The Gate - A New Breed of Orc (The Gate Series Book 1)
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Next to be announced was Master Pilk with mention of all his creative ideas during the battle and special note to the powerful spell that ended the battle and saved the city. Master Tayer and Mistress Cali were also awarded medals of bravery and special note for their involvement in this and all the other wizards publicly commended for countering the orc shaman's magic and bringing down the orc towers.
General Ludko and Nardo were next presented medals for their assistance and ingenuity under great pressure. General Ludko looked a little awkward in accepting the medal, but once he had it in his hand he stood in the middle of the platform and dedicated that gold medal to all his fallen kin; both those who died on the way to Arthea and those that perished on the walls. A hushed silence was present while he was speaking, but a loud roar went up as he finished and left the platform.
Decker was next to be announced by Duke Angus with special men-tion of his actions in aiding the dwarves on the way to Arthea, his scouting and his bravery on the walls despite not being a part of the army. Not only was he presented with a gold medallion, the duke announced that he would become Arthea's master ranger a new title making him responsible for other rangers in Arthea and training new ones. It would be his job to care for the animals and trees in and around Arthea. His title would also come with a small amount of land located near the Evergreen Forest and Lake Forster. He gracefully accepted and returned to stand beside Cressida, taking hold of her hand once more.
However, that didn't last as she was next to be called up. She was announced as a visiting 'warrior cleric' from Zin-Baiden who tirelessly healed the wounded and was personally responsible for General Kehar being with them today. Her fighting efforts in defence of the northern wall were also given special note as she was awarded with a gold medallion.
Finally Private Kade was asked to step forward and accept a badge promoting him to a squad leader with note of his bravery in coming to the aid of his commanding officer, despite the tragic result of the young Captain Isra losing his life.
The ceremony concluded with a long speech from Duke Angus commemorating all those brave soldiers who had died in defence of Arthea. He announced that a memorial wall would be constructed on top of the mass grave with the one thousand and sixty-three names engraved on a large golden plaque giving tribute to those who gave their lives. A moment's silence took place once he had finished speaking in respect to the fallen. Duke Angus then formally concluded the ceremony and after a respectful applause the crowd started to dissipate.
* * *
"Keep your guard up, Vik," said Decker. "You are leaving far too big an opening for any half decent swordsman to take advantage of." Decker had been true to his word, despite the fact that he had won the heart of Cressida, and a week after the battle of Arthea he had started training the two boys. "Here, hold your sword more upright like this, and bring your hilt closer to your hips," he went on, demonstrating the correct way to position his sword. "Then if you are attacked from the side, you're in a better position to parry the blow like this." Decker showed the most effective sword stroke to parry the attack.
"Vik's dad kept telling him the same thing," said Trent. "Telling him not to be lazy with the sword. Somehow, though, he seems to parry my attack from the side every time."
"Gerard is an excellent sword fighter, I sparred with him many times," replied Decker. "Vik has similar speed, and that allows him to get into position in time, but will wear him down quicker."
"Is?" asked Vik. "You mean, was?" he corrected.
"No. I mean is," said Decker in response. "Both your fathers have a knack for getting out of situations, and until proved otherwise, I won't believe that they are dead."
"But they have not returned," Vik almost yelled. "And they were greatly outnumbered. Orcs don't take prisoners; they only know how to kill."
"Haven't you heard?" asked Decker quietly. "These orcs are different. I saw that for myself, and I saw them intentionally preventing a killing blow. Plus I saw them with dwarven captives in their fort."
"So you're saying that our fathers could yet be alive?" asked Trent slowly.
"That's exactly what I'm saying. General Ludko is already planning an assault on them to rescue any captives."
"But why would they want captives?" asked Vik.
"I have no idea," replied Decker honestly. "There is so much we don't know about those orcs, but Duke Angus and General Ludko intend on finding out." The two boys looked at each other.
* * *
The boys had returned home from their training session with Decker. Master Pilk wasn't home which was hardly unusual as he spent a lot of time at the castle.
"We have to find out if our fathers are still alive Trent." Vik closed the bedroom door behind him.
"Decker said that Duke Angus and General Ludko were planning a rescue for any captives." Trent sat down on the edge of his new bed.
"It could be too late by the time they organise anything. What if the orcs simply plan to interrogate and torture our fathers before killing them? It could already be too late. Besides, my father always said that some missions required stealth while others required strength. I think stealth is needed here."
"And just how do we get through that gate which is now surrounded by orcs?" asked Trent.
"I don't know - yet. But the orcs won't expect anyone trying to get through the gate, they'll be expecting more of an all-out assault. We have to try this Trent, for our fathers' sake. Are you with me?" Vik stood before Trent with his hand outstretched before him.
After a moment of silence Trent reached for Vik's hand and gave it a shake.
"I'm with you Vik."
The End