Sorry for the delay, was struggling with this chapter because… of reasons. Anyway I decided not to make it a long drawn out affair and instead make it a quick transition between points in the story. I really want to move things ahead.
Now many of you are wondering how I intend to do this but I am saying this, I intend to do things very differently than most. So you will need to see how things go down. Not going to tell how I intend to carry out the storyline, some might figure it out as time goes on. But for now just enjoy it.
Here you go. Enjoy the chapter.
The Hand of Suffering
Chapter 11: There and Back Again
She was still mad.
Even after a week to digest what Reginald had said to her she was still angry. He acted as if her anger was simple to understand and easy to overcome, that to get rid of it one must simply let it go. The thought infuriated her, that she should forget the atrocities committed against her people. The genocide, the enslavement, the rapes. That was only part of the suffering humans have inflicted upon her race.
He would come here ever day, stay for hours on end and then depart, not a word was said by the werewolf. It did not ask anymore questions, nor did it care for any conversation, she did not wish for it and neither did any of her people.
But what it has said to her afterwards, about finding peace. That had given her something to focus on, although it only aggravate her further the more she tried to decipher its meaning.
"Mistress."
Chloe's whisper reached her ears, and not too long after so did the heavy footfalls of several others approaching. It was not Reginald, he was too quiet to be noticed, it would seem someone was trying to be bold. As much as she was displeased with the werewolf she was glad it was able to scare off anything that might try anything upon them.
But when not here it was obvious that everyone was on edge, waiting for the moment when something would try to sneak in and take to a cage. It had happened no less than six times, each one ending with Reginald returning and tearing the fools apart.
But a larger group had come, a dozen at least, and all of them looked smug.
"Alright ladies, on your feet, you about to meet your new masters." Hicks said, gesturing to the cages.
"I do hope you will stay long enough for our guard to return, watching him tear you fools apart is such a delight." Olga said, giving an uncaring glance towards the mercenary.
"Well to let you know, Vault has talked with wolfy and they have come to an agreement, that means all you fine bitches get to come out while we come on you." Hick said, smiling nice and wide as he seemed to drool at the prospect of raping them.
Olga did not want to believe that, deep down she knew that if their guard was killed or removed far enough away they would be in trouble. If it was allowing this to happen, then it meant that it was even more harrowing.
"Sad part is that Vault offered you up to the dog, don't know if that is good or not, Guzzmag wanted to have a go at you." Hicks said. "Open the cages, drag these bitches to the throne room, we are celebrating tonight."
Olga tensed as Hicks opened her cell and walked inside, she doubted she could overpower him. She even weighed the option of simply staying stoic, not allowing this develop affect her. But how could she? She was on her way to be defiled, along with the rest of her people. This was going to be their end, everything they have strived to do for the last three centuries, all the pain and suffering they endured would be for naught.
"Oh great, you guys can help us…"
The man that was speaking off in the distance was silenced by the rending of flesh and a horrifying scream. Looking to the stairs she saw six orcs moving down the stairs, in front of them was a dead Black Dog Mercenary.
"What the fuck?" Hicks hissed, reaching for his sword.
Then someone charged past the orcs, to her shock it was a buxom Dark Elf.
"Who the fuck are… wait, you're supposed to be dead." Hicks said, shocked to see her.
"Kill these bastards." She said, and immediately the orcs charged in and attacked.
Olga watched the brutal spectacle as these new arrivals attacked the Black Dogs and their orc allies. Hick charged in to rally his forces, but he was slashed across the chest after he impaled the orc through the heart. Where the mercenary fell the orc did not.
As he lay there defeated Olga watched the spectacle end, the mercenaries and orcs were all dead. The unknown Dark Elf stepped forward, looking into her cell, her eyes held a cold fury in them as she stared at her with a clenched fist.
"I should leave you here, let you rot and suffer for what you did." She said, but she reached forward and with a key removed the cuffs around her wrists and the magic band around her neck. "But that isn't the plan."
Olga rubbed her wrists and looked up to her kin, finding her skulking to the other rooms and releasing the other prisoners. While the orcs moved for the other cells, and to her surprise began tearing the chains from the walls and off the wrists of the people. They didn't make any attempt on her people, no move to violate or hurt them, it was surprising to see them so civil.
"We need to get everyone out of here." Their saviour said. "I have a path we can take, it will lead us to the courtyard."
"Then get my people to safety." Olga said, while she did not know who this woman was or why she seemed to hold such anger, she trusted that it was in her best interest to keep the innocents safe. "Chloe, take the people and protect them."
"You are coming too." The mystery woman said.
"I will not abandoned this fortress and leave all its valued treasures behind." Olga replied, she had to get to the armoury, retrieve her weapon and any other artefacts she could spare.
"Fine, stay here and die for all I care."
"How dare you speak to your Queen in such a manner!" Chloe yelled, for once Olga was in agreement, what had she done to warrant this woman's ire?
She knew not who she was, but her attire was not that of her people and she certainly was not from this fortress. There had to be more to this hostility, if she was so vocal Olga would have heard of it, especially if within her own fortress.
"She is not my queen, she hasn't been for a long time." The woman replied. "Get the people together, I'll lead them out of here."
Olga turned towards Chloe and gave her a nod, she would make sure the people escaped. Whoever this woman was she needed to be watched closely, she doubted she would come here to rescue them if only to betray them all. If her anger was only upon her than she would not be able to fulfil her revenge.
"Clarissa, Ludo, come with me." Olga said, moving for the far wall and pressing her hand against it.
Immediately the stone began to shift and break open. A path opened before her and she stepped into the darkness, her two confident followed close behind. These pathways were magical corridors that moved from multiple points in the fortress, with them she could travel almost anywhere within the confines of her home.
If she could reclaim what remained of her staff and any weapons, then it would be worth it. With those she could do some damage on her way out.
"We reclaim our weapons, then we try to destroy the Dark Crystal." Olga said.
"That could destroy the entire fortress." Clarissa said.
"I know, that is the point, we tear this place down and the orcs and human filth with it." Olga said.
If they do this she could wipe out the treacherous orcs and the human army in one fell swoop, with them gone she could plan her next move from there. This war was far from over, she would not be bested here, she would continue the fight even if she were to lose her fortress.
Soon she came to a dead end, it has been a short minute walk, but the interior this fortress and using these passageways were two separate things. The magic that connected the separate places of the fortress thinned the distance between two points, she could go from the very top of the fortress to its very lowest in a minute.
Placing her hand against the wall it opened before her, and beyond she found the interior of the armoury. Within were the many weapons of her people, gathering dust and slowly decaying from lack of use and care. These weapons had not been touched in over forty years, not since the destruction of Lorain.
Luckily for her the Black Dogs had only bothered to place their confiscated weapons here and not in the vault at the back of the armoury. Even so she wondered if she would have time to search through it, best not. They had only a little time before someone realised they had escaped, best use it to blow this fortress apart and kill all the demons and humans with it.
Turning she saw Ludo and Clarissa reclaim their stolen weaponry, the Black Sword – Dawn, Conquer of the South and the Staff – The Void Spire. Olga reached for her own stave, Knightfall, the Darkeners Warstaff. Such colourful names they had, ones that sounded utterly dreadful in the common tongue.
It was in bad shape, now neatly in two pieces she would have to use it only as a sceptre rather than a staff. Shame really, but it was better than going out there without her trusty weapon.
"Come, we go to the Crystal, and end this once and for all." Olga said, strolling back towards the wall and opening another pathway.
Soon enough their minute walk led them to the confined of her great library, all the arcane knowledge she had accumulated and learned was in here. Including what she sought to destroy, at the very bottom of the library was a massive floating crystal of black stone, pulsing with dark energies.
Said energies surged into a deep hole beneath it and into the earth, it was there that the power of the stone was used. A simple if not ingenious use of its capabilities, to use the very life stealing energies of the crystal to sap the life from half the continent. Then using it as a defence for her Kingdom.
Truthfully it was one of the more mundane things she had used the crystal for, in the last two hundred years she has barely tapped the surface of what this massive piece of stone could be. It was such a mystery that she felt guilty for destroying it, but she knew that there was no other choice. If she was fast enough she may be able to take a tome or two she had written on the stone, although with the stone gone that entire archive would then become useless.
"Clarissa, with me, we will destabilise the crystal, Ludo, make sure nothing disturbs us." Olga instructed, descending from the upper floors and down towards the crystal.
Looking at it she felt the need to fight back a shiver, she had always felt that something was watching her from within that mass of dark stone. That something intelligent and evil lay within, something she did not wish to see or know of. In fact she had to be careful, the very power that radiated from this crystal could drive people mad, many protective wards were placed upon the dais that supported the crystal and upon any who so much as glimpsed at it.
"Let us begin." Olga said, beginning her chant.
It would take some time to break the seals and then put something in place to destroy the crystal, but when it was done they would have only a short time to escape.
"Quite impressive."
Olga stopped mid sentence when she heard the utterance, turning she found a spectacle wearing human standing not to far from her. The staff in hand and the robes he wore said that he was a mage, she had let her guard down and didn't think to see if there was a magical user in the Black Dog's forces.
"When I came here and found this library I had not expected it to rival the great records of Ansur or Ken, but I was mistaken. You have a wealth of arcane knowledge that dwarfs any other in the world." The spectacled man said, seemingly uncaring of being in the presence of three very dangerous dark elves.
"You seem quite calm, I would think a feeble human such as yourself would remain hidden. It was your only hope of survival at this point." Olga said, narrowing her eyes.
"I am not concerned, but I am brimming with curiosity, so much knowledge here, and an entire archive dedicated to the study of that very stone. Something that has the power to rob life of everything across half a continent." He said. "But I did not think that the knowledge would be so lacking, so little to go on other than conjecture."
"Have you come to prattle, or is there a reason you would risk standing before me like a rambling madman." Olga queried.
"I just wished to express my interest in that marvellous Black Crystal behind you, and the kind of power it can bestow upon others. After all, look at the werewolf we have in our company, the powers of this crystal are eerily similar to that beast." He said.
Olga had suspected as much already, but that was not important.
"I tire of this, Ludo, kill him." Olga said, turning back to the crystal.
But as she did she found to her surprise a barrier had formed around the Dark Crystal, magic not of her own making. She turned and glared back at the human mage, he had done something, exposing himself was just a gambit.
"I am afraid that your escape will be ending on a sorry note." The mage said, not at all worried as Ludo continued his approach.
"Ludo, get back!" Clarissa called out.
The attack came a moment later, a string of magical threads lashed out and ensnared Ludo by the arms and chest. He was hoisted up into the air and suspended with magical strings, soon enough the upper floors were littered with robed humans. More mages, they had walked into a damn trap.
"Vault wouldn't like it if they were harmed, make sure they are beaten but not bruised." The lead mage said, raising his staff and pointing it towards Ludo.
A single bolt of magic burst forward and struck the bound warrior in the chest, the explosion of magical energies sent the man flying back and against the ground. His body burned by the attack, Olga growled as she raised her staff and released a stream of hellfire towards the mage. He responded by summoning a hasty barrier upon himself, but Olga did not bother to just target him.
She alongside Clarissa bathed the entire library in flames, destroying everything around them, some mages summoned their barriers to save themselves. Those that failed were burned alive, screaming as their skin melted and their eyeballs exploded from their sockets.
"We must retreat, we cannot hope to face them in the open." Clarissa called out.
Olga knew that as well, they did not have the time to destroy the crystal. At most she could deny them the means to actually use what knowledge she had, it was the best she could do at the moment.
"Ludo, can you hear me?" Clarissa rushed to her downed comrades side.
"Can he move?" Olga asked, jumping when some scaffolding along the roof collapsed nearby, this place would be caving in on itself soon, they had to flee.
"No, I can levitate him, but I will not be able to do much else." Clarissa said.
Olga nodded and then moved for the exit, she could summon up a transportation doorway from there and then escape the fortress. They waded through the flames and smoke to the exit, ignoring any shouts that came from around the chamber as they tried to reach safety.
Taking in a mouthful of clean air she looked back into the inferno and with a wave of her hand sealed the doors shut. Let them die within, they deserved as much. Turning she moved for the closest wall and summon up a passageway, as it opened she ushered Clarissa inside with the unconscious and wounded Ludo close in tow.
"We can reach the courtyard from here, after that we will need to make a break for the gate, it is the only way we can escape." Olga said, once they reach the courtyard they could escape into the open and then move on from there.
If they were quick they could circle around the fortress and to the forests to the north, it would take a day at most. They would be exposed to the Badland's magic but they should come out mostly unscathed, after that it was making their way north and into the Nightwood and evading any pursuers.
As she stepped out into the night she heard only the heavy fall of rain, a crack of lightning in the sky illuminated the dark courtyard that surrounded her fortress. To her shock she saw that it was littered with huts and makeshift houses, she cursed under her breath. The orcs had come into the fortress and were now squatting on her lawn.
"We might have to fight our way out." Olga said, no orcs were in sight at the moment, but that didn't mean they were gone.
"I am ready my Queen." Clarissa said.
Together they moved, running through the mud and rain and trying to reach the gate, it was a long run for them. As much as she would never voice this aloud it had been some time since she had exerted herself in a manner like this. With a hint of shame she realised that she had become lax in her duties and not maintained her strength as she should have.
The rain continued to fall, and eventually she saw the gate in the distance, the black of the stone just noticeable against the darkness of the night. But as they drew close she saw something ahead, or more correctly a large group of somethings.
To her surprise and dread it was a force of Black Dogs and Orcs, all of them standing there watching them. Waiting for them to arrive. At their head was a large armoured figure, almost as black as the night, and only the crack of thunder and streak of lightning in the sky allowed her to see who it was.
Reginald Blackgrave stood at the head of this force, barring her way to freedom. They were done for, against that beast, with an army at its back was not going to end well for them.
"Dog!"
Olga felt her dread expand tenfold, turning she saw to her horror that the mercenary leader, Vault, had come along with his own forces. She was surrounded on both sides by hundreds of enemies, with only Clarissa by her side and using what magic she could to support the slowly dying Ludo.
"Nicely done dog! You cut her off before she escaped." Vault called out. "You even found your armour it seems, and your weapon. Good for you, now how about we head back in and enjoy the night like we were meant to."
Olga sneered at the bastard, she would kill herself before she allowed that to happen. But as she turned she found Reginald standing within arms reach of her, he was silent and quick and it was terrifying to see him up close. Now donning dark armour that pulsed with unknown runic script and carrying a scythe that hummed with energy.
"Come on dog, lets go, we are getting soaked here." Vault yelled out again.
Olga looked up into its glowing blue eyes, terrified at the pain and misery she was likely going to be experiencing soon. Then a clawed hand came forward and landed on her shoulder, oddly it felt like he was trying to comfort her, and failing miserably at it as her heart raced. Looking around she could see a semi-circle of orcs and humans around her, all looking at her.
"Dog, what are you doing?" Vault yelled out. "I asked you a question dog!"
A crack of lighting arched through the sky, and in that split second she saw the faces of those around her. Her horror returned when she realised that all those that stood around her were walking corpses, torn out throats and punctured chest and lacerations that were lethal adorned their bodied. They were all grey eyed and emotionless undead.
"Dog… what did you do?" Vault yelled, he must have seen it as well, his smugness making way for fear.
Olga turned, and saw the mercenary Commander was on edge, narrowing his eyes and reaching for his sword. It was at that moment she realised that maybe she shouldn't be afraid.
"You wanted a feast, Vault, so do they." Reginald intoned, looking up and right towards the Mercenary. "Feast on their flesh and gnaw on their bones."
An inhuman shriek and cry went up around the dead that circled them, and immediately they rushed towards Vault and his cadre of soldiers. There were cried of shock, pain and fear, but she did not witness it over the wave of dead men charging the living.
"Let's go." Reginald said, turning and guiding her towards the gate.
"Dog! I will hunt you down! Do you hear me! I will hunt you down!"
Vault's cries rang out over the rain, fighting and thunder, yet it was barely heard as they left. Olga could only wonder how this came to be. Why was he saving her? Where did he come from and what were his motives in all of this.
She had no idea, but even if she did it wouldn't matter in the end. With him nearby, what chance did she have of refusing it.
Grace was getting drenched, waiting in the rain for them to arrive, their convoy couldn't stay here much longer. It would only be a matter of time before someone found them, it was bad enough when she tried to escort these people out the front gate. They had nearly started running off on their own before she had to try and pull them back into line.
That Half-Elf Chloe was the worst, that damn girl tried to force them to head north. Going through the Badlands was a terrible idea at night and when they were moving through the rain. These people would die, their only choice was to get to the camp Reginald had set up.
Looking back she saw the hundreds that made up this pilgrimage, all of them were women, young and old. It was depressing that all of them had suffered so much.
"Where the hell are they?"
Reginald was meant to be waiting for them, but when she had informed him that Olga had gone off on her own he had remained behind. Commenting that he had told Grace to 'Go get her' and that letting her leave on her own was a foolish choice.
Grace didn't care, she hoped that woman died in there.
They had to wait only twenty minutes before he walked up the hill with the last three members of their little pilgrimage. She scowled as she looked towards Olga Discordia, the Queens impassive features were a complete contrast to how Grace felt towards the Dark Queen of Garan.
She wondered why Reginald bothered rescuing her, the Queen of Thorns was not someone she thought deserved to be saved. Even if she had suffered at the hands of the Black Dogs personally, and wished for such a thing to never befall any woman, she would say it is a fitting punishment for all the harm she had caused.
It had been her exact words to Reginald, but he turned a deaf ear to her complaints.
"Welcome back." Grace said, turning and walking back towards the wagon and getting inside.
"Get inside." She heard Reginald say, gesturing towards one of the other wagons to make up this convoy.
Olga and Clarissa obliged and moved inside, getting out of the cold and wet they took a seat amongst the many others that had been rescued from the Black Fortress. When they were in a command was given and the wagons were being pulled, through the dark with the werewolf at the head.
Grace leaned back and was thankful that it was over.
The last week had been trying for her, but in the end they had saved every single one of the elves. She was thankful for all that Reginald had done, he made sure that his own undead servants had razed the Black Dogs camp and freed everyone there. With Anna and the rest of the slaves freed she thought that they would be escaping, but it seems that Reginald had other ideas.
She had watched as all the Dark Elven men of the Black Fortress were killed, torn apart by the orcs, and the woman and children subjugated to being gang raped. Some died because of this, but then they would move onto someone else and continue the process.
In some way she was glad that they stayed, if only to save the many poor innocent elves that would have been violated until death by these monsters. For the week that they remained many had been rescued, all the woman and children, dragging them into the Shadow Realm and to safety. Then they waited, bided their time for when they could escape.
Looking to the back of the wagon she could see a family huddled together, two young girls with their mother, they have endured much. But at least it was over. They were getting away from the orcs and the mercenaries, they would get somewhere safe.
At least she hoped so, they were going somewhere she truly didn't want to go. Because she it wouldn't be peaceful forever.
The sun emerged over the horizon not long after the storm passed, then the morning went by, and just around noon they had finally stopped. The sudden stop had jostled her awake, she had no idea how long she had slept but she still felt tired. The long journey had many bumps along the road and it did not give them much chance to sleep.
Grace leaped from the wagon and nearly collapsed, her legs felt like jelly. She had been sitting on a hard wooden bench for hours and she certainly felt it on her backside. But she was alive, away from the Black Dogs, and she had her close friend with her.
It was surprising how distancing oneself from the monsters and rapists brightened her mood, even the sky seemed to be perfect. In spite of them being in this hellish wasteland, everything seemed to be looking up for them.
"Set up a camp, get everyone fed."
She never could get over the sound of Reginald's voice, even after working with him for the last two week to free every slave the Black Dogs kept and plan an escape for Olga and her people, she never could say she felt comfortable in his presence. He had done some good things, been merciful and was saving innocent lives from harm, but he just scared her.
He might have realised that as well, considering the werewolf spoke few words and often they were just bunt instructions to her. But at times she wondered if he was even aware of the feelings of others, he would often disregard those he saved. He was cold, but at the same time acted in the best interest of the people, usually the hero would get praised.
Although it looked like he didn't care much for it. Maybe he was humble. Maybe, and more likely, he just didn't care.
"Right." Grace said, giving a stiff nod.
Without another word he turned around and walked off, to where she had no idea, but he likely would be setting up some sort of perimeter to keep their camp site safe. From there she had to organise the people and see about setting up something that resembled a camp.
People would be hungry and tired, so maybe setting up some tents and bedding would be a priority. She barely got any sleep last night, why not let everyone have a long rest here and wait till tomorrow to keep going.
"What did he say?"
Grace resisted the urge to hiss, only looking behind her towards the Queen of Thorns who had strolled over. Following close by was her shadow, the famed Chloe, a woman that was said to have carried out more assassinations than any other Dark Elf under Olga's employ. Word was that the woman enjoyed killing humans.
"To set up a camp, we will be staying for the rest of the day and night." Grace replied, barely hiding any scorn in her words.
"Watch your tone, you are speaking to…"
"I know who I am speaking to, and my scorn is the least she has earned." Grace replied, glaring at the half-dark elf at Olga's side. "If you will excuse me your Highness, I need to help everyone make sure they have some shelter over their heads tonight."
She couldn't stand being near that woman, Olga Discordia had cost her so much and she was not the only one. Her entire family, her city, and her friends. Thousands died because of her, she sacrificed them all for her own vengeance and didn't bat an eye about it.
Loraine was where she called home, and its fall marked the moment where she knew there wasn't any right side in this war, just two monsters tearing into one another. She would go along with Reginald's plan, she just hoped it failed spectacularly and Olga got her head lopped off.
That would be justice.
"That woman should not have spoken to you like lady Lady Olga." Chloe said, seething as she looked ready to chase after the woman and make her regret her choice words.
"It doesn't matter, for now we must take stock of the situation and see what must be done." Olga replied, they were alive and free, so she intended to make the most of it.
There were at least two hundred people here, all of them female save for Ludo. Most of them had been staff and servants within the Fortress, but she noticed that some of them were not Dark Elves. She saw their distant cousin of the South here as well, Light Elves, along with several humans.
She had noticed this in the wagon they were within, two human woman were huddled in the back of it clearly distraught. It was only when they pried some information from the others that they learned that the Black Dogs had brought them along as slaves to entertain themselves. Disgusting, using their own kind for such depravity, she expected nothing less.
But it was only when the sun came up that she realised they were not heading north. They were heading south, the news had been terrifying for many as they realised they were crossing the Badlands. Most thought that they would be dead in a few hours, for some that might be true, but to her surprise she found that none had succumb or were showing signs of being afflicted with the curse.
"If we are heading south than we are in danger, we should try to escape at the earliest opportunity." Chloe suggested.
"It would be a risk to leave, from what we know that werewolf is the one being that is keeping the powers of the Badlands from overtaking us. We leave, we will surely die." Clarissa said.
"Then we must stay with the werewolf, and see what he has planned." Olga said.
"You would trust that creature?" Chloe asked, looking genuinely shocked by the idea.
Trust was too strong a word, she had no other alternative at the moment and her only option now was to go along with whatever he was planning. She knew he could force her if he wished, right now they were in no position to defy him. He was stronger than they were, and most certainly held all the cards.
Their only choice was to wait and see. If it came down to it, she could try to fight him off. They had a few warriors here, perhaps it would be enough to overwhelm him. Although she dare not try, she had lost so many people already, to lose anymore would fill her with despair.
As much as she wished to escape, following her shadows advice, she knew it would be dangerous. They would be traversing a country that is under their enemies control and have no idea were they would be. She had not set foot on that nations soil in over a hundred years, and she scarcely recalled some of the locations.
At this moment they had no choice but to stay close and hope there was nothing nefarious waiting for them at the end of this journey.
"We have no choice but to follow, but be ready for anything."
Reginald sat and looked out over the land, he could make out some encampments in the distance. He would see about scouting them out and seeing if there was anything they could use there, arming the elves was important.
As much as they did not trust him he needed them all to be prepared to defend themselves. He could not not defend them all by himself, although he had to make sure that they did not try anything with him. Nor when they finally reached Eostia that they would simply splinter off, but he believed he could keep them around so long as Olga remained at his side.
"What do you see?"
Reginald didn't turn towards Grace as she strolled up to his perch.
"Orc camp, weapons and supplies we could use." Reginald replied.
"You told me a lot about your plan, why are you doing this? I thought you wanted Olga gone." Grace asked, she seemed to want to get to the heart of the matter immediately.
"Olga is only a part of the plan, at least she was before I realised we might need her alive." Reginald replied, he knew that Grace wanted Olga dead, and was likely trying to convince him somehow to go back on his plans to keep her alive. "She has legitimate reason to wanting Eostia to burn, as do you."
"I want the right people to die, not everyone, I'm not a monster." Grace replied, likely the comparison did not flatter her. "You should just send her to Ken and leave her to rot."
"In due time, for now I need to plan out my next move." Reginald said, turning to the west and seeing the sun slowly descend towards the horizon.
Another hour and it would be dark, he would strike then.
"It will be nightfall soon, get back to camp and get some rest, and no fires, we cannot risk the orcs seeing us." Reginald said.
Defeated Grace stood up and walked away, sulking at her failure. But Reginald had other things to worry about, she can complain if she wished, he had a nation to tear apart.
The orc camp had some supplies, enough to get through a few more days. He would need that, he had little to no idea how many orcs camps were located through the region. They would be their only source of food and provisions for the foreseeable future.
With their own fledging supplies they could see out the rest of the week comfortably, yet it would take two weeks at least to cross the Badlands. He was not going to risk these people dying of starvation, so the more supplies they had the better. But for now he had some breathing room along with some extra items that were important. Swords and makeshift armour, enough to hopefully equip the elves.
He was not concerned with the Black Dogs, but Guzz'mag and his orcs would likely follow, he needed to keep the elves armed and prepared for a possible assault. Likely there would be time before they sent out scouts and search parties. With the chaos that ensued with his departure and the fact that Vault had been humiliated he would need time to smooth things over.
Or he would die.
One could always hope.
Sad to say he knew that the majority of the elves were not fighters, also the trauma they suffered through was not going to make them into hardened fighters anytime soon. He would need to speak with Olga on this, see if he can acquire Ludo's assistance in training some of these elves in self defence.
The tent flap opened, and stepping inside was a Dark elf, wrapped in a cloak and nervously looking at him. He did not recognise her, but more than likely she was amongst the prisoners held in the cells beneath the fortress.
He was about to inquire as to her presence, before she dropped the robe and exposed herself to him. Naked and appearing to be covered in oils, her skin appeared smooth and glistened even in the dim light. Likely any man would be overcome by passion at seeing a woman before him, especially as naked as the day they were born.
"I-I am yours to have." She said, immediately it was obvious that she did not want to be there.
Reginald knew exactly what this was. He was not amused.
Standing up he strolled over to the elf, who began to quake in fright as he loomed over her. He reached down and grabbed the cloak, wrapping it around her and allowing herself to be covered. Putting a hand behind her back he guided her out of the tent, into the open and away. He looked on to see many watching the spectacle.
It seems that this was planned, he looked to the girl and jerked his head. She took the hint and scurried away, he could tell she was relieved to no longer be in his presence.
"Didn't expect that." Olga whispered, he had heard it all the same.
He turned and made a beeline for her, something that put Chloe and Ludo on guard, both of them moved to intercept him. But he brushed past them without any resistance, they may try to act defiant but they could do nothing. They needed him, if he dies, they all die, even the volatile servant that was Chloe wasn't stupid enough to make an attempt.
"Surprised you didn't do anything." Olga said, smiling slightly as if trying to be coy.
It actually annoyed him.
He reached forward and pinched her ear, and as she gasped and let out several whimpering cries of discomfort he lifted her to her feet.
"We need to talk."
He dragged her to his tent, he intended to scold her for that and also start negotiating. As he dragged her inside he created a barrier, making sure that Ludo and Chloe couldn't follow, they bashed onto it fruitlessly. This was a private affair and he was not going to waste his time arguing with those two.
"I suppose you want me instead." She said, aside from the pain she now looked worried, he gave her ear a twist and she let out a shriek of pain.
"I am not that base." Reginald replied. "Do not do that again."
She gave a quick nod, and he released her. Rubbing her ear and wiping the tears from her eyes she glared at him, obviously angry about the poor treatment. But how else is one to treat an unruly child that sought to make another suffer.
"That was painful, and it was disrespectful."
"Considering you sent in one of your own people as a sacrificial lamb, I am within my rights to punish you. In fact, I am in my rights to do a lot worse." Reginald replied, he despised those that used their own people as pawns for their own gain. "What did you hope to accomplish with this scheme? Seeing if you could tempt me? Bride me? Or is there actually some practicality behind your stupid little gambit?"
"I wanted to know your threshold, to protect us, or how much value you put in our lives." Olga said. "After all, you kept us out of the hands of the Black Dogs, there had to be a reason. You could have just taken me, not the others, there must be a reason for doing what you did."
"It serves a purpose, one that is beyond such animalistic impulses." Reginald replied. "Killing your people is not my intent, nor is it to see you subjugated and tortured by Vault and Guzz'mag."
He knew that she would not even begin to understand the scope of what he was planning, and he had not bothered to reveal it to her. He had to earn some trust, he was certain he earned some by rescuing her and what remained of her people. But that was not enough to earn the loyalty, he had to shift his priorities now, and as much as this was complicating things he needed as many of them alive as possible.
If there was any value to them he needed them alive, having them killed or sacrificed was not on the table. As of now he had to make sure he had them around so he could use them later, but to do that he needed Olga to listen to him and follow his orders.
"I plan to arm your soldiers, more than likely Guzz'mag will be sending forces out to capture us. I cannot protect you all on my own, I will need help." Reginald said.
"Most of these people are servants, they cannot fight."
"Defending themselves is important, hence why I need you to have Ludo give them some basic training. If they can defend themselves they are better off that way, it will also help raise their spirits knowing they are not helpless." Reginald said.
She gave him a flat look.
"They feel helpless because you are here, they fear you, they have no choice to rely on a monster to protect them. That in itself is a contradiction that is tearing at their mind, not knowing what you intend for them." Olga replied.
Yes, that was an issue, but he was certain with time he could earn their trust. All he had to do was make them realise that just because they had to rely on him to keep them alive doesn't mean that they were at his mercy. People may respect authority but they also fear it, for all that power can be used against them at any time. It is usually what keeps civilisation in line, keeps the sheep from straying.
He needed to at least get towards a point where these elves could act without fear of being murdered at any point he is within arms reach.
"Then you best make them understand. Because from here on out, I am the only thing that is going to keep what is left of your people alive."
Twenty days had passed since their fated escape from Garan.
None had pursued them, to try and track them over the Badlands was suicide. Only orcs could do so, and the risk of those brutes finding them was even more unlikely. So they should not be so afraid of being attacked at any given moment. Olga knew they were safe while they traverse the Badlands, Reginald and their recently armed warriors were adequate protectors.
Ludo had been a fine instructor, even Chloe had made an effort to help the people learn the ways of the blade. It would do little against an orc, but as Reginald had said, it gave them a glimmer of hope that they could be safe.
As time went by the apprehension towards the werewolf began to lesson, fear still remained but none feared that they would be left to die or violated by the creature. It's lack of response to the woman she had sent into the tent had proven that, much to her own surprise. The days that followed, despite being situated in the middle of a gods forsaken wasteland, had been bearable.
But as of four days ago they are no longer within the Badlands. They had crossed the border into Eostia, and were now on the edge of a forest that was littered with dead trees and bones.
Gone was the danger of marauding orcs across those flatlands, now they faced slavers and savage humans. Many of her kin were terrified of the possibility, that they would be sold into slavery, that they had traded one cruel end for another. It is a fear she shared, one that she was uncertain she could stop from happening.
Their journey had taken them across much of the land, past a massive tower that sat upon a large peak near the borders of the Badlands. From there it was two days travelling south and past a wide lake, that had been crossed thanks to the magical effort of their guide. Then they had moved across the mountain ranges and into a wide valley, where they now move southwards towards a village.
Olga had tried desperately to discern the werewolf's intentions, question him on his motives and where they were going. She had the barest knowledge of the region, and recognised some of the areas they crossed through. She recognised the Ivo Tower, the main road between it and Ken, and now they seemed to be in a Valley just east of it. But apart from that she had no idea about what else may be here.
"He is leading us into the hands of the enemy, we don't need to follow him any further, we should escape." Chloe has said those words to her the moment they crossed the borders into this nation.
She had been whispering those same words for the last four days.
Olga wished to do so, they had weapons to protect themselves. But she had a feeling that the werewolf would stop any such attempts made by herself or anyone else. They were all at the creatures mercy now, and as much as she wished to fight back she knew it was impossible. Even if they had defeated him their only option was to head west towards the Fahallen Mountains, they once had a fortress in those mountains that was used to fight the nation of Feoh.
She had no idea if anyone was still there, none of their ships could reach the coast that far south because of pirates roaming the seas. There may be survivors or it is possible that it had been lost just like Lorain, either way, they were trapped without knowing where to go. If they struck out on their own they would be captured or killed, especially since most of her people didn't know how to fight or defend themselves properly.
As much as Reginald was a threat he was also their only means of protection. True he had armed her remaining warriors, swords and armour given freely, but it was a hollow gesture to make them feel safe. He had been their sole guardian since they departed the Black Fortress. Destroying entire orc camps singlehandedly, curing any diseases or illnesses that afflicted their kin while they traversed the badlands.
In one instance he revived a woman that had died, bringing life back into her body and allowing her to live once more. She had thought the woman to become a soulless undead, but it seems to not be the case here. To reanimate and resurrect the dead, not very often you see those two mix together.
Despite all his good deeds, she wondered as to what his motives were. What drove this creature to do what it did, what was its master plan? For it was not driven by desire as others were, she had ordered a woman to enter its tent naked to see its reaction. All that happened was the elf being guided out gently while she was taken by the ear and scolded like a child.
It was humiliating, especially when in front of her subjects. He even forced her to apologise to the woman she had put to the task. She planned to do so anyway, but it still felt wrong considering he had ordered her to do so.
Trying to bribe, seduce, goad, or threaten him did nothing. It was impossible to figure out what it had in store for them.
None knew what awaited them, only Grace Campbell seemed to have an inkling of knowing the plans. But every attempt she made to speak with her she was met with scorn and insult, and no answers to what the werewolf planned. The damn woman didn't even speak on the source of her ire, instead continued to fume and insult her at every turn. It was beginning to vex her, but not as much as this wolf that seemed to be leading them further into the lions den.
"There is something ahead." Chloe said, coming around the back of the carriage on horseback.
The undead steed was missing most of its skin, over its face and legs. It had, along with several dozen others, had been used to pull the wagons along. Had they been living Olga thought that maybe they could have escaped, but being undead they obeyed only the werewolf.
"What is it?" Olga inquired.
"There seems to be a fort near the village, it bears the colours of the Black Dogs." Chloe snarled. "We are heading straight for it."
"Why are we heading toward the enemy?" Clarissa inquired.
Why indeed? Reginald had made himself an enemy of the Black Dogs, why would he risk going back to them now? If he was going to attack them he would have stopped the convoy and then gone off on his own. It didn't make any sense, why come to this fort instead of the half dozen others they likely had passed along the way here. For all his mystery she had her doubts that he would betray them, he made a powerful enemy in rescuing her people and she doubted he would simply betray them on a whim.
But she was not certain. She never was when this man was involved.
"He is betraying us, sending us all to be sold off to the dogs." Chloe hissed.
"Perhaps, prepare yourselves, we shall see what transpires, and when the time comes use all your magic to kill the inhabitants." Olga said, glancing to the people in the carriage with her.
Ludo and Clarissa never left her side, but there were half a dozen others in this carriage.
"If conflict arises move to the gates, we will make sure they open for you." Olga instructed. "Go to the forests and hide, when the battle is over we will find you."
Olga watched as they gave fearful nods, that was enough for her. Instructions were given to Chloe to spread the word to the other caravans, she also made it clear to make sure Grace did not hear this. Olga had no idea if she would turn her in to the wolf. As for the others, the humans, halflings, and light elves, she supposed she could bring them with her.
Best to do so, if they went off running they might reveal she was in the country. Also having someone that knows the region would help, considering that they were the only source of reliable information on Eostia at this point.
Soon they came to the fort, the gates opening to welcome them within, and soon they came to a halt in the centre of the encampment. She exited the carriage, Ludo and Clarissa following her. They looked around and to her surprise found not a single soul within, at least not on the wooden ramparts and watch towers, looking around the bare confines of the fort there was not a single guard or person present.
"Where are the guards?" Clarissa said aloud.
"Dead." Reginald replied, dismounting his horse.
Olga narrowed her eyes, when had he accomplished that? He had not left their sight for the last week.
"Black Dog forces are moving through the valley, setting up forts that will be used to stage raids agains the villages here." Reginald replied, before he turned towards Grace. "We will be having guests here at nightfall, let the people know."
"Right… you said we would be safe right?" Grace looked around. "I mean if the Black Dogs aren't here, we don't have to worry about them coming back?"
"The villages are being watched, but the majority of the Black Dogs have been dealt with already, but I have some of my people escort yours to safety." Reginald replied, turning and moving off towards a tent to the back of the camp. "Olga Discordia, follow me, we have things to discuss."
Olga shivered under the words, somehow when they were directed towards a person you felt a chill pass over you, as if to signal who he was talking to specifically. But she still bristled under the command, as if he could order her around.
"Chloe, follow me. Ludo, Clarissa, stay with the people, if worst come to worse, get them to safety. Everyone." Olga said, looking to her two advisors.
They nodded and turned to prepare for what might be an inevitable battle, all the while she had to go face the monster directly and look him in the eye. Not something she was looking forward to, but right now she had to confront him and discern his plans. Someone was coming, and she would not be caught unaware.
Entering the tent she found only two chairs present, both facing one another, with no other ornamentation or decor. She found the werewolf sitting upon one chair and waiting her to join him. She scanned the room and found the scythe resting against one of the tents supports. Confidently she stepped forward and took her seat.
"You have something to discuss with me?" Olga inquired.
"Yes, we have several things to discuss in fact." Reginald replied. "They pertain to the Black Dogs and this Nation."
"I see, I suppose since that you betrayed the Black Dogs that they along with Eostia will be hunting you down?" Olga asked.
"The former yes, the latter no. What you may be unaware of is that the Black Dogs intend to actually conquer Eostia." Reginald replied.
That came as a surprise for Olga, although only for a moment, considering the barbarity of this nation and its people she did not expect anything less from them. Vying for power and murdering one another without care, honestly, such savagery is rife within this nation.
"Given they have allied with the Orcs, who now are a single army, along with taken your Fortress they could accomplish that." Reginald continued. "I have no doubt that they will win with little to no effort."
Olga did not doubt that, the orc warbands were her main source of military might, and the Black Dogs were her only true adversary in the South. Against one another they were equals on the battlefield, together, they could be unstoppable.
"This region was meant to be sacrificed to the Orcs to gain their allegiance, and it still will be when they arrive here in force." Reginald stated. "As of this moment the borders are controlled and maintained by the Black Dogs, an entire orc army can walk right out of the Badlands and invade any region without being held back."
Olga wondered where he was going with this.
"And this concerns me how?" Olga inquired.
"That I will get to later." Reginald replied. "But I have delayed the Black Dogs for a short time, and with a little preparation we can make it even more difficult by marshalling forces against them."
Olga was surprised, did he expect to summon up the feeble might this Nation has left and send it against the orcs and Black Dogs? He was mad if he thought he could defeat such a force, they would have numbers in the tens of thousands, and many of them would still be in this nations borders waiting for the order to attack.
"So how will you do it? Marshal the Dawn Templar? Their weak sisters the Knights of Iris? This Company of the Rose? The Half-Lings? The Samurai of Rad? Tell me, which of these mighty forces will you rally?" Olga asked, smiling as she asked the question.
He would fail, if not because she knew these feeble forces were small and weak compared to the Black Dogs, than because she knew they would never listen to Reginald. He was a beast, something they hated with a passion and despised, they would kill him on a moments notice.
"I have no intention of gaining their support." Reginald replied.
Now Olga was surprised, he said he was going to rally the forces to face the Black Dogs.
"There is no one else, they are your only option."
"The forces of Eostia have not grown out of their infancy, relying too much on mercenary bands to do the fighting for them. The country is near bankrupt, the people displeased with the authority in charge, and what forces do exist that serve the monarchy are unreliable. As is their leadership." Reginald replied. "I will not be relying on commanders who cannot command properly, and who do not trust me to lead them."
"You thought you could lead them?" Olga asked.
"I plan to, even now I am confident they will fall in line, but first they will need to be humbled." Reginald replied. "This conflict with the Black Dogs needs to be dealt with accordingly, warning them will do little good but let us see how it plays out. However, before we make preparations for the new war, the current war needs to come to an end. The war between Eostia and Garan comes to a close now."
Reginald it seems had a lot of plans ahead of him, she wondered how long he knew about this and how long he had been planning for it. He had a lot of lofty goals in mind, and she wondered how he was going to strong arm Eostia into obeying him.
"And how do you intend to do that? End my war I mean." Olga asked.
The beast leaned forward and looked her in the eye.
"Simple. I am taking you to Ken to face judgement before Celestine Lucross and her Shield Knights."
Wow, are you surprised? I bet you are, this is so different than what most would think would happen. Next time, Reginald returns to Ken with Olga in tow, what is about to happen?
