"Keep going!" Oliktalv called out, his group running through the halls. "There's a chamber up ahead. We'll be able to take shelter there!"
Balthar nodded to himself silently, trying his best to keep up with the others while numerous fel orcs chased them. Oliktalv took the lead, slashing his way through any guards that were in his way with his blades. Gregory was a few steps behind him, looking back towards his student, who tried to stay close to his mentor. Gotur covered their rear, striking down any of their foes fast enough to catch up with a swing of his ax. Given their circumstances, they were doing surprisingly well.
After sneaking into Hellfire Citadel, the quartet advanced unhindered, which was a blessing. Then, upon entering one of the chambers, the fel orcs swarmed upon the warriors in full force. At first, they formed a small defensive circle, holding them back. Balthar was thankful that his comrades were able to fend off multiple attackers, not having the skill to to fight even a single opponent. Seeing that there was no end to the battle, Oliktalv and Gregory decided to flee deeper into the citadel, much to Gotur's displeasure. So, they ran, followed closely by a horde of fel orc warriors.
Oliktalv entered the chamber ahead, grunting while he grabbed at the door. He waited until the others came through as well before he slammed it shut, pushing his weight against the door. Fortunately, it was a small door, so the fel orcs could not push into it with their full force. They shouted furiously as they tried to break through while Balthar sighed in relief, glad to be safe even for a moment. He ran his hand across his forehead, wiping off some sweat before listening his comrades.
"I won't be able to hold them off for long!" Oliktalv declared, the door budging a bit open before he pushed it closed. "Does anyone have any ideas?"
"I'm afraid not," Gregory answered, examining the room they were in. "There are other ways to get in, it seems. It will only be a matter of time until they fight us again, either by bursting through that door or sneaking in through another."
"They were waiting for us," Balthar speculated, taking in a deep breath. "We won't be able to push further while being chased."
"Bah, I grow tired of running," Gotur grunted, raising his ax onto his shoulder. "Continue on without me so I may unleash my might upon these fools!"
"Gotur, we need you to face Kargath!" Oliktalv countered, grunting as he continued pushing against the door.
"The three of you will be enough to handle that pathetic Warchief," Gotur argued, walking to the door. "If you're still fighting him by the time I'm done, I'll be sure to take his head for you."
"Besides, if someone doesn't stay and fight, those warriors will overwhelm us sooner or later," Gregory quickly added. "We saw him fight numerous foes before at the stadium and survive. He can stall them."
"But-" Oliktalv started.
"Enough!" Gotur interrupted with a growl before giving his command slowly. "Open. The. Door."
Balthar noticed the hesitant look on Oliktalv's face, who slowly nodded. He jerked the door open, letting a single fel orc warrior charge in. His life came to an end as Gotur slammed his ax, piercing into the chest. The head remained stuck in the orc's flesh, working as a battering ram for the brutish warrior to push the fel orcs aside as he charged into the hallway. Oliktalv closed the door when his brother-in-arms left the chamber and no attempt was made to open it again. The sounds of steel clashing against steel could he heard from behind, followed by a loud war cry.
"Lok'tar ogar!" Gotur screamed from the top of his lungs.
"He'll live, Oliktalv," Balthar tried to assure the orc. "He can handle them by himself."
"Enough talk," Oliktalv commanded, turning away from the door. "We need to press on."
Nodding, Gregory led the way through one of the hallways, followed by Balthar and Oliktalv. Soon, the sounds of battle declined, followed by a silence falling upon the trio. Balthar dared not speak, figuring that his mentor would criticize him for his actions as before. He also expected Oliktalv to remain quiet as well, figuring he was deep in thought. The orc left behind a close ally against a much larger force. Still, he had faith that Gotur would survive the battle and join them in their battle.
After what seemed like hours, the group arrived in a small chamber. Gregory and Oliktalv walked up to the center of the room while Balthar stood behind his mentor. They gazed upon a raised throne overlooking the room with a fel orc seated upon it. His skin was a much darker shade of red, almost black, and he wore grey armor with spiked shoulders. The young man focused on the orc's arms, which have been replaced by two, crude blades. Flanking the throne were four fel guards wielding similar armor and bearing halberds, most likely a honor guard.
"Balthar, stay behind me," Gregory whispered. "These foes will make short work of you should you fight them."
"Of course," Balthar whispered back, gulping.
"So, this is where Kargath Bladefist, Warchief of the Fel Horde, hides," Oliktalv insulted, stepping forward "Were you a true orc, you would have faced us sooner in battle."
"An assassin dares lecture me on honor," Kargath chuckled madly, standing up. "An assassin from a false Horde, no less. I will enjoy hearing you scream in pain as you draw your final breath. Kill them!"
At their Warchief's command, the four warriors charged forward the trio. Gregory and Oliktalv met the charge with their own as Balthar stood back, following his master's command. He wished he could help even the odds against their opponents with his friends being outnumbered two to one each. Yet, the young man knew it would be best to stay back as Gregory commanded. He would only get in the way of the more skilled fighters of their party.
Oliktalv threw a kick, pushing one of the warriors back. He raised his swords to block the the second warrior's halberd. Yet, the force of the blow was enough to force the orc back as he grunted. The warrior grinned, trying to advance upon his opponent with a wild charge. Yet, Oliktalv was able to step to the side, swinging his blades to cut down his foe. Blood flew from the fel orc who collapsed onto the ground behind his opponent. The orc pushed on, coming upon the recovered guard. Swinging one of his blades down, he forced the fel orc to defend himself with a halberd before impaling him through the gut with his free sword, ending the honor guard's life.
Meanwhile, Gregory took a much more defensive stance, parrying one halberd before blocking the other, positioning himself so only one orc can attack him at a time. Gritting his teeth, the knight pushed on his blade in the lock, slowly pushing the weapon back. With a loud shout, he pivoted to break the leg, continuing it as he swings his blade to his opponent's midsection. The blade struck, nearly cutting the honor guard in half and ending his life. Gregory raised his sword to block the second warrior's halberd. The orc grinned, being stronger than his comrade as he pushed down, forcing his opponent's weapon slowly down. Yet, the knight released one of his hands from his sword's hilt, throwing a plated fist towards the honor guard's face. There was an audible crack as the fel orc broke his stance before his opponent finished him off with a swift decapitation.
Kargath had stepped down from his throne, eyeing his opponents. His gaze drifted downward for a moment as the decapitated head rolled to his feet. With a growl, he punted it away, smacking it against a wall. Oliktalv and Gregory returned to stand together, ready to face the Warchief. Balthar continued to remain back, knowing that he stood no chance against Kargath. Yet, Oliktalv's speed and Gregory's fortitude should be enough to overcome their opponent, especially fighting together.
"It seems that you are not just assassins," Kargath commented, pointing one of his blades towards Gregory. "You, pale skin, I shall mount your head upon a pike so that you may see your pathetic fortress burn."
"It will be your head hung from our gates, vile monster!" Gregory shouted.
"And you," Kargath continued, moving his blade to point at Oliktalv. "You would have made a valuable commander for the Fel Horde. Yet, following this man shows that you are spineless."
"Regardless of who fights on my side, I stand against you," Oliktalv snapped. "Many would fear to face you in combat, but not I."
"Then maybe you do have a spine," Kargath nodded, grinning sickly. "I'll be sure to rip it from out of your corpse."
"LOK'TAR OGAR!" Oliktalv shouted, enraged.
At once, Oliktalv charged at the Warchief, swinging his blades up towards his chest. Kargath laughed at his opponent, raising one of his bladefists to block both blows before swinging his other wildly at the orc's face. Oliktalv took a step back, grunting as he held his cheek, blood dripping from it. He tried charging upon the fel orc again only to be knocked down to the ground with a swift kick from the Warchief. Groaning in pain, the orcish warrior was now vulnerable to an attack.
Kargath took a step forward, grinning madly. Gregory quickly charged at the Warchief now, giving Oliktalv some time to recover. The knight cleaved his blade down, putting his full force behind the blow. Yet,the fel orc dodged the blow with ease, jumping to the side before dashing at his new opponent as he jabs one of his bladefists forward. Although almost failing, Gregory parried the blow, only for the second bladefist to jab at his exposed arm He gasped out in pain, the attack drawing blood while he tried swinging his blade at Kargath's neck. The Warchief ducked under the blow, swinging both of his blades at the knight's leg. Gregory tripped, falling backwards onto his back with a thud.
"Gregory!" Balthar called out.
"What's this?" Kargath asked, kicking Gregory's blade aside as the knight reached for it. "You two brought a whelp to kill me?"
"Leave him out- of-" Gregory tried to warn.
"Silence," Kargath interrupted, setting his foot down on Gregory's neck as the knight struggled to resist.
"Let him go!" Balthar weakly demanded, pulling out his own sword as his body shook in fear.
"You brought a boy who can barely wield his weapon," Kargath taunted, applying more pressure to Gregory's neck while ignoring Balthar. "Now, should I kill him first or you? The dec- GRAH!"
Oliktalv, having the time to formulate a plan, slashing one of his blades across Kargath's back. The Warchief roared out in pain, stepping off of Gregory in surprise. This gave the knight the opportunity to grab the fel orc by the foot, tripping him with ease. The orcish warrior attempted to cleave his blades down upon his opponent only for Kargath to roll away, quickly standing up. Oliktalv, letting his bloodlust consume him, charged upon the Warchief, not relenting with his assault.
Balthar turned his attention away from the battle, running towards his fallen mentor to help him from the ground. Although Gregory may have been harshed to training his student, it could not be denied that the two have bonded during their time stationed on Outland. Sometimes, he forgot that, but seeing how Gregory told Kargath to leave him me reminded the young man of it. Balthar hoped that it would remain the same, even after he joins the priesthood. Grabbing onto Gregory's hand, Balthar helped him back up to his feet.
"Thank you, Balthar," Gregory breathed, going over to pick up his sword.
"Sir, it is no problem," Balthar nodded. "I mean no disrespect with this but I am not certain we can best Kargath."
"Well, I won't take offense to a fact," Gregory replied, picking up his blade. "Kargath is far beyond my own skills. Even injured direly, he fights the same and hasn't broke a sweat. If I go up against him again, I am certain I won't come out of it alive."
"Sir, there has to be something we can do," Balthar argued, gulping as he thought of an idea. "Let me fight alongside you. I might be able to get a lucky-"
"Out of the question!" Gregory interrupted harshly, stepping up to his student. "Go! Flee while you still can! If Gotur lives and is in fighting condition, send him to us! And if you can't find him, look for Colben or Kelvin."
"And what will you do?" Balthar asked, hesitant to flee.
A loud scream echoed throughout the chamber. The humans turned with Gregory keeping a stern face while Balthar's jaw dropped. Kargath grinned, one of his bladefists having impaled Oliktalv through his gut. The orc warrior glared at the victor, blood dripping from his open mouth. His swords dropped, clanging against the steel floor. With one swift motion, Kargath freed his bladefist, letting his foe drop to the ground. Balthar kept his gaze focused on his comrade as the Warchief turned to face them, noticing a slight heaving of his chest. Oliktalv still lived, holding on desperately to life in pain. He turned his head to face his mentor, waiting for his reaction.
"What I'll do?" Gregory repeated, suddenly pulling his students blade out of his hands, brandishing two swords now. "I'll buy you as much time as I can! Go now!"
"I'll grind the meat from your bones!" Kargath taunted, charging towards the pair.
Gregory cried out, charging upon the Warchief. Their blades locked up as they struck, both warriors struggling to overpower their opponent. Balthar turned, walking away as his mentor instructed, yet stopped as the familiar sound of metal clashing against metal reached his ears. His feet refused to carry on as he knew that after everything he has gone through, he could not leave behind Gregory. With that in mind, Balthar turned around, facing the duel.
Gregory, not being skilled in wielding two swords as Oliktalv was, struck wildly towards the Warchief. Kargath dodged the blow with ease, swinging his blades across his opponent's face. The knight screamed out as they cut across his right eye, blinding him. Yet, much to both Balthar's and Kargath's surprise, Gregory's adrenaline was enough to push him onward as he swung his blade towards Kargath's face in turn. The fel orc backed away from the blow, but was not fast enough as the tip slashed across his forehead.
Kargath growled before resuming combat, dashing towards his opponent as he swung both blades diagonally across Gregory's chest. Although the blow connected, it could not get past the knight's silver armor. Knowing this, Gregory did try defending himself, instead swinging both of his blades down on Kargath's right shoulder. The warchief screamed out in pain as they pierced through his armor, sinking into his flesh. Gregory gritted his teeth in fury, constantly pushing his blades in hopes of disarming his opponent.
Unfortunately, with one clean slash of his bladefist, Kargath put an end to the knight's attempt, severing his right arm from his body. Gregory took a step back as he screamed in pain, pulling out his remaining blade. Balthar looked on in shock as his mentor, bloody and beaten, was still standing to fight. Kargath grinned, stepping forward as he swings his bladefist forward. Gregory parried the blow before swinging his sword towards the warchief's neck. Yet, the fel orc blocked it with ease with one bladefist, stabbing the other through Gregory's abdomen.
Balthar's jaw dropped once more as his mentor collapsed onto the ground, shocked beyond words. Gregory turned his head towards the hallway, spotting his student with his remaining eye. He locked his gaze upon Balthar, a tear falling from his eye. Mentally, Balthar knew why the knight teared up during his final moments. He fought so hard to give his student a chance to flee and he wasted those moments. For the final time, he disappointed his mentor.
"Do you have any final words before I end your pathetic life?" Kargath asked, taunting his opponent one final time.
"Balthar," Gregory croaked out, reaching toward his student with the stump where his right hand was. "It's up to you now, lad. Remember your training. No matter what path you take, my discipline help you, even now."
With his remaining hand, he slid forward his sword, it bumping against Balthar's boot. The young man reached down to pick it up, looking upon the engravings on it. It was the honorary knight sword gifted to him for his service during the Second War. Balthat turned back to his mentor, and much to his surprise, he saw the veteran smile. Even in immense pain and close to death, he was able to find peace to hold on.
"Gregory," Balthar muttered, closing his eyes
"Balthar," Gregory called out weakly, prompting his student to open his eyes. "I'm proud of-"
Kargath jabbed his bladefist through the fallen knight's chest as Gregory gasped out his final breath, his eye closing.
""Bah, I grow tired of your words," Kargath announced, pulling his bladefist free, turning to face Balthar. "What're you waiting for? I just killed your comrade right in front of you, any true warrior would try to cut me down!"
Balthar was not a true warrior. He never was. Even now, he struggled to hold Gregory's blade straight to challenge Kargath. His mentor had fallen. Oliktalv clung onto life, but without a healer, he too would fall. And now, he was about to fall. Yet, Balthar would stand and fight at the very least. He would show Kargath why Gregory was proud of him.
Those who remained standing were shocked at the sound of marching coming from the hallway. While Kargath was shocked by the appearance of a fourth intruder, Balthar grinned to himself. During all the action, he had forgotten that Gotur remained. Having finished off the fel orcs, the brutish orc would finally join the battle. If anyone stood a chance of slaying the Warchief, it was him.
Turning his head to the side, he found himself not looking at Gotur, but rather at Naur. The draenei gripped his shoulder with one plated hand, the other leaning his maul against his shoulder. The vindicator scanned around the room, focusing on the fallen Gregory and injured Oliktalv. Then, his gaze fell upon Kargath, and looking into his eyes, Balthar swore he saw a hint of anger in the draenei's eyes. Meanwhile, the Warchief grinned, pointing his blade towards the pair.
"It has been too long since I've butchered a draenei," Kargath snarled. "I will be sure to take my time ending your life."
"Naur-" Balthar started
"Stay back, Balthar," Naur ordered, clearly holding back his rage, stepping forward as he gripped his maul in both hands. "Tend to Oliktalv while he still lives. I shall finish off Kargath."
A/N: Going to be short with this since there's probably a lot of information to digest from this chapter. I took a little bit of time to review my notes for Broken World and wrote out a new outline for the final chapters. I also repeated the process with my other work, so my apologies on keeping you all waiting.
Also, starting from now, updates will move to once a week on Thursdays, as I will be taking this time to plan the sequel to Broken World.
Until next time.
