"Let's just say that their current numbers have already justified you and your orcs' absence from the front line."
"Cryptic as always, fierce one. Well I'm glad my efforts have served you well."
"Get me more prisoners, preferably fighters, and I'll be even more grateful."
"I'll do what I can, fierce one," replied the general as he bowed again, turned and left the room.
* * *
"...And so that's how I ended up with these two lads," said Master Pilk, finishing off his story to Cressida and Jaz. The boys, knowing the story, spent their time sneaking glances at Jaz while she was focused on Master Pilk's story. Occasionally she would catch one or the other and give them a disapproving look.
"That is some story, Pilk," said Cressida, then turning to the boys she added, "and I'm so sorry to hear of your family's misfortune, boys. It must have been horrible for you both to be there and all. Your fathers both had a remarkable reputation for their bravery, and they obviously upheld that right to the end." The boys both had moisture in their eyes, and even Jaz gave them both a very sympathetic look.
"We thank you for your kind words, Mrs Cressida. It is very hard, but our fathers did us both proud," replied Trent.
"I'm not married, and therefore I'd be a Miss, but more fittingly, as a cleric, you could rightly address me as Priestess Cressida, but as a friend, just call me Cressy or Cressida. Honorific's make me feel so old."
"Yes, Cressida," replied Trent, trying the name out.
"So, have there been any sightings of these large orcs recently?" asked Cressida, turning to face her brother again.
"Not in numbers, no. One or two have been spotted near Fort Lowmount spying out the orc army. It seems their alliance was a short lasting one. If we're lucky it will stay that way. The duke is rightly more worried about the threat he can see. The orcs hold the fort with an army of thousands, and are obviously planning further attacks. Thousands have also gathered together in the Ki'hara Mountains. Never have the orcs attacked Arthea in such large numbers. Many have already left the city, the rest are ready to depart in an instant once the orcs begin their march. Only soldiers will be left to defend the city."
"Yes, I noticed the road was busier than usual and had heard that Arthea was being evacuated. Has the duke asked for help from the Goldfist Dwarves?"
"A messenger returned just yesterday saying that the dwarven king has promised to send five companies of dwarves to our aid."
"Five? That's very generous of him."
"Trying to protect his trade with Arthea no doubt, but whatever the reason, they will be a huge help. It seems you knew a lot about the plight of Arthea, which begs me to ask, what are you doing here?"
"I knew my little brother wouldn't leave his beloved Arthea, so I came to at least ensure his protection." Cressida gave him a sly grin.
"Protection? Huh, I don't need protecting. If you plan to stay, however, it seems I'll have to worry about your protection."
"Always boasting, Pilk. You will never change."
"And what about Jaz? Is she staying, or will you send her back home?" Master Pilk looked over at the young girl as she was sipping her hot drink.
"I'm not going home," shouted out Jaz all of a sudden. "You can't make me. I can help out here. My healing skills have improved heaps lately. Please let me stay."
Master Pilk looked back at his sister's face and noticed her thoughtful expression. "You can't seriously be thinking of letting her stay?" asked Master Pilk.
"She is sixteen, and her healing skills are very advanced for her age. She could be of use, so long as she stays as far away from the fighting as possible."
"And if the fighting comes to her?" asked Master Pilk.
Cressida turned to her daughter and looked sternly into her eyes. "If the city walls are breached, you are to leave at once, do you understand?"
"Yes, Mother," replied Jaz with a slight smirk.
"Very well, she's your daughter, Cressy," agreed Master Pilk reluctantly, then turning to the boys, he said, "Trent and Vik, I want you to stay right by Jaz when the fighting starts and you are all to leave instantly when the walls are breached."
"You mean if' the walls are breached, don't you, Master Pilk," replied Trent.
"Hmm, yes...yes I do," said Master Pilk a little unconvincingly even to himself. Turning back to his sister, he continued, "These boys are very good with the sword. They can provide some protection for Jaz."
"Jaz is not without ability herself," said Cressida, obviously a little in-sulted that her daughter would need the protection of two younger boys, "but I agree that the three together would prove safer."
"Now, do you and Jaz plan on staying here, or have you made other arrangements?" asked Master Pilk.
"I am but a humble priestess, Pilk, I can't afford lodgings. I'd be happy to stay here if you're offering."
"Humble? Huh! Very well, I'll get the boys to make up the guest room."
Chapter 10
A Dwarven March
"General Ludko, the provisions are ready and the dwarves have itchy feet."
"They'll get plenty o' chance to do some killin' by the sounds of it, Breck, but the sooner we move out, the sooner the victory celebrations begin." General Ludko stormed off toward the front of the dwarven army.
Only a matter of hours had passed since King Buster had given him the order to mobilise an army of five hundred dwarves to assist Arthea in the city's defence. General Ludko had been running around barking orders and making preparations ever since, and now he had to march for a better part of a day before he'd get a chance to rest. Yes, General Ludko couldn't be happier.
One of the hardest workers of a very industrious tribe of dwarves, General Ludko thrived on doing five things at a time. Nearing the start of his third century, he was still considered quite young by dwarven standards, as they often lived well into their ninth century. He was currently the youngest general serving in the Goldfist tribe, a hard but well respected leader among the troops. He carried two double headed battle axes which he kept strapped to his back, and could unbuckle and have them ready in his hands in a flash. Few dwarves could match his fighting prowess, and it was well known that his warrior's gaze alone could make a fighter tremble.
Reaching the front of his army, General Ludko stood on top of a large, flat rock and faced the dwarves. "Our orders are simple; we march with all haste to Arthea and assist 'em in whatever way we can against a large orc army. By all accounts, there'll be plenty to go around, so don't try killin' em all yerselves. Let's march." A loud cheer went up and the dwarves began their march out of their mountain home.
* * *
Feygrus watched the dwarves march out from his vantage point on top of a nearby hill. He turned to Ki'janna. "We must report this movement to the general at once. You stay and track their movements. I'll return to camp and alert General Krak'too. Leave the standard markings from this point so that we can find you. Though I believe I know where these little humans may be heading."
Feygrus waited for Ki'janna to nod his understanding and then he set off at a brisk pace. In the weeks they had been on this world, Feygrus and his scouts had mapped out quite a large area. He came across these small humans just a couple of days before and decided to keep a close eye on them. He had learnt little about them except that they lived in caves under the mountain. The entrance to their home was quite grand. Large solid timber doors with iron brands were currently swung wide open, but Feygrus knew these would be closed up tight as darkness set in. Smooth, worked stone surrounded the large entrance with detailed stone statues of the little folk on either side holding an axe in one hand and a shield in the other. The axes were held out above their heads indicating a downward chop of the impressive looking weapons.
A wide, well-made paved road wound its way out of the cave and led out of the mountains. Feygrus often saw carts being pulled along by the beasts they called horses along this road, carrying goods to and fro. Although small, they seemed to be a very industrious r
ace. Further up the mountain, large plumes of smoke could often be seen, obviously made by large furnaces burning deep in the mountain. Likely General Krak'too knew a bit more about these little humans, as he was often absent from camp attending meetings with the humans they had captured. He was even learning the common language of this world. It was by General Krak'too's direct orders that Feygrus scout around up in these mountains, with very strict instruction to remain unobserved. It seems that Bekka and Kilgore's foolishness was not yet forgotten.
* * *
The women were sitting around the kitchen table talking and laughing. Gerard was peering through the window in plain sight, but the women seemed to take no notice of him. They just continued to sip on their hot drinks. Two women Gerard knew very well and a young girl with his eyes. He wanted to burst in there and wrap them all in a huge embrace, but his legs wouldn't move. One of the women got up from the table and walked the distance to the front door, concern etched on her face. Gerard's heart began to beat harder. He knew something wasn't right. He knew that danger was near. He knew what was coming, for he had witnessed this scene time and time again. He wanted to scream out to Elly as she neared the door, but no noise came forth from his mouth. He wanted to turn away, so he didn't witness his wife's death, but his head would not respond. Elly opened the door to peer outside.
Suddenly the door was flung wide open with brutal force. Gerard once again witnessed the large, sharp blade plunging into his wife's stomach. He watched in horror as his little girl tried to escape, a look of sheer horror on her face as an axe swung into her back with brutal force. He watched on helplessly as the large orc loomed over his best friend's wife and took her head from her shoulders. Gerard began to shout out "No!" as her head fell with a loud thud on the hardwood kitchen floor. The orc turned to face him with an evil smile on his face.
Gerard awoke from his nightmare with Jethro kneeling over him, concern written on his face as he was still shaking him. "Another bad dream?" asked Jethro as he noticed Gerard come fully awake.
Gerard nodded grimly. "We shouldn't have left them there alone, Jet," said Gerard miserably. "We knew that orcs were about."
"You didn't understand these orcs though," replied Jethro. "The orcs you're used to seein' are not so stealthy. The women would have heard their approach and went into hiding. The orcs you know would not be so bold as to stride into a human house. These orcs are confident and smart, Gerry, you couldn't have known that then." Gerard looked ready to argue, but eventually just lowered his eyes in defeat.
"In trying to avenge them, I just got myself captured and left my son without a father. He most likely thinks I'm dead. I guess that's not far from the truth," said Gerard after a moment's silence. "Great mess I've made of things, Jet; one mistake after another."
"Try not to be too hard on yourself, Gerry. If you'd known what you do now, you would have done things differently. No one can foresee the future and know the consequence of all their actions. Don't give up on us now, Gerry. Your hope of escape has given us all hope," said Jethro in hushed tones, not wanting to wake the others.
"Do you truly believe we have any hope of escaping in a world full of orcs, Jet?"
"You made me believe it was possible," replied Jethro firmly.
"I guess there is always hope, but it will take a lot of work and even more luck."
"Then we'd better start praying to Shardae and hope she can hear our prayers from this world. Now, get some more sleep, Gerry. We need to remain at our best around these orcs." Gerry nodded and put his head back down on the hay filled pillow as Jethro made his way back to his own sleeping pallet. Gerard wasn't sure he could get back to sleep, but within a matter of minutes, sleep found him.
* * *
"So the dwarves are going to help the human city, are they?" asked General Krak'too rhetorically.
"Dwarves, general?" asked Feygrus in reply.
"Yes, dwarves. I was told of this race by the captured humans; a shorter, broader human in appearance. Mostly they have beards and a rough manner. Very industrious, love to mine for all sorts of metals, excellent weapon-smiths and fierce fighters. I'm sure the fierce one would love to have some of them as captives."
"But they equal our number, general. If they have been described as fierce fighters from the humans, who are themselves not without skill, would this not be a bit risky?" asked Feygrus daringly. The glint in the general's eye told Feygrus that he got away with the comment.
"Then we would be wise to split their force and attack them half at a time, would we not, scout master?"
"Very wise, general," answered Feygrus
"Fetch the captains, Feygrus. We leave at once."
* * *
Decker watched the newly built orc fort spew forth its orcish inhabitants. Leading the army was a massive figure of an orc; next to him, a much smaller orc, but with obvious magical power. Following close behind the pair of powerful orcs were ten others in full plate armour. Next in line, a squad of riders riding a beast Decker had never seen before, and as a ranger, he knew every beast in these parts; then followed the rest of the army, a contingent of orcs, some with crossbows, others with large axes and still others with large, broad swords. Bringing up the rear were five very large ogres, with the forts log gate closing shut behind them.
Decker had been sent to keep an eye on these large orcs. Although the duke didn't have force enough to drive the orcs out, he still wanted to know their movements. Decker was a ranger, deadly accurate with the bow, undetectable in the wilds and an extremely skilled tracker. He had easily avoided the orc lookouts to take up his current position. He had been watching the fort for over a week now, and knew that this force was nearly every orc residing in the there.
Now he was laying low behind some large bushes watching this well organised orc army march out and wondered about his next move. Should he report this movement at once to the duke, or find out where these orcs were heading before reporting? He continued his thoughts until he watched the last ogre vanish from his view. Still not convinced of his final decision, he jumped to his feet and stealthily scurried after the departing army.
* * *
"C'mon lads, you wanna see the city gates before nightfall or don't ya?" yelled General Ludko to his dwarven troops. "Me is guessing that the battle will be started afore we get there if we keep to this pace. Don't wanna miss out on any orc killin' do yas?"
The dwarves had actually made some good progress, but General Ludko was seldom pleased and always expected more. The dwarves were used to him and took little note of his blathering. They had marched out of the far north of the Jasper Ranges, skirted the edge of Bilwark's Grove, passed all the human farm houses which were mostly deserted and were now nearing the road joining Arthea and Kethlon, and had only had a couple of very small breathers. Dwarves were not known for their speed, but their stamina was second to none, and so every one of the dwarves continued to jog on, dressed in full battle armour and weapons in hand, making quite a ruckus.
"When we reach the road to Arthea, we can slow to a march," said General Ludko to Breck who was jogging beside him.
"The lads will be relieved to hear that, general, as am I," replied Breck. "Is this haste really necessary?"
"The human scouts report that the smelly orcs are preparing for a march. That report came in days ago. I'd rather be too early than too late."
"Understood, general."
"Look, there's the road now," said General Ludko after a moment of silence. "All right lads, jog to the road then we can slow to a march," he shouted to the troops. A loud cheer went up and the dwarves picked up their pace.
* * *
"We stop here," shouted General Krak'too. "Captains, to me."
The orcs stopped immediately and resisted collapsing to the ground. They had moved with all haste directly east from their fort, had reached the road they knew to lead to the human city and followed it south to this location. Steep rocky hills were on their right, and a dense forest on the left.
Wasting no time as the captains approached, General Krak'too started barking his orders, "Baku, I want your company of crossbow orcs split in two. Half to take up positions high in the trees, the other half on the hill, completely out of sight until my command.
"Gundruna, take your worg riders deep into the forest and keep them quiet. When the noise starts, come charging. The rest of you, take your companies and keep them out of sight in the trees. I'll be taking the ogres back up the road a bit to begin an avalanche. Great Shaman O'tukka, I may need your aid in that. You have you orders, now go." The orc captains rushed off to see to their general's orders, while General Krak'too and the great shaman went to collect the five ogres they brought along.
* * *
Decker watched on from a safe distance. He was already amazed at the pace the orcs had set in getting here, for he had trouble keeping up and staying out of sight, but he was even more amazed at the efficiency as they set up an ambush. He knew about the dwarves coming to the aid of Arthea and that they would be heading this way very soon. Without warning, the dwarves would be walking right into a trap. He had to give them that warning. With that thought in his mind, he set of as quickly and as stealthily as possible.
He took a wide, careful berth around the orcs' ambush location and headed steadily north, trying to keep the road in view as much as he could. The terrain was very hilly and rocky, with scattered patches of trees, so the going was quite slow as he navigated his way around obstacles. He was scarcely out of view of the orcs before he caught sight of the dwarves marching down the road. They had no mounts and yet were still setting a cracking pace. Decker quickly located a spot further north where he could make his way down to the road. He just hoped he could reach the spot before the dwarves marched by.
* * *
General Ludko continued to lead his troops relentlessly down the wide rocky road; Breck marched breathlessly beside him without complaint. They both saw it at the same time and it made them hesitate for a split second before relaxing. An agile young human came bounding down the hill and out onto the road; a competent ranger by the looks of him from this distance. He wore a hood over his head so far his facial features couldn't be distinguished, a bow over one shoulder and a full quiver hanging off his back. He pranced confidently toward them. As he got closer, he pulled his cowl back and the dwarven general recognised him instantly. Decker was one of the few, who were not dwarves, aloud to roam free in the Jasper ranges, but he always visited the dwarves first to ask permission. As gentle as the dwarves were rough, they got along well just the same.
The Gate - A New Breed of Orc (The Gate Series Book 1) Page 20
