Here is another chapter, hope you like it. Nothing much else to say, just going with the flow as usual and I hope you are enjoying the story.


The Hand of Suffering

Chapter 10: New Devils Rise

The day had passed, along with the night, the new dawn shone over the Black Fortress.

Reginald looked out over the main courtyard of the fortress grounds, it was a large open space with a few makeshift buildings across it. Buildings that had been erected at dusk the day before. Orcs now moved through the fortress freely, taking the spoils of this once might citadel. Be it the treasures within, such as gold and jewels, or the former inhabitants who were now suffering at the hands of their former servants.

He narrowed his eyes at the display, he honestly did not expect this.

If the Black Dogs had survived their assault on this fortress, by pure luck, he would have left them to rot in the Badlands. Truthfully he had thought that the orcs and Black Dogs would have killed each other to manageable levels that he could deal with what is left in the end. What he didn't expect was what he was witnessing right now.

Vault had allied himself with an orc warlord, by the name of Guzz'mag, leader of the the Urgon clan. They were better known as the Iron Tooth Clan, recognised as such for their silver coloured fangs upon their banners. They were known for being one of the larger and more vicious groups in the Badlands. But now they were the largest, their banners were everywhere and they were now the largest orc clan ever assembled.

Reginald had never expected either the Black Dogs or orcs to come out of this in one piece, let alone stronger than before. The Urgon Clan had become the sole leading force of all the demons in the Badlands. A position they got by allowing the other clans to be destroyed by the Black Dogs, something that only happened because he made it happen.

But Reginald had to wonder if he was the only one to organise this ascension to power. How things turned out benefited the Black Dogs and Orcs too well, it was going in their favour and that was the problem. In war, both sides never reap similar benefits, even when they become allies. At least not so suddenly.

Many things had been coming to light. And many plots seemed to be unveiled as well. He would need time to learn, and to plan his next move.

Pushing off the stone railing he moved back into the fortress, he would need to check up on his prisoners. The new lords of this Fortress were not to be trusted.

The dungeons at the bottom of the fortress were dank and cold, the flickering torches provided little light and almost no warmth to these shallow depths. It had been here that some of the more dangerous beasts under Olga's control had been sealed. Most had been killed off when the fortress taken, others were kept for unspecified reasons.

But Reginald had a suspicion on why they were being kept alive.

"Come on bitch, just sit still!"

Reginald heard the shout, along with a few cheers from others along with some hateful yelling. Coming down the steps into one of the dungeons smaller holding cells, here many of the Dark Elves were kept under lock and key. Cells along each wall, iron bars held captive dozens of elves, and Reginald notice all of them were woman.

In the centre of the chamber was a series of four cells, each held only one prisoner. The four that he had taken under his protection, if only to make sure they were not manhandled by these dogs during their stay here. But it seems that they did not understand his instructions all that clearly, half a dozen men were around a cell watching one of their comrades hold down the Vizier Clarissa.

"Stop this! You foul human mongrel! Release her!" The young half-elf, Chloe he recalled, was yelling that and many other obscenities at the Black Dogs.

"Come on, hurry up I want-" The Mercenary's words stops in his throat as he noticed Reginald approach.

Reginald stepped into the cell, towards the mercenary that had his pants around his knees and was pinning down Clarissa. Reaching forward he seized the man by the neck, hoisted him up and began to choke him. Glancing down towards his ward he noticed something, and to his slowly rising irritation he found that she had not been treated for her injury.

That jagged wound on her back had not been properly treated, in fact it seems the elf had used her own cloths to try and keep the wound clean. He honestly was starting to wonder what the point was in him trying to be civil with these mercenaries.

Perhaps there was no point. Not anymore.

Reginald turned to regard the still struggling man, his feet dangled beneath him lamely as his own pants constricted around his ankles. With a minuscule application of pressure he dug his razor sharp claws into the humans neck, drawing blood and then proceeded to siphon it from the man. In a matter of moments he began to turn blue as his blood parted his body, and in only a few heartbeats the man was nothing but a shrivelled lifeless corpse.

Tossing aside the dry husk he held onto the blood, letting it swirl over his hand as a ball of crimson. Turning he regarded the crowd, all of them shocked and horrified to see their comrade killed, something that would befall them if they did not wise up.

"Leave, and do not come back." Reginald growled

Quick as can be they fled.

Turning he looked down at the Dark Elf, she was pale and looked weak. Blood loss and possible infection was likely setting in, a few more hours here and she would be dead. Kneeling down he removed the rest of the makeshift dressing on her back to expose the wound. She put up a weak effort to try and stop him, but with a hand falling onto her shoulder she was held in place.

"Stay still, I need to treat this." Reginald said, he knew he could not soothe her fears, but he could make his intentions clear.

Using the blood he siphoned from the Mercenary he began to use the essence of life to heal the wound on the elf's back. He allowed it to flow within the woman, her skin becoming less cold and returning to its usual tone, but most of all the cut slowly mended itself back together. Once she was back to a reasonable condition he stopped, thinking for a moment he considered his other prisoners.

Looking to the adjacent cell he could see Ludo laying face down on the ground, he was shivering and taking in deep shallow breaths. He had not been treated either. With the burns he had receive and the amount of exposure in such a damp and filthy environment he was definitely suffering through an infection.

Reginald moved for the cell and performs similar treatment upon the man. The wounds were more severe, but in the end he was in a condition that was stable, in time he would recover on his own. Perhaps if he came across another foolish mercenary he would finish the treatment. Given the trend over the last day he knew that it wouldn't be long before that happened.

Reginald rose up and turned, leaving the cell and locking the door. With a raised claw he ran his hand over the metal and inscribed a rune over the surface, a simple barrier spell that would hold back anyone trying to enter. He would not have another repeat of this incident when he was not here.

"Thank you, thank you." Clarissa kept saying leaning against the cell and looking relieves at the still form of Ludo.

Reginald did not respond, turning to depart and catching the eyes of Olga Discordia upon him. He could sense her curiosity, the way she regarded him showed little in the way of hostility, perhaps wariness. But he paid it no mind, and chose instead to depart rather than strike up conversation.

He left the dungeons behind, and moved to find the kitchens and food stores. If the prisoners have not been given medical treatment than they certainly have not been fed, those fools must be stuffing their faces rather than considering their hostages.

To support such a large population there had to be a considerable amount of foodstuff in here. But he had no idea if they had been ransacked by the orcs and mercenaries in the throws of their victory. Considering the feast they had last night, and the many parties that followed he would not be surprised that most of what had not been eaten was now spoiled. But what did surprise was that the orcs and humans celebrated together, side by side.

Simply amazing how these two forces who had been killing one another for years were now allies. Reminded him of some instances where the Horde and Alliance would work together, for however brief that was.

But this alliance did not come about by chance, it was premeditated.

The Iron Tooth Clan was familiar to him, not just stories of their cruelty and barbarism in the Badlands and along the Borders. He had seen it first hand, in the Untouched Valley, their clan was the one and only clan that had attacked the Valley in the last five years. They always came from the north, right past Diohart, never over the mountains like the Shield Princesses claimed.

Vault was not neglecting his duties, he wasn't incompetent, he was letting them through to have the spoils. It was a trade agreement, the orcs would raid the valley of resources and women, one that cemented an alliance between the Iron Tooth Clan and Black Dog mercenaries.

Vault was at the centre of this, the scope of his scheme spread further than just the Valley and the corruption in Zelindo. The man was the very heart and figure head for this conspiracy.

Reginald never expected the man to be the one he was trying to take down, he thought him nothing but a glory hound and pawn. But he was the chess player, moving all these pieces around and thinking several moves ahead. He was tied to the corruption of Zelindo, and likely the reason behind said corruption. He aided in removing rival orc clans from power, allowing the Iron Tooth clan to take full control over the majority of the demonic races.

Vault had put himself into positions that allowed access to very powerful people, who knows who else might be working for him. What his plans were once he returned to Eostia, given his distaste towards Celestine and how he viewed himself as a King, it was not hard to imagine he might be considering taking over the nation.

Reaching the kitchens he found dozens of mercenaries on the ground, drenched in ale and scraps of food. They were like pigs sleeping in their own filth, considering their newfound allies and their lack of respect for the fairer sex he found the analogy quite fitting.

A good deal of food had been devoured, the fools had feasted last night and consumed most of what was in the kitchen. Finding a few storerooms in the back he found one that had not been completely ransacked. Scarce amounts remained, these fools had not a clue that the only provisions they had would be gone if they didn't control themselves. He would need to make sure that what was left wasn't wasted, another barrier perhaps.

Although the idea of the Black Dogs starving to death might be a fitting punishment. Perhaps the orcs would eat them. Even more fitting.

Corrupt and amoral they were, they are cutthroat mercenaries with as much honour as the Defias Brotherhood and Syndicate, he had little doubt they were untrustworthy. But how many of them were truly as treasonous as Vault? How many of them would go along with his schemes? Perhaps it wasn't about believing the cause, but believing the man that prosecuted it.

How many good men and woman have been led down a dark path because they believed without a shadow of doubt that the man leading them was right. A lot of dark histories have been written because of a single man turning others down the wrong path. Maybe that was what was about to happen, a lot of good men were going to do horrible things but think they are right.

The morality of it did not concern him. If Vault turned as he thought he would this entire Fortress would be filled with corpses before he departed. He would make sure of it.

For now however he had found several flagons of purified water, it had been stacked neatly next to the wine, or what was left of the wine.

He had to wonder if they are actually saving the water or not.

Probably not.


Olga's mind was in a whirl, so many thoughts going through her head it would make any lesser being dizzy.

Even as she kept her stoic façade she could not help but feel shame for allowing this to befall her people. To be caged within their own home, their husbands, fathers and sons killed without mercy and the woman locked in cages and waiting for their terrible fate to be decided. Some had already been dragged off, never to be seen again, their farewells nothing but wails of anguish as they realised what was going to happen to them.

She had struggled for centuries to end this kind of treatment, not just upon her people but all other races who caught the eye of humans. Now she had failed, locked in these cages, her magic sealed with the collar around her neck. Escape would be impossible, the Black Fortress may have corridors and passages which she could use to escape the confines of the Citadel but she would never make it far.

Orcs and mercenaries numbering in the tens of thousands, they would capture her long before she could reach the gates. That was if she could open the gates, if she could get past all of the mercenaries, if she could escape this fortress and this cell. If she could manage all of that, she would still die, succumbing to the very power of the Badlands.

This was the end. After everything she had done, all the sacrifices that have been made, it was all for naught.

The sound of wood clanking down steps alerted her to a new arrival, again the creature had returned. With it was a cart, filled with food and water, it brought it to the centre of the chamber and then began unloading the kegs of water and a platter of food before depositing them into cells. One at a time, doing the outermost cells first and then the four which held herself and her close confidants.

Chloe attempted to attack, a futile effort that resulted in her being bound to the bars of the cell with shadowy claws. Unable to move, shouting at the werewolf, it deposited the flagon in the cell and then left.

Olga watched it intently, circling around towards her cell and entering, laying down the water barrel and the platter. She ignored the shouts from Chloe in the other cell, instead she focused on the werewolf that did not seem to have any interest in her presence.

But she was interested in it, so very interested. It was unique, a curiosity, something unseen in this world and something she could say was similar to the Dark Stone that pulsed within the heart of this fortress. A stone her people feared, for it was a evil thing, one that even she knew was dangerous to use recklessly. And after over two centuries of study she had been unable to uncover its true nature and darkness that resides within it.

"I heard you kill one of my men."

Olga turned to the entrance, seeing the Mercenary Commander known as Vault come down the stairs. That large buffoon was smirking, if only to hide the signs of irritation upon his brow as he glared at the werewolf uneasily. Even with the dozen men that came down into the chamber with him, along with an ogre and some orcs, he didn't look at ease.

"I am starting to notice a pattern, it seems whenever one of my men gets close to you they die. Whether they do anything or not."

The werewolf did not reply, at first, rising up it turned and walked from the cell and then locked it. Sealing it with a rune she did not recognise, again she was curious.

"Then it is best you keep your distance, you might suffer something similar." The werewolf replied.

They tensed, it was obvious that the mercenaries were on edge, they feared this creature. She supposed they were right to be afraid, after all it had bested herself and two of her advisors, both of whom were older and nearly as powerful as she.

"Besides, the last one brought me some very troubling news, and the reason you sent him was because you knew I would kill him to moment he told me."

"This time you killed one of my men for no reason." Vault responded. "I can't have that, dog."

Olga wondered if the man knew this werewolf's actual name, the idea alone that the werewolf would have a name was surprising in of itself. Some would say it is comical, but Olga had to wonder how it retained its sense of self despite being turned into a bloodthirsty beast. This Reginald Blackgrave was definitely interesting, more than she cared to admit.

"He didn't follow my instructions. And neither did you." Reginald replied. "I told you to give the elves medical treatment, and to not to harm them."

"Why do you care so much? It is almost like you are on their side." Vault stated, his smirk dropping as his hand slowly reaching for his sword.

The soldiers behind him did the same, some had already drawn their sword and were waiting for something to happen. Olga almost wanted something to happen, to see that bastard pay for what he was doing to her people. The idea of him being ripped apart sounded quite appealing, even if it meant in the end they would be at the mercy of a pack of leaderless scum it would be something she found absolute satisfaction in.

"The concept of restraint and cunning elude you, all you do is charge in headfirst and expect to win. You are not as strong as you think Vault, you cannot make everything bend to your will through strength of arms."

"How do you think I got into this fortress? Why do you think I had the half-elf?" Vault replied, his smirk returning. "I took this fortress because I am a master of war, and I know how to beat my enemies. No one can best me on the field, not the Dark Queen of Garan, not any of the Shields of the Seven Shield Alliance, and especially not you."

"Your arrogance may be founded, your accomplishments throughout Eostia are known and none of the other shields come close to having the laurels you do. And in spite of you obviously planning for this day, laying the foundations for your victory here years in advance, you are still naïve to think you are invincible. Do not become blind to your own accomplishments, I am still the one thing you dare not face, you don't want to fight me, because you know you will lose." Reginald responded.

Vault seemed to take offence to the statement, the way his face twisted all but screamed he was angry at the idea of being inferior to someone else. Olga wondered if it was true, if Reginald was not an ally of the Black Dogs than by chance he could become theirs. He was sparing them from horrible treatment, there had to be a reason for this, some motive for him to keep them safe.

She doubted it wanted to rape them, it could have done that right after scaring off the rest of the Black Dogs. Neither did he need to bring them food or heal Clarissa or Ludo, he had no reason to do this. So why? She would need to wait and see where this goes, and perhaps gleam some information from the werewolf.

"You better watch what you say, my patience has limits, dog." Vault said.

"As does your intelligence, now is there a reason you have come to beleaguer me with your complaints and attempts to enforce the imagined authority you have over me?" Reginald inquired, placing down a flagon within Clarissa's cell before locking the door.

"I could kill you for speaking so disrespectfully, remember that." Vault said, his hand finally resting on his sword.

"I could fly to the moon if I had wings, we all could do something if our imagination is strong enough. But let us be clear, I can kill you and those men behind you without an ounce of effort." Reginald replied. "Just like I could have killed you at Ulfraden, I spared you only to get to the Goddess. You survived because I needed it so, and you live now because I allow it."

"You want to test that. Without your armour and scythe I am sure the tables have turned." Vault replied.

In an instant the werewolf was before Vault, standing over him with a claw keeping the sword in its sheath and single finger pointed to the mercenaries throat. The speed of which it moved was terrifying, she had not expected it, but she knew how fast it was. She faced it alongside Clarissa and Ludo, and yet to be caught unaware by that speed was a clear reminder how dangerous it was.

If you were not prepared, you were as good as dead.

"Nothing has changed, the results are still the same." Reginald turned and moved away from the fuming mercenary. "Leave here mercenary, take what pride you have left and these mongrels as well, they have lost the right to come here."

Vault skulked off, pushing past his men and actually punching an orc across the jaw as he left. He had been insulted, and was either so angry he struck out randomly or was attempting to get back that tarnished honor of his. Olga enjoyed that very much, killing a man solved many problems but to have their reputation and dignity sullied was an even more gratifying delight.

"How long do you think it will be before he tries to take your head?" Olga inquired, smiling as she walked to the bars, pressing herself against them. "Such words can have dire consequences. He might turn this entire fortress against you."

Reginald turned, giving her a look she could not truly identify. But instead of replying he turned and moved for the wall and leaned against it. The werewolf closed its eyes and appeared to rest, but she doubted it was doing so. It was on guard duty.

She watched it for an hour, maybe more, in these dark depths it was hard to keep track of time. But she had to formulate some form of plan, some way to convince the werewolf to join her. If she could gain its trust it could free her and what was left of her people, then escape to the north.

"Do you think you can survive against them all? You may have bested me and my allies, but to face an army of orcs and mercenaries. Do you think you can win? That you can even survive?" Olga asked.

She tried to speak with him, learn what she could, but it did not seem to care for what she said. It made little sense to her, what was it planning if it was willing to keep them from harm yet not speak to her. There had to be a reason behind its actions.

"What are you after? Perhaps you wish to ask something of me? Speak it, and I will see if it is possible." Olga said, trying agains to gain some reaction.

It's eyes locked with hers, regarding her for a moment before it spoke.

"I have only a single question." Reginald stated. "Answer it for me."

"What do you want to know?" Olga inquired, ready for anything he may ask.

"Why do you fight?"

The question caught her by surprise, at first she was uncertain of what he meant by it but she was quick to realise. Could it mean the war? Why she was fighting with all her might against the forces of Eostia. But she was uncertain of it, to ask why she fought, that could mean so many things.

"What?" Olga asked, confused.

"I can see the fever in your eyes, the hate and rage, you despise humans. I wish to know the why, the reason for its existence. What drove you to this point, to become what you are now." Reginald replied.

Olga mused on that, a lot had driven her to become the woman she was. Some of it she was not proud of, having to make rash decision that cost her people their lives and put them at greater risk with each decision made. As much as she could rationalise all the dark things she has done she could not allow herself to feel even the slightest bit pleased with what she had done.

Her cruelty had its limits, both in the depths of her villainy and those that would suffer it, yet it was her youth and impulsiveness that caused harm for all around her. She would forget herself in her rage, disregard the consequences that came with her actions. Time had taught her restraint, to keep her emotions in check and never allow herself to be ruled by them, to direct it where it should go and never allow it to harm her people.

"I had so much before they came, these humans, I had friends and family that loved me, in the end I lost them all before I could become Queen. I took the throne when my father died trying to save me. It gave me clarity, made me see that there is no reason for me to show those filthy monsters pity or mercy, or to teach them the error of their ways. At least not peacefully." Olga stated.

She had lost friends and family to them, for a time she herself had been sold into slavery and had only been saved from their cruelty by her father. He had died because of her, because she had listened to someone she thought she could trust. That time and time again had proven pointless, human cared not for words or wisdom, only strength of arms and brute force.

Every time she attempted to prove it so, make them see what she did, people turned their backs on her. They told her to stop, wait and try to negotiate, to broker peace and cooperation and not cause war. That fighting them would only lead to further loss of life.

Celestine Lucross, her once treasured friend, her advice and council saw to her people suffering through another hundred years of slavery and her own father killed trying to save her. The moment she took the throne, claimed it and took all the power she could, she launched everything she had against the humans of Eostia. Every terrible power she could summon, every soldier she could send, every beast she could control.

She freed her people, saved them from the torment they had suffered and burned down the cities that trafficked them as nothing but commodities. She brought their slave markets to an end, and murdered the ones that profited from it. Merchants, slavers, nobles and kings fell to her wrath, and as long as Eostia remained she would not stop.

"But I wasn't the only one to suffer, thousands of my people, Dark Elves, along with those of the Light, and Halflings, and Beastmen and Fays and all the others. I was one of many, who had suffered loss to the humans, they robbed us of something. Our freedom, our dignity, our loved ones, and they did it and called it righteous. And thought themselves kings."

Olga leaned against bars, glaring at the wolf.

"I fight, to make them regret every transgressions they have ever committed against the races of this continent. I will keep fighting, until the last of their wretched race is driven to extinction." Olga snarled.

He was silent, looking at her.

"It is always the same, the pain and anger, the despair and hate, it all stems from the inability to escape ones own circumstance. To free yourself of the shackles you do not realise you can free yourself from if only with a little wisdom end strength."

Olga did not understand, what did he mean? He actually believed her, a surprise she supposed, but what did he understand about her anger that made him think she was shackled by it? What could he possible know about her? About her pain?

"You know nothing about me." Olga said, glaring at the werewolf.

"But you said so yourself: You are not alone with this pain. I have met many like you, and all were chained and enslaved to their vengeful hearts and tormented minds. So narrow was their perception that they did not know how to free themselves." Reginald said, turning and moving for the door. "In time, they will be free. The font of their torment will be gone. But I wonder, will you be free?"

Olga glared as he departed, what did he know? It spoke of understanding and knowing those that had suffered like she did, like her people, nothing but drivel. He didn't understand her pain, nothing more than a rabid beast that thought itself a man. It knew noting.

At least. She hoped it didn't.


Vault sat upon his throne, glaring ahead at nothing and wondering what to do.

He had secured the Black Fortress and the week since their arrival here he had been taking stock of what kind of arsenal he had on his hands. To his surprise he had found a lot, Kin had relayed some of the powerful artefacts that were housed in the depths of this place. Olga had some very powerful tools at her disposal, it was a surprise she had not used them during the war.

But more than that he had an army, a massive one. Ten thousand men, some veterans and a lot of newcomers that had tasted fresh blood. That wasn't even counting the thousand he left back in Eostia, along with having secured every fortification along the Borders. The makings of his Black Dog army was complete, they would be the vanguard of his coming conquests, but it would be the demons under his command that would truly give him strength.

Those bastards were always useful, no one in Eostia could take them on like he could. He knew how to beat them, but every other of the Shield Knights were idiots that didn't have a clue how to fight. They barely got their shoes dirty, compared to him and his company. They would be easy to trample over, take them down one by one and then spread the spoils to everyone.

Yes, this was shaping up to be the starting point of where he would rebuild the old empire of Eostia.

But there was a single problem.

That fucking dog.

The last six days it had done nothing but wander these halls and observe them, what men he could get to follow and observe them either lost the beast or disappeared themselves. He would have loved nothing more than to kill the bastard, make sure he wasn't a threat anymore. He had enough men to lay siege to every singe city in Eostia at once, against one werewolf it shouldn't be too problematic.

But he was cautious, how many would die at that things hands? How can he be sure they could kill it with the power it wielded. Even without its armour and weapon it still took down Olga Discordia and that Vizier, who based on the stories was the actual teacher of the Dark Queen of Garan. If it could take them both on, along with the Dark Sword of the North, while vulnerable and weak, what were the odds it could get the drop on his men and then him.

Even if Vault wanted to disregard this fact, that the bastard could kill a lot of his men before they could do it in, he was looking at another problem. They had no damn way to getting back home in a speedy fashion unless they went through the Badlands. Problem was, their only way to get through was the son of a bitch he was planning on murdering.

Kin had been looking into this 'Dark Crystal' that seemed to be the source of the curse over the Badlands, but he didn't put much stock in it being useful. That thing had been on for decades, and unless they can find a way to make themselves immune to the Badlands like the demons than they got no hope of getting back without that werewolf.

"You sure we can't just kill him. Maybe we can go another way, if we are lucky we can cross the blighted coast and get up to the Wushu Mountains. That gets us right into Rad, we can take over our old territory and move onto the rest." Hicks said.

That crafty bastard along with some of his more prominent officers were here, they had to discuss a few things. Right now they were planning their return back to Eostia, and where they would be striking first. It was a toss up between the Ansur region or Feoh. Problem was getting there.

"Those ranges are pretty narrow, and we are looking at a hundred kilometre walk, we won't make it very far. Especially if we take too many with us, most would be trapped down the mountain trying to get up it." Shale said, Vault wasn't really paying attention, his mind was still on that damn werewolf.

"I say we take out Geoff and Feoh, that Alicia bitch kept ordered us around like dogs, why not make her crawl on all fours." Uric stated, getting a laugh from the others.

"Would be a good place for her, and with her already on all fours easy to fuck, bet she has a tight cunt to go with that uptight attitude of hers." That earned a few laughs, and Vault wondered if that would be enough.

"To take Feoh we would need to cross the western oceans and drop off in the Sea of Sands. Not as treacherous as the Badlands but still a hike. But more than that we would need to bypass Geoff." Kin said, he was the most objective of the bunch, pragmatic and to the point and oddly not interested in woman. "Ansur would be easier as it is located closer to the coast alongside Rad, we could take both cities if we wish."

"We still need a fleet remember?" Hicks said. "Didn't you say we were going to get those pirates to ferry us up here?"

"The deal was never struck with them. Given our slowly deteriorating relationship with the werewolf we might need to consider heading north to take the Dark Elf Haven and procure their ships." Kin responded.

"No." Vault said, finally figuring out what he wanted to do. "We go back the way we came, and from there we take over everything."

He knew what he had to do. Winning was simple at this point.

Feoh and Ansur were easy.

He could take both of them without any issue, all he needed to do was take the Royal Family and few hostages and he could make Alicia cave. Maia never would raise a blade against him and that would be her failing, he could walk right into Ansur and take the city. Then there was Ur, the vanguard to Ken, that shouldn't be too troublesome.

Take those three cities and the Alliance has lost all its manpower.

All that would be left were foreigners and a few halflings, easy pickings.

It was simply amazing how much slipped under the supposed Goddesses nose, how many enemies she had and how unpopular her ways were with the people. Half the nobility wouldn't give a damn to see her cast from the throne, along with the other Shield Knights. The support he had back home was massive, a lot of people hated the Shields and for good reason, they were arrogant and stupid.

Why anyone would serve them was only out of self interest, loyalty towards them was the height of stupidity.

It was that reason alone that he finally realised something, his own bout of stupidity.

Those Shields treat anything non human, even their allies the Halflings, as dirt and scum. That goes for the werewolf without saying, it was hated by them simply because of what it is. Didn't matter it could talk and be reasoned with, looks like a monster so it is one.

He had done the same thing. Yet why was he doing that? He had made allies with demons, foul sorcerers, and foreign pirates, and treated them with due deference. But the moment this guy comes along he treats him like shit.

That werewolf wasn't a servant or loyal soldiers to Celestine, not like that Levantine bitch or that elven advisor. It was a monster that wanted something from Celestine, enduring all the harsh treatments and scorn of those it fought for to get it. They were very much alike, but instead of embracing him like a brother he was degrading him like some two-bit dog that was loyal to the hand that was feeing it.

How could he be so stupid?

"We get back to the border and from there we attack Feoh, Ansur and Ur. If we pull this off we can take four of the seven fortresses at the same time. Rad would follow in short order, and after that all we have to do is take Thorn and then Ken." Vault said, smirking as he imagined it.

"That is a tall order boss." Hicks said.

"Easily done, especially if we have the cult on our side." Vault said.

"You want to make that cult an ally? Is that wise, I had heard that you planned to sell off most of the women there to make it up to Guzzmag." Kin said.

That had been the original plan, Guzzmag was not too happy to learn that all of his raiding parties never came back. It was no wonder it took years to gain the guys trust when every single warrior he sent to collect the spoils ended up dead.

He had been greasing the orc's palms ever since they got here, he had to hand over almost every single Dark Elf they had on their hands. Hundreds of them, just to make up for what wasn't brought back from Eostia. His own men didn't like having a dry spell, truth be told neither did he.

And to put a damper on things he was demanding more woman, they had gone through all the ones sent to him and none were left. Less than a week and hundreds of slaves had been fucked to death, they were probably already being shit out as they speak.

"I have more than made up for the Valley to him, he doesn't like it, he can go get fucked." Vault replied.

"Doesn't change the fact that the people are not fans of us, earning their cooperations will be impossible." Kin said.

"Not quite. Those people worship that wolf like it was a god. We have seen what people do when they have a god that speaks to them. We get the werewolf on our side, doing as we say, and we can turn the entire Valley into another army." Vault said.

"And the how the hell are you going to get the werewolf to listen to us?" Hicks asked.

"We treat him the way he deserves."


There was a sizeable crowd in the throne room today.

Guzzmag had come along with a few of his best, mostly some ugly bastards that kept the rest of the clans in line. He was now the Warlord of all Orcs, ruling over the demons like a King, it tickled him the wrong way that something held that title but he held his tongue for now. In due time he would make sure his supremacy was enforced.

The doors to the throne room opened, and entered the one he wanted to see.

The Werewolf, skulked forward and stood before the throne. It's azure eyes looking up towards Vault and glaring right into his soul, but he withstood the stare and smirked.

"Good that you have come dog, because I think now is the time for us to discuss something of importance." Vault said, leaning forward, and on cue the werewolf was surrounded. "I want to discuss your loyalties."

The wolf did not even blink, or acknowledge those around it, it just continued to look at him.

"I have come to realise something these last few days, something that has given me clarity and made me realise a great mistake has been made." Vault said, rising from his throne.

He stepped down and drew close to the werewolf, he reached out and placed a hand on the beast's shoulder. It was slightly difficult, it was a head taller than himself and he had to reach up there to really get a firm hold on it.

"I have treated you poorly, and for that, I apologise." Vault said.

The thing narrowed its eyes, likely confused by his actions, and from the growls and whispering around him his men were as well. How could they not, he was saying sorry to the beast that had threatened to kill him on multiple occasions.

"I have called you dog, made you out to be a servant and slave to another, and taken my frustrations against those that hold your leash and insulted you instead. For that, I apologise." Vault said, releasing the beast and circling it. "I should have not spoken to you in such a way, I should have seen that you are like us."

It did not speak, but he knew its attention was on the mercenary.

"We are a proud group, one could say we are a people completely separate from the rest of Eostia, we are mercenaries. A lot that fights for the safety and comfort of those that have not the strength or will to take up arms themselves." Vault said. "We do their dirty work, kill for them when they do not wish to shed blood, conquer for them when they had not the time. Much is done by the hands of those that serve, but we are a dying race."

Mercenaries have been around for over three hundred years, in the beginning they were nothing but brigands. Highwayman and raiders that did nothing but pillage and burn their way across the country as they pleased. But when the wars against Olga began, all those centuries ago, those Brigands rose up to be soldiers, fighting for the glory and honour of this nation. For the last two hundred years mercenaries were used by those of wealth to secure this nation and protect it.

Gold they were given, and songs were sung, but they were truly never respected.

"The Princess Knights are a new order, less than a decade old, not even a third the age of the Black Dogs. They appear, fight in pointless skirmishes and preach they are the chosen of the Goddess and think they are better than us." Vault said, he looked around to his men, they knew this story well.

The Goddess had chosen those that she thought represented what the best this nation could be, but she chose only those that furthered her own ambitions. The only daughter of King Eros, along with his Niece whose family rules Geoff, a woman that became one of the first female Knights and wife to the son of a famous war hero.

Then there was Maia…

That had been an insult he had never forgiven.

But worst of all, she brought in a foreign pest who spread her culture and faith to the people. Then that halfling, nothing but dirt rats that dig in the earth like moles.

"The Goddess, is not as noble and benevolent as you think, she had committed many crimes in her rise to power. Eostia was once a steadfast bastion, one that was broken when she took power and led it to ruin. You can see the desolation in Ansur, the city and nation is divided and broken. In Feoh a mewling King seized power after his brother demise which the Goddess aided in. But that was expected, she toppled one other monarch nary a few months before and took his Kingdom for herself."

Yes, the Goddess was to blame for all these crimes, and he would make her pay. Along with all those that betrayed this nation and tore it apart at its seems.

"But what about you? What are you to her and the people of Eostia?" Vault said, rounding on the werewolf and looking him in the eye.

He would look him in the eyes and prove to him that he was speaking truthfully, it would be the only way to convince the beast to work with him. Many things did not faze the creature, but if it could see reason and morality than he would recruit it similarly to how Kin came to his service. Through wisdom and insight, and the knowledge that they were the only ones that could be trusted.

"They see you as a monster, they fear and hate you simply for being what you are. The Goddess and Shield Knights will kill you on a whim, do you think that if you accomplish your task that you will get what is owed to you?" Vault asked.

He noticed a slight twitch, ever so slight as the creature took in a breath and let it out. Yes, he was listening intently now, it knew that it was unlikely the Shields or Goddess would give him what he desires.

"How much did you have to bargain? What did you have to agree to in order for them to do what you wanted? The people of the Untouched Valley respect you, and look what their fabled Princess Knight did when they did not laud her, she struck out like a child. I even hear that the Church wishes to send Templar and priests to try and discipline the people." Vault said, he knew it was going to happen, he was going to make it happen.

The thing narrowed its eyes, angry it seems by the news. Good.

"They would treat anyone that deviates from their gods and their rule as vermin to be crushed, what do you think they would do with you? Would they honour your request? Would they spare you? No." Vault stated, shaking his head and even feeling slightly caught up in his own speech, he felt actual pity. "No, they would just kill you, call you a demon that needed to be put down. But you knew that already didn't you?"

All things demonic and evil in their eyes was always removed, Vault had no doubt that they would kill the werewolf the moment he returned to the city. Olga in tow and his men behind it, they would kill the beast and maybe even order himself and his men to do the deed.

That's right, they were all expendable as far as the Alliance was concerned.

"I plan to undo all the damage they have done, I will have the Shields, the Goddess, and all those bitches that serve them in chains. I will have them locked in cages, paraded through the streets and fucked like the whores they are." Vault said. "This nation, is broken, divided, and I will reforge it, to be stronger than it has ever been. But I cannot do it alone."

Vault gesture to the orc chieftain, Guzzmag.

"The Iron Tooth Clan, under the rule of Guzzmag, have agreed to aid me in this war. To create a world, united and pure, where no more meddling Queens and Princesses disrupt the peace." Vault said. "All men will be equal, all men will be Kings, their hearts desire will be their for the taking. Your hearts desire."

Yes, his new empire would be glorious.

"Are you with us? Do you want what you desire and more?" Vault asked, reaching his hand forward, a gesture of friendship and to see if he can gain this creatures allegiance.

He did not move, simply staring at the limb. Vault had some concern that the bastard might not care for the plan, if so he had to get back real fast when they charged in to kill the guy.

"If it sweetens the deal, you can have Olga. Have your way with her, take her womanhood, and use her as much as you wish." Vault said, and noticed Guzzmag looked displeased.

He had promised that orc many things, including Olga, but he would get the woman all the same. He would gain the beasts allegiance and then after he was finished with the Queen hand her over to the orc. Between the Orc Warlord and this Werewolf, the latter was more important to have on his side, earning his favour was a priority right now.

The wolf lowered its head, seemingly in thought, before it looked up and almost seemed to look off towards nothing.

"Go get her."

Vault smirked wide, he had done it. The wolf reached forward and shook the mercenaries hand, the deal was sealed and now it was time to reward their new brother in arms.

"Hicks! Go get Olga, and bring the others along with you, we will be having a celebration!" Vault said, just as a cheer erupted from all around.

He turned and strolled up to his throne, he took his seat and waited for the former Queen of Garan to arrive. Wine and food was being brought in, piled along the floor and didn't last long enough for it to become a feast. The men drunk and ate to their hearts content, the orcs joining the festivities with equal vigour.

All the while their guest stood off to the side, leaning against a pillar and with its eyes closed. Waiting, surprised it wasn't pacing, usually when a man was eager to bed a beautiful woman and a virgin no less they would be thrilled. To take a turn at Olga Discordia would be a treat no man would feel calm about, she was exotic and definitely something he wouldn't mind having on his cock.

Guzzmag had come close, growing in his ear.

"You are beginning to annoy me Vault, Olga was mine. First you give her away, now you allow another to take her." He snarled. "I don't take seconds, I take what I wish. You are robbing me of my prize Vault."

"You have hundreds of girls, and from what I heard they are all dead." Vault replied, waving off his angry hissing.

"Gone, not dead." He corrected, or more than likely lied, bastard actually said that all the Dark Elves had disappeared.

More than likely they ended up just like the slaves he had brought, taken off by some random bunch of orcs. At least that is what the survivors of the camp said, but there was always the silver lining, they also stole that werewolf's armour that they had locked away. And the scythe too.

"Whatever, you can have the spoils after my men are done with them. I have paid you more than I have any other man in my entire life. So count yourself lucky, but don't push your luck with me." Vault said, glaring up at the orc and daring him to do something.

Guzzmag growled, his neck muscles bulging as fingers curling unto fists, it looked ready to try something. Until the throne room doors opened. Hicks had returned, and he was bloodied and looking worse for wear. Vault leaped from his chair, yelling for all to be silent as he advanced on his wounded second in command.

"She's escaped! Fucking bitch escaped!" Hicks yelled, falling to the ground.

"What do you mean she escaped!"

"She had help! Orcs and some Dark Elf! They killed the men! They are trying to get out of the fortress!" Hicks yelled.

Vault snarled, how did this happen? He didn't bother to think on it any further, instead he turned to the men and started barking orders. They would need to secure the area and the fortress, there was no way they would be able to get out of here. Unless there was another way he didn't know about, didn't matter, they would find them.

"Scour the damn Fortress, do not let them escape!"

As he issues the orders he never noticed that the werewolf had silently skulked off into the shadows.


The Plot thickens, or something like that.