4. Glory

“What is it Tugut?”

“My spying eye sees a most dangerous thing. We must inform the Ogre council immediately.”

The Ogre council was a large body of higher Ogres. Despite their monstrously large appearance, and their brutish war clubs their system of government reflected higher ideals than mere warfare; they had a council of various clans that decided their policies. Oru, Oran, Rzo and Lra were their four clans, with a special tie breaker chosen each year among one of them in case of a lack of majority which would switch between the four clans each year; the Oru lived in the northwest, the Oran in the southwest, the Rzo in the northeast and the Lra in the southeast. Meanwhile in Oru two spies saw the commotion on the Continent of Sand, and scrambled to report it to their superiors. Three metres tall creme coloured bodies, brutishly strong and powerful creatures, with musculature that could pulverise an average man, tempered by a reconnaissance magic: ‘Magic eye’, and ‘reveal.’ The magic eye was a fast flying scout in the shape of an eye; ‘reveal’ revealed a small window into a corner of the world into the mind of the one who cast the spell. Bordered by the Orcish kingdom of the Amanites to the North, the Human kingdom of Ilar to the west, and the Elvish kingdom of Helva to the south, the Ogre abilities were extremely useful in understanding their situation, and preparing for all eventualities; they could spy on all their neighbours, and scout their troops movements with ease. The city of Ogr a central meeting place for all the clans, was tall stone and full of chimneys and blacksmiths, a magic crystal lit up in the central spire that illuminated the black brick houses that surrounded the building. The two spies immediately reported their findings.

“Yes,” a deep base voice replied to the white see through communication crystal that lit up.

“We have spotted very strange magic to the far west,” Tugut said, “very strange, and possibly dangerous.”

The council member of the Oru wore a robe that was slightly more sophisticated than his more rudimentary Ogre compatriots. He paused in silence for the words meant trouble.

“I might be the Oru clan leader and representative, but that doesn’t mean-”

“It could really be a problem,” the other Ogre scout said simply, “I understand you don’t want to.”

“I get it,” the representative said, “I will convene the council.”

“Good.” The spies said in unison.

Council member of the Oru; Iokhur marched into the large archways, smelling of broth that was made in the kitchens, the stone was smoothed out to be slippery, but to an Ogre’s feet it made little difference, their heavy flat feet easily gripping into the stonework. Two headed Ogres guarded the entrance to the hall. Guarded in plate armour and armed with maces, even experienced mages would have trouble.

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“You are wanted Iokhur,” the guard said, “state your business.”

Three clan leaders already awaited Iokhur, Erig of the southwestern based ‘Oran,’ Aeruk of the northeastern based ‘Rzo,’ and Elrag of the southeastern Lra; Elrag was the largest, his arms crossed, scratching his head. The Oru which Iokhur was leader of was based in the northwest, he looked at his fellow council members, and bowed gracefully before speaking.

“Strange happenings have been reported to the west,” Iokhur began, “something on the Continent of Sand.”

Erig nodded.

“My mage scouts have spotted strange movements from the Demons, the Cahov have asked permission to use the Urir bays.”

There were lesser figures in the halls from the various clans, and they bayed at this information. Aeruk nodded and added to the conversation.

“The Necromancers wish to also invade this sand continent, some kind of strange magic is there as Iokhur rightfully said. The Orcs seem painfully unaware though.”

“What about the Elves Elrag? Did your scouts see anything?”

“All is quiet, I take it we won’t need the Rzo’s tiebreaker to make a decision.”

“We won’t,” Iokhur smirked.

The Ogre council was polite and had good decorum, the tiebreaker was an Ogre woman named Tuzur of the Rzo, the tiebreaker changed every year, on a rotation based off the cardinal directions; so for the year of 943cc it would be the Lra, and then for 944cc the Oran, in 945cc the Oru, and in 946cc it would return to the Rzo; needless to say Tuzur was smart and capable in marshalling Ogre forces to defend the northern border. The Ogres prepared for fighting with the Orcs, bigger than the Orcs, and stronger, they still feared their cunning. They fortified the border forts. An Ogre shouted from one of the communication crystals.

“The Orcs are attacking!”

“Do not engage them in open battle!” Tuzur snarled, “those Orcs need to be smashed against our walls.”

“What she says is wise,” Iokhur said, “should we hold the forts, will the central army come to reinforce the northern forts?”

All the Ogres stayed silent, wondering what the best course of action was. The central army was under control of no individual clan, it was sent according to the four clan leader’s wishes and of course the tiebreaker, if parts of it were sent to deal with the Orcs, then other threats could not be dealt with. Aeruk broke the silence.

“For the Rzo I will lead our clan into pitched battle.”

“Aeruk!” Tuzur protested.

“If I die, it will be with glory behind me. If I fail. Defend the fortresses. Gather the warriors! Today we smash Orcs!”

A raucous cacophony of shouts were heard. The Ogre banner, four black spiky clubs on the periphery of a brown flag, was immediately grabbed by one two headed Ogre, others marched alongside Aeruk. They stomped along on the ground, their marching creating reverberating thuds.

“Aeruk!” Tuzur shouted from the tower, at Aeruk below, “you do your damnest to survive or I will haunt you!”

He clenched his fist, snorted with determination and nodded, he looked at the retinue slowly gathering around him. Seeing some Ogres wearing gauntlets, others carried large studded shields.

“We put on our armour!” Aeruk shouted at them, “quickly.”

They stomped down the main streets, the citizens were told what went on as Aeruk’s Rzo soldiers marched along, resplendent in their enthusiasm.

“Men and their foolish honour…” Tuzur seethed, “give me my mace! It is a sister’s duty to look after a foolish brother.”

Iokhur smiled. He went out of the room.

“The Rzo clan wish to fight the Orcs alone. The Oru will show them how it’s done!” he said to a mage scout back in Oru, “leave enough troops to defend the forts and castles. I wish to show them true might!” He proclaimed to his retainers.