Finally, the group was let into the castle and escorted to a waiting room. Alister gave a small glance to the veritable mountain of crates now in the corner of the room, before turning to Ordak.

“Now that the guards aren't around… Ordak, you're an orc right?” He asked, Wisteria turning to Ordak a bit nervous.

“You have good eyes and better knowledge, little warrior. Indeed, I am an orc,” he said as he took off his helmet. Beneath it was the dark green skin Alister knew many times in the past.

Orcs. Monsters, barbarians, savages whose gods cursed them with an insatiable thirst for violence. Gifted with sturdy bodies hard as stone, and strength which could break down castle walls.

At least, that was how they were portrayed. In truth, you could not find more honorable warriors, nor as loyal of friends.

Back during Raalin’s past, when was still but a whelp struggling to get by, he had encountered orcs on many occasions during his times staying in the forests. He had broken bread with them, drank spirits with them, fought, and even mourned with them. He did not have the luxury of choosing what comrades he could get during that time, and he never once regretted making friends with them.

“... do you mind if I test something really quick?” Alister asked, then he punched his fists together, before leaning back and headbutting them, ending with pulling both his arms to his sides, fists pointed forward.

The towering orc narrowed his eyes. “Little warrior, I pray you have not done that without knowing the consequences,” he told Alister as he slowly pulled his arms back, preparing to repeat the gesture.

“Alister, what did you do!?” Wisteria asked as she could feel the tension in the room rising.

Alister however just laughed, “Hah! Apologies Ordak, I just wanted to see if the tradition was still strong in the hearts of orcs. Especially one who apparently lives in a kingdom, as a noble of all things.”

Ordak gave a pause before chuckling, and lowering his hands. “What Alister had done was the declaration of a warrior's pride,” A challenge that orcs in his day respected as if it was a divine testament. Any time, anywhere. No matter the foe, when the declaration was made, an orc would respond. Alister had done this many times in the past, it was one of the fastest ways to earn an orc's favor. Even if you lose, as long as you fought admirably and with a warrior's spirit, you would be smiled upon by orcs.

“Alister… try not to cause another commotion,” Alliana scolded as she sat down in a chair. “Kids, greet Duchess Kriil, and Duke Ordak. As I said before, they are two of the four bastions of Kitharn. Wisteria, you should get to know them, you are now equals with them.” she added.

The two looked at Wisteria, Kriils head tilting 90 degrees. “... It seems Kendrick has done something again.” She complained, ruffling her feathers.

“Um, a pleasure to meet you?” Wisteria said before looking at the two of them. “Sorry, it's my first time being near….” she paused trying to find the right words.

Krill gave a small snicker before interrupting her. “First time being so near to monsters?”

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

“Th-that’s-! I wasn’t gonna say that. I’ve met plenty of races commonly considered monsters! “ Wisteria retorted, getting a laugh from Kriil.

Ordak sighed, “Please forgive her, she… doesn't have the best history with humans.”

“Harpies are really popular as slaves, even dad’s brothel has 10. Of course, we have strict rules to make sure they’re treated nicely, most places don’t mind just giving them a healing potion or two if needed.” Olana commented.

“The kid gets it,” Kriil added, before turning to the door. The Beast King and the Bloodsoaked Queen walked in.

“How many?” Saana asked.

“Hey, we didn't fight any guards. We were about to but Alliana showed up and got us in,” Kriil retorted.

“Greetings your Majesties,” Alliana said about to bow but Kendrick stopped her.

“Nah don’t worry bout it, nobody here cares about that stuff,” smiling he pulled a chair out of thin air and sat down. “So, how’d shopping go?” he asked, Ordak just giving a nod.

“Great! Melissa is gonna love these gifts!” He said happily.

“I heard him before, but all of those are for your daughter your maj- er, Kendrick?” Alliana asked clearly not adjusted to just refer to a king by his name.

“Indeed, she expressed much interest in getting lots of different types of gifts and objects from Mare. She was very mad she couldn't come, however, it would be quite a hassle considering she still can't fully speak the common tongue, “ Saana commented.

“She doesn’t know the common tongue?” Alliana asked surprised, even Alister was surprised by that as well. In almost every nation, even the poorest knew common.

“Well, he found her in Tou’ek so it's not so much of a surprise. But moving on, we have some free time until we are needed. And I’m sure that these little… children are interested now that they've seen some of our citizens up close.” Saana said before looking at Kendrick.

Kendrick happily finished Saana's thoughts. “Ask away kids! All the knowledge about Kitharn you want. Right here right now!” he shouted, scooting his chair closer to the table. “Catoblepas brisket while we chat?” he asked as one of his two bracelets shimmered and a large platter of brisket appeared in his hands, setting it down on the table with a smile. Plates and silverware were added as well.

Saana sighed as she took a plate of brisket sitting on the couch with Kriil and Ordak. “You really must stop filling those things with just cooked food.” she brought a piece to her mouth and bit down. “Although I can’t really complain when it's this delicious.”

Olana without hesitation got herself a plate, Ordak and Kriil joining in too. Alister and Wisteria looked at Alliana before she sighed. “It would be rude to say no,” as she took a small portion for herself. “Did you say this is Catoblepas… really, offering a brisket made of a beast whose level averages 100…..” she mumbled before taking a bite, she paused for a moment, before she slowly added a larger portion to her plate.

Alister and Wisteria happily filled their plates and sat down with Alliana. “So. Questions away!” Kendrick said before taking a bite.

“Well… I suppose the first one would be, what are the Four Bastions of Kitharn?” Wisteria asked before taking a bite.