(in the language of the orcs)
They gathered in the queen’s council chambers, making for two very crowded benches. It was an informal affair, the queen waiving their usual rules of conduct to allow for a freer exchange of ideas.
“I gathered you here,” she began, “because I have decided to aid our new friends in their expedition to the north. I know that goes against millennia of tradition, but we cannot remain hidden from the Continent forever. Eiddenwerthe has changed greatly during our seclusion. If we do not adapt, we risk becoming a relic of the past. We must emerge while we can still project strength, and the best way to do that is by demonstrating our commitment to aid an ally. Let me be clear on our purpose this evening. We are not here to discuss whether or not to help but to determine the details of that aid.”
She paused, gathering her thoughts. “Anyone wishing to speak will be given the chance, but I thought it best we begin by discussing the current state of our army.” She locked eyes with the youngest of her advisors. “I believe that would be your responsibility, Zorga.”
“It is, Greatness.” The administrator stood, moving to the centre of the circle. “I shall attempt to keep this as brief as possible, but I do not wish to confuse our new friends.”
She addressed Athgar. “We have two armies in Ard-Gurslag: the professional glaives and archers who protect our territory and the citizenry who take up arms in the event of an attack. I will address only the first in this report, as we are not currently concerned about an attack on our city. The one thousand warriors under Garag’s command are organized into fourteen glaives and six arrows of archers, which are, I am told, equivalent to Therengian companies in size, thus making things simpler. Each archer is equipped to loose thirty volleys, with double that in reserve. They could draw on further stores for a more prolonged campaign, but that would reduce our stocks for defending the city. As for the glaives, they are ready to march once their travel rations are issued.”
“Thank you,” said the queen. “Have you any questions, Athgar?”
“I watched them training,” he replied, “and have no doubt they would acquit themselves well in battle. My concern is not their quality but who would command them. It is difficult to lead an army when multiple voices give contradictory commands.”
“This is your expedition,” the queen assured him. “Garag commands the Orcs of Ard-Gurslag, but would be responsible to you or your warmaster, who, I am told, typically commands your army.”
“That’s true. My other concern is getting your warriors to where they can be utilized. There is a lot of thick forest between here and the Volstrum.”
“That largely depends on what Nat-Alia discovered about our masters of water?”
“Most are capable of learning the frozen arch spell,” replied Natalia, “but to bring them north, they would either need to travel with us, or you permit me to commit your magic circle to memory, thus allowing me to cast my spell from Ruzhina. Then, your mages can step through and assist with further arches.”
“This is no simple request,” said Zorith. “Your knowledge of our circle puts us all at risk. How do we know you would not use that knowledge against us?”
“We have no reason to attack your fine city. In fact, we have multiple reasons to further good relations with you, especially as you offered to send us warriors to help.”
“I still do not like the idea of outsiders gaining this knowledge.”
“Would it calm your fears if, in return, your spellcasters committed the standing stones back in Therengia to memory?”
Zorith nodded. “That would be a suitable compromise, though I am surprised you trust us so quickly.”
“You are Orcs,” said Kargen. “Why would we not? It also allows the free exchange of ideas, not to mention trade.”
“Both our peoples benefit from this arrangement,” added the queen, “but it requires our spellcasters to learn the frozen arch spell. How much time do you need to teach this to our people, Nat-Alia?”
“I could teach the three strongest casters in a day or two. A few others could eventually learn it, but I fear they will require more time. Committing the standing stones to memory does not take long, so they could be ready by tomorrow afternoon, should you wish.”
“That soon? You surprise me. Very well. You may begin the process first thing tomorrow morning. Now, as to numbers, I would like to hear from Garag.”
The First Glaive stood, taking the centre position. “We must not abandon our responsibility to protect the city. I therefore propose we send only ten companies—to use the Therengian term. I talked with Athgar at length, and he assured me the Army of Therengia has sufficient archers. However, the assault on the Volstrum will be a close-in affair, more akin to seizing a fortress, something our glaives are particularly well-suited for.”
“Have you any concerns?” asked the queen.
“I have. The enemy we face will be strong in magic, making it imperative we bring spellcasters of our own. Perhaps Morgal would like to give us his thoughts?”
The Enchanter remained sitting while he spoke. “Ard-Gurslag has always prided itself on its number of masters of magic. We count masters of earth, fire, water, and even air, not to mention Enchanters. In fact, the only magic we lack is that of life. That is not to say we can afford to commit them all to this enterprise. No, far from it. Those in training are not ready, while our seasoned casters are needed to ensure the continuation of their craft.”
“Are you suggesting,” replied the queen, “that we do not send any?”
“Battle is not the domain of those seeking to further their understanding of the arcane arts.”
“That is unacceptable. You yourself took an oath to protect this city.”
“And protect it I will, Greatness, but attacking another kingdom is not keeping our people safe.”
Natalia stood. “May I speak?”
“Most certainly,” replied Urgash.
“I understand your desire to keep your people safe. We are of a similar mind, yet the Petty Kingdoms wait on no one. Whether you like it or not, Humans will push eastward, claiming that which is not theirs. You can no longer afford to hide; you must make a stand, announcing to the Continent you are a power to be reckoned with. When we did that in Therengia, it allowed our people to prosper. Indeed, when news spread of our victories, Therengians from across the Petty Kingdoms came east, seeking a new life in our lands. Many Orc tribes are scattered throughout the lands of men; your emergence would be a guiding beacon for them the same as Therengia is for the descendants of the Old Kingdom.”
“Your words inspire,” said Morgal, “but at what cost? How many Orcs must die to establish us as a legitimate kingdom in the eyes of the Human realms? And would our emergence only fuel hatred against those Continental Orcs?”
“There is no simple answer,” replied Natalia. “Athgar and I have travelled extensively and done much to help both Therengian and Orc alike. If you are worried about reprisals against the Orcs scattered throughout the Continent, then displaying your military might is even more important. The Petty Kingdoms respect strength, and although they may dislike the concept of an Orc Kingdom, they are not so foolish to take on such a powerful foe.”
“How does that help our brothers and sisters?”
“You help them by sending diplomats to ensure their safety.”
“Are you suggesting Humans would welcome Orcs at their courts? I find that hard to believe.”
“Some will,” said Natalia, “and those who don’t will have no objection to receiving Human envoys from Carlingen or Ruzhina, who might be convinced to speak on your behalf.”
“Ruzhina?” said Morgal. “That is the kingdom we are about to invade!”
“We are not invading the realm, merely destroying the rot infesting its court. We did not decide on our own to march to Ruzhina; its ruler, King Yulakov, invited us.”
“Your objection is noted, Morgal,” said the queen, “but you are still required to answer the question. How many of our spellcasters can you provide for the expedition?”
“I do not command them as Garag does the glaives. Each is entitled to choose whether they will assist in this endeavour.”
“Then order them to assemble this evening, and we shall see who answers the call.”
“As you wish,” replied the Enchanter. “But I caution you against being overly optimistic, Greatness. The vast majority have spent years perfecting their respective fields of study. I highly doubt they will wish to risk their lives in battle.”
“That,” said Queen Urgash, “is not your concern.”
Morgal simply bowed.
“Now, on to other matters. How are our food stores?”
It was late when Athgar fell into bed. “That meeting went on far longer than I anticipated. And then I had to spend most of the evening making plans with Garag. How did things go with the mages?”
Natalia chuckled. “We’re alone; you don’t need to speak Orcish.”
“I can’t help it. I’ve been using their language all day long. In any case, what does it matter? We’re both fluent.”
“I suppose that’s true. As to my evening, it went better than expected, perhaps a little too much.”
“Meaning?”
“Many mages wanted to volunteer, which makes my job much tougher.”
“How?”
“I must choose whom to accept. It was one thing working with the masters of water, but now I have to evaluate masters of fire, earth, and air, not to mention Enchanters. Then there’s still teaching them how to cast the frozen arch. What we really need is more time.”
“Nothing is saying we must leave right away.”
“True, but every day we delay is another day the family might get wind of our plans. If you recall, Yulakov has Stormwinds at his court. How long before they become suspicious? Especially since Piotr never came back from Abelard?”
“I can’t argue with that,” said Athgar, “but you could leave the selection process to Shaluhk. She’s more than capable of assessing someone’s magical potential.”
“Yes, of course.” She smiled. “I knew I kept you around for some reason.”
“Glad to hear it. Now, we should get some sleep. It’s going to be a long day tomorrow.”
“It will for me,” said Natalia. “What are you up to?”
“I’ll be working with Garag, letting his glaives know what to expect.” He paused. “It’s strange calling them glaives.”
“Why? It’s their weapon of choice.”
“Yes, but they use it to refer to their foot troops.”
“And why would that be strange? Don’t you sometimes refer to the number of axes you command?”
“I suppose I do, but we still use the term ‘company’ and, as the person in command, I’m not the first axe.”
“True, but you know the Therengians of the Old Kingdom were the originators of the term ‘company’. You can’t expect the Orcs of Ard-Gurslag to have heard of it when they’ve been isolated for two thousand years.”
“I suppose that’s true. Tell me, and be honest now, do you have any reservations about this?”
“You mean getting help from the Orcs? No. Why?”
“It’s just that we are essentially unleashing a new power upon the Continent. That’s likely to upset people.”
“That’s a good thing, surely? Remember, the Halvarian Empire is out there, waiting to conquer the Petty Kingdoms. You trust the Orcs, don’t you?”
“I trust the Orcs of the Continent, but these are direct descendants of city dwellers, which gives them a completely different perspective.”
“What does your gut tell you?”
“That there’s good people here, along with bad.”
“You mean Morgal?”
“He didn’t want to help us,” said Athgar. “He made that quite plain.”
“Yet he did what he was told. Not everyone likes the idea of going to war.”
“Yes, you’re right. I should learn to be more trusting, but I can’t help but remember Gorlag. He was the Chieftain of the Red Hand before Kargen.”
“You duelled him if I recall.”
“I did.”
“Look,” said Natalia. “I’m not sure if this helps, but remember when we first found Runewald. The king was prepared to go to war with the Orcs, but you got them through that hatred. We must strive to do the same thing here. Orcs are a lot like Humans in one respect—we both fear what we don’t understand. The more the Orcs of Ard-Gurslag interact with Therengians, the more they’ll get used to us. Kargen and Shaluhk are also influences on them, along with all those tribal Orcs they’ll meet during the campaign. Not everything will be perfect, but at least this relationship is off to a good start.”
“You were always the wise one.”
“You are as wise as I am. I just happen to have training in court politics. That’s all this is—a royal court with all the usual players.”
“I’m not sure I follow?”
“Ignore that they’re Orcs, and look at this from the point of view of personalities. We have the queen who wants to do what’s best for her people, the mage, whose only concern is his magic, and then there’s the dedicated warrior, Garag, who wants a chance to prove his mettle. We’ve seen people like this before in Reinwick, Andover, and Carlingen.”
“I wasn’t with you in Andover.”
“I was making the point that Orcs are not so different from Humans when you get right down to it. If you think about it, what is a society other than a collection of individuals? It matters little whether they be Human, Orc, or even Dwarves—they’re still people.”
She rolled over to lay on top of him, her face pressed close to his. “Now, how about we come up with a way to take your mind off all of this?”
The next morning, Athgar made his way downstairs, where Kargen and Shaluhk sat eating their breakfast.
“I was wondering when you might join us,” said Kargen. “Nat-Alia awoke some time ago.”
“I assume,” replied Athgar, “she’s gone off to train the mages?”
“She has.”
“And what are you two up to today?”
“I am going out with a patrol,” replied Kargen. “Garag tells me his men can safely escort us to the border, but I want to recover our umak. I expect I shall be back by nightfall.”
“That’s quite the trip.”
“Not as far as you might think. It seems our escort did not take us on the most direct path when he brought us here.”
“Why not?” asked Athgar.
“To keep the location of Ard-Gurslag a secret.”
“But we have no maps of the area.”
“True, but he did not know that.”
“I suppose that makes sense. What about you, Shaluhk? What are you planning?”
“I shall inform those back home about the recent developments. I am told we are only a short distance from the border of Ruzhina, so our army must begin its march to the standing stones in readiness. After that, I shall assess the other spellcasters.”
“It’s strange,” said Athgar. “We saw very little change for days on end, but now everything is coming together so quickly. Are we doing the right thing?”
“Of course,” replied Shaluhk. “Why would you even suggest otherwise?”
“It is natural,” said Kargen. “Great leaders always have doubts; it is what makes them so endearing.”
“Is it? Do you ever have doubts?”
“No. Of course not, but I have the wisdom of a powerful shaman to guide me.”
“A good answer. You thought that through carefully.”
Kargen grinned. “I have been thinking about it for some time. I only waited for the perfect moment.”
“Then there is nothing wrong with your timing.”