I tightened the leather band around my undergarment. It being the only thing that keeps my chainmail from completely rubbing all my skin off. No matter how tough orc skin is, chain mail will chafe like a bitch. I’ve learned that lesson too many times. I looked at my armor laid out on the bed before me. “What did I do to deserve this?” I questioned aloud to no one in particular. I slowly slipped the armor on myself and made to leave the room. Upon getting to the door I grabbed my silvered mace and house shield and exited the room. It’s going to be a long day.

“Brother! You look great!” Halith, my brother and our house head, called out to me from across the room as I entered our library.

“Halith.” I nodded. “I’m just ready for this to be over with. I have better things to do with my time then this charade Eldwin is putting on.”

“Better things or better orcs, brother?” Halith burst out laughing as he questioned me. Slapping me on the shoulder he continued, “You should be proud! As an orc, this is an honor for our family. You know what our elders went through to ensure we had a seat at the royal table. Or should I say, what they endured for it. This is a chance for us to prove our strength! We’re more than just a strong hand, we’re a strong body as well. We can do more than be a policing force for our city!”

“You know, if I didn’t know any better, I would think this shit was your fault. You know I’d rather relax. You’re the responsible one, not me. I wasn’t made for all this diplomatic shit.”

“Hmmm… Look at it like a vacation then, brother. That’s essentially what it is anyway. We’re just extending relations to Ashwood. But, between you and me, I’ve heard whispers of something else going on here. Something about hiding something away. This could be our chance. This is most honorable and there is glory to be had here. Trust, brother.” Halith looked at me with a stern gaze. “This is a big deal, Batul. Only you can do this. If it’s like what I’ve heard, you’re the only one I can trust with this.”

I sighed, Halith can really say the right things when he needs to. “Fine. I will do this task, but when I get back I am retiring young!” I joked.

Halith raised his hands in the air, “hey, no arguments here. Just do what you need to do and head over to Eldwin’s place. He’ll fill you in.” He looked me over one last time. “Here,” he said as he took my shield, “let me put this on for you.” He stated as he latched my shield to my back and shoulder, “The colt looks good on you, brother. You’re going to do great. I know it.” He said smiling a tusk filled smile. “Come back alive or I’ll come kill you myself!” He said jokingly.

“That doesn’t even make sense. I will do what needs to be done. Traster’s aren’t weaklings.” I said pounding my fist to my chest, the rings in my chain mail rattling as I hit it. I turned and started towards the door.

“ Batul. I’m serious. Stay safe. Something is… off.”

I nodded to my brother and turned to leave. As I walked down the cobbled street I couldn’t help but wonder why our symbol is a rearing horse when we can rarely find a horse big enough for us to even ride. We’re too heavy as orcs. Of course we use them as means to haul things like carriages and such but those are too bulky for my liking. I’d much rather be on the ground when things go wrong. I can only trust my shield and my mace to do the work that needs to be done. I’ve been let down too many times when relying on people to watch your back.

It wasn’t long until I arrived at the steps of king Eldwin’s building. I made my way up the steps and caught sight of George, the head of House Tesharion, “George! They managed to force you to come as well?” I questioned upon reaching the top of the steps in front of the tall wooden door.

“Hmm? Oh, Batul. I didn’t even hear you coming, which is weird seeing as how you look like a walking chandelier.” He said jokingly. “No, I will not be the one joining you all on this endeavour. I have my house to maintain in the time you all will be going, though, I assure you my daughter will fill my shoes just fine.”

“Daughter? You’re sending your daughter? Isn’t that a little dangerous?”

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

“I’d like to see you ask her that. She’d probably put you in your place. She’s a handful and not to be underestimated. She’ll hold her own if anything comes up. Besides, this is supposed to be a routine trip. Nothing special.” His eyes stared off as he said that. “It’s going to be an easy enough task for you all. I’m not worried about her. How is your brother?”

I looked at Hagul for a second before answering. He was definitely hiding something. I didn’t like all the secrecy. “Halith is well. Traster blood runs strong, you know this, or should we schedule another duel for the royal houses to refresh your memory?” I laughed as I asked this last line.

“No, no, no need for any of that,” he paled slightly, “when it comes to brute strength you Traster’s are definitely masters. That’s not all that matters in battles though, sometimes you have to outwit your opponents.” He stated while tapping his head. “Not everything is about smashing.” He chuckled.

“Smashing solves everything. Enemy in your way? Smash them. Boulders blocking path? Smash them. Wives acting up? Smash them!” I bellowed loudly, laughing with the human.

George burst out laughing, “I’ll be sure to keep that in mind when I’m having trouble with Melinda.” he said chuckling. “Are you ready for the trip? It’s going to be a long one.”

“I will be fine. I have everything I need,” signaling my mace and shield. “Anything else I can get for myself when I need it. I need to get in there and get ready.” I turned and opened the wooden door.

“Stay safe, Balut.”

I looked at him for a moment, then just nodded and headed in. Why is everyone telling me to be careful? I’m the last person they need to worry about. As I entered I could smell the stench of flowers in the entrance. Ugh, elfs and their love for aesthetics. I made my way towards the open door down the hallway and rapped my gauntletted hand on the door. “Sir.”

Eldwin, startled, looked up at me in the doorway. “How do you always move so quietly in that? You will have to teach me one day, it’s pretty unbelievable. How are you doing? I really appreciate you coming.” Eldwin said as he gave me a genuine smile while gesturing towards a chair wrapped in a red leather in the room.

“I’d rather not ruin your chair, sir.”

“Ahh, Good point, Balut, so, my other questions?”

“I can’t show you because it’s an orc secret. Elves are too weak to carry the metal armor around without falling over,” I joked. Eldwin chuckled, “I come for my brother. He says this is a big chance for us Traster’s so I am here.”

Eldwin gave me a smile that didn’t quite reach his pointed ears, “It is a great chance, indeed. It’s no big quest though, just a simple trip. It should be no big trouble at all.”

“Nothing troubles me when I have my mace. Problems seem to be solved quite easily with it.”

“That’s why I’m glad to have you aboard, Batul. You can wait in the other room if you like. Only one other is in there atm, the others should be joining shortly.” Eldwin said as he gestured down the hall.

“I will do that, thank you, sir.” I rounded and made my way to the room. When entered I noticed an orc completely covered in brown robes, of good quality. His face was hidden behind the shadow of the robe but his hands looked like they were covered in scars of some sort. “That looks like it was painful, friend. I’m Batul.” I said as I approached the stranger. The robed orc just shifted his hands into his sleeves and didn’t look at me. I just grunted and had a seat three seats down. I pulled my mace out and was wiping the blunted edges with a cloth from an undergarment pocket when a high elf entered the room. I recognized this elf. He was wearing a bright golden garment that reached all the way to his feed and his blonde hair had a band in it keeping it behind his ears. Gerald, I believe his name is.I quietly watched as he fiddled with something in his robe and then just stood towards the corner reading a book with an odd hexagon shape on the cover. Pfft, magic users, I thought.

A few minutes passed when I heard someone enter the room, I turned to see a human female with brown hair that was tied up, wearing leather slacks and a regular shirt walk up to the elf.

“Gerald!” I heard the human girl say. Ahh, that was his name, it had been so long since we last had seen each other I had completely forgotten. They started to talk with each other for a second when I stood up and made my way to them.

“What’s this, Gerald?” I stated aloud. Grinning at the blonde haired elf I couldn't help but make a little banter. We conversed for a short while before Gerald gave me an annoyed look. As I grinned back at Gerald a troll entered the door behind them.

“Are you all ready? We need to head towards the tunnel. My name is Jirak, if you’ll follow me, I’ll lead you to the stage.”

“Well, let’s get this shit over with.” I said under my breath as I strode towards the troll. The others followed behind me, with the other orc taking up in the rear. “What’s the deal with this? This gonna be quick?” I asked the troll while the others caught up.

“I do not know, but it is an honor to be chosen. We will be there soon.” He said simply. Well, that got me nothing. May as well be a tree limb with as much personality as this guy has. I followed him along until he slowed down. “You all will be coming from this door,” which he gestured to beside us, “which is just beside the stage. The king will come from the center tunnel to introduce you all. Congratulations on being chosen and good luck on your adventure!” the troll stated with absolutely no emotion. He turned towards us before leaving, “the door will open when it’s time.”

As Jirak left down the hall I turned to see Emily looking around at the surrounding bricks while Gerald was looking around oddly. Something felt… off. “It’s time.” The strange orc said as he took a step forward and I could see a red glow coming from him.

“Are you okay, friend?” I questioned, feeling something wrong. Putting my hand on the pommel of my mace I went to take a step toward the orc when Gerald shouted.

“No!” The elf spun around and shoved Emily towards me catching me off guard. I reached out a hand to catch her as I heard Gerald say something that I couldn't quite hear followed by an enormous shockwave of heat that threw me at the wall. Feeling the shield wedged on my back pushing into the wall I groaned with pain as it pushed back into me. Followed by Emily crashing into my front, I felt I was being crushed and incinerated all at the same time.