The Forgotten Chieftain's Wife Chapter 16
All of the tribal chieftain's were summoned to Gul'dan's personal hut in light of the aftermath of today's raid.
Durotan and Orgrim are the last ones to arrive. As they entered the hut that's already filled to bursting with the other chieftain's and their own second in commands they could hear Gul'dan cruelly berating Blackhand at its center.
The once proud Warchief was on his knees spent before Gul'dan. It's more than clear that the damage he's sustained during the earlier skirmish was still taking its tool on him. He's obviously fatigued barely able to remain upright and sweat covering the majority of his body in a bright sheen. It's amazing how he's even conscious after this long under the stress.
Combating Lyanna's people has proven more of a challenge than anyone expected. Their warriors have proven to be something to contend with.
"Fearsome Blackhand, Warchief of the Horde. You have allowed the small-teeth to kill your warriors. Worse, you've shamed your people by running from an enemy," scorned Gul'dan with disdain.
Blackhand remains silent, not uttering a single syllable to speak.
"Are you too weak to talk, Destroyer," sneered Gul'dan, coldly.
Durotan definitely feels sympathy for Blackhand's situation, despite his treatment of Lyanna. Blackhand is a proud and noble warrior and leader. To see him reduced to this pathetic state over something he couldn't control is sickening.
"The Horde has no use for weakness. You know the penalty," said Gul'dan.
Blackhand staggered to his feet shuffling forward to the green braxier that is alight with the Fel.
"Death," declared Gul'dan.
Blackhand extended his mangled hand over the flames, shoving the limb deep into the glowing embers. In an instant the Feld began to eat alive the flesh, bone, and muscle, rapidly crawling up the length of his arm where it would eat away the rest of his body until there's nothing left.
Blackhand did not cry out. He may have failed on the battlefield, but he will not disgrace his Clan further by acting in shame. He'll take and face his death with dignity.
The other chieftain's chanted during this ritual. No one would interfere. It is their way.
It may be their tradition, but not the Frostwolves.
Durotan can't tolerate standing on the sidelines watching this any longer. If no other Orc will come to Blackhand's defense then he would.
No more!
Durotan lifted Server in his hand and swung it down slicing clean through Blackhand's arm at the elbow. The green limb crumbled into scorched chunks in the dirt.
Blackhand collapsed to his knees as the other Orc's in the hut rounded on Durotan and Orgrim.
Hefting his hammer in a threatening manner, blocking Durotan from them with his own body, Orgrim stood at the ready to bash some heads.
Raising a hand, Gul'dan said "Don't."
The chieftain's and their right hands obeyed. Gul'dan then rounded on Durotan.
Fixing his glowing green eyes on Durotan, Gul'dan demanded "You dare interrupt this judgment?"
"We fought hard. Their warlock used your Fel against us," shouted Durotan, furious.
"Only I can control the Fel," said Gul'dan, the green flames flaring to new life at the level of his own anger.
The majority of the Orc's growled cringing away from it. Durotan did not shrink away, but took a slight step backwards.
Regaining control, Gul'dan said "I see you and your men have survived. Perhaps Blackhand kept you safely away from the battlefield. Maybe he knows you're weak, too. The Slave has turned you soft."
Such a false accusation caused Orgrim to surge forward appearing like he's going to strike Gul'dan for that remark on both Durotan and Lyanna's behalf. Durotan put a hand on his friends' chest halting his advance waylaying any damage.
Eyebrows lifting, at the gesture, Gul'dan said "Do you wish to challenge me, little chieftain?"
All eyes are now locked on Durotan and Orgrim. The others closing in around them prepared for a fight.
Igniting one now would not be wise.
Retracting carefully, Durotan said "I do not question, Gul'dan. But the Fel is born of death. It must have a price.
"A price paid in lives taken," breathed Gul'dan, laughing gruffly.
After all that what Durotan needs the most right now is to spend some much earned and desired time with his family. The perfect remedy to take his mind off all the stuff that went on today.
Later on as Durotan walked through the Frostwolf encampment to get to his family's hut others of the Frostwolf clan waved and called out to him in greeting. He returned them halfheartedly. There's a lot weighing on his mind now.
As the hut came within view Durotan could hear a lovely melody coming from within the confines. Slowly he peered inside the crack.
Lyanna is rocking their son in her arms, singing him a lullaby in an effort to get him to sleep after he'd drank his fill of milk.
.
Days in the sun
When your life has barely begun
Not until my whole life is done
Could I ever leave you…
.
The baby cooed at his mother gurgling all smiles at Lyanna waving fat fists in the air. Lyanna took one into teeny tiny fist in her hand to kiss the feather soft skin.
"You are my Handsome Little Prince," said Lyanna, nuzzling his cheek with her own.
The baby giggled in response.
Lyanna laughed finally spotting Durotan in the flap opening of their tent.
"My Love," she greeted, "welcome home."
Durotan smiled back, lacking joy.
The smile vanished from Lyanna's face.
Durotan sighed turning his back to them to sit in front of the roaring fire that Lyanna already prepared, staring into the flames. Much has happened to day, leaving a lot to think over.
Believing one thing can cure Durotan of this melancholy and ominous mood, approaching him, Lyanna said "Will you hold your son?"
Quality time with their son may suppress whatever is troubling him.
Durotan accepted the tiny bundle in a massive palm, unwrapping some swaddling to allow the infant more free movement as Lyanna sat beside him. The baby cooed happily as Durotan gently stroked the back of a knuckle over the child's cheek. Durotan bounced him a little causing even more happy sounds to come from the baby.
Looking at him now Durotan can tell the features shared between the baby and his parents. The boy resembles Durotan greatly yet there are characteristics belonging to his mother. Those bright and blue eyes made Durotan unable to avert his gaze.
Warm, soft, and confident, lying her head against his broad shoulder, Lyanna proclaimed "He will be a great chieftain. Like his father. A born leader."
"I was no leader today," murmured Durotan, sadly.
Durotan then growled low wrinkling his nose playfully at the baby. The boy latched onto one of his fathers tusks with a small fingers. He then grunted at Durotan.
Smiling, Lyanna said "He challenges you already."
Durotan chuckled.
"What's on your mind, Durotan," said Lyanna.
Solemn, Durotan said "If Gul'dan can infect one as innocent as him, what chance do the rest of us have? Whatever happens…"
Durotan couldn't finish.
That's all right. Durotan and Lyanna don't need words.
Kissing Durotan, Lyanna whispered "Whatever happens."
Authors Note:
Hope you guys all like this one! ;D
Also, I need your shared opinions over a new story idea that I came up with recently while watching two of my favorite franchises.
I'm doing a Venom story for the 2001-2003 Justice League Series. Do you guys think I should make it a crossover or just put it in the Justice League Universe? Another thing is about an idea of the symbiote completely taking over the host or if the relationship is a lot like Eddie and Venom's in the 2018 movie? Another thing is I'm having trouble with figuring out a title and a name for my character. If anyone has suggestions I'm more than willing to hear them.
As per usual with stuff like this the person/readers that offer the winning suggestions gets a question answered for the story in mind. In this case it's the Justice League 2001-2003 and Venom 2018 story.
I really want to get this idea up and running past the prologue I already have up soon, but I'm kind of all over the place.