In My Time of Troubles

by Crossposted

Crossposting of the TheIrishDreamer’s FanFiction on SpaceBattles all credit goes to the original author.

38. Entry 38

When: Late Spring, 1357 DR

Where: Encamped northern passes from the Crags, Long Road

Storms rolled in again, well, bad weather more so with strong winds and lashing rain. Don't seem to be magical in nature, but this close can't be too careful so we've encamped near some forests and caves till it passes. Mostly because navigating down to the plains with the dwarves is a complicated situation wherein we don't trust each other, and neither of us wants to get ambushed coming out of the hills. Funny old world, and just as bad holding the Horde together so from my position the halt is good thing; mud and such stalling the wagons, and things like my magic-tanks. At least this way we've got defensive depth and shelter, and easier to control the seething mass in these passes; two ways in, two ways out, and guards set as always.

Myself, well, I've got set up shop with Rose, the Gods-slaves, and my bodyguard in one of the outcropping and rigged up a shelter with heavy logs and tarp. Decent sized, and got a small fire going for warmth; dry enough for me to write at least, and it's been the only chance along with preparing my spellbook. Potioneering will have to wait, but did manage a few herbal salves with bandages just in case there needed. I should sleep, but did some of that already in the cart before the weather got too bad, and I'm just on edge after the last time we had a storm and got attacked.

All I'll say is that Veladorn had good luck with a clear night for her full moon dance party. Or, the post 'taking the enemy castle' feast once we'd vacated the place and taken the booze with us; less my idea than his Darthness in the stop, and the Drow were a welcome attraction once we'd guards posted. Though the rumours of me apparently having some fication with enslaving elf villages for this purpose is somewhat annoying.; I do not, as Rose overheard and put it, kick down their village gates screaming where the magic books and the elf women at. The crap these idiots come up with when we get bogged down, and/or drunk and I'm not standing over them with a fiery death sword in hand.

Anywho, supplies are pretty okay, though it's really hard keeping this lot fed while on the road. Oh, and deal with the priests of the White Hand in their role of being really, really, useful in their role considering their plague priests as well, and their annoying me with their wanting to run things. Because orcs, hierarchies, and them competing with each other as much as me;- a big benefit as least we Ilnevalites tend towards working together when we have too, while Yurtus lot don't even have a 'head cleric' as yet amongst the horde. They report to me, and Phargk above me of course, so that's a fun-fun logistical system when dealing with anyone outside our clan. Still – they can preserve food and drink far better than anyone else, super-disease powers and mentality aside.

Now I think finish setting my wards for the day, pray and then meditate a bit and then force myself to sleep. It isn't helping staying up when rest is required, need the mind focused later, and there's a reason guards are out after all. Delegation and all that happy sunshine basically, trust [to an extent] ones agents and subordinates to be able to their job. Slán.

--

When: Late Spring, 1357 DR

Where: Abandoned Village, South of Mirabar

Well this place is sort of intact, but abandoned months ago;- probably when word of the giant barbarian coming down from the mountains reached them. Or perhaps before that when the Luskans, or bandits following in their way, started their attack upon the city. Doesn't seemed to have been a fight, even if the place was already looted long before our arrival, nor the accidental fires that usually follow in the wake of said expeditions. Nice sized 'fortified' farmhouse we've setup shop in ourselves, just a bit outside the main village area, and we can use this as a forward staging area for our army. Dwarves have branched off to our western flank now we're out of the mountains, the less disciplined orcs clans to our eastern flank, so we're the rear centre as the rest our gear and wagons are brought up.

We've had clashes, scouts and skirmishers, though some could have been bandits or just armed refugees turned desperate. Hard to tell, it's actually rather disturbing when no harvest has been collected in areas like this and people can't access their food stores. Hunting and forage is dangerous in times of chaos and, well, desperate people do desperate things let's say judging by a few of the skeletons we've found along the way. Though I'll admit I'm going by the words of others on that part. Whatever the case two of them serve a brand new role as my skeletal minion; stored away safely via scroll for later use; note to self – thank Doctor Ned for help on the matter in some manner later on.

On other notes have been doing a number of small rituals with the Gods-slaves since the Keep, going to prep for another one short in regards strengthening some protective wards [for me, Zah, Rose, the usual 'senior' staff] and the anti-scrying wards of course. Damn wizardly snoops, even cast a few dispel spells at the sky just in case of invisible flying wizard spies. If I had the power I'd make it a mandatory check, and I will if I ever have the arcane power and the tower to set it up in.

Course, according to Sydney, many Host Tower mages [who aren't liches] basically spy at people at random like it's some perverted highschool whether their male or female. Herself included apparently. Lovely girl she is, though her attitude is a bit less moronic evil of late thankfully so she doesn't grate anymore. But, yeah, with them and my special magical girl Shandy I'm make use of whatever resources I've got before we go charging off into battle. Rest, scout ahead, and then move towards a battlefield hopefully of our choosing rather than charging towards Mirabar in a confused muddle.

--

When: Day Six Encamped, Spring, 1357 DR

Where: Our Field HQ, South of Mirabar

So, Mirbar hasn't fallen, at least not fully. Scout reports all basically indicate everything bar the inner citadel, and therefore the vast mines and living caverns below, has fallen to the attackers. Which, kinda, puts us in decision point of what do next as the parts of the city that have fallen are occupied by the invading armies as best we can tell. Oh, yeah, and the giant dinosaur skeletons the barbarians have with – that's a problem to be dealt with as well. And did I mention its two armies [with subdivisions, rather than just one, so one could leave and we still face the other moving into the city, and forcing us to siege them?

I'd put that on the Luskans as a viable plan if the Uthgardt march out; reinforce the damaged city walls, keep the Mirabarans pinned, and then await relief from upriver. Or we all turn on each other, or a host of other time delayed issues that could arise if they delay battle. Now there's also the coordination issue to muster everyone, and then move at the same time as the dwarves and their allies;- as proven during our march here in the mountains this is not an easy task. Part of our group wants to charge in, others raid a bit first, while I and a few are in the camp of holding back and avoiding battle that means us charging those walls like idiots. Or like many an orc horde before us honestly.

Other News; potentially problematic, hard say for sure, but word is of largish bands, small clans even, pushing down from the North. Now it's the dwarves, well Harpells, who reported this from their scout and scry to the north-west and beyond of the city. Claim they've got a few chats with rangers or refugees hiding out, living, or what not in that general direction. Possibly elves, because of course they'd report that; but if try it could be an issue as fits in with other things I 'know' sort of. War is dragging them southward, but this could be another horde in of itself smelling weakness, or even coming to fight/help Obould. Going to ask him in short, well Zah is, as I've to sit down with Drow Chosen, and then run message between his Imperial Darthness and the Mad Wizards.

--

When: Encamped, Spring, 1357 DR [Day 9]

Where: HQ, South of Mirabar

Yup, we've got orcs. Not our orcs, nor orcs allied to us sadly. We had cavalry out, skirmishing with Uttie light cavalry, and then they clashed afterwards, about a day or so ago, with a mixed force goblin wolf riders and northern orc tribal riders. Lads whose clan we fought against when the Furry Fucker still lived, and further confirmed from our orcish 'allies' from the Spine of the World. Krowluc brought back two prisoners, one surviving interrogation, and between them we've confirmation of that. So large bands raiding east and west of Mirabar, trying hit Uthgardt looters returning home, Luskans moving up and down the river, or villages that largely just started waving a different flag as the war passed them over.

Bad News;- there's full on horde building. Less Bad News;- it's not moving yet, and for now it's to the far north-west and building steam slowly last our interrogatee knew. More fun to add to the fun-fun problems we're facing right now. Probably explains the Uthgardt wariness for now, launching a failed assault upon the unconquered city areas once they seemed to get word of our arrival, and have actively skirmished with our forward problems. BUT, and it's a big BUT, they haven't ventured out in strength yet and seemed to sending bands north and west as much as towards us. Same reason the dwarves are being wary of us I imagine, and neither myself nor the Emperor are overly confident in the loyalty of all our armies such a northern horde turn up right now...

--

When: Encamped, Spring, 1357 DR [Day 9, well 10 by now I guess]

Where: Same place, etc

Right general consensus is drawing out the Uthgardt is the best strategy, largely as they'll come out in force regardless according to our resident Uthgardt levies, and Wulgar for the Dwarves. They've got a big force, and everyone feels their working themselves up to it;- if they think there's an orc horde coming from the south, AND from the north they charge out and aim to destroy us before we can link up. Assuming we're allies of course, but even without two orc hordes cooperating against Utties before turning on each other wouldn't be strange so it's not a bad bet to take. If the Luskan move with them then we're about par in strength, based on what we've been told. Undead levies, so hard tell and to what strength the individual units are at.

Zah, Obould, and Jernak have proposed our strategy;- we sent forward a large force, with cavalry screen, and make it look like we're a smaller horde looking to loot the Utties man baggage camp. Or at least looking like their trying to prevent any escape eastward while we meet the other orcs coming south. But do it all slowly, draw them out of the city and into a battlefield of our choosing north-east of here.

I'm wary of separating our forces like that, but I do agree with King'o'Kings Phargk that such works, and that we can use less reliable clans to take the brunt of the initial fighting. Zah would prefer a defeat for that force, or a feigned one, and draw them further from the city, but we'll see. Impossible predict these things. Thankfully we have the means for rapid battlefield communications these days, we've assembled each of forces to have someone able to send messages magically, or via familiar. Assuming we can get angry dorfs on side I think this is the plan we'll be going with. Considering the Undead, and Luskan mages, our clan will be held in reserve along with the hwachas, magical bells, and other things. Ya'know, cause Luskan mages, and giant dinosaur skeletons.

--

[Krowluc 23]

River Mirar, South-West of Village of Riverview

"Bloody river, bloody rain, my robes are soaked" Nimmil was whining behind him as he brought his mount to a halt under the tree branches along with the rest of the company. Krowluc sighed, ignoring the continuing complaints as he motioned the others to hurry up and get into position. Best get out of the way of the mass crossing the river behind them after all since those were the various bosses of the horde's orders; he'd brought his cavalry across the river and now it was time to hurry up and wait again.

"Oh, quit yer gripe'in, got ya over dry'r than meself little lady hangs off me shoulders. Think ye be as secure crossin' on that pony yers?" he rumbled back with a snort "...an' couldn't ye just magic yerself dry, and me too course"

A small irritated huff from behind his armoured form "Did that already, got wet again ya fucker. Bloody rain, bloody stupid river, can't be wasting my spells to keep doing it"

"Ye mentioned a few times, yes. But, yeah, don't waste those, could need'em still..." he replied scanning the dark cloudy horizon, the noise of marching feet, clanking armour, beasts struggling, and cart wheels in motion a constant background hum in his ears. It was a dark, gloomy, rainy, spring night as the army moved hidden from the light of moon and stars. He looked about him, the campsite for the rest of the night needing readying "...RIGHT YOU LOT! DISMOUNT! WE'RE RESTING HERE A LITTLE WHILE, SO GET IT SETUP QUICK NOW!"

Once he saw movement to do that he sighed, then moved carefully to dismount as his plate boots stomped down unto the green ground with a faint thud. Holding the reins in one hand he used his other gauntleted hand to grip his gnomish witch by the scruff of her neck...well robes...and lifted the protesting spell-caster up off the back of his saddle. She glared at him after a moment, arms folding across her chest as the damp robes rolled up a bit on her "Put me down you big oaf of an orc!"

Krowluc rolled his eyes deliberately holding her up "What you me drop you or just shove ye off the saddle?"

Giving a snort of amusement at her irritated and grumbling gibberish reply he carefully placed her down beside him and out of range of being stomped on by his mount "See, there Oh Glorious and Terrible Dread Gnome, yer humble servant delivers as ever din't he"

"Oh shove it Cap'n. But damn good rest a bit, me arse is sore from all that damned ridin' through hills and rivers. So what're the plan now?"

He shrugged, bringing his warhorse over to a nearby tree and securing the reins to a branch as the noise resounded of others doing the same, and packs being unloaded "Hold up here till the rest of the forces cross that river and we form up like I said. Reckon we'll be pushin' on hard once that happens, assumin' we crossed the river where we think we crossed the river"

Whatever the plans of his Company were he himself didn't know, at least beyond they were getting paid to relieve Mirabar proper. He'd lost only two of the newer riders on the way here, but that was only because they had an usually large number of healers with this army compared to usual. Hadn't been any big battles, but the skirmishing with the Utharght and small bandit groups had been a constant of sorts till they'd taken Xantharl's Keep. His concern for now had been, and still was to a lesser degree, that they'd be caught at the river by a big force of enemies before everything could get across...never a fun way to fight. Thankfully the Moonblades had a cavalry screen forward this time, so they'd take the brunt of anything while his lot recovered a little of their energy after a hard march westward through the mountain passes.

"Told you trying bull our way up the Long Road wouldn't work, valley suited to defend, and them big wingless-dragon skeletons of theirs did a number on the vanguard"

"Works both way though..." he retorted taking the waterskin in hand and taking a swig before offering it to Company wizard "...sa'why we're after chargin' off and coming out here I imagine, get behind'em"

With the village of Filwarfin abandoned, and a horde of Uthgardt aside the southern and eastern banks of the Mirbar crossing Krowluc hadn't doubted the charging up the valley plan would work. Good ground for a fight, but not the best to bring numbers to bear with the road the valley went through being hemmed in by the mountains. With dwarves and orcs...Krowluc snorted at the issues of trying to get everyone fighting together like that, and it seemed his overlord's weren't inclined to try just yet with the dwarves shifting from where they'd been on the line up through the north-eastern passes while he went west. It was dangerous splitting forces like this, but the Uthgardt didn't seem to want to charge down the valley and the Luskan's just sat on the western flank they were moving against now. Pushing those thoughts aside he waved over his senior 'commanders' to him.

"Right you lot, don't know how long we'll get so I want everyone to get their grub, rest, shit, do whatever, while we can, but we need be ready to move fast. Short watch shifts, you first Bareyaras, then Kyras, then if we make it then you Dargunk"

His half-orc thief frowned "Think we'll get to dawn?"

Krowluc shook his head, looking up at the sky...or tree branches it turned out, as the swayed against the way with the pitter-patter of rain hitting them "No, it early night yet, and they'll want to move long before dawn comes. Few hours at best, probably sometime after high-moon, or in the blackest hours of the night if I had to take a guess"

Bareyara's nodded "Aye, take a time get things sorted crossing everyone over the river but pushing on resting a village safer than lurking around here an' risk getting shoved back up against the banks and not being able to manoeuvre. Hate nights though, if it comes to that"

"Well you'll have to endure it I'm afraid Bareyara's, orcish infantry and all that, better fighting at night..." Krowluc muttered then yawned "...but, well, no talking. Everyone get to your duties, let's get this done while we can"

No time for firepits or campfires, nor risk of giving away their position too easily, just cold salted bacon and bread to be washed down with equally cold water before resting up against a tree under his cloak. Faint conversation drifted around the camp over the rustling of tree branches, snorts and snores of resting mounts and riders, and the ever present faint rumble of hundreds of feet in motion not too far distant. Still he forced himself to relax, eyes closed and ears listening; even a light sleep would recover lost energy and then they'd be on the move again...

--

...eyes opened at the approach of footsteps, familiar ones so his hand merely rested at ease on the hilt of his sword while he glanced at the woman approaching "Report?"

Thieving Kyras nodded, jerking her hand over her shoulder and pointing down with her thumb "Messenger in Captain, time to move accordin' to big bosses he says. Horns soundin' too if ya can hear'em"

Krowluc nodded shoving himself up to stand; he could, mixed in with the sounds of heavier rain than when he'd dozed off "Aye, that I can, have the Company woken, sound our own horn and let everyone know we're moving again"

Wasn't much point trying to be quiet now, and the weather wasn't exactly the best to try coordinate without the usual colourful and dramatic sounds of war like horns and drums "...before ye go. Did our messenger bring any other word? Enemies nearby? How long we rest?"

"Nay Capn', nuffin yet an' scouts are back he said, saw nuffin' but Chiefs want us ta move fast. Couple hours, not too long after high moon I reckon"

"Right, sumin' least. Now, git, let's get going" he instructed standing and stretched a moment as best in could in the armour, then stridingng over and giving his gnomish wizard a careful nudge with his boot "Oi, wake up time ta go..." before repeating it the three others between him and the horses. By then at least it seemed Kyras had gotten to the hornbearer and the 'OOOOOOUUUUUU' echoed out around them as others started to sound out from the night around them in answer, or just because the messanger had now reached them.

"RIGHT YOU LOT! MOUNT UP! MOUNT UP!" he roared as his horse came back to wakefulness and he checked all the straps on saddle and reins. Nimmil, yawning and complaining, came up behind him and he lifted her up into the front of the saddle before swinging up myself astride the great beast. Damned miserable weather for a war he mused adjusting his helmet and cloak to guard against the rain as he tapped his stirrups against the stallion's sides to move out into it.

His own squad slowly came out behind him, forming up into a column as dozens of other riders now started to emerge from their shelter and move to the flank of the mass of infantry ahead of them marching under limp water logged banners. To the flank, and then ahead of them at a steady trot in the darkness of night as the downpour alternated between easing off and worsening as they moved steadily northward in line with the Spartan-Moonblade war host. Beyond the usual marching sounds it was a rather silent advance, a sluggish one too as those amongst the fighting force without night-vision slowed the rest down to a slower pace as usual.

Even Nimmil was quiet now, apparently having fallen asleep at some stage after starting their advance once again...which was fine by him as at least she wasn't complaining. League after league they struggled forward, and at last the rains seemed to clear as the night slowly moved towards dawn as best he could tell without the aid of moon and stars to judge by. But they were hitting what looked like fields after a seemingly endless march, with brief stops to rest and keep pace with the other parts of the army, and out ahead of him faint lights could be seen in the darkness. Motioning with his hand he brought the cavalry to a halt, Nimmil now awake, and Bareyaras coming back towards him at a slow walk with his horse.

"Village ahead, an' looks like somebodys encamped around and in it. Not much though judging by the fires we can see"

Krowluc nodded "Right, we'll sent word back down the line what we see, and once we get the Moonblades I reckon we'll charge the village. They spot us yet you think?"

"Nah, didn't see much and these here fields been barren all winter looks to me. There's a farmhouse about a league yonder, empty we checked, but longer we wait..."

"Aye, I know, let's be quick about it..." he gestured at one of his riders, the human Egar and another an orc Yash "...right, you word back to column we've..."

--

[Karguk 75]

Village of Riverview, West of Mirabar

The sun was drifting up slowly in the sky, an irritant to the eyes as it illuminated the countryside in soft amber-gold hues was I strode into the village ahead of me on the muddy dirt path. The rain from last night had finally stopped but it had left its mark with the sodden earth that had given me mud splattered boots, leggings, and bottom of my cloak. Leaving us all cold and tired, but with things still to do as I paused a moment and saw the first of the bodies. Human from the looks of it and former defenders of this place, though they didn't seem to have any indentifying surcoats or colours over fairly plain, blood and mud soaked, armour. I motioned at Rose, then at the bodies.

"Make sure we strip everything usable from the dead, and have them pile the corpses up outside the village for disposal. Once you've got the Auxlia to sort it come back to me..." I glanced at Hreshgk and the rest of my guards "...one of you lot go with her and guard her or if she needs something"

"Kay Boss / Right Papa" echoed back to me as I turned my head away and started to walk forward along the track once again. It was all rather idyllic looking disturbingly enough, the dawn rising over the quiet country lane with its short stone walls, grassy fields, and birds chirping their happy little songs. Or it did for the brief period between the bodies behind me vanishing from my sight and the next lot appearing as I turned a corner and came into the outskirts of the village proper. It had been a fairly prosperous place I guessed, once upon a time at least, judging from the stone and wood buildings at a stage better than Rose's village was.

'Well, beyond being less well defended anyway. Rose's lot had them beat on that I guess' I thought glancing around and briefly studying the defences as I moved forward past squads of warriors resting, or moving to man said defences. Seemed they'd gone for a crude wooden palisade backed up against the houses themselves, and a simple scaffold watchtower and bell on this entrance. Good enough for keeping out bandits I suspected, and there likely wasn't much need for much more this close to the Blackford Road and River Mirar between Luskan and Mirabar. I frowned though, as there had been guards here and they clearly hadn't done much to improve the defensibility of the place from a quick once over.

"Problem, Boss?"

I shook my head not looking back at Hreshgk, instead nodding towards the clump of half dressed bodies around a large building not far from the first house "Nah, was just thinking we caught them with their pants down around their ankles. If we've any luck it'll be a little bit before the rest of them realise we've done here. Now let's see the rest of the place"

Marching off like this, and then swinging over the river to flank the enemy, was hardly my view of a good plan, but it was what it was and now we were where we were. The better half of the army separated from the main and at the rear-flank of the Luskans...hopefully. There was always the possibility of running into more those fuckers coming up to reinforce the first lot, but going up the valley had been a spectacular failure and I'd been outnumbered and out-argued by the others over the course of action to take. Now I had to try and work with what I'd got; and the next part of that strategy would involve resting up our forces here if at all possible before moving on for a clash of arms. Pushing on after crossing the river to here had seemed the best idea, and if we had any luck there'd be food stores to raid as well.

'I suppose the rain was good for something at least, harder for this lot to accidently burn the place down now ain't it?' I mused walking passed a two storey building, a stone first floor and wooden second, with a busted in doorway and blood on the walls. Noise around the corner, shouting, weeping, screaming, and moving feet, indicated I was on the right track as my group came around the curve in the dirt street and passed a small, burnt out, shrine. There, milling about in terror, were the villagers held back by the dismounted cavalry from my clan and the Moonblades; in part to keep the mass held in place in front of the village tavern looked like, but also keep idiots away from the women too I expected. Zah's guards were there as well, so that backed up that idea as I head straight towards his armoured form.

"Oi Zah, good see ya, you got things in hand already looks like..." I started, noticing the other orcs at his side including the Chieftain of the Moonblades, and Krowluc of our own cavalry force "...ah, Chief Jernak, good to see all well. I hope everything went well?"

"Hey Karg, yeah Krowluc here was telling us he's pretty sure we surrounded the place and while we took nobody got out. Once we got through the few guards weren't much fighting, most only woke up when we were storming in the doors..." Zah replied armed folded across his plate armoured chest "...so that's good. But few strange things, one of'em that lot there?"

He nodded towards the dozens of miserable people huddled together not a hundred yards distant. I looked at them, then back at Zah and the others as he gave me a look "Well?"

I frowned, looking at the terrified people again "Well what?"

"What do you notice about'em?"

I sighed "Zah, it's a bunch of women and children..."'

He nodded, gesturing at the villagers and then nodding to Chief Jernak "That's right, just females, whelps, and a few graybeards Karg. Aren't any males among'em that aren't from the lot guarding the place, got survivors of them chained up and guarded by Jernak's warriors. But it's nearly only females and whelps Karg, and that's sorta weird"

Chief Jernak nodded in agreement "Aye Shaman, it is as your Chief says. We tried take the dens without slaying the non-warriors, but it is passing strange from raiding villages over the years to see so few farmers. Nor do these warriors we slew seem to be of the Luskan guard, but mercenaries of sorts. There be elves, half-breeds, and other such among their ranks, and there banners are not known to me, us"

Captain Krowluc nodded "Aye Lords, not known but they seem like a bunch of small free companies, or adventuring bands to me eyes. Most were drunk, or sleeping it off when we hit the place and..." the half-orc captain of our cavalry frowned jerking a thumb over his shoulder "...well, the village graveyards...empty basically"

I frowned...well that wasn't good "Empty?"

"Aye Boss, was dug up at least a few ten-days ago, problem a season at least...need question the villagers about it to be sure"

'Yeah, not good at all' I thought rubbing at the beard at my chin "Right. Well, we do know they're using undead so...great, their making good use of them. How many warriors guarding this place then?"

"About three dozen we counted, and you can see the numbers of the villagers we've rounded up..." Zah answered "...even had a wizard, shitty one, among them, but there's alot less here than we thought there would be Karg. I think the warriors we slew were just put here to keep the others in line and watch alone the road to the north of us. Captain?"

"Aye Chief, they've new watchtower setup about a league north of here on an overlook. Seems to be the only new building around hereabouts"

"Right then, so lets try get more information out of the villagers I guess. I can use Rose and Veladorn, Doctor Ned's apprentice and Etlin as well, and try and get something out of them. We still encamping here I trust?"

Zah nodded "Aye, good ground here and we need scout ahead. It'd be great if they came for us here, but I suspect we'll be marching by nightfall and fighting them east of here nearer the city proper. So I need you make preparations to fortify a camp here, we can use it as a base and stop them cutting us off from the river. Most of all we need our magic users rested Karg, deal with them undead of theirs"

I nodded "Yah, I know. I'll get it organised, and a ranging or scouting?"

"Sent out west and east, best we can tell the Luskan enemies are still encamped around the western banks of the city. Haven't seen a single Uthgardt though since we came down from the mountains south of the river..." Chief Jernak answered but sounding unhappy "...but, neither have we seen any undead Shaman, and this lot were just a step about bandits. I do not like this, things are too...quiet here, unprepared"

"Well, I'll try get answers..." I replied glancing behind me and seeing the approaching form of my red haired human girl "...and then ensure the camp is setup. No objections to me taking the villagers and securing them elsewhere, maybe under the auxlia?"

'And maybe get them into warmer clothes too' I thought as I glanced at the huddled mass clearly risen from bed in whatever they'd been wearing at the time. Bit of warm food, less threatening people than orc warriors, and maybe we could get some reliable information on the situation in the immediate area. Then I could communicate with Phargk, and then with the Harpells through Qilue who'd be with the dwarves moving up some passes on the eastern flank of the valley along the Long Road. It was one of the few blessings with this madness that we could coordinate effectively over long distances unlike most medieval armies of my past life's world. Now all had to do was ensure we didn't get trapped and destroyed in detail out here, and drive the Luskan's off from the western bank...

--

[Nedorious Illian Kline 13]

Village of Milturn, Blackford Road

"Now my lovely apprentice no need to seem so apprehensive!" he told Sydney in a calming, grandfatherly he liked to think, tone to his slave-apprentice as he stood under the moonless night sky and prepared himself to return to old habits for a time "Just think of it as another learning experience, on the more practical and forceful aspects of our craft"

In a way it was a nice counterbalance to dearest Crue's barely contained excitement at having this opportunity to get back to killing, but it was also a useful test of her future usefulness. It was rather beneficial to visibly burn bridges with her former associates after all, especially if that show of new loyalties involved literal burning of bridges and enemies. While it wasn't exactly dear old Arky the Lich in charge there was quite a bit of work done by the fine fellows the Host Tower had employed to keep Mirabar under siege. Rather pedestrian and crude, but they'd seemingly keep at the task at hand in a workmanlike manner he'd found rubbing his chin and studying the various undead waiting around the Luskan camp. Patrolling too, but that was sloppy and rather lazy in his estimation.

'Never a good idea to use such mindless things as a guard force unless it is a matter of *don't let through door* or *kill on sight* in the opinion of this humble necromancer, no it is not...hmmmm' he mused as young Sydney squawked back nervous gibberish till he patted her shoulder encouragingly. He could respect the workmanship in spending months digging up bodies to animate, and then putting to work charging the city walls, but it seemed the fine fellows across from them were a bit too reliant on their tireless workforce. Laziness and sloppiness that had seemingly allowed an orcish horde to slip almost undetected to within striking distance of their camp at night.

"Could still be a trap Boss..." Etlin murmured and Nedorious nodded in agreement "...and there's quite alot of them as you said"

"Indeed so my dear boy, but that's the risk one takes in such a lifestyle and our employers seem well aware of such possibilities at least. Quantity, but not necessarily quality I suspect" he replied cheerfully to his second bodyguard as he listened to the slow steady march of armed fighters into place opposite the distant campfires. Young Karg was a paranoid fellow after all, and there was already a skirmish-line of kobolds and goblins forward, out of sight of Nedorious night-vision enhanced eyesight. It really wasn't all that hard to hide from lower level undead, and those little fellows were rather good at sneaking in his experience.

Though not directly assaulting the camp also helped reduce chances of an ambush after learning what they had back in the previous village. Instead the army was forming up into block like formations around him, cavalry on the flanks and more importantly all the clerics and shamans around his own position. There were reasons that necromancers didn't just raise great undead hosts and take over the world in the end, and from all indications this was a rather fodder oriented host that had been raised. Still he'd advised his young orcish apprentice of the dangers should it be a greater host than indicated, and the fine fellow had listened to his expertise on the matter of course. As too had the tall drowish elf woman too of course, and now Nedorious would be able to see how much they'd taken that advice to heart...

"Ah..." he clapped his hands together cheerfully as a gout of flame erupted where the campfires flickered, followed moments later by another "...it seems the party has started already. So, I do hope we are all ready and able?"

"Aye Boss / Ye...yes Master/ Come on, let's get ta Killin!" echoed back as horns and bells sounded, first off in the camp across the way and then around him as more explosions took place and the faint feeling of magic being raised came to him. Sadly for his dear Cruenditha, battle axe resting on her shoulder with impatience, the killing was delayed somewhat of course. The merry little troublemakers that the orcs had sent over to the enemy camp had triggered frantic activity as best his eyes, ears, and other senses could tell. Wasteful activity at that as it seemed alarm wards had gone off, and they were busy now chasing after the kobold and goblins who'd been murdering and committing arson within their camp.

"Scaly little fuckers"

"Oh now Crue, they are leading the enemy towards you. Be happy at their gift" Nedorious chuckled at his armour clad helpers grumbling as goblins and kobolds fled back towards the waiting ranks of orcs and their vassals with skeletons and zombies in slow pursuit. Staggering out in clumps and clusters rather than in formation;- brainless, mindless, magical beings completely unaware of the problem of charging organised ranks in such a matter. Here and there he could hear shouts of living beings in pursuit, curses and swears in the darkness as they hunted down thieves and raiders...

...or at least thought they were till the first volley of faintly blessed arrows hit home into them and the scattered ranks of undead. Idiots with torches, or loud idiots, of which there quite a few he notice as one who was both went down with a series of arrows sticking out of his/her now prone form. Noises that attracted those behind them, the usual nature of battle confusion taking over now with adventurers running to the sound of fighting and more and more undead being directed their way. Blundering to each other and the handful of traps the kobolds had managed to layout, including a spell ward...that erupted in a rather pretty pink-yellow flash in the trees to the left of his line of sight.

"Oh...seems a special guest has arrived at last" he hummed to himself happily, hands beginning to shift and move through gestures; heating a little as they caught a flame as brought them together, chanting. Out in the darkness, clearly visible in her bright robes and blonde hair flying about her a fellow practitioner of the Art came out of the night. Nedorious didn't recognise her, unsurprising at this distance, so she could be an adventurer or someone up in the ranks of the Host Tower. Not that it mattered much right now as he *threw* the ball of fiery magical destruction across the distance between them to explode in a gout of green-orange flames where she stood.

"Excellent, one down..." he stated at the shrieking wail that erupted in the wake of the explosion as the enemy mage's hair and robes caught aflame and her skin melt off like wax as the flaming candles dashed about before collapsing one after another "...now we move dear friends, up along the line if you please"

I motioned at Sydney with one hand as he strode up and away from where they'd just stood, disappearing behind the shield carrying ranks of warriors for the enemy he hoped "See Sydney, movement is the key, and having helpful fellows to stand between you and angry fellow with sharp pointy things"

There wasn't any counter-magic, or arrows, this time but one couldn't rely on that he found in the past. Instead his words were drowned out as the singing started from the orcs; singing, drums, and banging of weapons off shields in crude rhythm. Those strange bells rang, and magic began to build as they walked, striding up unto another little spot amongst a clump of trees as the battle began to build properly as the Luskan host began to make itself known. Someone, or someones, over there had a brain it seemed as the skeletons and zombies began to cluster up, shields at the front in a few cases, and sending another fireball did little than destroy a few dozen of the weak summons instead of getting a mage or cleric.

'Sadly brains or no, there learning the lesson of undead horde versus proper army ends badly' he mused as they moved again, this time up to where the tall drow woman stood in silvery-black armour and leggings amidst her priestesses and the human auxlia. Now it was a battle, armoured orcs, and humans with a handful of drow, clashing with ranks hundreds strong of various recently, and not so recently, raised weak undead...and he could tell the clerics were hard at work as one nearby skeleton simply crumbled and fellow without even taking a blow. Power was ringing out, undoing the bonds of negative energy, building slowly but surely as the orcish army stood on the defensive for the moment and the battle chant drowned out the shouts and sounds of all but those nearest him.

But...it was there, guiding, pushing, encouraging, in the background; divine magic at work, though the drowish priestess seemed caught between happiness at the support, and discomfort that she and her priestesses were allowing themselves to be led. Nedorious did not mind, it was good to work with professionals and...he could see further now, an acid arrow reaching out to bring about screams of pain and summons crumbling without support. One did not have to give up power or your mind with such spells, not unless you let yourself be, and the opportunities were just to beneficial when the possibility to destroy an entire Host Tower mercenary army in the field was presented like this...

--

[Zahgorim 30]

East of Village of Milturn, Blackford Road

His axe smashed apart the head of ugly looking human walking corpse with a might blow before one of bodyguards shield bashed the filthy thing to the ground so their armoured boots could stomp it from existence as the formation drove forward. The Song was in his head, of Battle, and Fury, and Discipline, as he led his warriors forward like an implacable glacier through the monsters the human magic users desperately tried to throw in their path.

It was good then that they were throwing the forward desperately rather than in a coordinated manner he found, his warriors and Jernak's Moonblades marching forward in formation smashing clusters of undead as they went. Like now, as the block of skeletons and walking corpses began to thin before the step-step-step wall of armoured orcs around him. Motioning with the gauntleted hand holding the magical axe he ordered the battle line to reform wordlessly; like magic it did so, orders rippling along at the speed of thought and word. Shields locked together once again, wounded pulled back and replaced with warriors behind as they were healed.

As he reformed the line arrows flew over their heads from the few female auxlia and the kobolds to lash out the undead and few human warriors amongst them now that their camp grew ever closer. More importantly the siege camp, bridge and fording area included, that should lie beyond it. Drums beat, horns sounded, as the massed ranks of the shieldwall shifted, adjusted, as noise and lights erupted from the approaching enemy encampment signalling something more organised than what they'd faced so far...

"HORSE! ENEMY HORSE!" Zahgorim began to bang his axe off his shield, soon copied by those around him and passing down the line to mix in with the cacophony of sound as the horde began to come to a halt. Out to the right flank of the enemy camp he could see the shapes of enemy cavalry rousing itself into formation...not a great number, but that was always dangerous on ground such as this. Probably with magic users and more of these filthy undead too, except probably mounted now as well; Gods, but he had to agree with Karg that fighting walking dead was annoying.

"PIKE AND SPEAR! TURTLE!" he found himself roaring out unthinkingly, the Song intensifying as he did so and warriors at the rear of the formation came forward. Soon their great long spears were being lowered, shields locked together with short spears and halberds over them at the front, as he himself added his shield to those of the shield-brothers either side of him. In the middle of the fighting mass that meant above his head, blocking with helmet and shield the arrows that would likely come with the charge; others could see the torches, and hear the distant shouts of the human mercenaries serving the Luskans.

'Aye, looks a charge' he rumbled silently to himself as others shouted warning, the undead flowing towards them stopping, those that he could see from his small view within the ranks holding back. A small visibly rapidly ended as the shield-pike wall solidified amidst the shouts and Song; forming into solid blocks not unlike a hedgehog presenting its spines in his mind. One that marched forward as demanded now, slower even than before as took a step forward alongside hundreds of other booted feet...

...step...

The Wall moved; a battle song on lips as his feet moved to the rhythms of war and battle once again. Drumbeats changed, the horns ringing out as pikes dropped into place with a clattering noise around Zahgorim.

...step...

Adjusting his head to the side he looked out into the night through the gap between shield, and warriors marching to either side ahead of him.

...step...

Arrows pelted like rain as the distant shapes came closer, cluttered together in a wedge, as the chanting of Karg's acolytes did...whatever magic stuff they did as lights flashed from the distant enemy before dying out before reaching him.

...step...

"THE GODS AND VICTORY!" he roared out as the distant wedge became a more clearly visible series of riders in his immediate vision amongst great shouting wave of charging humans atop horses. But as one the Song drowned them out, a solid wall of orcish spears moving slowly forward.

...step...

Cccrrassshhhhhhh

...he felt the weight slam into him, the warrior ahead of him pushed back into him as he dug his feet into the ground as he was braced by the warrior behind hime. Somehow the Song didn't falter even as he shouted like the others around him, grunted and braced, shouted and screamed. He drove his foot into the muddy earth, bracing, pushing forward...

...step...

Spearheads stabbed forward ahead of him as horses reared and screamed, or warriors to the sides of him shoved forward with halberds and billhooks to drag armoured riders from their mounts. Unfortunately he couldn't see much, just the jostling and shoving as the host moved forward around and with him. Somehow though he could feel the tide of battle flowing in their favour, moving forward and engulfing the enemy from the flanks as the Spartan-Moonblades warriors marched forward...

...step...

...

"Zah?"

Zahgorim blinked, shaking his head in momentary confusion as heard Karguk's voice, and footsteps approaching him. He blinked again glancing down at the butchered human 'knight' at his feet, and his equally horse not far away amongst another pile of bodies. Some of his warriors were going about checking to see lived alongside a few of Karg's acolytes or auxlia of kobolds or goblins. Further ahead the rest of the clan's warriors and the human auxlia were already formed up.

"Oi Karg, got bit distracted, sorry" he muttered swiping his axe to slash off the worst of the excess bloody, and then wiping it off one of the corpses trouser legs "...good fight"

"Not over yet, Jernak holds the ford, and whats left of the bridge, but says there's fighting on the other side when the Luskans fled across"

"Ours?"

"No, could be falling out in a rout, or the Uthgardt, or even dwarves sallying out for all we know. But Phargk is still coming up the valley and hours away" his friend replied studying the bodies as he went along...then kicking one and turning to one of his acolytes "...this one's alive, see if they can be healed and chain up with the others"

"Prisoners, really Karg?"

"I prefer to see them as future meatshields or rock haulers right now"

"Any lookers amongst the females?" Zahgorim asked curiously securing his axe upon himself and seeing the moon had fallen low in the sky "...your warriors took the camp I assume?"

"E~yup, well Krowluc and the cavalry, few of the mercs inside even fast enough switch sides apparently so quick was the surrender when our lot charged in from the rear while we destroyed the fighters like this lot, dead, here. As to women...its camp whores, slave labour, and the like for the Luskans Zah, I'm sure you'll find one amongst them to amuse you..." Karg replied scratching at his short trimmed beard "...just if it is one that ain't a slave, pay'em and the like. But, yeah, still in middle of a fight for our lives ya'know? Who you bed later can probably wait"

"Uthgardt movements?"

"Nothing on our flank, and Chief Jernak only has the whole fighting on the other side that isn't us. Least...prettyyy sure the Luskan's are gone as fighting force now. Bad news, haven't seen the frost giants we heard about, or the any frost priestesses I had my lads hunting for"

Zahgorim gave his head a shake to clear his thoughts a little, also to shake bits of an enemy's brain off of his helmet "We'll it'll be dawn in a few hours Karg, so we'll be forting up here till the others arrive up the river like we planned..."

"Papa, Chief Zahgorim" the voice of Karg's adopted little human interrupted his reply, and Karg waved her over to them as she stopped a little distance away to show respect. Her armour was as splattered red with blood as her hair was crimson; Gods that female was hot when she bashed in an enemy's brains Zahgorim find. He'd love nothing more than bend her over and have her pop some really strong warriors based on how awesome both of them were, even if she was a human. Sadly, his crimson haired and murderous descendants would have to wait since a city and enemy was still be dealt with.

"Problems?"

"No, Papa, strange things and you wanted to know if strange things happened"

Zahgorim sighed and responding before "And what, pretty killer, are the strange things?"

"Kobolds say Uthgardters are killing the Luskans on the other side of the river, the ones sent over on the little rafts. There are bodies in the river too filled with arrows too"

"Well, that's good, let'em kill each other then while we loot the Luskan camp and set up our own" he replied cheerfully, Karg grumbling as ever even at some good news. If it was true of course, but they could do with the time to rest and secure a better position before the hateful sun rose and the back Uttie counter-attack was likely to come. Things had gone fairly well so far, but whatever magic Karg had worked had faded, warriors were wounded, and they could set up and ambush or traps on the battlefield.

"Maybe Zah, but I think..." Karg replied looking out into the distance where the great walled city was visible in the distance across the river to the south "...we should sent a group, auxlia not orcs, over and see can we make contact with the city's defenders. Or see about confirming what's happening there with our own eyes not those of others magic and words"

Zahgorim could agree with that, mostly anyway "Well, sent over some of the janissaries and promise them a reward, if they try to run their magic oath's kill'em won't they? Win-win for all us"

"Sorta, but not a bad idea Zah, we'll send over..."

--

[Karguk 76]

Eastern Bank of the River Mirar, Blackford Road, Mirabar

Gods but I was tired. Not surprising after being constantly moving for...a good while now I groaned silently glaring up at the cloud hidden sun a moment. Winning was proving frustrating, though only because we'd only partially won and our enemies weren't being stupid. Frustrating that, I liked when our enemies were being stupid and threw themselves bravely, but unthinkingly, upon our spears. For now though I turned my glare, tired glare as I gave a yawn, closing and then opening my eyes with a sigh.

'Damn blasted dwarves and their damned fucking stupid but successful fight' I mentally groused staring at the walls distant across the river. Not too badly battered on this side, or at least it looked that way from here, but wrecked upon the other sides where they weren't anchored against the river as a defensive line and had been breached during the siege. Walls behind which the hells damned dwarves and their allies had managed to get behind after a march through the mountains ahead of Phargk's horde, and the turning west along the river while we were fighting to charge into the city itself.

Ballsy I'll admit, most of us admitted that in the army, to charge between two separated Uthgardt tribal hordes, with orcs on the move as well, and a Luskan led undead army on the far bank. Still, they'd done it...somehow, lucky and planning apparently. Or having Drow Marty Sue Drizzt and his merry friends raid the Uthgardt camp, make it look like an army was there, and then charge through during all the confusion. Least that's the most coherent story the auxlia we'd sent across the river to the city had come back with; I was reasonably sure the Drow and his friend had not turned into giant lizard-cat things and proceeded to eat the Uthgardt King. Mostly because their horde had fallen back in good order [for barbarians] and was forming up near Harn's End...

'Which those height challenged fucks aren't likely to come out and face now they got behind those walls of theirs...broken as they are' I growled trying, with tired mind, to think through the next move while Zah got some sleep...or using a few bedwarmers and then sleeping. Two armies...well three if include the dwarves...separated by a river and the city itself, while the two Uthgardt hordes had fallen back into the centre in one great, slowly organising, mass. One that had killed their supposed allies too during the night as the Luskans fell apart and they found themselves trapped between us, the river, and fleeing over the bridge. I glared, tired eyes taking in the lay of the land to our flanks, and the repairs being made to the captured Luskan camp...

'Gonna be a bitch coordinating an attack with both us and Phargk's lot having to cross those rivers'

...which was full of good loot at least, even if not ideally suited to defend from the western flank. Something we'd proved last night very bloodily...and also something mine, Zah's, and Jernank's grumbling minions were going about rectifying even with a scouting force out west. I didn't like it either when I'd pitched in earlier, and then started threatening stupid people till they did what they were fucking ordered too, but it needed to be done out in enemy lands more than ever. Especially with the super-special extra issue of large numbers of bandits, murder-hobos, and of course the Ice Giants plus priestesses of Auril that may or may not be lurking around these here parts. Another yawn, and I glanced northward over the sea of banners and bustle of the camp being occupied.

'If we could get Phargk to swing over the river south of here, and not have the Utties notice, we could try swing north and cross under cover of the forests...assuming nobodys in there'

"Boss"

I glanced back towards my current head escort guard, Darnak, with Hreshgk and a squad being busy dealing with some troublemakers "Hmmm?"

"Ah, let her through" I noted after a moment as he nodded his helmeted head to the cloaked figure in white, silverly armour beneath it, waiting just outside range with two of her own similarly clad escort. Like ourselves, they were used to the sunlight, but that didn't mean the drowish ladies wouldn't take some time to guard against excess brightness of the daylight. Still I made not sudden gestures, continuing to rest one hand on my sword hilt while the other stroked my beard...something I badly needed to cut down to size after leaving it grow these past few days. Same with my hair, too long beneath the helmet...

"Lady Veladorn"

"Shaman Karguk" she answered my greeting politely as her two guards remained where they were as she came to stand before me "it seems you have achieved a successful assault upon our foes, one must offer congratulations for such"

I resisted a snort of amusement at that "Oh I'd accept such praise, but I'd suspect it's rather early in the day for that unfortunately, one battle fought but the enemy is still on the field in strength, so it's not over yet"

"Hmm, indeed" she agreed with faintest of nods, cowl of her cloak bobbing as she did ".,.but still, the destruction of the undead was a welcome thing, swift and effective. Though I come baring words of those you seek?"

"Oh?"

"Giants"

I tensed, then relaxed as we clearly weren't under attack "Ah, our mystery ice giants, you have located or scryed them?"

"Yes Shaman, though less my own eyes than those of the wizards now within the walls of Mirbar yonder. By accident rather than design I believe, but still found. They are gathered with some others northwest of here, at old towers near what the locals call Trollvale"

I sighed rubbing my beardy chin "Ah, well, that's something isn't it, numbers?"

"Not a great many, less than a dozen and a number of humans or similar with them...but I have not seen them I fear, and those that have are not warriors"

'Harpells' I thought with a faint nod "Understandable, well, we're not going to march off but we can scout it out first..."

What to do in regards them was off course the question, and not just mine to answer. But they were likely mercenaries from all we'd heard, and there was a number of bandits wandering about as well. There was no real need to invest time and effort in killing them...if they could be persuaded to either bugger off somewhere else, or even better come on our payroll. Suddenly we were pretty flush with shiny shit that could be used to get such folk on our side for a time at least. If they were hostile it'd certainly make our lives harder, and my plan to try use the woods north of here more of an issue should they pass on warnings.

"...and then, well, we'll burn that bridge when we come to it I guess. Honestly I'd rather not fight if could avoid it, but can't leave them at our backs when try cross that river" I admitted then shook my head "...but I thank you for the knowledge. I trust there have been no issues since we have setup camp?"

"No, beyond the usual fights and deaths one sees after all such battles" she answered serenely gazing out towards the city distant "...while one does not entirely approve of many methods, order has been maintained even with the differing nature of thy forces"

I gave a tired, bemused, snort at that "Threats, whippings, and whores...loot too of course, and I'll admit it isn't pretty but I doubt that lot..." I nodded towards the city "...would be happy at even more damage than usual from an army marching through their lands"

"Or your horde falling apart through one victory and ill discipline, so that a foe strikes and reverses any successes with one blow?"

"That too I guess, easy come easy go. Though I'll admit in part I'm sick of the Chaotic Stupid Evil that occurs in such armies as well; makes everyone hate, and therefore resist, you and we wouldn't know some of the things we know. S'why got all those camp followers organised, like herding cats that, so there isn't a need to rape their way through the village when their blood is up, or through lack of healers"

"Ah, yes, a notable departure from the standard orc horde"

"I follow the Cunning Warrior, not the One Eye, so less of that survival of the fittest only thing" I reminded with some mild amusement, perhaps dark at horrors of leading a medieval/tribal magical army "...injured warriors tend to become dead warriors without healing, and dead warriors tend not to be very useful ones"

"No, one would image they would not" she agreed "Now, I would ask permission to treat the wounded amongst those captured?"

I shrugged "Whatever you think is best...just do not exhaust yourselves, and focus upon the auxlia wounded and townsfolk we've swept up first. And if any of those you heal reveal anything to bring it to my attention..." I turned my head, motioning with my free hand at my guard "...Darnak, send a runner to warriors holding the prisoners. I'm allowing the priestess here access to heal and question them, I want not trouble"

"Aye Boss, I'll send one now"

I turned back to the Chosen of Two Goddesses "Now in regards the..."

--

When: Day 2, Camped on a goddamn river bank [Late Spring]

Where: Mirabar, well near Mirabar and a village on our western flank

Well, in truth we're not encamped on that damned river bank, but we're close enough to be in my humble orcish opinion. Fought a battle, won a battle, found ourselves in a crappy position thanks to all that activity, with still a battle to fight; isn't that just fine and dandy?

Sorry I'm mildly, actually very, tired and therefore cranky. Writing is helping relieve stress, and therefore averting the angry ranting and potential killing of stupid, but still needed, idiots. Even if only as nice and useful meatshields for the coming battles; which I've done, along with the joys of scouting out potential enemy positions to our north. Thank you Qilue for that little piece of info. Sadly I've had the joy of organising this captured camp and turning into both a fortified camp for us, and a base for our coming offensive against those damned barbarians who haven't taken the hint and buggered off somewhere else.

Not like they can easily take Mirabar with us encamped on one bank, the dwarves in the ruined city, and his Dark Emporer-ness coming up the valley on the other flank. Kinda screwed us over a wee bit though, dwarves and rivers dividing our horde, and if we try cross that river separately we'll be cut to pieces. I blame the dwarves, smart move on their part aside, because what to do now is the fun part. Because now we've a dwarf held city, blocked by river, to our eatern flank, a big fuck off horde of Utties north of them, and now apparently mercs and bandits and murder-hobos to our west. With maybe Luskan reinforcements at any moment as well; because we won, but not as well as we'd planned; or that I'd have liked is maybe the more honest answer.

For now though I've got a plan, or me, Zah, and Jernak, have a plan. A cunning plan even; we're going build a big, potentially crappy, pontoon bridge over the river off to the south of here a ways. If Darth Phargk agrees of course, cuz we'll need his side to contribute too. Not telling the dwarves about this now either, nor the fact of souting out the big ass Icy folk to our north-ish direction. Rose agrees, bit of a strategy meeting before she dozed off a little while ago. My turn shortly, Zah's having his, and I've been in charge, but damned if I'm not wrecked. Forcing myself stay awake to study my spellbook and pray before I do.

So, good idea to do that now I guess?

Anyway, Slán.

--

When: Day 3, well Night 3

Where: Fortified Camp to West of Mirabar

Gods did I need a sleep, and I certainly got one. Out like a light apparently, and for a good auld period of time too, but I've been awake several hours and the brain is actually working. Which is good, because getting this place organised is a trial all its own between dealing my own clan, the Moonblades, the various minor 'allied' clans, and of course the great number of non-orcs we've managed to sweep up. Most of whom, the villagers, have become paid labourers in our glorious cause their terror of us aside. Not like they can do much else beyond flee screaming and then starve in the wilderness.

And yes, I'm put Rose in charge of dealing with them, along with various auxlia, because I'm not trying to be cruel. It's just I'm rather busy, and we've more dangerous folk captured, and I've been dealing with those alongside building up their former camp; also who are slaves, who are Janissaries, and who switched sides fast enough to be considered mercenaries who I wouldn't trust as far as I could throw them. Yay me I guess, but we've a number of things to deal with and Zah and Jernak are handling scouting, raiding that blasted river, and foraging soo...yeah, I've stuff to do as shaman. War is boring and busy when you're not running around like an idiot with a sword stabbing fellas.

In other news; talking to the dorfs in their ruined city, or getting messages back and forth. Because we've had the odd 'accidentally shooting at' already of our messengers. Fun times. But they need us and we need them, and magic Harpells at least keep things civil as we plot our next moves. Something that involves building rafts, and sorta-boats, to ship food and things between us and them...and Phargk too since our Holy Illuskan Emperor and his horde have arrived on the banks of the other side of Mirabar. I've put our crack engineers, by that I mean Kobolds with some human villagers helping, on this problem, and it's not like we're not cutting the trees around these here parts anyway.

--

When: Day 5 in this smelly camp

Where: Fortified Camp to West of Mirabar, yadda, yadda

Latrines, I'd had to kill a dumbass over not using, nor digging them. Also, in a fit of anger and magical study with Doctor Ned, Sydney, and Shandy I have discovered a new, and exciting spell. Something my Tome of Wiki calls Choke in a now non-existent future system called 3.5 edition magic. Fun how things work now isn't it?

Anywho, dumbass being dumbass, and somehow not knowing either how I am, nor why waving a sword at me after trying to shit in our water supply might be a bad idea. Or why his mates were all distancing themselves from him, and why my sensible minions had warned him not to shit in the water supply like a gods-damned idiot. So I figured, what would Darth Vader do?

[Choke a bitch my young padawan!]

Least I figured that would be the answer, and I put my brand new telekinesis spell to good use by doing that very thing. I blame Phargk, I'd just gotten a long and stressful magical conference call, and idiocy really on my list of things I wanted to deal with at that moment. That and examples must be made when someone stupid screws with The Rules, and The Chain of Command. Public examples and I reckon his choking on his tippy toes a time did that; even if did show mercy.

Also No, I didn't kill with the spell, short lived and left him gasping. The dying part was more Rose bashing his skull in with her mace when he grabbed for his sword after said choking. See, what can I say? Dumbass with a death wish; order was maintained in the end, as it must. Disease, even with magical healing and potion, is always a danger and it's costly to keep people healthy when you're surrounded by both stupid and bloodthirsty warriors. Training and all the other work helps, but orcish culture [till now] is naturally lazy and it takes threats, constant, to get solid work done. Least among the older ones, younger recruits have learned right quick assuming they get through a few weeks of 'basic' legionary training.

--

When: Night 8, Late Spring/Early Summer

Where: Fortified Camp. Banks of Mirar between city of Mirabar and Milturn village

Good news, okay news, and bad news today.

Bad news is the Uthgardt are still here, been impromptu negotiations over the past few days through murder-hobos messengers between us, them, the dwarves, and such, but their being greedy. Also really want to have a go at us orcs too I'd guess. Beat us, take city, no Luskan's to share with basically; win big on the dice roll if it comes up right for them. Not helped by them easily repealing an unplanned assault across the river yesterday by some of Phargk's widler minions.

Long story made short the giant dinosaurs made an appearance backed by tribal shamans or mercenary clerics and the river ran red with orcish blood. Then there were the rounds of executions for showing weakness by our Emperor that followed this failure, though that's only known to me through reports and his Darth-ness telling me via magic communications fun times. So, hardly encouraging to our 'allies' that taking the field from behind their nice, semi-safe, walls would be a good idea.

Good news is our little engineering projects are getting there; we've pontoon bridges/ferries south of here, beyond sight of the city AND we've got something of a regular traffic between ourselves, the city, and Phargk's lot over the immediate area around the southern end of the city docks. Kobolds actually started trading, proper trading if you can believe it, of loot with markets that quasi-reopen within the ruined outer city.

That's how I know the dwarves are refortifying the outer walls, and have fully cleared the city environs of enemies. I've scouted with my 'crows' and that's the way it looks, but it's a tiring spell for the moment so I'm not inclined to do it too much till I get practice down on it. Useful though. Anywho, things are almost organised if can believe it?

Zah and Jernak are happy at least, but Phargk's camp doesn't seem to be as organised. I've got Obould's conquered and now allied Uthgardt clan crossing the river at dawn and joining us later, so that could screw things up. But I'll do my best ensure it doesn't, we've got enough issues as it is. Rose at least is in good form, largely because I've invested time in training her and her merry band of acoytles the past two days – though it does look weird a bunch of orc warrior priests being taught alongside a number of human & Uttie girls training to be clerics. My life is weird.

--

When: Day 10

Where: Illuskan War Camp - Mirar

Six frost giants, a few dozen other riff-raff of various species, and three priestesses of Auril have signed on with us by the power of bribery!

Success of negotiations complete! Status unlocked!

Mo idiots, mo problems!

Though, at least now we can finally start building the northern bridges.

--

When: Night 12

Where: Illuskan War Camp - Mirar

Phargk has crossed the river to join us with the majority of the horde, just had full council of war. Cunning bastard left a large camp full of banners, straw warriors, and a chunk of undead ones under illusions that we sent over behind. Now, a few hundred orcish warriors too, but basically the whole horde is concentrated south of Milturn now in the woods or in our camp.

The plan is fairly simple, we are to remain here as he and the horde move northwards into the woods, there they'll complete the bridges & rafts we've got under construction and cross tomorrow. We, and those left behind in the camp, will attack across the river once the signal is given and draw the Uthgardt towards us. I'm not overly sold on this part of the plan let's say, but we're making preparations. Us, the Moonbaldes, the auxlia, and our 'friends' the giants, 'recruits' and aurilites; me and Zah plan to assault under a fog bank, and then an arrow storm from the Hwacha. We ain't getting butchered and back-stabbed this time.

I'll be impossible to hide us bringing up the rafts and boats, nor from the dwarves. Though I'm meeting the Harpell's soon even to give the illusion of a sally out from the city. After all the enemy focusing on us is the plan after all. The stupid, stupid, plan that needs to be done.

In other news; Shandy is nervous of it, while our dear Tana is rather happy that she gets to go out and kill some 'acceptable' enemies rather than humans. Good to remember how the secret princess views barbarians as 'not people' even as we slowly get her to see us orcs as people, a bunch of savage jackass ones, but still people none the less. Fun times indeed.

--

[Interlude 20]

--

With Words, With Blood, and With Mithral: Tales of the Fallen North

Authored by Mazoga Ironhand, daughter of Krowlak Ironhand. Mage-Warlord of Black Raven Keep, Scholar-Artificer of the Steel Dragon Tavern-Tower, and Loremistress of Emperor Zahgran the First, Giantsbane, Elftamer, Builder of Airships, and Master of Blizzards.

Chapter VI: Mithral and Magecraft – The Relief of Mirbar [Year 02 Northern Imperial Reckoning] [Year 1357 Dale Reckoning]

...the Luskan's vanquished the Illuskan proto-Legion had by, fortifying the banks of the Mirar opposite Mirabar itself, and the actions in the coming ten-days showed the difference from previous, barbaric, hordes. The Battle(s) of Mirabar a foreshadowing of many of the methods that became the hallmarks of the Empire in their defeat of enemies between the destruction of the one sieging force in detail rather than facing a united and allied enemy. To the vassalisation , allying, and/or hiring of non-orcs into the 'Horde' as it was seen at that time; in a way, and too an extent that, no orcish had ever done willing before, and certainly not since the Demonic Legion that had shattered the elven nation of Cormanthyr.

Despite this the Illuskan position was somewhat week in the days immediately after the First Battle of Mirabar as while the Luskan army besieging the western bank had been destroyed the situation had left Illusk's forces separated on by the river and city. An early, unplanned, attack by the forces on the eastern most bank had been a disastrous failure;- and it was almost a ten-day before sufficient construction of rafts and half-bridges over the Mirar allowed the divided army to be in a position to reunite its strength. Something that was done with a great effort towards secrecy, though this failed in most respects, as the majority of clans to the eastern bank crossed to the west before heading northwards to launch an intended surprise attack from that direction.

Elements of the army would assault across the river, draw the attention of the Uthgardt host, and then allow the main force to swing in behind the barbarian horde and shatter it. A good plan, though one most sources indicate the Uthgardt had become roughly aware of through their shamans as while effective scrying had been blocked of the Illuskan camps, it was less so upon the great host marching north. Unfortunately the exact extent of what was known is difficult to know exactly owing to the, many, conflicting accounts and second hand tales from that side of what is called the Harrowing at Bloody Harn's End by the tribes. Even more problematically these conflicting views are often violently disputed, playing into the divisions been civilized and nomadic Uthgardt tribes, and those subsumed by Empire, or most actively opposed to it.

What had led into this is that even prior to the battle the relationship between the tribes of the 'United Horde' had begun to deteriorate even before defeat of the Luskan contingent encamped to their east. Somewhat ironically the division between the two tribes, the Thunderbeast and Griffon, was in the reversal of desires prior to siege of the city of Mirabar. Prior to the winter snows and battering down of the city's outer walls the Griffons had been focused upon the conquest of Mirabar, and the Thunderbeasts upon mere destroying it in a great raid before returning home. By the days in the run up to the Second Battle of Mirabar this situation had largely reversed itself; early successes and almost conquest of the city had driven the Thunderbeasts to reject any idea of retreating from the field now a city stood to be taken.

This feeling was perhaps bolstered in the immediate run up to the battle by poor performance of the Illuskan forces; an ill-advised attempt to cross the east flank leading to a one side slaughter of the troops involved at the hands of the Thunderbeast and their great skeletal summons. With the elimination of the Luskan forces fleeing the Illuskan attack, and driving back of a few minor dwarven raids, the Thunderbeasts believed it impossible to consider retreating from battle with 'weak' orcs, and that neither the Illuskan Legion, nor the signs of a great northern horde, were causes for concern. Simply put they would draw the Illuskans over the river, destroy their assaults in detail, and take the city that had almost fallen prior to this delay. This done they would ambush the Northern Horde at a later date, and establish themselves as the masters of that range with the destruction of the city and seizure of its wealth.

Perhaps more aware of the dangers presented by the Illuskan and Mirbaran forces recently arrived, and having seen less success either, the Griffon Tribe instead were of the position that ending the campaign was now the better option. Great quantities of loot had been gained, the strength of Mirabar shattered, and there was no great desire risking being trapped between two orcish hordes coming from the north and the south. Mistakenly the Uthgardt believed the Illuskans and Northern mountain savages to be allied, but also apparently held the viewpoint that unity amongst both would collapse once they united and attempted to siege Mirabar themselves in the way of many orcish hordes. Somewhat ironic to consider due to ensuing events, but it does indicate a more long-term strategy from the Griffons than from their Thundebeast allies and rivals.

As such in the run up to the battle the relationship between the two tribes had started to become positively venomous, and while both seemed aware of a crude outline of the Illuskan plan both had come to different understandings from it. To the Griffins the primary goal would be hold the initial attacks, or even ignore them to draw the Illuskan forces further towards them and then counter ambush the entire horde. That, or quite simply, to take the opportunity to withdraw entirely, take their loot and slaves with them, and return home after calling it a great success. For the Thunderbeast the situation presented the opposite;- they would destroy the Illuskans in detail, first as the spoiling attacks crossed the river and were effectively trapped against the banks, and then again when the main host arrived later.

Many would call this overconfident, especially as they appeared to viewing this as a viable strategy even without the Griffin Tribe, but one must note the campaign had seen little but overall success and the orcish light infantry had proven weak to their perception. Larger orcish hordes prior to the Imperial system's formation had been shattered before by equal or lesser number of the Uthgardt; something many are wont to forget in this day and age with differing 'knowledge' of how such matters should go. Judgements based on past experience is oft vital on the battlefield, but one must always be aware your 'past knowledge' maybe flawed or lacking in some manner.

So it was on the rainy day in the summer the Illuskan Heavy Infantry with auxiliary support began to cross the Mirar from their camps on the west and east banks. Efforts to persuade the dwarves to sally forth had fallen on deaf ears, but the wizards present within the ruined city had gathered to aid the attack with illusions and limited weather control. Cloud cover and drizzling rain, as well as careful sheltering of rafts crossing shield by the city's walls, allowed the Illuskans under the right hand of the Emperor Phargk, Karguk the Reader, and the then great War Captain Zahgorim Sharp Axe, the Knight-breaker, to cross and form up into formation before the Uthgardt were aware they had crossed in force.

This would give time for the Illuskans to form up in a crude half-crescent shape formation with blocks of auxlia infantry, primarily human with kobold and goblin archers, anchoring the flank facing the city to its south with a number of drowish priestesses in support under the feared Qilue Veladorn. In the centre though was the heavy pike and infantry of the Legion, along with three primitive armoured landwagons and siege artillery, and a defensive position was adopted in full view of the city walls, and the Uthgardt beyond. To the northern flank, and just behind, Legionary cavalry formed up with recently recited auxiliaries such a number of frost giants and their minions.

Here we see signs of early imperial behaviour; both in the supplementing of core forces with non-orc auxiliaries, and of the recruiting of recent enemies and induction into the Legion's forces. There are also the changes from behaviour of previous, uncivilized, hordes with the presence of the armoured land-wagons, and adoption of a partial laager formation to prevent the Uthgardt using their superior numbers to flank. Having learned the lessons of Bitter Blood Creek the smaller proto-Legion force attempted to bring every advantage to bear even before the first clash of arms; the only fair fight is one you lose in a quote attributed to Karguk the Reader before the battle.

Ironically perhaps then the Illuskan battle plan fell apart almost immediately despite their preparations as the Uthgardt did not react as expected. Aware of the host likely to arrive from the north, and perhaps underestimating the abilities of forces that had cross the river, the immediate response was from the Thunderbeast tribe alone;- an all out cavalry charge. This had less than the desired effect as the Illuskan heavy infantry stood their ground at the first charge, then the second, and the third, as the Uthgardt horsemen wheeled and charged again. In the aftermath relatively few casualties was suffered amongst the defending infantry, but it proved rather disastrous to the Uthgardt riders as the Illuskan cavalry finally counter charged on the third assault and routed them back towards their own lines.

By now though but tribal hosts had assembled, but had remained separated as violent argument over what to do next erupted between the two chieftains and the respective war-councils. Arguments that are generally seen as an excuse for murder and cowardice by one side today, while the other claims it as stupidity and incompetence leading to their chieftain needing to commit violence to prevent being dragged down alongside their supposed allies. This led to inaction on the Uthgardt's behalf, the Thunderbeast tribe's warhost watching the combined clan cavalry futilely charge the Illuskan lines while the Griffins initially marched northwards before holding position as the debate continued. For a time after the failed charges, as the skies cleared and the sun slowly sank, both armies stood facing each other uneasily as the Illuskans watched the Uthgardt forces gradually shift north unexpectedly.

Unsurprisingly this cause serious consternation amongst the commanders of the river crossing force; they, quite simply, were intended as a diversion to draw the Uthgardt into battle for the hammer blow to take the enemy in the flank later. Instead the Uthgardt largely held back refusing to engage, while also deploying in such a manner as could potentially block the northern approaching force from linking up with them. Threatened with this, and the Uthgardt likely to remain fresh despite their plans, Zahgorim Sharp-Axe and Karguk the Reader decided there was only one logical course of action; Charge and Attack the much larger barbarian host across the battlefield from them.

Now it is clear arcane communication had kept the separated Illuskan forces very much aware of each other and of the soon approaching arrival of 'relief force to the battlefield, so attacking a force many times their size makes significant sense. It did catch the Uthgardt, particularly the Thunderbeast Tribe, by surprise thought when the Illuskans marched out from behind their rough hastily erected field fortifications and began to advance up their lines. Lines which held the great undead beasts of the tribe, totem animals that they were, and initially the chieftains, mid-argument, did not entirely this situation till the two lines had effectively clashed after a Hwacha barrage. To the dismay of the Thunderbeasts, this attack also made use of heavy spellcraft and attacks with the land-wagons to damage or drive back their sacred undead beasts;- by the time a charge was called the Illuskan heavy infantry had already begun to drive into Thunderbeast centre.

It is at this point chaos occurs. According to the Thunderbeast tribal accounts the Griffin tribe chieftain, in a fit of cowardice slew their chieftain before taking his tribe and fleeing even his warriors betrayed them, looting their camp and enslaving their camp followers. To the Griffin tribe reports of the smaller body of orcish warriors driving back the Thunderbeasts, and even their 'sacred beasts' could only due to weakness, cowardice, and incompetence and made their chieftain unfit to command them to aid them. Words were said, blades were drawn, and after the Thunderbeast chieftain reacted to being called an incompetent fool had attacked their chieftain in a rage and been cut down. Whatever the case chaos reigned with the Uthgardt host as both tribes turned upon each other as the Griffin host began to march eastwards and the Thunderbeast host fell into confusion.

What followed them, recorded by orcs, dwarves, humans, and drow present at the battle [or viewing clearly from the walls] was a slaughter as the disorganised, but initially fanatically brave, Thunderbeast tribe made a furious stand even as the Griffins host moved away east. This would last a time, but once two of their sacred beast were 'slain' by magic and Shatter Bell, and then land-wagon, respectively this fight went out of the majority and a chaotic rout began. Clusters of brave or merely unaware warrior fought on valiantly, but even as the vanguard of the rest of the Illuskan host appeared from the north all they would see was their foes fleeing from the spoiling attack they had launched...

--

[Karguk 77]

A Field of Crows, Outside City of Mirabar

The aftermath of every battle stank I found, stank and sounded of squawking birds fighting over the results of our brutal work. I was tired, exhausted really, but the magic of crude and primitive alchemy had driven that away for a time once again as I watched the graves been dug and pyres being prepared. I'd have chuckled if not for the tiredness at the sight of the dead digging their own graves, but I felt hollow and just nodded to Doctor Ned as he enjoyed himself earning what he saw as easy money, and Sydney apparently whined was demeaning to their 'craft' as Necromancers. Doctor Ned had just laughed at that idea and offered not to pay her anything if she'd didn't want to damage her pride.

'That didn't last long to change her mind though' I thought watching as the slave-apprentice directed some zombies in to a mass grave not too far away. Glancing to my other side the walls of Mirabar loomed distant...well past the bodies, smell of shit, and our now defensively emplaced horde. We Won...somehow, it still confused me really how we'd managed to do this exactly; they'd just...fall apart and let us butcher our way through them. Or least the Thunderbeasts had, as the Griffons appeared to have moved off eastwards as a solid fighting force judging from the tattered banners we'd captured or seen driven before us.

For now though my job was to deal with the aftermath of the unexpected victory while Zah handled the other clan chieftains that arrived just after we'd driven the Uthgardt from the field. There'd be a feast of sorts soon, great victory and all that, but all I really wanted right now was to rest a time. Sadly that was not to be, potential dangers called corpses that could be zombies to be dealt with, a dwarven city that watched warily nearby. And, very soon I suspected, the dread figure of the Holy Emperor Phargk would descend upon me after getting the horde into position.

"More than I thought there'd be" I said to nobody in particular, turning my focus back to the miserable looking group before us, and formed up ranks of the Janissaries not too far away. Not too many, just over a hundred, but the slave legion was slowly growing; and now it was recruiting time of a sorts as my own ad-hoc 'command' staff stood around me. Luckily or unluckily for this lot, some of them anyway, we'd gotten in amongst the wrecked Thunderbeast camp and as such taken whatever had been left by the retreating and self-fighting Uthgardters.

"Not much to look at either Boss"

I nodded at Hreshgk's words "No, they aren't, but the real fighters amongst them managed to die fighting, or we're having to kill off now...ahhh...what we've got left are the green boys, camp followers, and the murder-hobos willing to throw in. That's why we beat the training into them...they ain't born warriors after all"

'Well some are, but let's not mention that for now' I mentally amended watching as one of said actually deadly fighters of the slave-legionaires came forward and and saluted. Damned former Luskan guardswoman with the slave caravan we'd liberated the Gods-slaves from, but I couldn't deny the bitch could fight, and more importantly lead and train the other dregs that formed the recruitment pool of the current force. So, personal feelings aside as ever with many of the lot that served the clan I accepted the fist to heard salute from Cirla Kag with a nod. Likely a test by the orcs I'd put over the slave legionnaires as officers; of her, not me of course but it was generally more useful to have non-orcs put the case forward that orcs. I glanced down at her.

"You were successful Legionnaire?"

"Yes Master" she replied firmly standing at attention, discipline was harsh but it gave me soldiers rather than warriors in certain cases "...these weaklings will have the honour of serving you and the clan Master once they are beaten into fighting shape"

"Excellent Legionnaire, between this and your performance in the battle you have earned your reward, as has your unit"

A bow, tiredness but genuine relief nearly hidden behind a hard stoic face "Thank you Master, I live to serve"

I tried to be at least fair along with that brutal harshness of the training and discipline, and our current band bloodied its blades upon our foes in this fight without breaking. The new recruits weren't even at that stage as I strode in front of the cowering bunch; Uthgardt women, and a few who were not Uthgardt women having gone from one slave owner to another I suspected, along with a few older boys and those we'd collected from the Luskans before. Another fifty or sixty from the looks of it, and I'd guess most were choosing this option over being a bed-slave or field-slave, or death in case of the most of the men really, and it was a way out. I wondered idly how many would regret that choice once their training started.

"Rose, make a note; we'll do the initiation at dawn, so I'll need acolytes to help with the branding and oath binding. I'd suggest your girls too, they can help up any that seem sick, and learn some spell work"

"Of course Papa" she replied back sounding as exhausted as I felt. She'd taken a blow, or maybe two, to her armour during the thick of the fighting; but that's what armour was for, and she was fine and only needed a stamina potion to keep going as I was. Hard fighting, one couldn't call Uthgardt cowards, but it'd been a one sided slaughter once their dinosaur skeletons went down...somehow. My brain was still processing it as I ignored the death around me as best I could.

"How are we looking for loot Hreshgk?"

"Hard know Boss, us and the Moonblades are striping the bodies of anything good...but, you know, Utties, and their camp was on fire before we took it..."

I nodded "Aye, Utties and armour, we'll just try and grab whatever chainmail or anything in that range they might have. Thankfully the Luskans had good stuff I suppose"

'Thankfully, and we and the Moonblades got to it first so finders kinders' one didn't add, even if the others were all thinking it too. I'd, we'd, hoped that the Uthgardt camp would have their loot from the campaign stockpiled, but looked like the Griffons had run off with that. Showed an annoying level of competence in that regards at the very least. We'd demand our pound of flesh off the dwarves and humans of Mirabar of course, but better armour and weapons for the Auxlia, Jannisaries, and even the auxiliary forces of our goblins and kobolds was my immediate priority.

"Papa" Rose noted to me, nodding to our right as I glanced at her. Turning my head I saw the approaching form of Darth Phargk and his escort of bodyguards, and stream of other minions trailing along behind. One or two of the younger and stupider ones stopping to loot corpses looked to me; that wouldn't impress our dark lord emperor in my experience. I nodded to Rose and the others.

"I see him, Rose, Hreshgk, with me, the rest of you remain a distance as usual" I instructed turning and strolling towards the approaching robe clad figure. He wore a simple iron crown now, infused with the blood of his enemies from the rituals I'd seen from him, and as ever the Gods granted Black Staff was in his hand and used like a walking stick. A faux one at that; Ancient Old Phargk did what I did and used magic to supplement his physical ability when needed. When he wanted to move...then he could be blur of movement with the power of a bull behind each blow. Terror and power were his methods of control, or using others like myself, rather than the bling-bling I'd seen in a few other clans Chieftains; the legacy of being a clan shaman perhaps at work.

"My Emperor" I greeted, giving a faint bow, after walking towards the approaching group; like mine Phargk separating with his deadly shadow Mirrinock the deadly assassin priest at one side, and a warrior in plate at the other.

"Ah, My Apprentice, a great victory it seems even before full force could arrive. One must congratulate you as we and the others have congratulated your Chieftains on driving these weaklings before us. Now we have shown these dwarves and their cowardly allies true power while they cower behind their walls. A great victory, the first of many"

'Oh, I'm your apprentice now huh? Claiming indirect glory I wonder' I noted, still giving a bow like nod in response "Thank you my Emperor, it is good to see our foes shattered before us. I was just preparing our new slave warriors, and ensuring the bodies are stripped and cleared from the battlefield. Best not to all easy access to them with many of our enemies surviving by fleeing east, or with us so close to Mirabar and needing to encamp soon"

"Yes, Yes, indeed. Now it will come time for us to demand our due, and then to march upon Luskan in the coming days...and perhaps deal with those who might come from the Spine to challenge our growing power"

I nodded "Yes, understandable, we scout out those rumours as you say. Though I think it will take time to deal with the dwarves, their kind are not prone to being easy even if they do pay their debts...eventually"

"Oh, and it shall be much of a debt to pay...heh heh, how it must rankle their bearded heads to owe so to us..." he chuckled darkly gazing towards Mirabar "...but wait we may, it is high summer soon...soon the harvest will be ready, best to march when the harvest is nearly ready and we can feed ourselves with ease. Delaying mere ten-days and prepare"

"Understood"

"Yes, we shall talk further on such..." he replied "...but now, come, we gather the chieftains and shamans of the horde and prepare them so they do not embarrass or fail me before our foes and opponents after showing them the power and strength of Illusk"

--

Okay, it's a quasi-Tris chapter so I'm tried to keep it clean but also well...it's our dirty minded half-elf bard so I've tried to write in that style without going over any lines. If there's any issues I'll rework*

[Tris's True Tell All Tales 01]

[Extracts From: To the Magical Mithril Mines of Mirabar]

--

...the triumphant warriors cried their victory for all to hear! Beneath their booted feet the ground ran crimson with the blood of their slain foes; the river not darkening to red only by how fast the Griffon Tribe of the Uthgardt fled the fields like the cowardly knaves they were! Now all the North would know of glorious orcs of Illusk and the throbbing power and passionate energy that beat with their mighty chests as those upon the walls of the saved city of dwarves gazed upon them in reverential awe and stunned fear.

Standing proud and erect in their triumphant, blood stained and battered but glorious, armour the victorious warriors and their tremendously powerful and wise leaders were greeted by the grateful Emperor of Illusk to rousing cheers. Aged, yet still burning with passion and iron will, the Emperor praised these brave and hardy warriors who had won glory and honour in his name against what had seemed overwhelming numbers of savage Uthgardt barbarians.

Gathering all to his side, purging the battlefield of their fallen foes, a great feast and celebration blessed by the Gods themselves was called for to honour such an achievement. With tireless energy and a roar of approval the warriors dispersed, gathering logs and kindling, beer and wine, and food they had honourably won, and began to feast! Feast as heroes such as they deserved!

Soon the former battlefield was covered by tents and burning bonfires that drew those from far and wide as the wine flowed freely and good cheer filled the air. Swooning females of all races came to sing the praises of these might and tremendous warriors, whether they orc, or human, dwarf or kobold, or even the occasional brave pure blooded elf amongst the ranks.

Though in truth any of these were drowish elves, the sleek and stunning sleathy ranger Drizzt Do'Urden, the deadly as she was beautiful Qilue Veladorn, and of course that noble and luscious Lady's vivacious and intrepid young acolytes. Shedding their constraining robes and armour under the moonlight and bonfire light to dance in celebration at the victory the priestesses, overcome by the jubilation, gyrated and sang their triumphant for all to see...

--

...sauntering into the tent of the of conquering Orcish Shaman, one who she had betrayed like the foolish maiden she had been, Shrouda Stargleam's heart thundered in her not so generous bosom. Feeling faint a moment she swayed upon her feet, only to have those big, strong, orcish hands take hold of her shoulders and take her instead the large tent with an easy, yet demanding, pull.

Now she was alone, helpless, with one she owed great gratitude for saving herself and city, but also great and deserved fear for having conspired against in the past. Now, all that was left to her was to show her shame and repentance as fell to her knees, grovelling and pleading silently as the just and glorious Karguk towered over her even as he sat upon his throne.

"Oh mighty, stupendous and powerful Karguk, ever merciful! I beg thee to show mercy and kindness upon this wretched and foolish female!" she bawled trembling as she was overcome by his tremendously orcish presence even as gazed with dispassionate calm upon her "...forgive me, forgive this poor city that hath placed me in guidance over it!"

Raising an eyebrow the warrior priest gazed down imperiously upon the grovelling female "And why should I do so? I have honoured all in deed that I hath sworn, nor do I desire this place when our true kingdom awaits to be built by our own strong orcish hands! No, only for justice to be done would I dwell here in anger, to punish those who had broken their words"

Shrouda whimpered, feeling the weight of her foolishness bear down up her as she wilted before the demanding and judging gaze "Anything Lord! Anything to pay restitution"

Mighty Karguk snorted in irritation "And what would you have to offer me sorceress?"

Overcome and trembling with emotion the sorceress gripped the clasp of her robes, tugging it loose, and then shivering despite the warmth of the tent as it slide free to leave her helpless and unclad before that imperious gaze "Anything my Lord, anything that thou does desire! Even mine own body"

Again the mighty shaman snorted in irritation "Thine body is little compensation for our aid in further battles, or payment for crimes past. One such as I is surrounded by fair beauties that surpass such a body as yours! From my stunning and powerful wives to ravishingly beautiful concubines what need have I of you? Beauties incomparable; orcish and human, drow and elf, and even a half-elf as skilled in words as she in the furs. No, you offer little it seems to I"

It was true she knew, her eyes watering and gazing down upon the tent in shame. Overwhelmed by his glorious orcness her mind and body had acted with thinking, desires spiralling up within her "Please Oh Mighty Master, let me teach you the secrets of my magics! My tomes of power! Take them and forgive me!"

"Hmm...a fair trade perhaps"

Looking up, a small hope now burning in her heart at those words she edged forward upon her knees towards him, clasping her hands before her as if in prayer as she came to his seated legs "Oh thank you oh merciful lord, thank you!"

She bit her lip, overcome at his mercy and magnificent orciness "My Lord, oh Merciful Master, though I am no beauty as others that grace your presence...please, let us...read dwarven poetry together..."

--

...as some screamed out their joy into the cold night air others sang and danced beneath the silvery moon that hung in the dark and smoulderingly beautiful sky above. So great and impressive was the feasting that even the shades of the dead were seen to have been summoned from their slumber to join the festivities.

Hips shook, arms swung, as the wizardly allies of the brave and mighty Illuskans danced through the night; moving in perfect unison as if one body as the great host cheered them on. Even the pale beauties, white clad servants of the frost maiden found their frozen hearts moved to join such festivities like dancing snow amongst the dark drow, or the colourfully clad dancing wizards.

"Come now fellows!" Nedorious the Magnificent cried out to his compatriots as the moved along to the beat of the drums "...shake it like it's the Fall of Netheril! Life is for the living!"

"Yes my colleague, let us dance, and plot to destroy the wicked power of Luskan like Harpers are born to do!"

"Yes Uncle Malchor!" the other energetic and spry Harpell, young and passionate Bella Harpell cried out beside him "...as Harpells too! Nothing can stop a plotting Harpell Harper when she has the power of dance behind them!"

"Indeed! Now we must prepare ourselves to bring down the savage Luskans with our noble and manly orcish allies! Next stop Luskan!"

"But first...magic dance hands!"

And the sky erupted with shimmering lights as the dancing wizards shook their hands in unison and sang out their magic...

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Some words from our readership and various interviewees to these events:

Bruenor Battlehammer "Nay, we did nay gaze inna fear ah them bleedin orcs! Ya daft half-elf bi..."

Qilue Veladorn "I do not recall it exactly that way...but it was a glorious victory and the feast was less murderous than expected I suppose..."

Shaman Karguk of Illusk "What have I told you idiots about listening to Tris?"

Malcador Harpell "I did not dance and plot the destruction of Luskan with that Necromancer and the orcs of Illusk. Not all Harpells or Harpers sing and dance while plotting to destroy their enemies"

Shrouda Stargleam "WE BLOODY WERE reading magic books and dwarven poetry...NO IT DID NOT MEAN KINKY STUFF BACK THEN! STOP SAYING THAT! I DID NOT INVENT THAT PHRASE!! LIES, ITS ALL LIES! That Half-Elven Harlot! When I get my HANDS ON HER...!"

Nedorious Illian Kline THE THIRD "It was a fun feast now, wasn't it?"

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