Frosthold-The Sanguine King

[macmillian]

"DEATH"

Angus and Raff can see the crossroads ahead and the small village set beside a stream. We look to each other and smile for tonight we will rest easy and warm. From out of seemly nowhere appears an entire company of High Orcs charging down on us. We have just enough time to draw our swords and I tap my staff twice and repeating a spell a bright light halts the attack for but a few brief moments. Raff is pummelled to his knees and he drops to the ground. I fend of one then two but the numbers are to great and I fall too. WE would rest easy tonight, but now warm. Death is cold and black as my light goes out.

It is dark and my head hurts and my arms and legs are stiff. I though for sure we were dead, but the Orcs had only wanted to take us prisoners. I tried to listen but the buzzing in my head was not permitting me to concentrate. I did not see Raff and I hopehe was alright. I made myself as comfortable as I could and drifted of to sleep.

 

[macmillian]

In the gray light of dawn, one of the Orcs shook me awake and pulled me into a sitting position. he pressed a bowl to my lips and tilted and the cool water ran into my mouth. He looked at my head and grunted and with his large hand ruffled my hair.

I followed him with my eyes and I saw him raise Raff and give him a drink. Then he cheched his head and called another Orc over. They huddled for a minute and the second one left and then returned with a third and he looked at Raff's head. He reached into a bag at his side and then spread something on his scalp and putting a bandage around his head.

He then came over to me and checked my head and grunted. He gave me what appeared to be a smile and then cut the ties that bound me and then pulled me to my feet. My head was spinning and the Orc reached out to steady me and then guided me towards the fire. Another Orc was doing the same with Raff. At the fire we had more to drink and some food.

Then a Larger Orc who seemed to be the leader came over and he spoke to us. He told us the Orc lands were closed to all non High Orcs and wanted to know why they shouldn't just kill us.

I told him my name and where we were from and that we were messengers to the High Orcs Council. I told of the destruction of one of our villages high in the Dragontooth Mountains. I said that I thought that there was a understanding that we did not build or settle past a certain point and the Orcs would leave us be. Connor McKay was our clan leader.

If you give us your parole, you will not be bound and we will take you to Westraka and the council. I looked at the Large Orc and he appeared to be one that took any oaths seriously. I gave this High Orcs my word and my word was my bond. He nodded and told me we would leave in the hour.

 

[Ithica]

The first snow fall of the year had settled over the land as the six warriors of Lough Orainn, the cat-girl, the elf, and the two Riada, made their way north. They had been traveling for a few days when one of the scouts came back and reported to Hrist that they had entered Orc lands. Hrist had started to reconsider the wisdom of having such a small party. They were big enough and well enough armed to avoid the attentions of bands of thieves that roamed the woods but hopefully small enough not to be a threat to the orcs. But would the orcs even listen to them and could they protect themselves from the orcs if they choose to attack.

Hrist reined in her horse and dropped out of line so that she could talk with Cahir and Forgall. She pulled her furs in closer and waited for them the catch up. As she waited she took a glance at Ty as she passed. She felt uneasy around the strange cat-girl but had agreed to take her along at Verdandi’s request. She found Ty odd but had to admit that it was nice having someone else set up her tent and it left her more time to plan out their next move.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Cahir and Forgall saw Hrist drop out of line and wait for them. They moved over to her "Aye milady," Cahir said "You would speak with me it seems."

 

[Jeremy Davis]

Ty offered her new mistress a smile as she passed, then stopped and walked over to stand by Hrist not wanting to be too far away in case she was needed. The last few days had been interesting for Ty. She was captured by slavers, then freed by Hrist and her female warriors. Once in their care, she was told by an elder that though Hrist hated slavery that she was to become Hrist's slave. Though it was all so confusing to Ty, she was happy that she was owned and protected.

Ty's chores had been relatively easy since they started thier trek north. Ty would set up the tent she and Hrist shared when they would stop. Then after cleaning it and setting up the bedding, Ty would go find firewood and start a fire to cook on as well as give them warmth. Snow, while not unknown to Ty always facinated her and her eyes light up with excitement when she saw the first flake decend from the heavens.

Absently, Ty rested her hand on Hrist's horse, petting its neck and then its maul. Ty spend some of her time with the horse and they had become freindly. Seeing the two men ride up to Hrist, Ty slipped behind Hrists left leg and rested against the horse as she waited.

 

[Ithica]

Hrist pulled Ty up on the horse behind her as Cahir and Forgall approached.

"My scout has told me that we have entered orc lands."

 

[Furion9]

Dalion

Dalion walked past the rest of the party, his footsteps light and silent against the thin layer of frost on the ground. His wings folded neatly behind the graceful dragon-elf as he knelt to study the tracks.

"These may be Orc lands, but hardly any patrols ever come through here. A rare hunting party or two for the local game...nothing to be too concerned about, for now."

Dalion brushes a strand of hair from his face as he rises back to his feet and grins back at the others.

"In any case...we should keep moving..."

 

[Ankara]

Shayla reined in her horse as the rest of the party stopped. Another elf walked ahead and was looking at the ground. He was Hrist's scout, it seemed odd that she would have him travelling with her. She hadn't noticed him there before. Shayla made a note to talk to him and Hrist when they set up camp, and try to see if her Grandfather had a hand in this pairing. She also saw the little cat girl against Hrist's horse. Now she was a strange one. Shayla thought. Why would you choose slavery over freedom.

She patted her horse on the neck and looked over at Forgall, "This is where the Orcs live?"

 

[rengadeirishman]

"Aye elf-lass, it is, welcome to arkand." Forgall said "I find myself surprised that we havent been challenged yet." Cahir looked around "I hate arkand." he said, spitting on the ground." "Mind your words lad, if you speak ill of Arkand by orcish law you can be challenged to single combat by any Orc at any time. And they'll put a collar around you to stop your magic. The only magic the orcs favor is shamistic and the magic they put into their smithing, they will not abide your "book-magic" as they call it. They consider it dishonourable and weak, and will thus think the same of you. Without your magic, you are no match for an Orc thane."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Upon a hill a sharp eyed orc marchwarden spied the group that entered their lands.

 

[deevo]

Darra O'Ferducha

OOC: Hope this is OK, let me know if I should change anything.

IC:
Darra almost fell to the ground as he sat on a tree stump. What was he doing here? Where was here? He raised his snout to the air and sniffed around him, trying to pick up a scent, anything that might help him find his bearings. He knew he had been walking for five days at least. His valley was far behind him now. Forced out by his own kin – the thought still caused his blood to boil, but Darra knew that the Goddess allowed all things to happen for a reason. What reason She had for removing him from the comfort of his tribe, he did not know, but what Darra did know was that the Earth Goddess was protecting him, as well as compelling him to travel on this particular path.

But travel to where? Darra tried to recall the simple maps that had been drawn up by travellers from his tribe. If he’s been walking in the same direction for five days along the Dragontooth Mountains, that would put him in… oh no.

Arkland. Darra hated Arkland.

Not the place itself – after all, as a shaman he took his strength from the land – but rather its inhabitants. Wolfmen and High Orcs were not enemies, but it was well known that High Orcs considered the beastmen as inferior, allowing their animal instincts to override their more civilised leanings. High Orcs, it seemed, only allowed such aggression to reveal itself on the battlefield. Darra smiled – as if that made you any less of an animal.

The one benefit of being in Arkland was that game would be plentiful. Darra hadn’t eaten properly for a couple of days. He needed to eat, and he needed to rest. As if rest would be of any help – since leaving his home Darra’s nights had been plagued by the same dark dream. He found himself standing in the middle of a vicious battle, the ground muddy with blood. In the centre stood a figure in black armour, a giant with empty eyes as dark as night, bearing down on a young boy. An enormous beast engulfed the sun, swallowing it whole, while an angel clad in fire swooped over the land screaming into the sky. Above, on a ridge, a pale grey rider on a pale grey horse watched all of this, an evil grin creeping across his face, while his army massed around him, the fallen souls of a thousand bloody wars.

Darra shuddered as he recalled the dream. A dream, or a premonition? He did not wish to know. He prayed silently to Danu that he never would.

Clarity was what he needed, an answer to the millions of questions ravaging his tired mind. Using his staff to heave himself up, Darra took a few steps forward and kneeled down. Reaching under his coarse thick cloak, he produced a small knife, which he normally used when he needed to skin and butcher a fresh kill. Using the knife, he dug through the thin layer of snow that had fallen the night before and scratched into the dirt. Placing the knife back into his belt, Darra gripped his staff tightly. He began to whisper to himself, his words carried off on the breeze. He was calling for Danu, asking for her guidance. He bit into his right thumb, rubbed some blood on the staff, then allowed a few drops to land onto the earth.

“Where am I to go, Danu? What is it you ask of me? What do you want of your servant?”

Darra froze up, as if an electrical charge was put through his body. He tried to breathe but found it impossible. Raising his head to the sky his eyes were overcome by a vision, stronger than any he had ever experienced. He saw before him a great beast, standing tall and proud. It was unclear at first but quickly revealed its form as it howled into the air.

“No! It cannot be!”

Darra was forced onto his back, blinded for a moment. As his sight returned, he tried to comprehend what he had just witnessed. But his thoughts were more of a jumble than before, and all he could do was laugh. He began to speak but only repeated the same words over and over.

“My lord! My king!” He said them louder again, and fell into another uncontrollable fit of laughter. He was so preoccupied that he did not notice the band of warriors riding towards him on the path.

 

[macmillian]

I went to check on Raff and he was still unsure from the blow to his head. The Orcs let him ride his horse as we left their camp. I ran with them and was able to keep up because I didn't have to carry arms. They had taken all and they were on my horse that one was leading.

We ran, really more like a loping trot, all morning and we covered a fair distance when their leader called a halt.

The Big Orc signaled a stop and gave a few orders and two continued on.

"You ran well Angus" he said to me. "Better than I thought"

"Thank You", I replied as I continued to fill my lungs with fresh air. "How much further to go?"

"Another day, maybe two. Not far!"

I helped Raff down and gave him a drink of water. He told me his head pounded as though the Orcs were still clubing him. I smilled and sat with him while we rested.

"Your companion may still ride, he still is not in any shape to run and keep up with us. You may ride too if you like."

I looked at him before responding. "I'll run with you, all the way to Westraka"

We started off again. Maintaing the ground eating pace as we traveled across the gently rolling hills. I would sleep tonight, I could feel the ache all the way up my back to the base of my skull.

 

[rengadeirishman]

The orc marchwarden and his cadre of marchrangers rode down to toward the band of warriors in their lands. As they reached them, he halted his battlewolf and said "Halt in the the name of Grom Son of Kilrath High king of Arkand, Supreme ruler of Westraka-" "Defender of his subjects, Knight of the Many Axes, Victor of the Kinslayer war, Slayer of Elves and Fell ones, and Wielder of the Bloodstained Warblade." Forgall said "Have I left anything out?" "head of the commonwealth and defender of the faith," the orc finished "How do you know these things blue one? (see footnote) "Skraeling, Grom and I were fighting in the kinslayer war before your parents copulated to produce you, He is my sworn brother. I am Forgall MacFionn, my father was Fionn MacEamon, and my grandfather was Eamon the Swiftspear, who laid low the grandfather of Grom in a duel of honor. We are on the road to Westraka."

footnote-high orcs often refer to the riada as "the blue ones" because the orcs relate everything to war and the riada are known for using woad to paint blue designs on themselves before battle, and Skraeling is just a term for a young orc.

 

[Furion9]

Dalion gave a soft chuckle as Forgall finished the orc's introduction. His hand already settled on the hilt of his curved sword and spells ready to spill forth, the elf does a graceful backflip to rejoin the party, landing with a soft klak of his boots against the ground just to the right of his Riada companions.

"Two dozen...crossbows, swords, axes..." Dalion whispers, his slender eyes never leaving the orcs.

 

[rengadeirishman]

Skraeling's did have a habit of getting antsy, forgall thought to himself subtly loosening his massive sword in its scabbard. "We are on our way to Westraka to see my sworn brother Grom" he said displaying an arm ring forged around his bicep, "A kargak, Im sure you know what that is." Forgall said "Indeed i do Master Forgall, but one further test is needed, Garmak front and center." the marchwarden barked his order and a massive orc 8 feet tall and bulging with muscles stepped forward and hefted a massive battle axe. This orc made even the massive Forgall look like a young boy. "Garmak! Lok tar ogar namak dyrtraka!" "If you tried to conceal your words you failed Skraeling, I speak Orcag." Forgall unsheathed his sword and unhooked his axe, and with a clash of his weapons and a warcry lowerd himself into his fighting stance. "Last chance boy, I have no quarrel with you, but if you do not lower your axe never again will drink the sweet blood wine with your battle brothers in this world!"

 

[deevo]

Darra O'Ferducha

Erag halted his men and stared at the strange figure on the road. He and his small band of troops had been scouting this area for almost two weeks and had barely spotted a soul, but now here was a beastman, of all things, lying in the middle of the road laughing like he had lost his mind.

Darra noticed the High Orcs staring at him from atop their steeds. They were riding horses, not battlewolves, he noted – clearly they were not yet experienced enough. Probably new recruits, ordered to patrol this almost forgotten pathway until something better could be found for them. Regardless, as a stranger in their land it was best to show them a modicum of respect. He stood up and gave them a bow of his head.

“Greetings,” he declared cheerfully. “I see a band of fine warriors has found me. Wonderful!”

Compliments aside, Darra was still an unknown force to the Orcs, and Erag, ever the soldier, quickly demanded, “What are you doing in Arkand, wolfman? You are far from home.”

“Indeed I am,” Darra replied. “Until just a few minutes ago I was asking myself the same thing, but all has become clear now.”

The shaman’s words confused Erag. “I am not one for riddles, sir. I would appreciate a straightforward answer.”

Darra did not let the young Orcs curt words affect him. “Of course you do, sir, and while I would like to give you one, I am afraid I am unable. But enough of this idle chatter, we must ride to Westraka immediately.”

As for as Erag was concerned, the wolfman seemed to enjoy confusing him. He decided to take a stronger stance. “What business has anyone like you in the capital of our fine lands? I am a soldier of Arkand. I have been ordered to patrol this area and ensure its safety. I hardly think it safe to bring some strange beastman into the heart of our kingdom.”

The Orc was being troublesome, no doubt the result of being stuck in the middle of nowhere for quite some time. “I do not wish to sound rude, sir, but it is very important that I go to Westraka. I am meeting someone there.”

“Really? Who”

Darra hesitated. “I… I do not know.”

Erag snorted and gave a quick laugh. Some of the other soldiers nearby did the same. “You are meeting someone important and you do not know who? Then by all means, we must transport you to the city immediately!” The troop laughed heartily at their leader’s words. Darra was growing impatient.

“I may not know who it is, but I do know that it is imperative that I meet him. I have been ordered to do so by none other than Danu Herself!”

“I have no time for Danu,” came the Orc’s reply. The Earth Goddess is of little use to a soldier.”

Darra hid his shock at such insolence, but the tone in his voice clearly changed. “If I was not in such a good mood I might consider ripping that blasphemous tongue from your mouth, boy!”

Slowly drawing out his sword, Erag spoke. “Really? Perhaps you’d like to see if Danu would protect you from my steel? What are you going to do, wolfman – hit me with your stick?”

The Orcs laughed again, but Darra was already gouging his staff into the ground. He muttered to himself as the Orc held the long blade away from his body.

“What are you doing now, beastman? Praying to Danu for protection?”

Darra glanced down at the ground beside where the Orc’s horse stood. Erag also looked down. For a moment there was nothing, then a small sapling slowly began to break its way through the frozen dirt. The horses seemed uneasy.

Erag looked at Darra and grinned. “Very nice trick, but I hardly think that’s going to stop-“

The Orc’s words were halted as the sapling shot up into the air. The slender trunk and branches began to wrap around the blade, quickly trapping Erag’s hand as he still held onto the handle. The horses began to neigh loudly and the Orcs struggled to rein them in.

Erag yelled and with fear audible in his voice shouted, “Let go of me! Release me, I say!”

“Will you take me to Westraka, so I can find the warrior I am to aid?”

“Yes, yes, just get it off me!”

Darra raised his staff from the ground. The sapling immediately began to release its grip on Erag’s hand, and slowly sunk back into the ground. Erag regained his composure and smiled as he talked to Darra again.

“Clearly there is more to you than meets the eye! What is your name priest?”

“I am Darra O’Ferducha, shaman and chief to the wolfmen of the Western Ridge. Or… at least I was.”

“They were fools to let you leave! I am Erag, son of Morker, and I would be proud to take you to Westraka! You can ride with me – I think I’d like to have you nearby should anything happen!”

Darra smiled. “Very well, Erag.” He climbed onto the horse behind the young Orc.

“We are not far from Westraka, but the land is rough and it will be some days before we get there,” Erag informed Darra.

Darra frowned. “By that time we may be too late. We will ride to Westraka, and if Danu is truly watching over us she will make the path easier. Unless, of course, she was insulted by your words earlier.”

Erag grinned. “After seeing the power she has bestowed upon you, I see no reason why this soldier cannot offer his devotion to the Earth Goddess!”

Erag called out to his men, and they began to gallop towards Westraka.

 

[macmillian]

The day was drawing to a close as the sun was slowing setting in the west. It was becoming colder and the wind had started to blow again.

I looked up at the sky and large gray clouds we stacking up against the Dragontooth Mountains was a sure sign to this mountain boy that we would have more snow shortly.

We came to a stop in a ring of rocks and boulders just off the road and was protected by massive pines that ran around the outside of the ring.

"We will be safe here tonight, The ring of trees and stone will protect us from the wind and maybe even driving snow." I noded my head towards the High Orc and looked around the area he had choosen for our camp. It was well protected from the wind and it didn't seem as cold here either.

Several of the orcs party had sat down to rest and I was glad to see I was not the only weary one tonight. At least I didn't have to stand guard. I helped Raff down from his horse and set a blanket on the ground and set him down out of the wind.

The first Orc we had met came over and checked on Raff and then gave him sothing to swallow and rebandged his head. It was almost closed and would not leave much in the way of a scar. Raff had been luvky.

They built a fire and roasted some meat and we drank water and prepared for a night on the trail. I put up a small shelter against the rocks and sat in close to Raff and we both slepted undisterbuded until just before first light.

 

[Ithica]

As the Orcs approached, Hrist and her warriors backed up to let them speak with Forgall and Cahir without feeling threatened. She didn't have much experience with Orcs and wasn't sure how the conversation was actually going.

Hrist glanced over to see what the elves were doing. Dalion, the elf that had came with them when they went looking for Shayla, looked like he was getting ready to fight. Shayla was staying back and watching what was going on.

As the big Orc approached the group, tension between the two groups increase. Hrist turned to Ty and told her to move away from the horses and into the trees. She let Ty down and when she moved away, Hrist and her warriors spread out and moved towards the Orcs. They stopped behind Forgall and watched what the Orcs would do.

 

[rengadeirishman]

The big orc swung his axe and Forgall deftly leapt away from the blade and circled the orc. Forgall quickly surveyed all the weak spots that he could avoid the orcs heavy armor with. As the orc swung again forgall caught the axe with his own and dropped, slashing the cords behind the orcs right knee and with a spin, disengaged and slashed the left knee as well. the big orc fell to the ground but held him self up on his axe. Forgall put the blades of his axe and sword at the orcs neck and slashed.
"Any further tests Skraeling? or will you stop wasting my time?"

 

[Furion9]

Dalion

Dalion chuckled from his spot as he watched the Riada quickly and efficiently dispatch his much larger opponent. At the mention of further tests, the elf discreetly and silently mouthed a few words to a spell onto his companion.

Forgall could feel his limbs tingling slightly as a minor Haste spell took effect, further increasing his speed should he require it.

Dalion grins and takes a half step back, his sword hilt still gripped in his hand...

 

[rengadeirishman]

The young orc leader stared at openmouthed at Forgalls effortless slaying of one of his men. "No further test is needed blue one. My name is Orgrim, I am the marchwarden of this area, you may proceed to westraka at your convenience." "Thank you skraeling." Forgall said wiping his blades clean. "Come on everyone, step lively westraka is still a distance from here."

 

[rengadeirishman]

"We must be wary for bandits, i sense Arkand has fallen on hard times, being so close to the lands of the Sanguine king it is not surprising." suddenly a strange discordant horn sounded, Forgall straightened and looked west as a band of warriors carrying the bleeding crown standard of the sanguine king "FELL ORCS!! PREPARE FOR COMBAT" Forgall roared drawing his weapons he roared a challenge as Cahir ignited his runeblade and roared his own.

 

[macmillian]

The High Orc woke me early and we had something to eat and drink and he took me aside and asked how good my word was. I told him that my word was my life and my life was my word. He looked hard at me and nodded. He told me to follow him and we went over to the the horses just as two other Orcs were putting Raff on his horse.

The High Orc gave some orders and the two led Raff and his horse of towards Westraka. "He goes to saftey and we go to war! My name is Ragormin, leader of this band and a Marchwarden of Arkland. Like you a member of the ruling family, alow member, but non the less a member. I trust you Angus" and that being said he handed the reins of my horse to me and turned to join the other Orcs.

They had broken down the camp and they were all ready to travel. Ragormin turned to me and motioned to the long bow and ask how good I was.

"I know how to use it and I use it well" I answered. I straped my sword to my waist alon with a sleeve of arrows and slung the bow across my back. I hung an extra sleeve of arrows from my saddle along with my axe. I swung up into the saddle and took hold of my staff.

Ragormin led out and I followed along at the end of the train with one orc behind me and leading my extra horse. He wasn't Raff, but it was a little reassuring to have someone watching my back. I assumed that was why he was placed there. We moved out into the morning and headed twords the west-norwest. About an hour out we heard a strange discordent sound of a horn off in the distance. Ragormin called a halt and listen and checked his bearing and sent out two Orcs to take point. WE followed a few minutes later.

 

[deevo]

Darra O'Ferducha

OOC: Very sorry for not posting sooner than this. My bad.

IC:

Darra and the High Orcs had travelled hard through the night. As he predicted, Danu was watching over them. The ground had been easy going so far. At this rate they would be in Westraka in another day or so.

But for now, Darra and the warriors were resting. They had set up camp some time in the early hours of the morning, and after a well-deserved rest the Orcs had begun to light a fire and make some breakfast.

Darra sat some distance away from the group. Though the soldiers did not believe he wished to cause them harm, Darra could tell they were afraid he might, so he kept his distance to assuage their fears. To the credit of their leader, Erag had sat down beside him.

“Good riding last night,” said the Orc. “I must remember to pay an offering to the Earth Goddess when we arrive in Westraka.”

“I have no doubt, for helping me with this task, Danu will bless you with good land and strong children,” replied the wolfman.

“Well, we will continue soon. I would like to let the men rest a little more, and get something into their bellies.”

“Of course,” Darra answered. “They can’t enter the great High Orc city looking like common trolls.”

The two men laughed. Suddenly Darra became quiet. He turned his head.

“What is it?” asked Erag.

“Do you hear that?” Darra replied.

Erag strained to hear. “I do not have your hearing wolfman. What is it?”

“A horn,” Darra answered. “An awful deep noise blaring through the air. Might it be another troop?”

“Not of our soldiers,” Erag said.

“Then who…” Darra’s words trailed off as the realisation hit him. Erag realised it too.

“Bandits! Worse than bandits, fell Orcs!” the soldier shouted.

“We must go now!” Darra declared. “Who knows who they are attacking.”

“Of course,” Erag replied. He turned to his soldiers.

“Men, mount up!” he yelled. “This morning we ride to death!”

The soldiers cried out in unison, a mighty roar as the jumped onto their horses. Erag mounted his own horse, and Darra jumped up behind him. He pointed in the direction of the noise.

“They are just over the ridge,” the wolfman said.

“If we move quickly we may be able to surprise them,” Erag replied. “Company, forward!”

They galloped towards the ridge, bloodthirsty and ready for battle.

 

[macmillian]

We quickly moved forward following the advance guard. They halted at the top of the next hill and motioned for us to close up. I dismounted below the top of the rise and moved forward with Ragormin. From our vantage point on top of the hill, we looked down upon a long narrow valley with a stream running down the middle.

There was patches of snow along the tops of the surrounding hills, but the floor of the valley was still green and clear of snow. Ragormin was as young as me, but his training was also very good. He quickly positioned his force along the ridge and we all remained under cover and waited.

Again we heard the discordent shill of the horn again and it was nearer now. LOUDER.........

 

[Furion9]

Dalion swiftly drew his sword as he began to weave a spell with his free hand. As a gentle breeze flows through him and the rest of the party - the Haste spell taking effect - the elf gracefully kicks off from the ground and vanishes into the foliage. From the trees he began to further enhance his speed through a few quick spells as he looked ahead at the charging Fel Orcs, gauging their strength...this was not going to be an easy fight...