Calrok By The Sea
for several days, but Karnak had finally hit the end of his patience.
“I won’t take the throne, Zotar. I am no king,” he said plainly. “You will have to raise another.”
Before Gar Zotar could respond with another argument as to why Karnak should be the king of all Drelek, Gar Klentja, who had also heard enough of the debate, put in, “I, too, am disappointed. I also had hoped you would be the new king.”
That truly was the reason Zotar argued with such fervor. He had hoped Karnak would be the new king as well. Maybe it was partially due to some continued loyalty to his old friend Plak, but he saw much in the young gar and believed his destiny was greater than Karnak realized for himself.
“I’m sorry,” Karnak’s hand engulfed the elder gar’s shoulder. “But I belong under the sun, breathing in the mist of the windswept sea.”
“A poet, too,” Gar Zotar grumbled sarcastically.
“Perhaps you set up Deklahn as king. If Jaernok Tur were to return, at least he would be able to fight magic with magic and defend his own mind from being twisted,” Karnak suggested.
Deklahn quickly shut the idea down. “I am engaged with the other mages south of the mountains. I would not have the focus to care for the peoples of Drelek.”
“I still don’t understand why you can’t take it, Gar Zotar. You were the one who raised the rebellion when others followed blindly,” Smarlo said, trying to help Karnak.
“Gar Klentja and I are too old. The peoples of Drelek need a younger face. A face that is unknown to them. A face that signals change and a new direction. It will be hard enough for the peoples of our nation to break down the barriers in their minds regarding our new allies,” Zotar said, gesturing to Merrick and Ralowyn. The two had been listening to the debate in silence. They did not want to interfere with the discussion, for they were honored even to be in the room for such an important moment. “Right now is the time for change that holds the tradition of honor among our peoples in high regard but leads to greater honor as we grow into our world.”
Zotar’s explanation was well crafted, and they were inspired by the idea. Karnak still wanted nothing to do with the throne. He wanted his simple life back in Calrok.
“Then Genjak,” Karnak said, trying anything to keep the attention off himself.
Everyone in the room turned to Gar Klentja’s second-in-command. The younger orc stood there, not sure what to say. He’d said next to nothing during the proceedings, anyway. No one else knew what to say either. None of them had considered the idea. Once he was presented, none of them could think of a reason why he couldn’t be raised up to lead.
Young Genjak looked at the throne with great hesitation. The facts that he did not jump at the opportunity and that the rest of them had no immediate arguments made Karnak feel as though he were on to something.
“He cares deeply for the people. When we were all meeting at Lakjo to discuss Jaernok Tur’s movements and our engagement with the dwarves, Genjak was the one helping the soldiers settle into homes where they could get some rest before our departure,” Karnak pressed. “And surely, Deklahn can serve as an adviser while he pursues the magical mysteries with the other mages. In fact, it would be of great value for him to be so near the new king, so the king knows the goings-on of our neighbors to the south.”
“It would be my great honor to serve the new king,” Deklahn offered, pleased with the compromise.
“I have always known him to be loyal and honorable,” Gar Klentja added about Genjak. He couldn’t help but agree with the proposal.
Certainly, Genjak had not lived a perfect life, for none had. There in the throne room, though, none could bring an accusation against him that would disqualify him from taking the throne. He stood under their staring eyes, not sure what to say.
“Well, what say you, Genjak, son of Pargo, Commander of Borok?” Zotar asked.
The young orc sighed, his face solemn. “I would not dare take the throne without the wisdom of elders surrounding me,” he stated firmly.
“And you shall have it,” Gar Zotar responded. “There is great wisdom, even in that request. That humbleness will serve you well.”
“Much wisdom can be found in a multitude of counselors,” Klentja added. A smile of fatherly pride spanned his wide face. “And we shall be glad to serve you in that role.”
“Yes,” Zotar continued. “We will set up a council to aid and guide you. You will not bear the weight alone.”
Genjak glanced at each of the orcs in the room, all of whom watched him with encouraging looks on their faces. Even the man-kin and elf woman gave him sympathetic smiles. They did not understand the full weight of the responsibility the orc gars presented him, but they recognized it was a heavy matter for him.
Finally, his gaze landed on the empty throne. “To a future hope,” he said.
With that, Genjak accepted his fate.
As Karnak, Smarlo, Merrick and Ralowyn walked through Ruk, curious orcs, trolls, and goblins stopped and stared at the company. Karnak’s annoyed looks made many of them turn away quickly, baffled at what they’d witnessed.
Smarlo bombarded Ralowyn with questions. The orc mage’s curiosity had been fanned into flame as they discussed the magic of the elves. Ralowyn would offer a question here and there as they walked through the corridors and weaved down the hallways that lanced through the mountain. Smarlo was especially excited to find the magic of the elves was not so different in nature from their own. The elves simply tapped into ancient knowledge the orcs had no access to. Knowing Ralowyn planned to travel to Calrok with them, Smarlo excitedly offered to show her their small mage library.
Merrick’s human eyes struggled in the din of the tunnels, but with a little help from an incantation of Ralowyn’s making, he was able to witness the massive corridor with a huge stalagmite in the center. He turned to the left when the clanging of a heavy hammer stopped. A troll stood with his hammer raised halfway, staring over his anvil toward the man-kin.
The puzzled look on the troll’s face made him appear quite silly. Merrick raised a hand and gave the troll a slight wave and smile. The troll looked shocked and turned slowly to see if there was someone behind him. When he turned back, he seemed to realize the human was waving at him, and he returned the wave with a tentative hand in the air. Merrick nodded and turned back to his group, which was entering a tavern across from the blacksmith. The hammering didn’t continue for a good long while, as the troll questioned the reality of what he thought he’d witnessed.
Gar Karnak was greeted with cheers inside the tavern. Half the patrons were his own Scar Squadron, having found Reglese’s tavern while their gar was in his meetings. A table near the bar had been reserved specifically for the group. Reglese had looked forward to seeing his gar after all the trials they’d been through.
Karnak was relieved to see the goblin in one piece. When he had thought the goblin entrepreneur to be in harm’s way, guilt weighed on him. He enveloped Reglese in his great arms, and more cheers rang out. Getta delivered a round of glorb wine for the group that sat at the table and swapped stories. Reglese told his story with more than a little embellishment, as goblins are prone to do. He recounted how the two orc guards were ready to kill him, the impeccable timing of the cave-ins in the tunnels high above, and the heroics of his friends Getta and Kig.
The excitement that filled the tavern was palpable, and it made Merrick think of the Flagkeep Tavern back in Tamaria. Perhaps all their peoples weren’t so different, after all. Though admittedly, he wasn’t sure his human stomach could handle any more glorb wine. He pretended to nurse his goblet out of politeness and enjoyed the goblins and orcs reminiscing.
They asked Merrick to share his part of the story. Every one of them watched, listened, and marveled at what he’d endured. They enjoyed his tale, and when he explained the last bit about wanting to experience more with the orcs, they all cheered. Many slapped large hands on his back with excitement. Ralowyn giggled as she took a second away from her and Smarlo’s continued conversation to watch Merrick take all the encouraging, but rough, back pats.
“Reglese,” Karnak started. “You’ve served Calrok with great honor. It will not be forgotten.”
The goblin accepted the compliment from his gar, placed a finger to his brow, and gave a slight bow. “I would do it again in an ’eartbeat,” he said. Since he thought it would not be necessary, he felt safe to be as noble as possible.
“Will you be returning with us to Calrok?” Karnak asked.
“Actually,” the goblin hemmed. “It’s as you ’ave said. Lox is good at ’is job, and ’e didn’t run the tavern in Calrok to the ground. And Getta and Kig are very capable ’ere. I thought I might try to open another in Borok and then maybe Dak-Tahn. And then I can expand west to build a tavern on my glorb wine in every orc fort in Drelek.”
“Great dreams you have.” Karnak smiled. “I am happy to see you chase them. But I want you to know you are always welcome back home in Calrok.”
Karnak stood and yelled. “Scar Squadron!” The entire place went silent as all the riders from Calrok stood and listened. “One for Reglese, honorary warrior of Calrok.”
Karnak placed his finger to his brow and bowed. All around the tavern, Scar Squadron members did the same. Merrick and Ralowyn were moved by the scene, as others throughout the tavern stood and joined the Calrok warriors in honoring the goblin.
Reglese was overwhelmed with the display, and tears escaped his eyes.
Karnak looked at the goblin directly and said, “Thank you, my friend.”
“My Gar,” Reglese nodded through his tears.
Then Karnak raised his goblet high. “The next round’s on me!”
Cheers rang out once more, and excited goblins and orcs clanged their tankards together, resuming their celebration.
Karnak had never been more excited to see the Gant Sea appear as they crested the mountains on the eastern edge of Drelek. He glanced over to Merrick, riding the marvelous astral falcon, and caught the man-kin’s mouth agape in wonder. His response did not disappoint the orc, for the man-kin was in utter awe. Having talked with Merrick, the gar had learned the huntsman had never seen the sea and that seeing things from this altitude was also a new experience. Karnak had expected the moment would be quite the experience for the man. Indeed, it was.
Scar Squadron riders split off in multiple directions as they made their way to their individual homes. Even Smarlo nodded and waved his goodbye to Ralowyn and Merrick, who were to follow Karnak on his descent.
They landed in a field of wildflowers that sloped away from the rocky mountains with a graceful ease. Karnak slipped out of his saddle and removed it from Ker’s back. He slid his hand along her neck and thanked her for her faithful service before releasing her to an evening of fishing. She would probably find some time to rest up on the Scar Cliffs at some point during the night, but she had been far from the coast for a long time and was excited to enjoy fresh fish.
Merrick and Ralowyn followed suit and dismounted. Merrick stroked Valurwind’s speckled feathers, and the great astral bird clicked its tongue happily. They were getting along quite well, and Merrick found great comfort in knowing the bird would come whenever he called. In the meantime, the mighty bird would be off to the astral planes, soaring among the stars. Valurwind flapped her great wings and lifted herself away from the trio, who watched as a glittering black mist swirled about her before she vanished.
“Is there a place where this one will be safe?” Ralowyn asked Karnak as she unsaddled the grey spotted pegasus, whose name was Henry.
A rather ordinary name for a pegasus, Merrick had thought to himself. Having seen the pegasus in person, he did not think the creature to be ordinary in the least.
“Of course,” Karnak said. “This paddock is my family’s. That small barn over there is where we can hang our saddles. Come. I’ll show you.”
As Ralowyn followed the large orc to the structure, Merrick stretched his back and gazed over the city of Calrok. The Scar Cliffs stood with a mighty presence high above the city to his left, their ridges and face chiseled with shadow and light. The Gant Sea glinted in the evening sun that was trying to disappear over the mountains behind him. The view from the field was almost as incredible as the one he had enjoyed when they’d crested the mountain ridge. Karnak had not exaggerated the beauty of his home.
Henry nuzzled Merrick’s shoulder, content as he munched on some wildflowers he’d found to be rather tasty. Karnak and Ralowyn came out of the barn, laughing with each other. As they did, a small green creature with wild black hair darted across the paddock to greet them.
“Dada!” he squealed, his hands waving above his head, out of control, as he ran.
“Gernot!” Karnak returned the call and scooped up the little tyke in his arms. He swung him through the air to make the little orc feel like he was flying. Karnak then tucked the chubby orc in close and hugged him for a long time. “I have missed you, my son.”
“Save some of that affection for your wife, too, now!” A female orc called from the doorway of the cozy house at one end of the field.
Karnak’s smile grew into a great grin. “Why don’t you come and get it!” He called back.
Tanessa feigned offense but started walking through the field of flowers to meet her husband. Karnak couldn’t help himself and met her halfway. They embraced each other with a kiss and a tight hug that made Gernot laugh as he was squished between them.
Ralowyn stepped next to Merrick as they watched the family’s touching reunion. It seemed odd to Merrick that in all the stories he’d heard about orcs in years past, he had never heard one of orc families. He thought that peculiar, for it seemed to him so obvious that Karnak, as Merrick had come to know him, would be an orc who loved his family.
Tanessa prepared a fine meal for the weary travelers. The fish in the center of the table was larger than any Merrick had ever seen. The cooked creature was of the sea and made the river and brook fish he’d eaten before look like snacks. Tanessa had seasoned the fish with a mixture of herbs, some grown from her own garden and some acquired from Calrok’s market square. She had also prepared a spicy grain rice and some form of purple cruciferous vegetable. Merrick was pleasantly surprised at how appetizing everything looked. The mix of spices and the crackling fire made for a warm and welcoming aroma.
Merrick insisted on helping clean up after dinner, even though Tanessa tried to shoo him away several times. When he proved himself adept at cleaning, the orc woman relaxed and embraced his help.
Merrick laughed with Tanessa as he brought more from the table. “My mother would have my neck if I didn’t help tidy.”
“I suppose mothers have that effect on their sons in many cultures,” Tanessa smiled. “Karnak’s mother used to live in the cottage when we first got married and his father had passed. She got on him all the time for chores around the paddock.”
Merrick chuckled at the thought of the giant orc being scolded by his mom. “Mothers can be pretty good at pointing out what their sons should do.”
“Nevertheless, she doted on him as though he were a treasure.”
Tanessa looked into the sitting room where Karnak sat on the floor with Gernot, laughing and playing. Ralowyn used magic lights to create moving images in the middle of the room for the little tyke’s entertainment. Gernot tried to grab a flying lavender pegasus, which spun and whirled into the form of a wyvern out of the little orc’s grip. He laughed crazily at the game as Karnak spurred him on with encouragement. Ralowyn noticed the two watching from the kitchen and flashed them a joyful smile.
“It seems like a treasure to me,” Merrick said to the orc wife and mother.
“I like them, alright,” she teased. “I’ll keep them around a while.”
The night drew to a close after a riveting orc tale that put the wiped out Gernot to sleep. Tanessa walked Merrick and Ralowyn to the cottage near the barn, while Karnak tucked his son in for the first time in weeks.
Tanessa opened the door to the small cottage and explained there was only one room with a proper bed. Karnak’s mother had always run cold, though, so there were enough blankets to make up another sleeping spot in the small sitting room. Merrick pushed the pair of large weaved chairs to the walls and made room for the blankets Tanessa produced from the small bedroom.
“Thank you,” Merrick said. “I have to admit your kindness surprises me.”
“Perhaps you do not understand orcs as well as you thought you did,” Tanessa said to him with a wry grin.
“No, I did not,” he admitted. “But I’m learning.”
“To be fair,” the orc woman said. “I was not entirely sure about you two, either. But I trust my husband. And I do not believe there is anything in this world he wouldn’t do to protect us. Because of that, I do not believe he would have brought you here if he thought any ill of you.
He is an honorable orc. He’s not perfect—ask his wife,” she winked to him playfully. “But in the end, he always tries to do the right thing.”
Merrick nodded thoughtfully. He and Karnak’s first meeting had resulted in the loss of his dear falcon Rora. Since then, he had come to know the large orc to be kind and generous. Forgiveness had not been his initial thought when he saw Karnak on his knees, high upon the king’s landing at Ruk. They had been through much since, and he had forgiven the orc.
He chuckled slightly. “It seems he found himself a great woman to keep him grounded and fighting for what’s right.”
Tanessa took the compliment in stride and motioned her head in the direction of the small bedroom. “And seems to me you might have found one yourself?”
Merrick looked over to the bedroom and heard Ralowyn humming as she prepared for bed. The huntsman’s cheeks flushed as he tried to deny the orc woman’s notion. “No. I ... Uh, we’re ... Well ...”
He shook his head, not knowing how to dissuade her, but Tanessa gave him a knowing look and shrugged her shoulders. “Karnak didn’t realize I was the best thing for him at first either. Took him a while to see it, too.”
Tanessa gave him a sideways glance and a mischievous smile as she bade him goodnight and closed the cottage door behind her. Merrick released a burst of amusement. He walked to the doorway where Ralowyn was standing the Staff of Anvelorian in the corner. The bed was without wrinkle as she had fixed it with different blankets. They had taken the thicker ones off the bed so Merrick could have them in the sitting room. He watched her for a moment as she hummed to herself.
She turned and caught him at the doorway, staring. Her bright grin added to her shimmering beauty, as flowing strands of silvery hair fell in front of her face. She shyly pulled them back behind her pointed ear.
Merrick smiled at her and said, “Goodnight, fair Ralowyn.”
He turned away and returned to the sitting room where he would make his nest of blankets into a usable bed.
“Goodnight,” he heard from the other room as the door closed quietly with a wind of magic.
He smiled as he gathered two blankets and a pillow. When he got comfortable, he put his hands behind his head and stared at the ceiling in the small cottage. The moonlight formed interesting shadows as it crept through the window.
Merrick thought of all the things that had happened since he left Tamaria. It had been quite the adventure, with highs and lows. As he lay in the cottage of an orc gar near the Gant Sea, he could hardly believe how it all had played out. Even in that strange scenario, he found a sense of peace and slipped into his dreams with ease.