Warrior King, page 47
Harlingen - Capital of Hadenfeld
Langeven - Barony, Eastern Hadenfeld
Luwen - Barony, Western Hadenfeld
Malburg - Free city
Ramfelden - Barony, Eastern Hadenfeld
Roshlag - Village, Barony of Verfeld
Tongrin - Barony, Eastern Hadenfeld
Udenacht - Barony, Eastern Hadenfeld
Valksburg - Barony, Eastern Hadenfeld
Verfeld - Village and Barony, North Hadenfeld
Zwieken - Barony, North Eastern Hadenfeld
* * *
Geographical Locations
Erlen River - River near Eisen
Forest of Shadows - Unknown location where Elves were slaughtered
Great Northern Sea - Sea forming north coast of Eiddenwerthe
Grey Hills - Range of hills in Deisenbach
Grey Spire Mountains - Mountain range in the eastern Petty Kingdoms
Hills of Harlingen - Hills east and north of the capital of Hadenfeld
Hollen River - river separating Hollenbeck from Hadenfeld
Rasford River - River separating Zowenbruch and Deisenbach
Shimmering Sea - Sea on the south coast of the Petty Kingdoms
The Barrows - Range of hills, north of Eisen
The Bloodwood - Forest straddling the Hadenfeld-Zowenbruch border
The Wildwood - Large forest, Deisenbach
Zowen River - River, border between Zowenbruch and Hadenfeld
* * *
Cities/Villages/Other places
Ag-Dular - Orc village, Deisenbach
Agran - Capital, Deisenbach
Alantra - Capital, Calabria, under Halvarian occupation
Antonine - Centre of power of the Church of the Saints
Ard-Uzgul - Orc Village, Deisenbach
Bedmar - Village, Hollenbeck
Bessin - Town, Deisenbach
Bodden - Barony/village, Merceria
Caerhaven - City, Duchy of Kreighoff
Cathedral of the Saints - Hollenbeck
Chermingen - City, Erlingen
Ebenhof - Town, Andover
Ebenstadt - City, Therengia
Eidenburg - City, Agnesite training academy,
Elandril - Elven city, The Goldenwood
Esthafen - Town, Zowenbruch
Freimar - Capital, Mirantha
Freizel - Town, Deisenbach
Gryphon’s Rest - Inn, Bedmar, Duchy of Hollenbeck
Halieth - Elven city, The Goldenwood
Herani - Holy city, under Halvarian occupation
Herst - Town, Deisenbach
Klermacht - Capital, Hollenbeck
Kurslingen - Capital, Zowenbruch
Nethendril - Elven city, The Goldenwood
Rasgalen - Village, Gotfeld
Rizela - Capital, Kingdom of Ilea
Rotmar - Town, Deisenbach
Santrem - Village, Zowenbruch
Seiburg - Village, Zowenbruch
Silver Vale - Village, Regensbach
Thalune - Elven city, The Goldenwood
The Spotted Dog - Inn, Tormaline, Deisenbach
Torburg - Capital, Erlingen
Tormaline - Village, Deisenbach
Trivoli - Town, Deisenbach
Verslacht - Village, Mirantha
Volbruck - Town, Deisenbach
Zarnau - Town, Hollenbeck
* * *
Items of Note
* * *
Battles
Battle of Chermingen (1095 SR) - Duchy of Erlingen defeats Andover
Battle of Eisen (1104 SR) Hadenfeld defeats Zowenbruch
Battle of the Brinwald (1103 SR) - Arnsfeld defeats Halvarian invasion
Battle of the Wilderness (1104 SR) - Therengia defeats Holy Army
Second Battle of Harlingen (1100 SR) - Hadenfeld defeats Neuhafen
The Great War (Date unknown) - Centuries long conflict between Orcs and Elves
* * *
Saints & Gods
Agnes - Saint, Protector of women
Akosia - Goddess of Water
Ansgar - Saint, The peacemaker
Augustine - Saint, Collector of relics
Cunar - Saint, The warrior
Mathew - Saint, Servant of the ill and poor
Ragnar - Saint, Hunter of Necromancers
Tauril - Goddess of the Forest
* * *
Things
Afterlife - The place where it is believed good people go after death
Council of Peers - Ruling council of the Antonine
Glade Wardens - Elven warriors, the Goldenwood
Holy Fleet - Northern fleet, Temple Knights of Saint Agnes
Ithilium - Metal that falls from the sky, godstone or sky metal
Knights of the Sacred Shield - Order of Knighthood, Hadenfeld
Magerite - Rare gem that can indicate some types of magical potential
Moon Sight - The ability of Orcs to see by moonlight
Phoenix Ring - Paired rings used to make letters tamper-proof
Primus - Head of the Church of the Saints
Sea Elves - Elves that left the Continent two thousand years ago
Seaflower - Herb, ground to a powder to induce sleep
Sister of Mercy - Temple Knight of Saint Agnes trained in Life Magic
Sky Metal - See Ithilium
Sky Singers - Orc tribe, Deisenbach
Temple Knight - Member of a religious fighting order
Temple Knights of Saint Ansgar - Polices the other fighting orders
The Age of Chivalry - Book of military strategy and tactics
Underworld - The place where it is believed bad people go after death
Dedication
To my wife, Carol, who gave me wings to let my imagination fly.
A Few Words from Paul
Warrior King marks the end of Ludwig’s journey. He began as the spoiled son of a wealthy noble in Warrior Knight, and through trials and tribulations, ended up as a wise and benevolent king. From the very beginning, it was always my intention to reunite Ludwig and Charlaine as equals just in time to deal the Empire of Halvaria its fatal blow.
The Church of the Saints is now broken, having been destroyed by agents of the empire and reduced to a shadow of its former influence. The result of this will be felt across the Petty Kingdom and will have a bearing on future events. Though this series is now concluded, the survivors of the Temple Knights of Saint Cunar will rear their heads again in a future series.
Ludwig and Charlaine, however, will ride one more time, in Victory of the Crown, Book fifteen in the Heir to the Crown series.
It’s not easy to finish a series, and I particularly owe a debt to my wife, Carol, whose encouragement helped me develop and write this tale. Additionally, her work of editing and promoting all my books allowed me to devote more time to writing.
I should also like to express my gratitude to Stephanie Sandrock, Christie Bennett, and Amanda Bennett for their continued support.
Thanks are also due to my BETA team for providing such valuable feedback, so a big shoutout to Rachel Deibler, Michael Rhew, Phyllis Simpson, Don Hinckley, Debbie Reeves, Joanna Smith, Barbara Raue, Diana Elliott Braddi, Kari Fredlund, Anna Ostberg, Steve Filson, Keven Hutchison, John Henniger, Lisa Hanika, Brad Williams, Lisa Hunt, and Charles Mohapel.
Finally, I thank you, my readers, without whom this series would never have been written in the first place. I hope you’ve enjoyed the Power Ascending Series, and I invite you to read some of my other series.
Ashes - The Frozen Flame: Book One
Chapter 1: From the Ashes
Spring 1102 SR* (Saints Reckoning)
(In the tongue of the Orcs)
An arrow sailed through the air, digging into a tree near a deer. Alarmed by the sound, the creature bolted, disappearing deeper into the woods.
A bellow of rage exploded from a nearby bush. Its occupant stood up, his green Orc skin blending in well with the surrounding forest. "I should have had him," he growled.
"There will be more," called out his Orc companion. "To be honest, Laruhk, I am surprised you got so close. I would have heard you at twice the distance."
"You mock me, Kargen," he replied. "My skills are just as good as yours."
"And yet the deer escaped," stated Kargen, his face breaking into a grin, "but it is of no consequence, we shall merely have to find another."
"Had you not given our last deer to Athgar, we might be back at our village, enjoying the smell of roast venison."
"He needed the kill," defended Kargen, "and we are sufficiently skilled that we shall not return empty-handed."
"Bah, you favour the Human too much. What is it about him that you find so interesting?"
"He is not like the rest," asserted Kargen. "He treats us with respect, and in turn, I offer the same to him."
"Athgar is not much of a hunter," observed Laruhk.
"Neither are you if your last arrow is any indication." Kargen wandered over to the tree, pulling the shot loose. "The tip is undamaged," he said, offering it back to his companion.
Laruhk tucked it into the quiver that hung from his belt. "Where shall we look next?"
Kargen didn't answer, he was too busy sniffing the air.
"What is it?" asked Laruhk.
"Something on the wind, smoke I think, coming from the west."
"A nearby hunter?"
"No," said Kargen. "It is too strong for a simple campfire. This is something bigger.”
"An army camp, perhaps?”
"Here, in this part of the woods?" asked Kargen. "Humans know this is Orc territory, they would be fools to enter."
"And yet, it has not stopped them in the past,” said Laruhk. “It is the reason we built a palisade around Ord-Kurgad, remember? I can think of no other explanation for the smoke, can you? The only other thing nearby is the village of Athelwald."
"Perhaps it is under attack?" suggested Kargen.
"Who would attack the Therengians?" asked Laruhk. "They form a buffer between the duke and us. Without them, there would be trouble on the border."
"Perhaps that is someone's intent?" supplied Kargen. "We know so little about the ways of Humans, but they are said to be devious."
"You think that outsiders mean to invade us?"
"It is a distinct possibility," said Kargen.
"And so Athgar's people, these Therengians, would they fight?"
"They would not fight us," replied Kargen, "for we are the only ones to trade with them, but they would, I suspect, fight to defend their village."
"If that is so, then what are we to do?" asked Laruhk.
"We must investigate further," his friend decided, "and try to discover what has befallen them. Let us see if we can solve this mystery."
They made their way upwind, following a westerly path until they emerged from the trees onto a slight rise, the Therengian village of Athelwald visible some distance off. Even from their current position, they could make out flames. Thick, black smoke poured from the dwellings, while horsemen rode about, torches in hand, their armour glinting in the sun.
"Your suspicions are correct, they are under attack!" called out Laruhk.
"Yes, but by who?" asked Kargen, shielding his eyes, straining to make out what details he could.
"Armoured riders on horseback, it would appear," said Laruhk.
"I can see that, but who are they? Mercenaries? Agents of the duke? Soldiers from Krieghoff? They wear heavy metal armour, perhaps a war has broken out, and Athgar's village has been caught in the middle?"
"What shall we do?" asked Laruhk.
"There is not much we can do. If we were to go down there now, we would be slaughtered along with the rest of Athelwald. No, we must wait and watch. With any luck, we shall be able to identify the attackers."
"Why? To seek revenge?" asked Laruhk.
"No," Kargen replied, "this is not our fight. To intervene would be to invite disaster for our own people."
"As usual, you are in the right, my friend. We shall let them kill each other, and then there will be fewer Humans to threaten us in the future."
"You misinterpret, Laruhk. We shall wait until the riders have left and then enter Athelwald. There may be survivors."
"I thought you said it was not our fight? The Orcs of the Red Hand have been left alone by the duke. Are we to change all that with our actions this day? Surely, if we interfere here, there will be repercussions?"
"I cannot stand by and do nothing," said Kargen. "We Orcs exist in a precarious position, surviving only so long as the Duke of Holstead does not see us as a threat. I would have thought the same of Athgar's people, but something has altered that relationship. Change is coming, whether we want it or not."
They watched the riders as they torched the village. The dead lay scattered about, while others, cut off by the horsemen, cowered before the display of weapons.
"They mean to take prisoners!" announced Laruhk.
A drop of rain fell, landing on Kargen's face. "Our ancestors weep," he observed. "Mark this day well, for something has started here that will have a great effect on our people, I can feel it."
"Surely you jest, Kargen. The Therengian's are a minor people. How could the loss of this one village affect our tribe?"
"Just as the loss of a single hunter can change the fortunes of the hunt, so too, can the loss of a single ally leave ripples in the lives of others. I do not know what has happened this day, but I feel it has changed our future."
They watched in silence, the raindrops increasing in frequency till they became a heavy rain, obscuring their view of Athelwald.
"Come," said Kargen, "it is time we approach."
They made their way down the hill. The rain had soaked the ground, yet smoke still poured forth from the buildings. As they drew closer, a quiet settled over the area, lending an eerie feeling to their journey. Arriving at the edge of the village, they paused, listening intently, trying to ascertain if the enemy horsemen remained.
"They are gone," announced Kargen, advancing.
Slowly, cautiously, they walked into the remains of Athelwald. The thatched roofs had, for the most part, been burned away, while little was left of the buildings save for some scorched timbers and mud.
Laruhk stopped, gazing down at the body of a villager. "This was no battle," he declared, "this was a massacre."
Kargen swept his gaze across the area, taking in the footprints that were yet to be washed away by the rain. "Yes," he finally said, "and yet I fear killing was not their objective."
"How can you say that? Look at all the bodies!"
In answer, Kargen ran forward, then paused, pointing at the ground. "There, you see? They were taken from here in a large group, herded, like the Humans herd cattle."
"But why would someone do such a thing?" asked Laruhk.
"There is only one reason I can think of," replied Kargen. "They were taken as slaves."
Laruhk made a face. "How barbaric," he spat out in disgust. "Have they no sense of decency?"
"No, they do not, whoever they were. I suspect these people fought back," he waved his hand to indicate the dead, "but they had little chance against armoured horsemen."
"Poor Athgar," said Laruhk, "I shall miss him."
"I doubt he was taken," offered Kargen. "He is not the type to surrender without a fight."
"Then he is likely dead," said Laruhk, "and yet I do not see his body."
"Let us look around some more, perhaps we will be able to find him, and let his spirit rest."
They poked their way through the burned-out huts, ignoring the rain. It was Kargen that finally found what he was looking for. "Over here," he called out.
Laruhk came running, "What is it?"
"This is what is left of Athgar's hut," said Kargen. "The rain must have extinguished the fire."
"Is he in there?"
"I do not know," Kargen replied. "The timbers that formed the roof have collapsed. Help me move them, and perhaps we can find his body."
They quickly got to work, hefting the timbers and tossing them to the side. As they moved yet another one, Kargen tripped on something, sending the wood toppling to the side. He looked down to see a boot, still attached to a leg.
"A body," he called out. "It must be Athgar, buried in the debris."
Laruhk moved forward, crouching to wipe ashes from the body, revealing Athgar, the human’s brown hair framing a face with a patchy beard. The Orc pried open an eyelid to look into the human’s grey eyes. "He is dead," he declared.
"No, he is not," said Kargen. "Note how the rain bubbles around his nose? Quickly, we must pull him free."
Kargen lifted the man's head, shielding him from the rain with his massive green body. "Grab his legs, let us pull him from the remains of this hut."
They dragged him out, laying him on the ground. As they did so, the rain slackened, then suddenly stopped. Kargen looked up at the sky in surprise, "The ancestors look kindly upon us."
"It is just rain," offered Laruhk, "not the ancestors."
"Do not be so sure to dismiss things," retorted his companion.
Laruhk looked over the body. "He seems to have taken a rather nasty hit to the head," he observed, "and there are several cuts to his arms, along with burns."
"Strange that he would have taken refuge in a burning hut," observed Kargen.
"I suspect he fought back, but something must have forced him into the hut. Perhaps he was driven back by a horseman?"
"Perhaps," said Kargen, "but we will not know for sure unless we can save him. He looks to have suffered quite a few burns."
"He is young, is he not?” asked Laruhk.
“He is,” agreed Kargen. “Only twenty years of age, if I am not mistaken. Not even old enough to have a full beard, see how patchy it is?”
“Even more so with his burns,” noted Laruhk. “It is a shame that Uhdrig is not here to heal him.”
“Then we must transport him,” said Kargen.
Laruhk turned to his companion with a look of surprise, "Are you suggesting we take him back to our village?"
"How else would we save him?"
Langeven - Barony, Eastern Hadenfeld
Luwen - Barony, Western Hadenfeld
Malburg - Free city
Ramfelden - Barony, Eastern Hadenfeld
Roshlag - Village, Barony of Verfeld
Tongrin - Barony, Eastern Hadenfeld
Udenacht - Barony, Eastern Hadenfeld
Valksburg - Barony, Eastern Hadenfeld
Verfeld - Village and Barony, North Hadenfeld
Zwieken - Barony, North Eastern Hadenfeld
* * *
Geographical Locations
Erlen River - River near Eisen
Forest of Shadows - Unknown location where Elves were slaughtered
Great Northern Sea - Sea forming north coast of Eiddenwerthe
Grey Hills - Range of hills in Deisenbach
Grey Spire Mountains - Mountain range in the eastern Petty Kingdoms
Hills of Harlingen - Hills east and north of the capital of Hadenfeld
Hollen River - river separating Hollenbeck from Hadenfeld
Rasford River - River separating Zowenbruch and Deisenbach
Shimmering Sea - Sea on the south coast of the Petty Kingdoms
The Barrows - Range of hills, north of Eisen
The Bloodwood - Forest straddling the Hadenfeld-Zowenbruch border
The Wildwood - Large forest, Deisenbach
Zowen River - River, border between Zowenbruch and Hadenfeld
* * *
Cities/Villages/Other places
Ag-Dular - Orc village, Deisenbach
Agran - Capital, Deisenbach
Alantra - Capital, Calabria, under Halvarian occupation
Antonine - Centre of power of the Church of the Saints
Ard-Uzgul - Orc Village, Deisenbach
Bedmar - Village, Hollenbeck
Bessin - Town, Deisenbach
Bodden - Barony/village, Merceria
Caerhaven - City, Duchy of Kreighoff
Cathedral of the Saints - Hollenbeck
Chermingen - City, Erlingen
Ebenhof - Town, Andover
Ebenstadt - City, Therengia
Eidenburg - City, Agnesite training academy,
Elandril - Elven city, The Goldenwood
Esthafen - Town, Zowenbruch
Freimar - Capital, Mirantha
Freizel - Town, Deisenbach
Gryphon’s Rest - Inn, Bedmar, Duchy of Hollenbeck
Halieth - Elven city, The Goldenwood
Herani - Holy city, under Halvarian occupation
Herst - Town, Deisenbach
Klermacht - Capital, Hollenbeck
Kurslingen - Capital, Zowenbruch
Nethendril - Elven city, The Goldenwood
Rasgalen - Village, Gotfeld
Rizela - Capital, Kingdom of Ilea
Rotmar - Town, Deisenbach
Santrem - Village, Zowenbruch
Seiburg - Village, Zowenbruch
Silver Vale - Village, Regensbach
Thalune - Elven city, The Goldenwood
The Spotted Dog - Inn, Tormaline, Deisenbach
Torburg - Capital, Erlingen
Tormaline - Village, Deisenbach
Trivoli - Town, Deisenbach
Verslacht - Village, Mirantha
Volbruck - Town, Deisenbach
Zarnau - Town, Hollenbeck
* * *
Items of Note
* * *
Battles
Battle of Chermingen (1095 SR) - Duchy of Erlingen defeats Andover
Battle of Eisen (1104 SR) Hadenfeld defeats Zowenbruch
Battle of the Brinwald (1103 SR) - Arnsfeld defeats Halvarian invasion
Battle of the Wilderness (1104 SR) - Therengia defeats Holy Army
Second Battle of Harlingen (1100 SR) - Hadenfeld defeats Neuhafen
The Great War (Date unknown) - Centuries long conflict between Orcs and Elves
* * *
Saints & Gods
Agnes - Saint, Protector of women
Akosia - Goddess of Water
Ansgar - Saint, The peacemaker
Augustine - Saint, Collector of relics
Cunar - Saint, The warrior
Mathew - Saint, Servant of the ill and poor
Ragnar - Saint, Hunter of Necromancers
Tauril - Goddess of the Forest
* * *
Things
Afterlife - The place where it is believed good people go after death
Council of Peers - Ruling council of the Antonine
Glade Wardens - Elven warriors, the Goldenwood
Holy Fleet - Northern fleet, Temple Knights of Saint Agnes
Ithilium - Metal that falls from the sky, godstone or sky metal
Knights of the Sacred Shield - Order of Knighthood, Hadenfeld
Magerite - Rare gem that can indicate some types of magical potential
Moon Sight - The ability of Orcs to see by moonlight
Phoenix Ring - Paired rings used to make letters tamper-proof
Primus - Head of the Church of the Saints
Sea Elves - Elves that left the Continent two thousand years ago
Seaflower - Herb, ground to a powder to induce sleep
Sister of Mercy - Temple Knight of Saint Agnes trained in Life Magic
Sky Metal - See Ithilium
Sky Singers - Orc tribe, Deisenbach
Temple Knight - Member of a religious fighting order
Temple Knights of Saint Ansgar - Polices the other fighting orders
The Age of Chivalry - Book of military strategy and tactics
Underworld - The place where it is believed bad people go after death
Dedication
To my wife, Carol, who gave me wings to let my imagination fly.
A Few Words from Paul
Warrior King marks the end of Ludwig’s journey. He began as the spoiled son of a wealthy noble in Warrior Knight, and through trials and tribulations, ended up as a wise and benevolent king. From the very beginning, it was always my intention to reunite Ludwig and Charlaine as equals just in time to deal the Empire of Halvaria its fatal blow.
The Church of the Saints is now broken, having been destroyed by agents of the empire and reduced to a shadow of its former influence. The result of this will be felt across the Petty Kingdom and will have a bearing on future events. Though this series is now concluded, the survivors of the Temple Knights of Saint Cunar will rear their heads again in a future series.
Ludwig and Charlaine, however, will ride one more time, in Victory of the Crown, Book fifteen in the Heir to the Crown series.
It’s not easy to finish a series, and I particularly owe a debt to my wife, Carol, whose encouragement helped me develop and write this tale. Additionally, her work of editing and promoting all my books allowed me to devote more time to writing.
I should also like to express my gratitude to Stephanie Sandrock, Christie Bennett, and Amanda Bennett for their continued support.
Thanks are also due to my BETA team for providing such valuable feedback, so a big shoutout to Rachel Deibler, Michael Rhew, Phyllis Simpson, Don Hinckley, Debbie Reeves, Joanna Smith, Barbara Raue, Diana Elliott Braddi, Kari Fredlund, Anna Ostberg, Steve Filson, Keven Hutchison, John Henniger, Lisa Hanika, Brad Williams, Lisa Hunt, and Charles Mohapel.
Finally, I thank you, my readers, without whom this series would never have been written in the first place. I hope you’ve enjoyed the Power Ascending Series, and I invite you to read some of my other series.
Ashes - The Frozen Flame: Book One
Chapter 1: From the Ashes
Spring 1102 SR* (Saints Reckoning)
(In the tongue of the Orcs)
An arrow sailed through the air, digging into a tree near a deer. Alarmed by the sound, the creature bolted, disappearing deeper into the woods.
A bellow of rage exploded from a nearby bush. Its occupant stood up, his green Orc skin blending in well with the surrounding forest. "I should have had him," he growled.
"There will be more," called out his Orc companion. "To be honest, Laruhk, I am surprised you got so close. I would have heard you at twice the distance."
"You mock me, Kargen," he replied. "My skills are just as good as yours."
"And yet the deer escaped," stated Kargen, his face breaking into a grin, "but it is of no consequence, we shall merely have to find another."
"Had you not given our last deer to Athgar, we might be back at our village, enjoying the smell of roast venison."
"He needed the kill," defended Kargen, "and we are sufficiently skilled that we shall not return empty-handed."
"Bah, you favour the Human too much. What is it about him that you find so interesting?"
"He is not like the rest," asserted Kargen. "He treats us with respect, and in turn, I offer the same to him."
"Athgar is not much of a hunter," observed Laruhk.
"Neither are you if your last arrow is any indication." Kargen wandered over to the tree, pulling the shot loose. "The tip is undamaged," he said, offering it back to his companion.
Laruhk tucked it into the quiver that hung from his belt. "Where shall we look next?"
Kargen didn't answer, he was too busy sniffing the air.
"What is it?" asked Laruhk.
"Something on the wind, smoke I think, coming from the west."
"A nearby hunter?"
"No," said Kargen. "It is too strong for a simple campfire. This is something bigger.”
"An army camp, perhaps?”
"Here, in this part of the woods?" asked Kargen. "Humans know this is Orc territory, they would be fools to enter."
"And yet, it has not stopped them in the past,” said Laruhk. “It is the reason we built a palisade around Ord-Kurgad, remember? I can think of no other explanation for the smoke, can you? The only other thing nearby is the village of Athelwald."
"Perhaps it is under attack?" suggested Kargen.
"Who would attack the Therengians?" asked Laruhk. "They form a buffer between the duke and us. Without them, there would be trouble on the border."
"Perhaps that is someone's intent?" supplied Kargen. "We know so little about the ways of Humans, but they are said to be devious."
"You think that outsiders mean to invade us?"
"It is a distinct possibility," said Kargen.
"And so Athgar's people, these Therengians, would they fight?"
"They would not fight us," replied Kargen, "for we are the only ones to trade with them, but they would, I suspect, fight to defend their village."
"If that is so, then what are we to do?" asked Laruhk.
"We must investigate further," his friend decided, "and try to discover what has befallen them. Let us see if we can solve this mystery."
They made their way upwind, following a westerly path until they emerged from the trees onto a slight rise, the Therengian village of Athelwald visible some distance off. Even from their current position, they could make out flames. Thick, black smoke poured from the dwellings, while horsemen rode about, torches in hand, their armour glinting in the sun.
"Your suspicions are correct, they are under attack!" called out Laruhk.
"Yes, but by who?" asked Kargen, shielding his eyes, straining to make out what details he could.
"Armoured riders on horseback, it would appear," said Laruhk.
"I can see that, but who are they? Mercenaries? Agents of the duke? Soldiers from Krieghoff? They wear heavy metal armour, perhaps a war has broken out, and Athgar's village has been caught in the middle?"
"What shall we do?" asked Laruhk.
"There is not much we can do. If we were to go down there now, we would be slaughtered along with the rest of Athelwald. No, we must wait and watch. With any luck, we shall be able to identify the attackers."
"Why? To seek revenge?" asked Laruhk.
"No," Kargen replied, "this is not our fight. To intervene would be to invite disaster for our own people."
"As usual, you are in the right, my friend. We shall let them kill each other, and then there will be fewer Humans to threaten us in the future."
"You misinterpret, Laruhk. We shall wait until the riders have left and then enter Athelwald. There may be survivors."
"I thought you said it was not our fight? The Orcs of the Red Hand have been left alone by the duke. Are we to change all that with our actions this day? Surely, if we interfere here, there will be repercussions?"
"I cannot stand by and do nothing," said Kargen. "We Orcs exist in a precarious position, surviving only so long as the Duke of Holstead does not see us as a threat. I would have thought the same of Athgar's people, but something has altered that relationship. Change is coming, whether we want it or not."
They watched the riders as they torched the village. The dead lay scattered about, while others, cut off by the horsemen, cowered before the display of weapons.
"They mean to take prisoners!" announced Laruhk.
A drop of rain fell, landing on Kargen's face. "Our ancestors weep," he observed. "Mark this day well, for something has started here that will have a great effect on our people, I can feel it."
"Surely you jest, Kargen. The Therengian's are a minor people. How could the loss of this one village affect our tribe?"
"Just as the loss of a single hunter can change the fortunes of the hunt, so too, can the loss of a single ally leave ripples in the lives of others. I do not know what has happened this day, but I feel it has changed our future."
They watched in silence, the raindrops increasing in frequency till they became a heavy rain, obscuring their view of Athelwald.
"Come," said Kargen, "it is time we approach."
They made their way down the hill. The rain had soaked the ground, yet smoke still poured forth from the buildings. As they drew closer, a quiet settled over the area, lending an eerie feeling to their journey. Arriving at the edge of the village, they paused, listening intently, trying to ascertain if the enemy horsemen remained.
"They are gone," announced Kargen, advancing.
Slowly, cautiously, they walked into the remains of Athelwald. The thatched roofs had, for the most part, been burned away, while little was left of the buildings save for some scorched timbers and mud.
Laruhk stopped, gazing down at the body of a villager. "This was no battle," he declared, "this was a massacre."
Kargen swept his gaze across the area, taking in the footprints that were yet to be washed away by the rain. "Yes," he finally said, "and yet I fear killing was not their objective."
"How can you say that? Look at all the bodies!"
In answer, Kargen ran forward, then paused, pointing at the ground. "There, you see? They were taken from here in a large group, herded, like the Humans herd cattle."
"But why would someone do such a thing?" asked Laruhk.
"There is only one reason I can think of," replied Kargen. "They were taken as slaves."
Laruhk made a face. "How barbaric," he spat out in disgust. "Have they no sense of decency?"
"No, they do not, whoever they were. I suspect these people fought back," he waved his hand to indicate the dead, "but they had little chance against armoured horsemen."
"Poor Athgar," said Laruhk, "I shall miss him."
"I doubt he was taken," offered Kargen. "He is not the type to surrender without a fight."
"Then he is likely dead," said Laruhk, "and yet I do not see his body."
"Let us look around some more, perhaps we will be able to find him, and let his spirit rest."
They poked their way through the burned-out huts, ignoring the rain. It was Kargen that finally found what he was looking for. "Over here," he called out.
Laruhk came running, "What is it?"
"This is what is left of Athgar's hut," said Kargen. "The rain must have extinguished the fire."
"Is he in there?"
"I do not know," Kargen replied. "The timbers that formed the roof have collapsed. Help me move them, and perhaps we can find his body."
They quickly got to work, hefting the timbers and tossing them to the side. As they moved yet another one, Kargen tripped on something, sending the wood toppling to the side. He looked down to see a boot, still attached to a leg.
"A body," he called out. "It must be Athgar, buried in the debris."
Laruhk moved forward, crouching to wipe ashes from the body, revealing Athgar, the human’s brown hair framing a face with a patchy beard. The Orc pried open an eyelid to look into the human’s grey eyes. "He is dead," he declared.
"No, he is not," said Kargen. "Note how the rain bubbles around his nose? Quickly, we must pull him free."
Kargen lifted the man's head, shielding him from the rain with his massive green body. "Grab his legs, let us pull him from the remains of this hut."
They dragged him out, laying him on the ground. As they did so, the rain slackened, then suddenly stopped. Kargen looked up at the sky in surprise, "The ancestors look kindly upon us."
"It is just rain," offered Laruhk, "not the ancestors."
"Do not be so sure to dismiss things," retorted his companion.
Laruhk looked over the body. "He seems to have taken a rather nasty hit to the head," he observed, "and there are several cuts to his arms, along with burns."
"Strange that he would have taken refuge in a burning hut," observed Kargen.
"I suspect he fought back, but something must have forced him into the hut. Perhaps he was driven back by a horseman?"
"Perhaps," said Kargen, "but we will not know for sure unless we can save him. He looks to have suffered quite a few burns."
"He is young, is he not?” asked Laruhk.
“He is,” agreed Kargen. “Only twenty years of age, if I am not mistaken. Not even old enough to have a full beard, see how patchy it is?”
“Even more so with his burns,” noted Laruhk. “It is a shame that Uhdrig is not here to heal him.”
“Then we must transport him,” said Kargen.
Laruhk turned to his companion with a look of surprise, "Are you suggesting we take him back to our village?"
"How else would we save him?"
