Trillia and Red River were still hard at work trying to find a better solution to killing enemy cores. In that time, however, Trillia did stumble upon the fact that she could move enemy cores.

So started the collection in Arlyss' library of a dozen dungeon cores sitting in locked-up pedestals. It bothered Trillia quite a lot that she was imprisoning them. Orcs were all for freedom, after all. But she felt it was a better choice than killing them outright. The plan was to bring one of them close to Red River at some point to see if he could do anything to help clear the sage's corruption on them.

She had also officially outgrown the outfit Rakana had made for her. She was currently in the woman's workshop getting measured for another outfit. Today, however, was a special day for another reason. Ba'Shoon and Tormash were officially becoming mates! In Orc culture, the two orcs who wish to become lifelong mates would go on a hunt together and bring back the largest, most dangerous creature they could alone. This would signify to the rest of the tribe that they were worthy of one another and that they would make the tribe stronger.

To no one's surprise, they brought back a mighty creature indeed. They had managed not one, but three [Primordial Spawn] megapedes. There was going to be a huge feast, and they would exchange some vows. Ba'Shoon wanted to wear something special for the occasion, and Trillia decided it was the perfect time to introduce her to Rakana.

The two women hit it off wonderfully, and Ba'Shoon was doing everything in her diplomatic power to convince Rakana to live near the orcs. She had a lot of ideas for enchanting the cloth to be extremely durable. Trillia was happy to see it. It wasn't officially announced yet, but the family and Ba'Shoon also knew that Amara and Varga would be announcing that they were stepping down. It was going to be a huge moment for the orcs of the Shattered Plains, who always had Amara as the Grand Chieftain.

Tormash would fill that role for the first year, but soon after, others would challenge him for that position. Trillia wondered what other stipulations Amara might add since she would always be a part of the tribe. She just didn't want leadership anymore. It meant that anyone who took over had the looming threat of Amara over their shoulder as an eligible challenger if they messed up too badly.

Trillia ran her fingers along some dark teal cloth that matches Ba'Shoons eyes. A smile crept along her lips. "What do you think Tormash is going to wear?" She turned her head to her soon-to-be sister.

Ba'Shoon shrugged with a smile. "Nothing after the ceremony. Probably his scout gear during. I don't hold a position in the tribe yet. Though, I think Lurog and your mother want me to take over as Elder Alchemist. I believe Elder Lurog is going to ask Chieftain Amara to sacrifice him soon in battle. He didn't quite get the levels early enough, so he won't age anymore. He still feels the sting of old age."

Trillia nodded to that. Missing the not-so-subtle joke that Rakana and Ba'Shoon were giggling over about Tormash's outfit. Trillia had heard of ritual battles before. You would ask a trusted friend or colleague that you knew was stronger to battle you to the death. The thought behind it was that no orc wanted to die old and crippled in a pile of furs. They'd rather go out in a blaze of glory so that the deities knew they were still worthy of a proper place in the afterlife.

Trillia teared up a little, thinking of losing Elder Lurog. She quickly wiped her eyes and forced a smile. He had lived a good long life and would leave behind a legacy and children of his own. He should be given a proud orc's death.

"What do you think, Trillia? A bright color? Or a darker one?" Trillia walked over to the cloth they were deciding between.

"Tormash's scout outfit is dark greys, right? Maybe bright to stand out? Most of the orc stuff is pretty dark." Trillia nodded as she spoke.

"I agree. I think the bride-to-be should stand out of the crowd and make a scene." Rakana excitedly held up the bright-colored cloth. Bride was a term she used often. The two orcs had figured they gave names to the joined mates. Bride was what they called the woman in the coupling.

Ba'Shoon chewed her lip as she looked down at the cloth. "It could be fun. But I think I'd rather match his colors. Or at least his tone. I want the tribe to know that we are united and stand as one. I think if I clash too much, it could send a hostile message. I'm not part of the tribe by birth, after all."

Trillia shrugged a bit at that. "I don't think Tormash would ever see it that way. But you know a lot more about social stuff than I do. I think you should wear whatever is going to make you and Tormash the happiest."

Rakana and Ba'Shoon exchanged a smirk and shook their heads. Trillia didn't quite understand why. She shrugged and went back to looking at cloth herself. "Oh! Ask Ralrouk about that serpent bone he found. Maybe you could trim the outfit in that? It'd certainly make you look a bit more terrifying."

Ba'Shoon looked at Trillia and seemed to seriously contemplate it. "If Ralrouk is willing. That might be a good idea. Incorporate it for both Tormash and I. It'd certainly add a dangerous flair to both of us, which is always a good thing when dealing with orcs. Do you think you can work bone into the outfit, Rakana?"

The feline-like woman scoffed. "Who do you girls think you're talking to? That gives me so many good ideas for a headdress for both of you. You'll be the most terrifying orcs in attendance!" Trillia liked the woman's ability to adapt. She was looking forward to a feast.

The current plan was to make sure D'Jamu was safe and had all the pedestals recharged. Then Arlyss, Kismet, Maldoun, and the others could join them in the Shattered Plains for the feast. IT'd also serve as a good opportunity for the humans to see a diplomatic side of the savage orcs and could open up conversations about the future.

All of that had been Tormash's idea. He always seemed to be thinking for the betterment of the tribe. Trillia knew, deep down, that he and Ba'Shoon would lead the tribe to greatness.

-=- The Big Day -=-

Trillia sat next to Ba'Shoon in her tent. The enchantress was visibly nervous as she kept fidgeting with her clothes or the serpent headdress that they had made from the bones Ralrouk grabbed. It doubled as rather heavily enchanted armor as well. Trillia had gotten two outfits out of the deal. One that matched Ba'Shoon's slightly and another that was a muted gold that went well with her red obsidian complexion.

Trillia ran a comb through Ba'Shoon's hair and smiled. "Stop being nervous. You'll be my sister soon. The most beautiful orc I've ever seen." The entire atmosphere made Trillia hope that one day she'd find a strong mate of her own. Ba'Shoon smiled back at her.

"The best little sister a girl could ask for." Trillia's smile grew wider.

Rakana stuck her head into the tent. "I think we're ready."

Ba'Shoon stood and ran her hands along the dress with a nod. Checking one last time to make sure the headdress was on and that her hair was pinned up. She reached down and lifted her staff before running her fingers along its surface. Closing her eyes and giving herself a little mental pep talk. Trillia followed her out.

A large stone platform had been raised on the outskirts of camp. There were hundreds, if not thousands, of orcs and minotaur in attendance. Quite a few humans as well. Red River had even gone through the effort of making a large covered slab so that some of the dungeon goblins could stand outside and watch. Dozens of tables were set up with all manner of food on them. The smells in the air made Trillia's stomach grumble.

There on the stone platform stood Amara and, much to everyone's surprise, Arlyss. Ba'Shoon and Tormash stepped onto the platform at the same time from opposite ends. Tormash wore dark grey that matched most of the Shattered Plains rocks. Bone had been interlaced throughout the outfit. He also wore a similar headdress to Ba'Shoon. Despite the smile on his face, the dark black paint around his eyes gave him a fearsome look. Ba'Shoons smile widened as soon as she saw him.

The crowd hushed immediately as they came together in front of Amara. Ralrouk was at Tormash's side and Trillia was at Ba'Shoons. Amara looked at Arlyss and nodded. As she began to speak, the magically preserved corpses of three giant megapedes appeared on the platform behind Amara.

Trillia stared up at the creatures. She had seen plenty of megapedes, but never one this large, this up close. Each of them had to be a hundred feet long. Despite how much she had grown, the fact that her brother and new sister had taken out three of these creatures with just the two of them. Pushed Trillia to want to get stronger.

The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

Her mother's voice carried over the crowd. Trillia now knew that it was the skill [Titan's Voice].

"My dear friends, old and new. It is my greatest pleasure and honor to welcome into the Demonsbane Clan our newest daughter. Ba'Shoon!" The crowd erupted into cheers. Trillia could see tears in Ba'Shoons eyes as she squeezed Tormash's hand tighter. Amara continued over the cheers. "As the Grand Chieftain of the Shattered Plains, welcome to our tribe."

Amara smiled and stepped forward in front of Ba'Shoon. "Personally. As a mother. I could not have asked for a better mate for my son. You are a woman of incredible skill and talent, of virtue, and most importantly, an incredibly skilled warrior. I know you will protect him and our tribe as your own. I'm proud of you, daughter." Ba'Shoon's eyes were running at this point. Amara pulled her close in a hug. The skill was dispelled, so the crowd didn't hear the next words, but Trillia did.

"I know you've been in the cold for so long. Welcome to our warmth. Thank you for being a strong hand to help guide us into the future. I will always be an ally to you." Ba'Shoon tried her best to stop the tears but couldn't. Trillia's own tears were welling up. As she glanced around, she saw Ralrouk roughly rubbing his eyes dry of his own tears, pretending like he wasn't. Tormash giving him a comforting pat on the shoulder with the hand that wasn't being squeezed off by his new mate.

Amara pulled back and took a few steps back. Activating [Titan's Voice] once more. "The orcs of the Shattered Plains know our traditions! The new pairing must prove their strength together so that the tribe does not become weak. Behind me, you see the three greatest beasts they defeated together! This does not include the countless other beasts they deemed too weak and unworthy to display! Let it be known through all of Alirast that this union is blessed by the tribe and by the gods themselves!"

As if on cue, Arlyss softly snapped his fingers. A streak of lightning peeled through the sky, and heavy rain began to fall. Ralrouk was grateful for a way to hide his tears of pride. Ba'Shoon and Tormashed raised their arms wide, bowing to the heavens, before turning and bowing to one another. Arlyss stepped forward. His voice needed no skill to carry as far as he wanted it.

"As a deity of Alirast. I bless this union for all generations to come. I bless your children and your grandchildren. May your union stand eternal!" Trillia smiled at the words and was surprised when a notification popped into her mind.

Your patron has grown in power. Your patron is now [Deity of Knowledge and Unity].

Trillia's smile grew yet again. Arlyss bowed low before the two orcs in front of him. More cheering erupted. Small tents had quickly been erected above the feasting tables, almost as if the rain had been planned for.

After Tormash and Ba'Shoon embraced and sealed the deal. Amara spoke once more. This time, Arlyss left the stage, and Varga joined her. "There is one more order of business. I asked my son and daughter if they were ok with me announcing this on the day of their union. They so gracefully agreed. General Varga Demonsbane and I, Grand Chieftain Amara Demonsbane. Will be stepping down from our posts."

The orcs in the crowd stopped cheering immediately. Others in the crowd quickly caught on that this was not some minor thing announcement and quieted.

Amara continued. "I have been the Grand Chieftain for three centuries. There has not been a single orc capable of challenging me for that title. It led to me thinking my ideals were the best for the tribe. My tribe and my children have recently shown me the error of that thinking. I will always be a part of this tribe. I will always be here to ensure freedom reigns supreme on the Shattered Plains. But I hope that going forward, you will show the same loyalty and support you have shown me; To Grand Chieftain Tormash and Elder Alchemist Ba'Shoon. Tormash can name his own general in the coming days."

Murmurs began to spread throughout the crowd. Amara added an edge to her voice that silenced them once more. "There will be a two-month period of grace to allow everything to settle. After such a time, trial by combat to rule will open once more. I will be kind and warn those that seek to challenge for selfish gains. Tormash is well past level four hundred. Ba'Shoon is well past three hundred. Do not think that they are given the title because they are my children. They are given the title because they are ruthless in pursuit of our enemies and relentless in pursuit of our future. It is these qualities that make a Grand Chieftain. It is these qualities I have been lacking in recent years."

For a long time, silence sat in the crowd as people processed. For once, it wasn't Ralrouk who was the first to speak up. But Mon'tag. The old scoutmaster who had been alive for centuries himself. "Never had a better Scout Master." He shouted out above the crowd and walked up to the platform. Kneeling in front of Tormash and Ba'Shoon. "These old bones look forward to serving you both." Tormash gave him a smile, a nod, and a silent thank you.

Mon'Tag stood and turned to the crowd. "I trained young Tormash and Ralrouk when they were sprouts. I've watched them grow into some of the toughest damned orcs I've ever seen. Believe me when I say that there are no stronger orcs worthy of leadership. I look forward to the first trials by combat so the rest of the tribe can see what I already know."

A few others also announced their fealty and loyalty to the new Grand Chieftain. Trillia knew there would be plenty of challengers. Despite the high levels of both Tormash and Ba'Shoon, there would be those that thought them an easy target. In a way, those orcs would be correct. They were a much easier target than Amara, who had stood as a monolith of power for centuries.

For now? For now, everyone was happy to get back to the feast. Even orcs that wanted to challenge Tormash wouldn't do so the day of his union, nor the day of the announcement. Not only was it against tribal law, it was just rude.

Another announcement that hadn't been made, on his request, was that Elder Lurog was stepping down. The family had managed to sneak away in the middle of the night. Lurog and his children were there as well, of course. The old alchemist wore only pants, showing off a torso that held decades of fights and war and a muscle tone that was found in the most stalwart of warriors. He had his old and grey hair tied into a top knot. His daughters were painting symbols on his body, and his sons were readying his funeral pyre.

Trillia walked up to him and kneeled. "Thank you for your service, your guidance, and your lessons Elder Lurog. The tribe will miss you." Lurog reached down and ruffled her hair.

"You've made the tribe proud young Trillia. Know that I will be looking down as I watch over my children to see what you do next." Trillia smiled and wiped away some tears, bowing her head once more before standing at the edge of a small circle. Amara stood on the other end in full gear. Black dragon scale armor with thin lines of flowing mana that made it look like a lava flow. A long slender blade with a white sheen was held in one hand. Trillia could see the tears in her mother's eyes behind the helmet.

She was saying goodbye to an old friend for the last time today.

Lurog finally stood and grabbed a jagged two-handed blade of his own. Hefting it in both hands and looking at it fondly. As he stepped into the ring, his smile only grew. "I still remember you taking me to the forge of Kincairne as a child. Helping me find the right metal and working with Lord Brutus on the weight. Thank you, truly, Amara. Thank you for a lifetime of friendship, a lifetime of love and happiness." Lurog looked over his shoulder to his children. "Thank you for giving me a safe place to raise a family. I hope you were not disappointed in my service."

Amara smiled and cleared her throat, probably worried they would hear her voice crack with emotion. "I could not have asked for a better advisor Elder Lurog. The tribe truly loses one of its greatest assets today. We are proud to have had you. Today all of the gods will know that you stand strong as a warrior of this tribe. One to be welcomed into the great halls and plains of the hereafter."

Lurog nodded solemnly. Looking around for a moment. "I had hoped the young Lord Arlyss could be here. Something about the lad makes me feel a connection. Like Lord Darktone used to make us all feel."

Trillia spoke up. "I'll ask him to come immediately. He didn't want to intrude." She pressed her hands together and asked him to come.

Lurog nodded, and it was only a few seconds before Arlyss stepped out of a portal. Trillia hadn't realized just how tall he was getting. Already over six foot with broad shoulders. He'd be a terrifying adult.

Arlyss looked first at Amara, who nodded. Then at Lurog and approached. "I am honored you would have me at your final moments, Lord Lurog. How can I assist?"

Lurog smiled and moved a hand off the hilt of his blade to put it on Arlyss' shoulder. "Just be here to witness and promise that you'll take care of my tribe and my children once I am gone."

Arlyss gave the man a warm smile, divine energy flooded through those around them, and somehow, they all felt a little calmer. "You have my word. All the gods, old and new, will know of this battle."

Arlyss stepped off to the side. Lurog nodded to everyone once more before taking his blade in both of his hands again. A faint little smirk on his face. "Try not to embarrass this old man too much." With that, he gave a roar of defiance and charged.

Amara intercepted his first strike easily enough, slapping her blade into the side of his with enough force that it should have thrown his blade out wide. Instead, he caught her blade and pushed back. Trillia could feel mana and divinity flooding into the old orc from Arlyss. She smiled and looked at her god with a little more respect. Knowing that Arlyss was giving him a little boost so that his last battle was a good one.

Neither of them used any skills. Whether that was a rule or just respect, Trillia didn't know. Their blades crossed several more times. Lurog managed to slice into a part of Amara's arm that hadn't been covered by armor. Lurog himself sported a dozen deep gashes on his body. The smile on his face never faded.

Gripping the blade a little tighter, he nodded at Amara. Giving one last heroic roar. He swung the blade over his head and slammed it down into hers. A loud crack left the upper part of her blade shattered. She spun low, letting his blade slide off hers, and followed through impossibly quick, slicing through his neck with the shard of her blade. Before his head and body hit the ground, she had dropped the blade and spun to catch his body before slowly lowering it to the ground. Trillia heard her sniffling behind the helmet.

"May your rest be eternal in the plains, my friend. I look forward to the day we can see each other once more." His sons came over and gently lifted his body, his head, and his blade. Taking them over to the funeral pyre. Varga waited for the final words to be said before he extended a hand, and despite the rain, a fire roared into life. Trillia walked up next to her mother and squeezed her hand tightly.

Tormash, Ralrouk, and Ba'Shoon stood there by the pyre in silence, saying their own final words to the alchemist who had helped all of them through so many hard times.

Arlyss stood off on his own, staring into the flames. To Trillia's surprise, he also had tears in his eyes.

After such a heavy day, Trillia decided that she wanted to take it slow for a while. Wanted to connect with her friends and family. She had spent almost no time with Amelia lately. She didn't want to waste the time they had.