full company of orcs. Jethro's squad certainly reduced that number but they never stood a chance. Against normal orcs maybe, but these orcs were better fighters by far. They had now reached the gate and, pausing briefly before it, the two orcs dragging Jeff, stepped through.
* * *
Major Isak had been in charge of Fort Lowmount ever since it had been built, twenty years ago. The purpose of the fort was to defend the village of El Rasa and Arthea from the orcs and goblins of the Lowmount Ranges, and for any advanced warning of the Raziyan's crossing the border. The latter had only happened once before and was nothing but a minor skirmish as the Raziyan's attempted to extend their border to the Tear Drop River.
The orcs, however, were a constant nuisance. A month would seldom pass by without some form of orcish attack or raid in the area. Major Isak had command of five hundred men, most of them veterans of many battles, and proved to be very efficient at quelling any orc assault. Fort Lowmount was built hard against the foot of the mountains and had only one possible way of approach, which was wide open land full of traps for those not following the road to the fort.
The five hundred men defending the fort could fight off an army of thousands and withstand a siege lasting for months, as it was well provisioned. It was surrounded by high thick walls, allowing six men to walk abreast atop them, with a lesser wall built thirty paces back toward the keep, creating a slaughter ground for any army penetrating the outer wall. The orcs had only tried a direct attack on the fort twice in the twenty years of its existence and suffered devastating losses each time. They preferred to harass the town of El Rasa, forcing the men of the fort to leave their high walls and fight them in the open.
The road from the fort to El Rasa had regular patrols, and they carried a large horn with them to alert the fort of orc sightings. They also had a different horn signal to alert the fort of any approaching messenger from Arthea, and so it was that Major Isak was alerted of Quinby's approach.
He stood waiting just inside the large wooden gate as it was opened and watched the rider gallop towards the fort, escorted by two of his own men. The fort had been on high alert for weeks, as scout reports filtered in about the joining of orc tribes from the Ki'harra Mountains. The major's orders to date had been that, if the orcs were to attack Arthea, he was to empty out the fort of all but a skeleton force, and march to the aid of the city. This was the news he was expecting to hear from the messenger now entering his gates. As the rider dismounted and approached the major, he asked, "What news from the duke, Quinby?"
"Desperate news indeed, major," replied Quinby as he handed the reins of his horse to the fort's horse master.
"So the orcs are on the move for Arthea, are they?" asked the major, cutting the messenger short before hearing the full explanation. Part of the major's success against the orcs resulted from his efficiency in acting. He did not like long talks and little action. He preferred to be decisive and react quickly to any circumstance.
"No, major; the orcs are on the march, yes, but they are marching this way."
"This way? What on Ka'ton are they playing at?"
"I am just a messenger, major, not a tactician. I do not begin to understand the
ir reasoning, but they were spotted by a scout at first light coming down the centremost point of the mountains, very much on a north westerly course. The scout estimates their number at around seven thousand."
"Seven thousand? Zulma be with us," said the major, invoking the protection of the god of war. "We haven't seen numbers like that for years. Does the duke plan to send us some aid? And what of El Rasa?"
"To answer your second question first, I have alerted El Rasa and they are currently organising a full evacuation and heading this way. They dare not get caught on the road to Arthea. Your patrol is assisting them with this as we speak. As to your first question, Duke Angus has ordered all patrolling armies back to Arthea immediately. He dare not send out any soldiers to aid you yet as he is afraid it could be a ruse."
"And if it's not a ruse, are we to stand alone against that number?" asked Major Isak, raising his voice slightly.
"The duke has a company of heavy cavalry on high alert to come to your aid as quickly as possible should they assault this fort, and a further two companies of heavy infantry and pole infantry to accompany them. But he is reluctant to leave Arthea too lightly guarded in case of an orcish assault. Other large groups have been spotted mustering in the mountains."
"Hmmm," said Major Isak, mulling over this information, "I'm not happy about it, but I agree with the duke on this. We will do what we can here. And what of you, Quinby? Are you to return?"
"My sword is yours to command, major, as little use as that will be to you. I fear the orc army has already reached the road. Returning to Arthea would be somewhat impossible for me now, I'd bet."
"Your help will be welcome, Quinby, more as a messenger than a soldier, though," said Major Isak with a sly smile. Both men realised that Quinby's sword skills were well below average. As one of the best and fastest riders, though, he was perfectly suited as a messenger, and even on foot, few could outrun him.
"I will help in whatever way I can, major," said Quinby with a small chuckle, as both men began walking toward the keep.
* * *
"That is sad news indeed," said Duke Angus in a grim tone. Master Pilk had asked for private counsel with the duke, and upon retreating to his private chambers, Master Pilk had related the night's events, while the duke listened intently without interruption.
"I was very distraught to learn of the two men's families, but to hear of their fall as well is just devastating, not to mention the loss of the other soldiers; this new orc breed have arrived at a very bad time. Normally I would be able to send five companies into the grove and end the threat right then and there, but with thousands of orcs marching down out of the mountains I simply can't risk it."
"Yes, I passed Quinby on the way back here. He mentioned the orcs were heading for El Rasa. Do you think they intend on attacking Fort Lowmount, my lord duke?" asked Master Pilk.
"Little else lies in that direction, Master Pilk, you know that," replied Duke Angus a little bluntly.
"An army of at least five thousand would be needed to stand any chance against the fort, if they were well organised, which these orcs are not known for," commented Master Pilk.
"Reports number the orcs to be around seven thousand. I have ordered the full evacuation of El Rasa. Unfortunately, they most likely won't have time to travel back here and so they will need to retreat to Fort Lowmount, which, as you know, is a dead end."
"Can we not march in behind them and squash them against the walls of the fort, and then head north to destroy these new orcs?" asked the wizard hopefully.
"And leave Arthea all but unguarded while thousands of orcs remain in the mountains? I can't take that risk, Master Pilk. Arthea is my priority. Now, what of Gerard and Jeff's boys? Where are they now? And what are we to do with them?" asked the duke, changing the conversation abruptly, making Master Pilk clearly aware that the decision was final.
* * *
Vik and Trent had been led to an empty guest apartment in the castle at Master Pilk's request. It was a simple apartment, obviously meant for guests of little importance. Two simple wooden beds were lined up against one wall, while against the opposite wall stood two small wardrobes, currently empty. In the far corner from the door was a large round wash tub for bathing, surrounded by a courtesy blind. A large, wooden, lockable trunk stood at the foot of each bed, while over near the window was a small dining table with two chairs nearby. A cheap, thin rug with faded decorations lay in the middle of the room.
They were to be provided with anything they needed; but all the boys wanted was time alone. Would they ever be able to return to their farmhouse, and would they even want to? The people that made it home to them were now gone. This time yesterday they had been happily playing around in their secret place in the mountains, complaining about not being able to camp out by themselves. Now they had no parents and Vik had also lost a sister. Where would they live now? Who would look after them? And what was the duke planning to do about these large orcs? Vik would like nothing better than to kill one of them, seeking the tiniest bit of revenge for his family. He thought he may have had that chance as he followed his father into the grove, but he had been kept out of the battle by Master Pilk. An orc hadn't come anywhere near him. Had one done so, though, Vik knew he would likely be dead now too. These orcs were good fighters. But at least he wouldn't have been left alone in this world. For the first time since seeing the magical gate close behind Master Pilk, Vik spoke, "Trent, what is going to become of us now?" Trent jerked up straight, alerted by the sudden break in silence.
"I ... I don't rightly know. I've been thinking the same thing. We can't go home, Vik, there's no one there now. I ... I just feel so weak and helpless now. This time yesterday I was ready to take on the world, but now ... now I feel like I have already been defeated by it."
"I know how you feel, I feel the same. We have lost everything. But at the same time, I ... I don't know ... I guess we can't just give up. Nothing will bring our parents back," said Vik with fresh tears in his eyes, "but at the very least, we can avenge them. We are good fighters for boys our age, Trent, but against those orcs we would have been slaughtered like the dolls my sister plays ... used to play with. To avenge them, we need training and what better place than the Arthean army?"
"Yeah, I ... I guess so, and they provide accommodation too, don't they?" said Trent with a little more optimism. "But we are still way too young to enlist; its two years for me and three for you."
"I think maybe the duke could use any extra help at the moment, don't you think? Those orcs didn't come here for a holiday, you know?" This got a bit of a chuckle out of Trent who started to look a little more cheery, albeit briefly before he slumped his head and shoulders once more.
Chapter 4
Captives
As Jeff came out the other side of the gate, he realised how much trouble they were in. This was indeed a different world. It looked as though the sun had just gone down here, instead of being around the second hour of the morning. Torches were just being lit by the orcs. To Jeff's relief, though, there didn't seem to be all that many orcs in view, meaning the duke may well have some time to repel the orc invasion and close the gate. Small comfort for Jeff though as he realised he was obviously on an alien world, surrounded by a strange rock and no doubt many more orcs nearby. If the gate was closed, these six men would be stuck in this world until merciful death took them.
The men were all dragged and thrown into the back of a wooden wagon, and six armed orcs squeezed into the back with them. Jeff noticed that instead of horses pulling the wagon, there were large creatures resembling wolves in appearance, with massive fangs pointing upward from their bottom jaw and drool hanging from their mouths. While not as big as the mighty war horses of the Arthean army, they were bulkier and no doubt a lot fiercer. He began to think of the best way to attack these creatures if he ever faced them in a battle. He decided—from a distance, with a very powerful crossbow, or, failing a cross bow, a very long, very sharp spear. Come to think of it
, probably best not to attempt fighting these beasts in combat.
The wagon continued its rickety movements through the rocky canyon until, once out, it reached a smoother road. Sitting uncomfortably on the back of the open wagon, Jeff caught sight of a large stone wall up ahead, made from the same black rock of the canyon they just came from it appeared in the failing light. It was as high as perhaps five of these large orcs standing atop each other's shoulders. He was absolutely convinced now that he was on a different world. Orcs don't build large cities above ground; they live in caves in the mountains.
Along the top of the wall equidistance from each other were bastions with orc archers standing watch. The wagon was now heading directly for the huge open gate of the orc city. A number of orcs stood guard at the gate, armed with different weapons — pikes, halberds, great axes and broad swords mainly. The wagon was obviously recognised as the guards stood aside and waved them through without hesitation.
Inside the city walls, Jeff noticed that this city could almost be mistaken for any human city, except that in the streets walked orcs, and not humans. The buildings were largely built from the same dark rock as the city walls, with angled slated roof tops. A little less colourful than a human city and the buildings were less detailed, but it still retained all the basics Jeff had observed in all cities he had visited in the past. If not for the fact that it was a city of an obviously powerful enemy, Jeff would like to walk around the smooth paved streets and see the sights. He doubted very much he'd ever get the opportunity to do that, however. The looks they were getting from all those they passed could only be described as looks of pure hatred. Had they not been escorted by the orc soldiers, Jeff would have no doubt they would be slain before walking ten paces through these streets.
After rounding a few corners along the paved, well lit city streets, they came into sight of one of the largest buildings Jeff had ever seen. It towered over the rest of the buildings in the city and was obviously very well defended. Built into it along its face were turrets high overhead. In each turret, a number of orc archers were stationed. Jeff assumed this pattern continued around the entire exterior of the building.
The Gate - A New Breed of Orc (The Gate Series Book 1) Page 8
