Frosthold-The Sanguine King

[Ankara]

Shayla floated on the edge of consciousness. She could hear strange voices in the distance, pulling her into their world. She could feel the cold ground beneath her and she could see the sun filtering it’s light through the trees. She turned her pounding head gently to the side. She couldn’t see any slavers. She could see what she thought was women in the cloths of Lough Orainn. She could feel her stomach begin to churn. It took all she had not to let it spill its contents onto the forest floor. She closed her eyes hoping her stomach would behave, and the forest would stop swaying.

 

[Ithica]

Hrist looked at the men and while she enjoyed a fight as much as the next person, this was just plain annoying. She noticed that the group had come back to watch the fight and decided that there would be no harm in letting it continue. At least while the men were fighting each other there would be less of a chance of them insulting anyone else.

Not wanting to be a part of this Hrist started to walk away and noticed that the elven girl had woken up. Hrist got out the package from Verdandi and there was a dried root of some kind. Hrist crouched down beside the elf and said, "Here, chew on this. It should make you feel better."

 

[rengadeirishman]

Forgall also drew his massive battle axe, whilst Cahir circled him. With a loud battlecry Cahir swung his bladestaff, Forgall easily caught the staff in the crook of his axe, he then swung down with his sword and cleaved the staff cleanly in two with a loud SNAP! Forgall dropped his axe and used his free hand to grab Cahir by the throat and bodily lifted him from the ground. "YOU ARE NOT YET MY MATCH PRINCELING!" then he slammed Cahir to the ground and put his sword to his throat. "YIELD!!"

 

[Jeremy Davis]

"Ty, please go find out how the other girls are doing. Find out if they need anything before we move out."

"Yes, Mistress. Ty will let them know of their choices as she was told." Ty said as she lifted herself from her knees and dusted the dirt from her cloth slave garments. She took a second to tighten the binding fiber that circled her waist, the same fiber it should be noted that could be removed from her and used to whip her if needed, then turn and walked over to a group of slaves.

After calling their attention and getting them calm, Ty informed them that the warrior women that had freed them from the slavers were allowing them to either leave on their own and head back to their homes or their original masters or become free and join the band of warriors that saved them. The group became alive with chatter as each slave in the group made their decision. Ty took this chance to slip away and round up another group, giving them the same chises as she had given the other group before slipping away again.

Finally she had finished her duties and then went back through the groups helping a few of the more confused slaves make up their minds. Most of the slaves decided to head back to their homes and masters, a few of the newer slaves offered to take up arms and join the warriors. Ty couldn't help but admire both groups, the loyalty of the groups heading back to their masters and the metal of the ones that wished to stay and fight.

Ty loooked over the makeshift encampment and scanned the groups of gathered women looking for Hrist. Instead she found Verdandi and walked over to her stopping just of to her left side waiting silently as she watched the group of onlookers watching the fight between two men.

 

[macmillian]

" The Journey "

It has been three days on the trail and we were decending into a dell where we knew a small village would be. We could add to our stores and rest a day and visit. Raff could see the redheaded girl he has been telling me about eversince he found out we would be passing this way.

We led our horses down the steep and narrow trail that would lead us to the valley. The village was across the valley and at the base of a large mountain near a stream that flowed out into the valley. Up to now it had been quite an easy journey, but as we entered the valley I sensed something and held back in the woods. Raff came up and stood by me as I scanned the valley.

Angus; "Raff, Do you see anything amiss here?"

Raff; "No I don't. What am I too see that I do not?"

Angus; "That's just the point. Nothing! There is no bird or insect sounds. There is no livestock grazing or heardsmen. There is nothing!"

Raff; "Aye, See what you mean! There is something amiss here. We need to cautious. Are we going to find out what is wrong here?"

Angus; "For sure. But we will take the long way around. We will follow the woods over to the other side of the valley and then observe the village from there."

We slipped quietly back, deeper into the woods and then found a trail that led us around the valley floor to the other side. We crested a rise in the wood that gave us an excelent view of the village. But there was no village. Just a large burnt and blakened area where the town used to be. There was nothing standing, nothing at all. Raff and I pulled back again and discussed what our next move should be.

First we tethered the horses and then choose our weapons. I had my bow and I took my sword from the pack horse. Raff took up his shield, sword and axe and together we approached the remains of the village. I notched an arrow and we proceed on. What we found was not nice to behold. The bodies of men, women and children laying among the ashes of the burned out village. The village had been completly razed, not two stones were left together. We did not enter the Burned area, the people were beyond our help and there was no reason to alert who ever did this to our presence.

We returned to where we left the horses and Raff left his shield and axe, picked up his spear and headed off into the trees. He was searching for sign and I waited for his return. The High reaches of the Dragontooth mountains had been at peace for many years. The last time there was trouble was when a party of men had gone down to Westraka and were involved in a fight where several on each side were killed and wounded. the Orcs had followed the remainder into the mountains and killed them all an attacked a village but were driven back. Small skirmishes took place and slowly the hostilities ceased. Except for minor clashes, all had been quiet. That happened when I was eleven years.

Raff returned and told me of what he found. The village was attacked by Orcs and of that he was sure. But! He could not be sure if it was the High Orcs or the felled ones from further west. He also found a track of many women and children driven from the village towards the lowlands. They were being hearded by a few who attacked. This happened awhile ago, more then a week.

It was getting late and so we moved over closer to the mountain and made camp for the night. A small fire under the branches of a large pine protected us from the wind an growing cold. We wrappped ourselves in our furs and tried to get some sleep. Tomorrow we would continue on. We decided to follow the trail of those that were headed for the low lands.

 

[Ankara]

"Here, chew on this. It should make you feel better." A voice above Shayla offered.

Shayla took the package from the woman. She chewed on the bitter root until it was gone. "Thanks, I'm Shayla Fae'Danan of the Northern Elves. I see you've handled the Slavers for me. I was getting around to it," She laughed, "But they don't seem to play fair." She held out her hand, "Mind giving me a hand, my head still spins a little."

 

[rengadeirishman]

"I yield." Cahir said and Forgall let him up. "Learn well lad, learn well."

 

[Ithica]

Hrist laughed and said, "That wasn't very sporting of them. Are you sure you don't want to take it easy for a bit."
She reached down a hand to the elf.

 

[Ankara]

"No, I think I've spent enough time on the ground." She took the womans hand and pulled herself up. "My heads going to start to think that I like being knocked about." She put her hand to her head to examine the old bump, and the new tender one. She stretched out her wings to make sure they weren't damaged in the fight. "Is there water nearby, I'd like to have a drink and clean up a little."

 

[Mantra]

They worked quickly, these particular orcs. There was only about a dozen or so of the creatures, but they were skilled in what they were tasked to do, but it was not raiding. They were builders. Orcs, while short, were very strong and resiliant for their height. Being partly nomadic in nature, they were used to long marches and building their own camps as they went. This time however, they were not sent to raid anything, in fact, these orcs had had nothing to do with any of the recent violence in the Dragontooth Mountains, but they were a part of the clannich unity that was forming in the heights.

They had come down from the heights and into the 'human lands', or at least the land that the encroaching humans had moved into and squatted on. Once there they had journied to one of the many passes from the 'outer lands' leading into the mountains. Then they set a quick camp and started felling trees and gathering heavy rocks. In only two days time, they had constructed a rough barrier of logs and rocks to bar the way.

It was an ugly thing, heavy and rough, splattered with a mixture of clay mud and tree sap. Branches that were not quite cut off jutted this way and that. They had been sharpened to points, giving the rough wall the appearance of spikes. On either side were hung geathers and bones, skulls and bits of 'things' as well as orcish curses and threats. Giving warning to any who came. 'Go away!

On the dawn of the third day, the group packed up and jogged off. They had other barriers to construct.

 

[Ithica]

Hrist handed Shayla the water skin that she had with her and said,

"I'm sure we can find you something to eat, if you are feeling up to."

 

[Ankara]

Shayla took the waterskin, "That would be most appreciated. So out of curiosity, what happened to the Slavers, and why are you here, Lough Orainn is quite a distance from here. I didn't think your people sent out armed parties this far."

 

[Ithica]

Hrist smiled and said "The slavers came a little too close to us and drew our attention. We figured we could easily take them and get a few new women to join us with out having to go on a big raid. The slavers are all dead."

 

[Ankara]

"Well, thats good. From the number of slaves they had it looks like they've been busy. It's nice to know they won't be bothering anymore villages. If you can spare it, I was hoping I could get a bow from your party and be on my way."

 

[macmillian]

"The Journey / A New Start"

Raff awoke to find me not in our camp. A light snow had fell during the night and he followed my foot prints to the edge of the burned village. There I stood in prayer for the people who had lived and died here. Raff came up and stood beside me and he to listened to the spirits that now dwelled in this place.

I looked up and placed my hand on Raff's shoulder and looked into my friends eyes and he nodded his head.

Angus; Raff, We will go directly to Arkand and it's capital of Westraka and to seek an audience with the High Orcs leaders. It was to far to go back to our main village and our leader Conner McKay and tell him the bad news. I would go first to the High Orcs and sit in council with them and if I make no progress,we then would return home.

Raff; Aye, as you say. we will go together, you and me to visit with the High Orcs. And may the Gods be with us. Let us be on our way.

We turned from the village and returned to our camp. We had something to eat and drink, packed our horses and walking we headed east towards Arkand. Through the high mountain passes and narrow trails we moved faster walking and leading our mounts then riding.

There was to be long days on the trail ahead untill we would finally come down from the heights of Dragontooth mountains and into the lands of the High Orcs. Our quest how now changed and now we were embarking a mission that would affect our people and our lives. Gone now was the quest for Knowledge and Wisdom and Strength.

A New Day...........................................

 

[Ankara]

The sun sank low in the winter sky as Verdandi, Reginleif, and a small party of the warriors of Lough Orainn made their way back to the village to gather their warriors. Verdandi turned her aged bones in the saddle to look behind at the disappearing camp where they left Hrist.

Hrist had finally agreed to go along with Cahir on his quest. Helping him overthrow the Sanguine king would help her women. Hrist was wise enough in ruling that she knew that what effected other parts of the land, would soon come to effect Lough Orainn.

Verdandi chuckled to herself at the thought of the little cat-girl Ty. It would be good for both of them to have to learn to deal with one another. Would be good for Ty to learn strength and freedom, and good for Hrist to learn that strength comes in different forms.

Verdandi had agreed to get word to the elves that Shayla was free. She shook her head a little that Hrist decided to keep to herself that it was Shayla’s Grandfather that sent for help. But she understood that there was bad blood between Granddaughter and Grandfather, and bowed to Hrist’s ruling. Maybe telling Shayla that her Grandfather had sent the rescue might help to heal the ill feelings, but then again, the girl might reject the help and become angry. It was probably best that the young elven princess go with Hrist, maybe some of Hrists sense of responsibility and self-assurance might rub off on Shayla.

Verdandi had left Cahir and Forgall still at slight odds with one another. Cahir would have to learn to be more diplomatic if he hoped to raise and lead an army. But with Forgall's help, and Forgall’s Lough Orainn blood, Verdandi thought proudly, Cahir should be able to accomplish his goals.

Verdandi knew that she wouldn’t be returning with Reginleif when they retrieved the warriors that they would need. But she wistfully thought about the journey and battle that lay ahead of the group and wished she could join. Thinking back on her own days in battle, but knew that those days had past, and that she must enjoy her old age, of guiding, teaching and watching the young girls of Lough Orainn become strong and powerful women.

Verdandi left the camp bedding down for the night and ready to start their journey when daylight broke the night sky.

 

[macmillian]

Raff and I traveled down and passed through several high pastures and small valleys just off the small trail. The trail got wider and saw more use than the high upper trails. Not to many knew the way into the high parts of Dragontooth Mountains. I have no idea how long we have lived in these highland velds and valleys. I was told we were there for many generations before us.

Dropping down into a pass that would lead us out onto the foothills of the Dragontooth. We encounted a Dozen or so Orcs building a barracde across the pass and effectivly blocking it. I Stopped well back of the barracade and an Orc approached and said we did not belong here. These were builders and were not of the battle or fighting class.

"I need to pass " I said' "We go to "ARKAND" and it's capital Westraka, The High Orcs are expecting us. I Carry greeting from Connor McKay, friend of your leaders lr The orc that had approached returned to his party and there was a heated discussion and so we waited. There was only twelve of them and it would not be a problem dispatching them and continuing, but if we want to parley, we have to do it this way.

 

[Ankara]

The chill air of dawn woke the small group camped around the smoldering remains of lastnights fire. Shayla stretched her wings and arms to work out the knots in her back. She stood up and looked around. Everyone was starting to get up and pack their horses for the journey.

One of Hrists warriors had provided Shayla with a bow. And a raid of the lead slave wagon had revealed Shayla's rune staff.

"So which way do we go?" Shayla shouted over to the Cahir who was getting his horse ready.

 

[rengadeirishman]

"Arkand lass" Forgall answered "To enlist the aid of the High Orcs. They make the finest armor in the land and they are truly fierce in war. We shall need their aid."

 

[Ankara]

The older Riada answered that they were heading to Arkand "To enlist the aid of the High Orcs. They make the finest armor in the land and they are truly fierce in war. We shall need their aid."

Shayla sneered at Forgall "Nothing can beat elven armor. And Orcs are no better than dogs. Do we really need their help?"

Shayla's village always had trouble with stray bands of Orcs raiding. Shayla really didn't want to ask any for help, let alone have to travel with them.
Shayla also remembered some women she knew when she was growing up talking about Orc villages, about how they destroyed the land till it was useless, then moved on like a disease. Shayla's father had always taught her to be apart of the land, and then when she went on to become a mage, drawing her power from the earth, a greater appreciation for the land grew, as well as her dislike of the Orcs.

 

[Ankara]

Hrist

Hrist woke up and looked over at the empty bedding to her right. Where was Ty? she thought to herself. She sat up and looked at her feet. "Oh, Goddess." Hrist sighed when she spotted the young cat girl at the foot of her bed. She looked around and saw the five warriors that didn't go back to the village, the elf, and the two Raida were still here, and were all waking up.

Once everyone had eaten, they started to pack their horses, and make other preperations for their journey.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Forgall chuckled "Your prejudice runs from the fell orcs half elf. The High orcs are as noble as any elf ive met, and nobler then most." He took off his breastplate and pointed out a few scars. "I have fought against high orcs, a certain warchief named Throk gathered a few clans of them and fought against the current high chieftain's father, a mighty orc was Kilrath, and his son Grom mightier still. King Cernach, Prince Cahir's father aided his friend Kilrath with troops. I led those troops, Grom led his father's troops, for his father was very old. These scars came from the axes and warblades of the enemy, I was wearing armor of elf-make, and I tell you as a man who has seen battle, the high orcs blades, wielded by their mighty warriors, most assuredly beat elvish armor." He pointed to a huge scar across his abdomen, "That one almost killed me, they had to push my ribs and muscles back in and sew the wound, That was a feisty orc." Forgall said laughing "We go to Grom because he is one of my sworn brothers. Nothing builds respect and friendship between men like the sting of battle"

 

[Ankara]

Shayla was a little angry at his words, but when he laughingly made the comment about that being a feisty orc, she couldn't help but laugh along with him. Forgall was certainly a strange man. She didn't think that she would have the same good natured feelings towards someone who had tried to kill her. "Alright old man," she winked, "I think we should get going."

 

[rengadeirishman]

Forgall laughed and put his breastplate back on. "Aye I am old, but I have earned it, he said stroking his white beard. The only way to avoid growing old is to die young."

 

[macmillian]

The group og Orcs had finished discussing us, the first one walked over to us again and told us to lead our horses around the barracade and to continue on our journey. I told the Orc that I would report this courtsey to the High Orcs council when we meet. The road to Arkand and the capital Westraka is half a days march east and then turn south on the main road, for another five days. There is a roadhouse of sorts, a tavern, an eating room and sleeping quarters on the second floor at the road junction.

We led our horses around the partially completed barracade and leading our horses we walk towards the east to pick up the road to Westraka. WE would arive at the junction about an hour before dark and that would give us a chance to look around and see if any new information was available.