A jolt of cold wetness shocked me from peaceful slumber into a groggy, yet very alert, state. My heart pounded rapidly from the rude awakening. Dumping water on people should only be used as a last resort, and I had no special appointments planned! The least people could do is leave a voice-mail. With groggy motions, I rubbed my eyes to clear them of the water and gunk. Standing overhead with an empty bucket of water was Zakka with a very serious look upon her face.

“Where’s Mah’ra?” I asked as I glanced around the hut. Last I remember, she was lying on the best being healed. Judging by the light entering the hut, sunset was just starting.

“She is home. Resting.” Zakka spoke, her face relaxing for a brief moment accompanied by a light smile. “Thank you for saving her.”

“I only did what anyone else would.” I shrugged. Zakka stared at me for a long time, almost as if she were in regret.

“Come.” She spoke with sigh. “Your judgment awaits.”

“Judgment?” I asked as I arose and brushed the dirt off my chest and clothes.

“For using magic, you are to be sentenced to death for Oathbreaking.”

My heart froze at her words. Hell, my blood froze throughout my body in an instant. My throat felt as if someone was gripping it, and breathing became hard. How did they know I used magic? I didn’t leave any evidence that I was using it. Ice Shard would shatter and melt from the sun. ‘Oh.’ I wanted to slap myself for being such an idiot. Of course they would find the Stone Spike I had used to save Mah’ra.

“If you are thinking of running, it will do you no good.” Zakka stated with a sour expression. “Your family has already been taken to face judgment as well.”

“My family? Why are they-”

“For siring one who is capable of magic, those responsible for the birth are killed as well. They carry the taint responsible for your powers.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath before continuing, “We will suffer no magical corruption in our Clan.” Her face then twisted as if she were eating something sour. “Thus it has always been, decreed by the Ancients themselves.”

Rage burned within my blood as I listened to her. Killing my family and I simply because I can use magic? It was beyond stupid! That would be like jailing an entire family because their kid was caught shoplifting! It was beyond asinine…it was stupidity incarnate. I could feel my mind slipping from the rage consuming me. With practiced, calming breaths, I reigned in my anger for the moment. I couldn’t do anything rash, rash action leads to terrible results.

“Come.” Zakka spoke as she shuffled towards the exit to her hut. With a deep breath, I followed. First things first, I couldn’t abandon my family. One should never abandon family no matter the hardships. Even in the face of death. Not that I planned on simply letting my family be killed. Not if I had anything to say about it. As we exited, a pair of Warriors, both level twenty-four, clad in armor made of red Salamander scales. Each carried a hefty steel battle-axe strapped to their backs as they regarded me with contempt. Before I could react, they grabbed my arms and bent them forcefully behind my back.

“What are you-” I tried to speak just as pain erupted on the side of my face, knocking my head sideways. One of the fuckers backhanded me! I growled as I attempted to pry my arms free from their iron grips. Unfortunately, I am but a child in the hands of trained killers.

“Be at ease, Kotek.” Zakka spoke, “Do not struggle.” Like hell I wasn’t! I’d bite, kick and scratch to obtain my freedom. Just not at this moment. Family comes first. Reluctantly, I swallowed my pride and allowed myself to be restrained. Thick rope was then wrapped around my wrists and bound together behind my back. I couldn’t help but smirk. The ropes were tight, but I’d be able to slip out of them within a minute.

Wouldn’t be the first time I pulled a Harry Houdini.

After my hands were “secured” Zakka stepped behind me and urged me forward. To the guards’ credit, they said nothing as they fell in behind us, making sure that I wouldn’t attempt to escape. Based on stats alone, I doubt I could manage an escape. But stats weren’t everything. If I were to use a little Mana and cause a flash of lightning in front of their eyes, I could blind them for a few moments. Would it be enough time? Maybe. But that was just one option among many in my mind.

My original mother always said I had a good imagination.

‘Status.’ I commanded mentally as Zakka and I trudged through unnaturally empty streets.

Name: Kotek Jir’iroc Race: Orc Class: Villager Title: N/A Level: 3 Experience: 25/40 Health: 75/84 Mana: 64/64 Stamina: 77/77 Unspent Points: 1 Strength: 7 Vitality: 7 Dexterity: 6 Agility: 7 Intelligence: 8 Wisdom: 6 Perception: 5 Luck: 1

Without even blinking, I tossed my free point into Intelligence. But what caught my attention was that my health wasn’t at maximum. I don’t remember getting hit by anything. I glanced over my abilities only to stop at two new additions I hadn’t seen before.

Windrush

Mana + Stamina Cost: 1 per second

Summons the power of the Wind to increase the user’s movement speed for the duration they maintain the ability. The amount increased is based entirely on the user’s physical capabilities. A Warrior using this ability during a sprint will be much faster than a Mage, simply due to the fact that their bodies are better conditioned physically. Due to this, many Magi who learn this ability begin physical training in order to make better use of the ability itself.

Overload:

Health Cost: 10+

Drain’s the user’s life force to empower their next ability. The more of the user’s life force they use, the stronger the effect. Often used as a last resort, A Magi will use this ability to turn the tides against the forces against them. More often than not, the Magi will perish after unleashing their ability often due to the desperation of the situations they find themselves in.

‘Windrush? Overload? When did I learn these?’ The only explanation I could come up with was when I was carrying Mah’ra. I must have dismissed the notifications as they popped up, as I was so focused on getting Mah’ra to Zakka. ‘Perhaps using Windrush was what gave me away.’ I sighed, causing Zakka to glance at me for a second before returning to leading the way. For a brief moment, I had considered that maybe I shouldn’t have saved her. But that was a selfish thought, one I dismissed faster than it came to mind.

‘I must have used Overload on Windrush. That must be how I got to Zakka’s hut so quickly.’ My mind began to wander at the potential of these new abilities.

“Ready yourself.” Zakka stated as she urged me forward towards a massive crowd of Orcs standing in a large circle around what would be the eastern Dueling Ring. Our guards upped their pace and walked on both sides of me, brandishing their axes. The crowd ahead noticed us with an unruly cry of rage and hatred. Though they parted to let us pass, they did so with great reluctance.

Judging by how they were acting, I wouldn’t have been surprised if they tore me limb from limb were it not for my the guards at my side. With a deep breath and rapid heartbeats, I walked through the path that had been cleared for us.

“Tainted!”

“Evil!”

“Oathbreaker!”

Voices fused together into a chaotic cacophony as insults and accusations were hurtled my way. If only that was all that was thrown at me. The sting of sharp rocks cut into my skin as the offenders blended into the crowd. Globs of spit and snot smacked right into my face. More than once, one of my fellow Clansmen tore at the hair upon my head or sent a punch towards me. My guards attempted to stifle the more physical of the bunch, but there was always a few who got through. By the time we had made it through the crowd, my face was a bloody mess of green skin, greener snot, and darker green bruises.

A ring of guards covered the inside of the Duel Ring, preventing the crowd from approaching the two figures kneeling upon the sands. Their arms bound behind their backs, their clothes torn, their bodies a mess of bruises and cuts. Even from as far as I was, I could feel their stares upon me.

In the center of the ring stood the largest Orc in our Clan. His skin was almost as black as obsidian, with piercing orange eyes. Eyes that currently were watching me with interest. Unlike the guards, he didn’t wear scale armor. Instead, he wore regular stitched-hide clothing adorned with the teeth of various predators. His right hand rested upon the haft of a massive maul made from the bones of one of the Mammoths that roam the plains.

I had never met him before, but he needed no introduction. Standing before me was Hokrog Jir’iroc, the Clan Chief. My eyes widened as I looked at the status below his name.

Hokrag Jir’iroc

Level 45 Warlord

My mouth went dry. My body shook in fear as his yellow teeth curled into a grin. I should have run away sooner. There was no way I was going to escape this! This was no Orc, this was a monster! My heart pounded as he beckoned me forward. A hard shove from Zakka made me fall upon my knees as they buckled in fear. Ragged laughter echoed throughout the crowd as one of my escorts pulled me up and forced me to stand beside my family.

“And here comes the tainted one.” Hokrag’s voice rumbled like thunder as his eyes appraised me from head to toe. Silence gripped the crowd the moment he began to speak. “A shame. You look to have been raised well enough. Perhaps after a few years, you may have stood shoulder to shoulder with the Oathpact.” He turned to regard my father. “Your son could have been very strong indeed.”

“I have no son.” My father spoke with venom as he spat towards me. Emptiness filled me as I processed what he had just said.

“Hear that, Oathbreaker? Your father has forsaken you.” He grunted. “As should all parents that nurture one of the Tainted. But it makes no difference, his life shall end before the sun sets. As will your mother’s. As will yours.”

“I’ve done nothing wrong.” I managed after pushing out of my mind what my father had said. I should have known better than for an Orc to have strong family bonds. I was an idiot. I should have just left them.

“Though you are Tainted, I must give credit where it is due. Your actions saved your fellow Clansmen. For that, I give you my thanks.” Hokrog bowed his head towards me in respect.

“If you want to thank me, spare my family. They’ve done no wrong.” I spoke in defiance of my father’s betrayal. You just don’t throw family under the bus like that.

“Would that I could. But our Oaths are what make us who we are.” Hokrag spoke as he gestured towards my father. “Koloch has led younglings in their training far longer than you have been alive. Likewise, Dabba is one of the Clan’s great hunters. Losing them will be hard upon us as a people, but the Taint must be severed at the source.”

With the greatest of ease, Hokrag lifted his massive maul and stood before my father.

“Koloch Jir’iroc, any last words?”

“Honor me as the Warrior I was, and may the Wyld grant me glory in the afterlife.” My father grunted before turning towards me and spitting.

“You will be honored, old friend.” Hokrag spoke softly as he raised the his maul high. A moment later, my father’s head was no more than smashed bits upon the sand below. I felt my stomach churn at the sight of brain and bile. Any attempts at looking away only brought forth the image burned into my mind. Acidic burning filled my throat as I heaved and upchucked upon the sands.

Mocking laughter filled the crowd as I heaved more of whatever was in my stomach upon the sand below. I had to get out of here. I had to escape. I would not go back into the darkness. I wouldn’t!

“Dabba Jir’iroc, any last words?” Hokrag asked my mother as he did my father.

“Golgo-ko.” My mother demanded in an angry voice. Silence returned to the crowd.

“I accept.” Hokrag spoke without hesitation and walked back into the middle of the ring. Zakka’s hands grabbed my shoulder and pulled me back towards the edge of the Duel Ring. I watched as a guard approached my mother, undid her bindings, helped her to her feet, and handed her his battle-axe. Meanwhile, another guard cleared the ring of what he could of my father’s remains.

“What…” I uttered as a new wave of nausea tightened in my guts.

“Golgo-ko.” Zakka responded in a whisper. “Blood Duel. All have a right to demand one from the Chief. In this, they are stripped of all honor and must face an appointed champion in a duel to the death. If they are victorious, they are exiled from the clan. No matter how serious the crime.”

She had emphasized her last words and gripped my shoulder tightly. Was this my way out? Kill the Champion appointed by the Chief? Could I even manage such a thing?

“Due to the nature of these crimes, I will be the Champion.” Hokrag spoke in a booming voice for all to hear. “Are you ready Dabba?” My mother nodded in response. “Then we begin!”

Hokrag charged towards my mother with his maul held high. Sand kicked up in small clouds with every step he took. My mother held her ground as she watched the Chief closely, her battle-axe held up defensively. With a roar, Hokrag slammed his weapon down towards my mother with blinding speed. With a quick jump, my mother avoided the swing and countered with one of her own. Steel smashed against bone, as Hokrag blocked the strike with the haft of his weapon.

“Hrmph!” Hokrag grunted as he pushed the axe away effortlessly. The sound of the maul whipping through the air haunted my ears as my mother attempted to block the sudden strike, only to be knocked off her feet. Without giving my mother a moment’s rest, Hokrag rushed forward swinging his maul with reckless abandon.

‘I have to help! But if I do the guards will kill me! I can’t go back! I won’t go back!’ My heart beat rapidly as I scanned the surroundings. ‘Orcs, Orcs, Orcs, how do I get through a wall of Orcs? I can’t help my mother. I don’t think I can even help myself.’ My eyes moved frantically from the duel, to my surroundings, and back to the duel. My mother was holding, but for how long?

“Rah!” My mother yelled as her eyes began to glow. Instantly, her movements became impossible for me to track as clash after clash rung out in the night. I was shocked by the sudden increase in her movement and attacks. Hokrag himself gritted his teeth as he was forced onto the defensive, doing all he could to block my mother’s strikes.

‘She must be using an ability.’ With rapt attention, I focused upon the battle, hoping desperately for my mother to land a killing blow. ‘Go mom, kick his ass!’

Little by little, Hokrag was pushed back as more and more shallow cuts showed upon his arms and legs. My mother had gone all out in her attack as she roared with rage. Yet, Hokrag barely seemed bothered by his wounds. Even more chilling was the fact that he was smiling. A smile that quickly turned into a grin.

‘I have to help now! No! I need to save my Mana for myself!’I clenched my teeth as I warred with myself on what to do. If I used my Mana now, my guards would attack without a second thought. But if I didn’t do anything my mother was going to die! Steeling myself, I began to channel my Mana, consequences be damned!

“Argh!” My mother cried out, breaking my concentration. With a hard pull, I was dragged to the side as my mother flew back towards Zakka and I. I watched my mother sail through the air, her eyes and teeth clenched in pain. Her left arm flailing limply through the air. Another cry escaped her lips as she slammed down upon the ground a few feet away.

“No…” I gaped as I watched my mother lay still upon the sands. Her chest rose and fell in small, weak, bursts. Secure in his victory, Hokrag stayed where he was, sweat and blood dripping from all over his body. A feral grin etched upon his face.

“By the Wyld, what a fight! Almost had me a few times there Dabba. You would have won much glory on the front lines.” He sighed as he hefted his maul onto his shoulder. “Wyld knows we need more warriors worth their steel there.”

Weakly, my mother pushed herself up with her good arm. Murmurs filled with respect surrounded us as the crowd regarded my mother with awe. Hokrag watched and waited as my mother bent down to pick up her fallen battle-axe. Ragged breaths escape her as she managed to lift it just barely.

“I will respect your wish to die on your feet.” Hokrag closed his eyes and bowed his head to her. The moment his eyes closed my mother turned to me, her own eyes glowing yellow. Within a heart’s beat, she closed the distance between us.

“Run.” Her words filled my ears as she decapitated the guard standing behind me. “Run.” She repeated as the other guard fell to her axe. Hokrag roared with rage as he began to rush towards us. My hands felt light as the ropes that once bound them were cut. “Run!” My mother shouted as she rushed back towards Hokrag with blazing eyes.

Her yell knocked me from my numb state.

“Forgive me.” I whispered as I closed my eyes and channeled a load of Mana and my own life force into a spell I had been planning. The familiar tingle of Mana being gathered was accompanied by a feeling of being lightheaded. An instant later, a loud explosion of sound and a blinding flash of light filled the ring.

Spell learned: Flashbang

Mana Cost: 20+

Conjures the powers of Fire and Wind creating a bright flash of lightning for an instant, blinding and deafening friend and foe alike should they be close enough to the blast. A useful spell that many a Magi overlook for their repertoire. Capable of both blinding and deafening foes, this handy spell can allow a Magi to disrupt their foes quite handily.

My ears rung as I looked around while channeling Mana for my next spell. Orcs shouted soundless cries of despair as they scrubbed at their eyes with their hands. A quick glance at my mother showed her unaffected by the blinding portion of the spell, as I had cast it’s origin point a bit behind her. Hokrag however, was very much affected. His soundless roar of rage was met with the bite of my mother’s axe. I wished her luck as I cast Windwalk and felt my body become far lighter.

Like a bolt of lightning, I rushed towards the crowd of blinded Orcs and weaved between them. In the time it took to breath, I had already broken away from them as I rushed to make my escape out of the city and into the coming night. The question foremost in my mind was now which way to go. After a brief thought, I had made my decision. The forest would be the obvious choice, as a lot of cover would aid my attempts at hiding away. But that was a no-go, as even the most brutish of thugs would think to look there. That forest would be fully explored within a day or two.

Likewise, the plains were a no-go as well. Too little cover to hide effectively and unless I used Windwalk every moment I could, I would be caught and killed. With a deep breath, I changed my course. Towards the Kirkotek mountains far to the east that housed the god that was my namesake.

—————————————————

Hokrag grunted as he pushed away the Shaman tending to his wounds. With a sneer, he spat down upon the corpse of Dabba. She had struck him while he was blinded, a cowardly tactic. But one that had enabled him to kill her. With only one good arm, she couldn’t use her full strength, which was his only saving grace in that brief moment. After she had struck however, she had given away her position. And like a serpent, Hokrag’s arm had thrust out and grasped her by the neck. One quick jerk and twist of the hand, and she had fallen lifeless.

“Wyld be praised.” He murmured as he rubbed the scar where the axe had bit deep into his neck. Many would have died had they taken the same blow, and so would he given enough time. But the Shamans were quick to heal his wound that had spat out his blood like a melon it’s juice. Once more, Hokrag looked down to spit upon Dabba’s corpse. Annoyance filled him to the brim as he regarded her motionless body.

“Why do you smile so?” He mused, “You are dead, you have won nothing. Your son will be found and killed within days if the wilds don’t take him first. So why do you smile still?” his questions burned into rage as he kicked her corpse.

“Chief, All the hunters are gathered.” A guard in red-scale armor approached and knelt before him.

“Good. Send them to scour the forest and the plains. Leave no stone unturned in your search.”

“By your will.” The guard nodded and rushed off into the coming night.

With a sigh, Hokrag turned to Dabba’s corpse once more. This time he did not spit, nor kick it. He merely stared at it as his thoughts rushed through his mind.

“For how long have you been hiding your corruption Dabba? Those eyes were not natural.” He mumbled to himself as he rubbed his new scar.