Amelia

I was sleeping soundly that night, well, as soundly as one could on a bed made of hay. It must have been mid-morning when a loud clunk jolted me awake. I sat up in surprise and looked around. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. I looked over at the source of the noise. I could just barely see the front from through the door of the stable I was sleeping in. Dexter was walking around his car, placing and moving things on tables he’d arranged around it. The latest of which was a large trunk which had probably been what woke me up. His long sleeve grey shirt was gone, replaced by a navy blue T-shirt, a few flecks of paint gracing the side of the fabric. I stood and stretched, grunting slightly.

Dexter looked up as he heard the bed creak. He smiled when I saw I was up. “Good Morning.” His voice sounded cheery and optimistic. I yawned and walked over to where he stood. “Did you sleep well?” He asked.

I nodded as I rubbed my bleary eyes. “About as good as someone can while sleeping on a bag of hay,” I replied. I looked over the tables. They were laden with boxes, luggage, and other junk. All in all, he probably took up half of our available tables, ladening them with boxes that now rose up almost to my height. Various words were scrawled on the boxes, each relating to what they held; books, textbooks, tools, hobbies I could barely see the office chair over the whole mess. I pulled out a broken fishing pole and absentmindedly wound the reel before putting it back. “Is this everything that was in your car?” I asked, gesturing at the piles of things he’d manage to bring with him.

Dexter turned and looked at the tables. “Minus one or two boxes, and not including anything in the various compartments.” He replied. He walked over and opened one of the boxes. “I’m still trying to do an inventory of everything. My family helped me pack so I’m not entirely sure what they thought I’d need.” He said as he pulled out some books. “And I’m trying to decide what to do if there’s it’s not strictly useful here. If we’re not on earth, it might be a while before we find a way back. We might as well play along for a bit until we know more about our situation. “ He showed me the books, popular fiction novels. “I love books, but I don’t know what they’ll do if I give these to them.”

I nodded as Dexter put the books back in the box. “Good point. I spent a good month in captivity and I wasn’t able to learn much. It might take a year for us to even find out what causes those Banestorms. As for the books, given their literacy rate not being realistic for fiction novels, I say hold onto them for now.” I looked over at the other boxes. “What about the other boxes?” I asked.

Dexter looked around at the boxes. “Some of them hold more books, some old clothes, but most hold other junk,” Dexter replied. He moved over to a box marked TOOLS. “This one holds the tools that couldn’t fit in the bucket.” He said as he gestured at the bucket sitting next to it. He picked up a wrench that was sticking out of the bucket and began fiddling with it. “I have all the tools I need to disassemble and reassemble the entire engine of my car, but I’d need to build a new engine for the motorized carriage.” He tossed the wrench back. He started walking back to the rear of the car. “And I have yet to unpack the few power tools I have, my computers, and anything electronic, and considering the nearest compatible outlet is millennia away I’m not excited about unpacking them.” He got to the back and pulled out another box. “I may sort everything based on what’s useful now, and what’s useful in the future.” He walked back and set the box next to the trunk. “But for right now I’m just getting it out of my car so that I can get a good look at everything.”

I nodded and glanced around. “So, what’s the plan with the car?” I asked.

Dexter turned to me. “Well, first things first I’ve got to try and figure out the alloy in the chassis and how to make it. Then I’m going to need to figure out what material to use for the engine and the various components in the car.” Dexter started to rub his head. “Somewhere along the way, I need to rediscover electricity and reinvent the various electrical component to make the most basic car. Rubber is going to be high on my list of things to make.”

I nodded in agreement. “That’s a long list of things to do,” I remarked. “The electricity alone would take months to narrow down and refine to a functional point.”

Dexter nodded as he let out a sigh. “That’s not even considering the fuel source I’d have to find. I doubt the orcs have oil in reserve.” A knock at the sliding door interrupted our growing to-do list. “That must be our guide,” Dexter said as he walked over and opened the door. An orc stood behind the threshold. He wore the same garb the other orcs, a loincloth and shawl, but his clothes seemed to be made of a cheetah’s skin. He had a small axe strapped to his left side. He stood about an inch shorter than Dexter but seemed just as wide. His other features were decidedly average for their kind.

His voice boomed like so many other orcs. “I am the one tasked with directing you around the city of Snakhagr.” The orc said. “My name is Kagan, and I have been instructed to answer any questions you may have about the city.” He said as he performed some sort of greeting gesture.

Dexter nodded at Kagan’s statement. “Nice to meet you, Kagan. My name’s Dexter” Dexter extended his hand. Kagan hesitated before he took it and shook. Dexter then mimicked Kagan’s gesture, striking his clenched fist over his heart with a soft thud, then bowing slightly. I still couldn’t get over the fact of the orcs’ size. They were a bit taller than the average human, but Dexter was probably a little over their average height. And they weren’t like the defined muscular figures you saw in popular fiction, they just looked like recreational weightlifters with green skin and pointed ears. They looked strong, but many lacked any real definition. The men also seemed to have hair growing EVERYWHERE there was barely a single part of their body that wasn’t carrying at least wispy strands of hair. “And this is Amelia,” Dexter continued gesturing to me. Kagan bowed slightly, I curtseyed as best I could in the gown I was still wearing. I straightened quickly as that small movement further limited my breathing ability. “Bastard didn’t even bother trying to get the right size. At least I still have Dexter’s jacket.” I thought as I rose up. “So, when does the tour begin?” Dexter asked, turning back the Kagan.

Kagan gestured behind him as he explained. “As soon as you two are ready.”

Dexter looked over at me. “I think we’re both eager to see what this city has to offer,” Dexter said confidently. He turned back to Kagan “Our view from behind a cage offered us little opportunity to see the natural wonders, but I’m sure we’re not the first outsiders to experience orc hospitality.” Kagan seemed to clench his teeth at that statement. I swatted Dexter’s arm as I walked by. “Now’s not the time to be passive-aggressive.” I thought as we left the barn. Kagan guided us back to the main road. We walked on the cobblestone as we followed Kagan. All the while orcs were giving me and Dexter glaring looks. The children, at least, seemed curious, they hadn't yet fallen to their society's conditioning of hostility towards outsiders. Now that we were walking the streets packed with orcs, there was a distinct... odor in the air. Dexter talked to Kagan as we walked. “The first person I’d like to visit is your blacksmith.” Dexter sounded serious and calculating.

Kagan nodded as he rubbed his chin. “You shall need Shurkul then. He is the finest blacksmith in all of Gashur.”

Dexter nodded in affirmation. “Excellent. After that, I'll need to visit whoever makes your medicinal remedies, or your alchemist.” Dexter glanced at me. “At least one of those people will know how to make something flammable that we can use for fuel.” I thought as we walked down the main road.

Kagan nodded as he gestured for us to follow him down a particular road. “Those people are one and the same. Elder mother Garakh oversees all magical duties and teachings.”

Dexter pursed his lips. “What exactly are her magical duties?” Dexter asked, clearly skeptical about the whole thing.

Kagan didn’t seem to notice. “She protects the city and her people against magical assaults,” Kagan replied. “She is also in charge of teaching the apprentice wizards and mages.”

Dexter raised his eyebrows. “What’s the difference?… Between mages and wizards, I mean.” Dexter said.

Kagan seemed to consider for a minute. “If I remember correctly, mages are more powerful… more tuned with the ambient mana. The wizards must put more effort into learning spells.”

Dexter nodded, clearly unconvinced. “I’m sure they do.” He said, clearly thinking it was some spirit power bullshit. Kagan suddenly stopped in front of a building. There were clang sounds coming from an open door. Above the door, there was a sign. It showed a hammer striking an anvil.

Kagan gestured at the building. “This is where Shurkul works our metal and trains his apprentices.”

Dexter’s brows furrowed slightly. “He has multiple? Where we’re from a master typically only has one apprentice.”

Kagan seemed to smirk at the statement. “Then they are not truly masters,” Kagan replied. “Orcs travel all across Gashur to learn from Shurkul’s skill,” Kagan said as he began walking into the building. Dexter and I followed him and stepped into a spacious workshop. There were about five orcs watching an older orc hammer away at a piece of metal. They all wore thick leather aprons. The older orc seemed intent on his work and didn’t even glance up as Kagan closed the door with a sharp boom. Kagan stood idly as the orc continued to hammer. Dexter and I followed his example. The orc eventually stopped hammering and held up the chest plate for the others to see.

“This is what you should create once you have repaired the plate.” The orc said pointing at one part of the chest plate. There was a streak of dull metal on that side. “From here we can polish it back to its original state.” He said. The orc finally noticed Kagan and set the chest plate down. “Now attempt to replicate the process. There is a bin of damaged plates back there.” He said as he began walking over and pointing at a doorway. The other orcs immediately moved to begin their task. The older orc turned and approached us, giving me and Dexter an increasingly familiar look of contempt. “And to what development do I owe this visit?” He asked Kagan, ignoring me and Dexter.

Kagan gestured to me and Dexter. “I am under orders by lady Bulak to guide the outsiders around the city. They asked to know where you work so that you may aid them in their task.” The orc looked at us. His face was slightly pitted and scarred, his short black hair was swept back as if he’d gone through a wind tunnel. He stood at least 2 inches over Dexter. His arms were thick, beefy, and covered in a thin layer of soot. He gazed at me and Dexter through his bright brown eyes with an air of distaste.

Dexter put an effort into ignoring his expression and stepped forward, offering his hand. “You must be Shurkul. A pleasure to meet you. My name is Dexter.” Skurkul did not take Dexter’s hand. Instead, he continued to scowl at us. Dexter dropped his hand, obviously peeved. “And this is Amelia.” Dexter continued, gesturing at me. Shurkul immediately directed his attention to me. I took half a step back as I met his gaze full on. I felt like I was facing down a massive boar.

Shurkul turned to Kagan, ignoring Dexter entirely. “And what task have they been assigned?” Shurkul asked, obviously unhappy at this development.

Kagan started to reply but Dexter was quick to interrupt. “We’ve been tasked with constructing a motorized carriage.” Dexter began, Shurkul stared at Kagan, deliberately oblivious of Dexter’s words. “And I’ll need your help in constructing the various metallic components and alloys.”

Shurkul continued to ignore Dexter and instead waited for Kagan to respond. “They’ve been tasked with creating one of their motorized carriages.” Kagan finally replied.

Shurkul let out a low growl as he crossed his arms. “And what, exactly, am I required to help with?” Shurkul asked. The orcs in the workshop were starting to take notice.

Dexter again tried to speak directly with him. “We need you to help build the metal parts of the carriage,” Dexter said, a bit louder than before. I could tell he didn’t appreciate being ignored. “But there’s an alloy I think you’ll come to love. We call it steel. It’s much better than the basic iron that you use…”

Shurkul immediately glared at Dexter. Dexter faltered. The orcs in the workshop immediately stopped their hammering. “Are you questioning my craftsmanship?” Shurkul asked challengingly.

Dexter seemed taken aback. “N-No,” Dexter replied. “I’m not questioning the quality of your work. Rather, I’m cautious about the metal you’re applying it to. The simple iron you use won’t work in my…” Shurkul interrupted Dexter’s explanation.

“My metal is NOT SIMPLE!!” He shouted, towering over Dexter. Dexter’s eyes went wide. He looked scared. The entire workshop well silent. Spit started flying from Shurkul’s mouth as he continued shouting. “POMPOUS OUTSIDERS LIKE YOU ARE THE REASON WHY I HAVE TO PUT CARE AND DILIGENCE INTO MY METALS AND MY WORK!! BECAUSE OF HIS EFFORTS!!!” He was starting to point somewhere far off. “BECAUSE OF HIS CREATIONS!! BECAUSE OF HIS TREACHERY!!!” Dexter had his mouth clenched, expression one of absolute terror. “He has no idea how to diffuse the situation. “ I realized. Shurkul continued to scream. “AND YOU EXPECT ME TO HELP YOU BUILD ANOTHER OUTSIDER CREATION?? JUST SO THAT YOU CAN GIVE IT TO THE ELVES?? I SHOULD CUT YOU DOWN WHERE YOU STAND! SARD WHAT BULAK ORDERED, I WILL NOT HAVE MY WORK INSULTED!!” My eyes grew wide as I saw Shurkul reach for something. None of the others seemed to notice. I summoned up as much courage as I could and swiftly stepped between Shurkul and Dexter, spreading my arms out in defense.

Shurkul briefly stepped back, stunned at my intrusion. It was enough for me to bellow a defense. “HE DIDN’T MEAN IT LIKE THAT!” I shouted. Shurkul stared at me. I could now see the rough axe in his right hand, as long as I was tall. My heart pounded, every part of me telling me to run, but I remain and continued. I chose my words carefully as I half murmured a defense. “He merely meant that you may benefit from knowing how to create alloys that . . . He can’t.” I said, hoping his anger at whoever He was would motivate him to help us. “We’d give as much as we know about any alloy we ask you to make. Dexter’s right about the steel. It long replaced many of the jobs that originally went to iron.”

Shurkul’s eyes bore into me, knuckles a pale green around his axe. His face remained unchanging as he seemed to ponder my offer. Finally, he spoke. “Very well,” Shurkul growled, setting his axe back down. He leaned forward, staring above me and towards Dexter. I heard a soft gulp emanate from behind me. “But I want to know every detail about any pieces that go from my forge to your workshop, including how they interact. . . Now leave. I duties to tend to.” He turned back to his forge. The other orcs suddenly looked occupied with their work.

Shurkul walked off as Dexter let out a sigh of relief. “Thank you,” Dexter said, turning to me. “I definitely didn’t anticipate a reaction like that.” He said rubbing his head.

Kagan turned to us. “I think it best for us to continue the tour before Shurkul changes his mind,” Kagan said, gesturing at the door.

I nodded. “I think that's for the best,” I affirmed.

Dexter let out another relieved sigh and nodded. “Agreed. Next stop, Elder Mother Garakh.” We promptly left the forge.

We walked for twenty minutes. Apparently, Garakh’s workshop was on the other side of the city from Shurkul’s. Kagan and Dexter talked some more as we walked. “So how big is this city?” Dexter asked.

Kagan gestured at the hybrid houses as he replied. “Snakhagr numbers ten thousand souls over two hundred acres,” Kagan replied. “Not including the thousands of acres of farmland beyond the walls.”

Dexter raised his eyebrows. I felt my own surprise swell as I heard Kagan. That would be considered a small-town back home, but here it would likely be considered a large city. “Gashur must be massive if it can support the capital at this size,” Dexter remarked. “Assuming this is the capital.”

Kagan nodded. “Snakhagr acts as the head of Gashur. Our tribe claims four million hectares in total.” Kagan said. Dexter seemed to stumble at that number.

I did some quick math. “That's about fifteen thousand square miles,” I gasped, shocked.

Kagan faltered then nodded again. “Most astute observation.”

Dexter let out an amazed gasp as we continued to walk. “I'm going to need to see a map when I get the chance. It’ll be good to find out how different the geography is compared to home.”

Kagan thought for a second then shook his head. “You would need permission from the chief,” Kagan replied. “We have been distrusting of outsiders ever since….” He trailed off. “You need not worry about him.” Kagan suddenly said. “Just focus on constructing your carriage.”

Dexter appeared to hone in on the opportunity and seemed intent on pursuing the issue. “I'm going to find out about Him eventually,” Dexter stated firmly. “So, you might as well save us both the hassle and tell me.” Kagan didn't seem enthusiastic about answering the query. Instead, he suddenly stopped in front of a large property. There was a sign on an archway that connected to a footpath leading to the front door. The sign said Elder Mother’s Institute of Magic and Alchemy. The building that it led to had roman columns and was painted green and purple. With the roman columns and strange combinations of colors, it looked like a fraternity with no sense of style.

Dexter threw his hands up briefly as he saw where we were. “Or you could distract me by arriving here,” Dexter said defeatedly. We walked through the archway to the front door. Dexter stepped up to knock, but before he could strike the door, it opened. The orc that stood behind the doorway seemed beyond old. Her hair was a silvery-white and pulled back into a loose ponytail. Her purple shawl was thick and fluffy. You could almost mistake it for woven wool except for a massive ram’s head on her right shoulder. Her face was sagging slightly but her hazel eyes held years of experience. She was hunched slightly but was still taller than me by about two inches. She was leaning on a five-foot-tall staff with a purple gemstone seated at the top. The olive wood appeared aged and well worn. Like many of the female orcs, she was slightly thinner than the males and her tusks weren’t as prominent but she still carried herself like someone formidable in the art of combat.

Her voice rasped slightly as she spoke. “So, what brings outsiders to my institute?” The orc asked.

Dexter almost immediately went from ready to knock to offering his hand. “You must be Elder Mother Gharahk,” Dexter said, trying his best to pronounce her name. An extra h had somehow slipped into the beginning as he tried to pronounce it. “My name is Dexter.” Garahk looked Dexter up and down at his outstretched palm. After a second she switched the hand holding the staff and used her now free hand to shake Dexter’s.

I stepped forward, determined to introduce myself this time. “Nice to meet you, my name is Amelia.” Garahk took my hand, her skin was surprisingly soft, most of the other orcs seemed to have rougher hands.

She let go then turned to Kagan. “Since no one has answered my question I shall ask it again,” Garahk muttered impatiently. “Why have you brought the outsiders here?”

This time Kagan anticipated Dexter’s speed and spoke quickly. “They have been tasked by lady Bulak with building what they call a motorized carriage and have asked for your skills in alchemy,” Kagan explained.

Dexter scrunched up his face slightly. He seemed to dislike how Kagan worded his response. “We merely need access to your alchemical supplies,” Dexter provided. “Plus, any explosively flammable liquids that can be easily vaporized.” Garahk stared at him.

I pulled on his arm, turning him towards me. “What could they have that fits that description?” I asked him, a little annoyed.

Dexter shrugged nonchalantly. “It’s worth a shot. She might have something that could work with some tinkering.” He turned back to Garahk. “Do you have anything that fits that description?”

Garahk gazed at him for a minute as she seemed to consider. “I have no such substance that I would trust an outsider with.” She replied. “And I would need to have a word with Bulak before I allow you access to my storeroom or my potions.” Dexter stared at Garahk. This definitely wasn’t the reaction he was hoping for.

I grabbed his arm before he could press the issue and get on another orc’s bad side. “That’s perfectly fine,” I said, dragging Dexter away. “Talk to whoever you need to talk to.” Dexter didn’t seem eager to leave but didn’t resist when I dragged him back through the archway. Garahk stared at us as I dragged Dexter along. She finally closed the door again and left me, Dexter, and Kagan in front of the archway. “Now’s not the time to antagonize someone that we need,” I said, scolding Dexter. “If you want to be persistent with her you need her to want to help. Considering that she’s so old it might be weeks before she allows us to get what we need.”

Dexter’s face shifted slightly. He didn’t seem convinced. “She can’t be that old. People in medieval times didn’t live long lives.” He turned to Kagan. “How old is your Elder Mother?” He asked.

Kagan brought a finger to his chin as he thought for a minute. “Last I heard, she has lived for five centuries,” Kagan said. I turned to him in shock.

Dexter seemed just as startled. “What? Five centuries?” Dexter asked. “As in three-hundred and sixty-five days a year for five hundred years?”

Kagan shrugged, seeming unsurprised at the number. “Give or take some years… Yes.” Kagan replied. Dexter seemed to take a minute to process this, I couldn’t blame him. “500 years,” I thought. “She’d be older than the United States in its entirety.”

Dexter’s face scrunched up again as he seemed to consider something. “So what’s the average orc lifespan?” Dexter asked, still stunned at the revelation.

Kagan considered for a minute. He finally gestured about as he explained. “Most orcs live for two centuries, but some can get to four without aid,”

Dexter still seemed shook. “Jesus Christ,” Dexter exclaimed. “A human would break records getting to a hundred and fifty.”

It was Kagan’s turn to be surprised for a second but stopped as he seemed to think for a minute. “If you wish, we could speak to Garahk about this matter,” Kagan said gesturing back at the door. “I have heard she has just the spell that will extend your lifespan.”

That statement seemed to snap Dexter back to reality. He shook his head dismissively. “I’m sure she does,” Dexter said, almost sarcastically. “I’ll talk to her if it’s worth the trouble.” He started walking back down the road. “Next stop the Chief. He lives up there, right?” I started following Dexter as he made his way towards the hill.

Kagan suddenly voiced a fact that we hadn’t known before. “The Chief is not in Snakhagr at present.”

Dexter stopped in his tracks and turned to Kagan. “Well, where is he?” Dexter asked.

Kagan gestured towards one of the walls circling the city as he explained. “He left for a Grand Hunt a week ago.”

Dexter let out a sigh as he stared at Kagan annoyedly. “Well, when will he be back?” Dexter asked. “And didn’t Bulak just return from a Grand Hunt?”

Kagan shook his head. “Bulak returned from a Great Hunt,” Kagan explained. “Chief Dubak will be returning with live creatures as well as deceased ones. The arena must maintain its stores in some way. He should return within the week.”

Dexter seemed to consider Kagan’s words for a minute then let out a forced sigh. “Then we’ll wait to talk to him. . . . In the meantime, do you have someone that works with gears? A tinkerer maybe?”

Kagan thought for a few minutes then finally nodded. “I believe we have one such person, yes.” Dexter grinned as he turned to me. Dexter seemed about to say something when Kagan continued. “But her shop is near Shurkul’s forge.”

Dexter closed his eyes as he let out a sigh and turned back to Kagan. “Then we’re just going to have to make our way back,” Dexter said defeatedly.

It took another twenty minutes to walk back to where the workshop was. All the while Dexter tried to get Kagan to tell him about the mysterious outsider. “What did he do exactly?” Dexter asked. Kagan remained silent. “I can piece that he offered the same thing I’m offering, what with Shurkul’s outburst and all. The only thing I need is to find out what he was offering specifically. It must have been a bit of outsider tech that required manufactured pieces. Those pieces probably don’t make sense separated but coalesce into something that gives a distinct advantage in the medieval world. Either that, or he needed replacement parts for something that was already completed.” Kagan continued his silence, his jaw clenched in frustration. “And given how much emphasis Shurkul put on the elves and treachery I’m guessing he defected to the elves the instant he had the opportunity? And ever since the city has had to deal with the fallout of his actions.”

Kagan angrily turned to Dexter. “The other orcs would chain you to your workshop if you found out what He did,” Kagan spat.

Dexter stopped walking. After a second he continued his verbal explanations. “Then it’s something you have no idea how to prevent,” Dexter said. He seemed to ponder this for a minute. “Which doesn’t narrow it down in the slightest. Well, what outsider tech did he promise?” Dexter asked. Kagan went back to walking. I let out a soft sigh as Dexter continued following him. “And how long ago did this happen? If it happened a hundred years ago what he offered would be very different from what I’m offering.” Kagan continued to walk.

I grabbed Dexter’s arm. “Just let it go for now,” I said firmly. “He’s not willing to speak so there’s no point pressuring him.”

Dexter glanced at Kagan as we continued to walk. “Fine,” Dexter finally sighed. “But I’m going to find out about Him eventually.”

I nodded as I squeezed his arm gently. “Eventually,” I said. We continued to walk down the street. Orc continually shot us disapproving glances as we passed. Finally, Kagan guided us down a small alleyway. We walked along the claustrophobically small road until we finally reached a small secluded building near the end of it. There was a partially rotten sign over a door. The sign was a simple connection of two half gears. The exterior was obviously not tended to often. Kagan stepped through the door, motioning for me and Dexter to follow. Dexter and I glanced at each other before complying. The space beyond the door was small and cramped, somehow even more so than the street before. Dexter probably only had two inches of clearance between him and the ceiling. There were only seven feet of floor between the door and a counter where an orc was sitting, working on a small device. Behind her, there was a wall of small drawers. A few were open and a few variously sized gears could be seen poking out of them. A section of the drawers seemed to be missing and formed a doorway that led to a cramped workshop.

She didn’t even look up as Dexter closed the door, but she did voice a rehearsed greeting. “Welcome to Madam Urog’s shop of trinkets and devices. What can I help you with?” She sounded slightly bored.

Dexter moved to the counter and placed his hands on it. “We need your help with something big,” Dexter said, skipping the introduction this time.

The orc’s eyebrows raised in slight surprise. “Oh?” She asked. “And what do you…” She looked up from her work and saw Dexter, then me, then Kagan. “What are they doing here?” She asked Kagan.

Dexter pursed his lips as he wisely waited for Kagan to reply this time. “They require your skills with gears apparently.”

Dexter extended his hand. “My name is Dexter.”

The orc looked at him, then took his hand. “Urog.” She said simply. Urog placed what she was working on down and stood. She was only a little taller than me. Her jet-black hair was pulled back into a shoulder-length ponytail. She turned to me and looked at me with her bright blue eyes.

I waved gently at her as I gave an apologetic grin. “Hi,” I said softly. “My name’s Amelia.” I stepped forward to shake her hand. She took my hand and gripped firmly. “Definitely stronger than they look.” I thought as Urog clenched my hand. “Higher ratio of fast-twitch muscles maybe?”

Urog let go and turned back to Dexter. “So, what do you need of me?” She asked, picking her device up and turning a dial. The device made a rapid clicking sound.

She dropped the device again as Dexter spoke. “We need you to work with Shurkul to make metal gears,” Dexter replied. The device rattle and moved about randomly on the countertop. Dexter motioned with his hands. “Some are going to be this big.”

Urog looked at Dexter’s hands. She seemed to scowl as she heard Shurkul’s name. “I can make the gears myself.” She said firmly.

Dexter shook his head. “Not using the materials I need.” He countered. “You seem to work beautifully with brass,” Dexter remarked gesturing at the device “but I need gears made of thicker metal, metal which can’t be worked with like brass.”

Urog didn’t seem to take kindly to that. “I’ll not work with that arrogant excuse of a blacksmith,” Urog said.

Dexter glanced at Kagan before pressing the subject. “I was told that Shurkul was considered the best blacksmith in Gashur,” Dexter said.

Urog snorted in derision. “Believe me, he was the most incompetent when we were younger. I am shocked that he managed to obtain the same apprenticeship as me.” Urog said. “The only reason he got through it was that he seduced me and convinced me to help him learn what he could not in the forge.” The device finally stopped moving. “In terms of skill we’re on par, but I prefer to work with manipulating motion rather than making simple blades.”

Dexter took a minute to consider what she said. “So, what’s the problem?” Dexter finally asked. Urog seemed to clench her teeth at that statement. “It sounds you two would work great together and given the scale we’ll eventually need you’ll be just as successful as him.”

Urog seemed beside herself and about to say something when I interrupted. “Dexter,” I said as I gently pushed him back from the counter. “Let me handle this before you make another orc want to kill you.” Dexter hesitated then backed up as I took his place in front of Urog. I leaned in close, gesturing for Urog to do so as well. Urog glared at Dexter for a minute before complying. I used a hushed tone as I slowly formulated the right buttons to push. “Don’t mind him. He doesn’t understand what it’s like. He hasn’t had to struggle to make ends meet, especially when someone else has made it so easily.”

Urog glanced at Dexter, then slowly turned back to me. “That is not the reason.” she finally said. “I just feel . . . betrayed by him. As soon as the apprenticeship was over he behaved differently towards me as if the whole affair did not matter. . . I never receive a response from him. I feel as if the turmoil I have endured would have been more bearable if I had done so with him.” I nodded understandingly as I gave a reassuring smile. “How close was that to His incident?” I thought to myself.

I brought my thumb to my chin as I gently probed the notion. “I’m guessing that was around the time an outsider was let into the city?” I asked her. Urog thought for a minute, then nodded. I stifled a smirk as I chose my next words carefully. “Well, this might be your chance to prove yourself to the other orcs. They see Shurkul as the best of the best, but if someone were to show him up and use the metals in ways he never could, they may see your profession in a better light than ever before.” I let Urog consider what I said for a minute, then continued. “Plus, if you show him just what he’s missed all these years he may even come crawling back to you.” Urog seemed to like that idea.

Urog straightened herself and looked at Dexter. “You have yourself a deal,” Urog said. Dexter raised his eyebrows at me as I turned to him and smiled. Urog continued as she packed her device away and walked into the cramped workshop behind her.“I shall meet you at Shurkul’s workshop tomorrow to begin coordination.” Urog called as she disappeared from sight.

Dexter stared at me questioningly for a second before sighing and turning back to where Urog had vanished. “We’ll just be discussing how best to make the metal I need. We won’t be needing to build gears until I get the chassis built.” Urog poked her head out and seemed disappointed at that statement. Dexter’s face twitched slightly as he noticed and quickly continued. “But you might be able to offer insight on metallurgy. Plus, it’s best if you know everything we do about the metal we’re going to be working with.”

Urog grinned at the change in plans and nodded as she disappeared back into her workshop. “I will not disappoint you. You can be certain of that.”

Dexter nodded in response and turned towards the door. “We’ll leave you to your work then,” Dexter said as he pulled open the door and left the cramped space. Kagan and I followed, gently closing the door behind us. Dexter was stretching when we joined him in the relative light of the alley. “What exactly did you say to her?” Dexter asked as he turned to me.

I grinned slyly as I folded my hands behind my back. “Nothing that you need to worry about. It won’t affect construction.”

Dexter stared at me for a second then sighed as he shrugged. “As long as your deal doesn’t interfere with the motorized carriage.” I shook my head again, affirming my prior statement.

Kagan suddenly stepped forward and addressed Dexter. “Are there any others you require?”

Dexter let out a soft hmm as he thought for a minute. “No one that’s crucial to making a working engine… but we still would like to know if you guys have a bathhouse or something we can use… the barn isn’t exactly equipped for our cleaning habits.”

Kagan looked down slightly as he thought for a minute. “How often do you clean yourselves?” Kagan suddenly asked. “We have a building for communal purposes, but I am most curious as to how often you would be using it.”

Dexter and I glanced at each other, an odd question to say the least. Dexter shrugged as he turned back to Kagan. “If we can, we’ll be using it daily. Either just after we wake up or just before we go to sleep. And please tell me it isn’t back by your Elder Mother’s Institute.”

Kagan raised his eyebrows at Dexter’s response. “That often? An orc will often go weeks, even months, without bathing.”

Dexter’s nose scrunched up slightly and I felt like doing the same. “That’ll explain the smell,” Dexter said, raising a hand to his nostrils. “and the difference between your average lifespan and how far you can actually go.” Dexter turned to me. “It might be beneficial to teach the orcs about germ theory.”

I nodded. Kagan looked confused. “It could extend their average lifespan by 50 years,” I remarked.

Dexter shook his head, still keeping his hand close to his face. “Simply washing regularly would do that. Plus cut back on many diseases.” Dexter countered. “If their population fully understood it, it could double their average lifespan.”

Kagan seemed to be getting annoyed. “I do not appreciate being insulted to my face,” Kagan growled angrily.

Dexter and I realized the implication of our discussion, and I quickly corrected it. “We’re not insulting you,” I explained. “We’re just discussing the effects that’ll likely occur when we tell you about germ theory.” Kagan seemed taken aback. I continued. “Here, guide us to the bathhouse and I’ll tell you about it along the way.” Kagan thought for a second then finally nodded and motion for us to follow.

It took us ten minutes to walk to the bathhouse. All the while I explained to Kagan about germ theory. At the end of the explanation, Kagan spoke, summarizing my synopsis. “So, if I am hearing you correctly, all the diseases we know of are caused by tiny little creatures? Creatures so small they cannot even be seen.” I nodded. “And these creatures thrive in places that aren’t regularly washed?” I nodded again. “And if we wash regularly we have a better chance at fighting the more threatening creatures?”

I nodded once more. “That’s the long and short of it. If I had a microscope I could show you why such small creatures threaten such large ones.”

Kagan turned to Dexter. “Is what she says true?” Kagan asked me, pointing at me.

Dexter nodded. “It’s a little more complicated than that, but in general yes that’s the origin of many major diseases. She probably knows more, but that’s my general understanding of it.” He replied. Kagan seemed to think a bit as we walked.

I turned to Dexter as Kagan seemed to sink into his thoughts. “We might have to be careful about infections. Who knows what kind of foreign diseases they have.”

Dexter nodded in response. “We should keep a clean bucket in the barn for smaller-scale washing, just in case.” I nodded as we continued to follow Kagan down the street.

Suddenly, he pointed at a large building made entirely of stone. “There it is,” Kagan said. “The communal bathhouse.” Compared to the rest of the city, the building stood out like a sore thumb. Whereas the building around it was a combination of medieval and Roman architecture, the bathhouse seemed to be entirely roman. It was made completely of stone with roman columns along the front, with two large orc statues kneeling on either side of the front door. I gazed at the black sheep of a building.

Dexter looked at the building and whistled. “Impressive,” Dexter remarked. “What’s it like on the inside?” He asked.

Kagan gestured to each side of the building. “Females on the left, Males on the right. With entertainment on both sides. You would not be hard-pressed to find room within. It was built to accommodate twenty thousand residents. It is as much stone on the inside as the outside.”

Dexter nodded as he continued to stare at the building. “How often is the water replaced? I heard our old bathhouses kind of had a problem like that. The aforementioned creatures also like to live in stagnate water.”

Kagan nodded as he gestured at the building again. “It replaces itself.” Dexter looked at Kagan, confused. “The water is supplied by a natural spring, and the used water is let out the back through the city walls,” Kagan said gesturing at the log wall behind the building. Dexter seemed to think for a moment then nodded.

He then glanced at his watched as he turned around. “Like I said earlier, Impressive. Now let’s get back t-...” Dexter suddenly stopped. I turned away from the building and looked at him. His back was towards me, beginning to make his way back to the barn, but there was an axe leveled at his neck.

An orc held it. He was scowling at Dexter. “Give me a reason, outsider, and I swear I’ll end you.” The orc growled. I felt my heart quicken as I saw the sharpened blade and the determination in the orc’s eyes. Kagan finally turned at the sound of the voice, drawing his own axe.

He stepped forward and used his axe to pull the other axe away from Dexter’s neck. “You will do no such thing, Yargol,” Kagan said firmly, directing his axe at the new orc. Dexter was pushed back by Kagan, falling to the floor with a thud. I rushed to help him up as he began rubbing where the axe had hovered above his neck only moments ago. “The city is under orders by lady Bulak. The outsiders are not to be harmed.” Kagan growled. “Do I have to remind you of the punishment the Varbuk brothers face for their actions last night?”

Yargol seemed to falter at Kagan's statement. “I can handle a few rounds through the gauntlet.” Yargol snarled.

Kagan stared firmly at the orc. A few onlookers were watching the standoff. “For throwing a bed,” Kagan growled firmly. Yargol seemed to freeze “The Varbuk brother only threw a bed at the outsiders, and they received twenty rounds through the gauntlet. The only reason Krothu avoided the punishment was because he was holding their food and did not partake in throwing the bed.” Kagan straightened slightly, raising himself above the intruding orc. “If you harm them intentionally you shall be spending the rest of your life running through the gauntlet. That is if Bulak deems you worth to keep your head.” Yargol flinched at the threat and seemed to think for a minute. I could feel the tension in the air as I was uncertain what the orc’s response would be. He let out an angered growl then turned and left without a word. Kagan let out a relieved sigh as he turned back to me, holstering his own axe. “Apologies,” Kagan said, “I thought everyone knew the sincerity of Bulak’s oath.” Dexter’s words flashed through my mind. “you will guarantee us that we will not be unjustly harmed while in your city.”

I nodded as I placed a hand on Dexter’s shoulder, silencing him. “That’s fine,” I said before Dexter could try and question Kagan. “So long as no one was harmed.” I looked at Dexter. He saw my expression and wisely decided to keep quiet for now. “But I do think it’s best that we head back to the barn.” Kagan nodded and began to escort us back. Dexter stood brushed himself off before following Kagan down the bustling cobblestone road.

Dexter

It took us ten minutes before he finally walked into the barn. I glanced around at the tables. Everything was still there. I walked over to the table carrying boxes of my clothes. “You go ahead and get cleaned up first.” I opened one of the boxes and dug through it. “I want to try and sort some of this stuff before I get washed up.” Kagan stood beside her, waiting to escort her back to the bathhouse.

Amelia looked on as I searched. “You have something I can change into?” She asked.

I titled my hand back and forth in a so-so gesture. “Nothing your size,” I said as I pulled out a T-shirt, a pair of shorts, and some fresh boxers. “But it’ll be better than what the orcs will likely give you.” I handed the clothes to her. I looked at Kagan. “No offense.”

Kagan eyed the fabric I had handed Amelia and shook his head. “None taken,” Kagan replied flatly.

I turned back to Amelia. “And thanks for helping out today,” I said. “I definitely wouldn’t have the help I do now without you.”

She nodded and smiled softly. “Thanks,” She said. She then looked at the table of boxes. “And good luck with sorting all that.” She said gesturing at the boxes.

I glanced over. “Yea, Hopefully, I get some of it sorted by the time you get back.” I turned back to Amelia.

She waved my way as she turned and walked towards the door. “Alright, see you in an hour or so.” I waved in response as she left the barn for a much-needed bath. Kagan followed her and closed the door with a deep boom. I let out a sigh as I rubbed my head. “Obviously Kagan’s more of an escort than a guide.” I thought as I turned back to the tables. “Then again, I’m glad Bulak is keeping to her word.” I picked the last box from the back of my car and set it beside the ones that contained books. “Might as well start with this.” I thought as I looked at the boxes. I opened one and began sorting.

I spent about thirty minutes sorting the books. I grouped them based on their usefulness. I’d need some way to escape this place and find a way home. “If I do make it out of here I should try and find where I popped out. That might be a good place to start looking.” The stacks of books slowly grew as the mind-numbing task of sorting slowly progressed. fiction… textbook… non-fiction… fiction… sci-fi… dictionary… manual… Suddenly a pfsss broke the silence of the barn. I froze, listening intently. I felt like I had heard the sound before. The noise didn’t happen again, so I went back to sorting. fiction… textbook… textbook… hisss a new noise penetrated the barn. I stopped sorting entirely. That was definitely something I had heard before. I tilted my head and strained my ears trying to hear. pfsss… hisss… pfsss… hisss The sound was too soft for me to pinpoint. “What makes that noise?” I thought. pfsss… hisss “The office chair?” I turned to where I’d placed it. I couldn’t see it behind the car from where I stood but I could sense motion. I quietly crept around the car. I finally rounded the back of the car and saw the source of the noise. A small orc child was kneeling with their back to me, examining the office chair. I glanced up and saw one of the side doors standing open, completely out of my line of sight. “Gotta give props for sneaking up like that.” I thought as I turned back to the kid. The child was playing with the chair, using the lever to raise it up, and lower it down using her hand as a weight. “Smart too.” “Hello there,” I said, a little loudly. The orc child suddenly jumped to her feet, started. The office chair rattled slightly as she bumped it. The child was an obvious she. She wore a full-length loincloth and had what could pass as a sleeveless shirt. Her hair hung wildly down to her shoulder, her deep brown eyes seemed to scream terror.

She stammered out an apology. “I-I-I am sorry. I was just curious and…” she sounded really scared now. “Please don’t hurt me.” She covered her head with her arms and crouched down slightly.

I looked at her, confused. “Why would I hurt you?” I asked.

She looked up, still cowering behind her arms. “B-because you're an outsider.” She said, finally dropping her arms. “Outsiders are supposed to be mean, right?” She asked. She rubbed her hands together nervously, waiting for me to make a move.

Shrugged slightly as I slowly crouched, trying to seem non-threatening. “Not all of them. Some of us are, but I think a lot of us aren’t that bad.” I smiled as I gave her a reassuring expression. “My name is Dexter. What’s yours?”

She stood silent for a moment, uncertain about my friendliness. “Shel.” She said timidly.

I smiled gently. “Nice to meet you, Shel,” I said softly. “What brings you here?”

Shel hesitated for a minute before responding. “I heard there were outsiders here. I got curious. I am sorry to have intruded.”

I shook my head insistently. “Curiosity is good,” I assured her. “It’s the voice in your head that tells you something wonderful is in there.” She looked around the barn, specifically towards my car. I gently prodded her curiosity. “What’s your curiosity telling you now?” I asked her.

She was silent for another minute. “What is a metal carriage doing in a barn?” She finally asked.

I looked over at my car, then back at her. “Great question,” I said with a smile. “I’ve been tasked by lady Bulak to build another one of these carriages. So, I’m using this barn to take it apart and find out how to make another one.” I said gesturing around the barn.

Shel looked at me, still seeming a little apprehensive. “So, you know how it works?” She asked.

I smiled. “Yes, I do,” I said. I offered my hand. “Want to find out yourself?” She hesitated as she looked at my hand, then took it. “Perfect,” I said as I guided her to the front of the car. “Wait here.” I rushed over to the driver's side door and pulled the latch that would unlock the hood. Shel stepped back in surprise, startled at the noise. I walked back over and opened the hood. Once I had it open I lifted her onto the front.

She giggled as I lifted her by her arms. “You’re strong,” she remarked.

I laughed. “I had to be. My home was frequented by storms and I’d help my family clean up the mess it left behind.”

She smiled as she looked into the hood. “So, what is this?” Shel asked, pointing at the engine.

I smiled as I turned to the engine within. “I’m very glad you asked.” I spent the next forty-five minutes explaining the various parts of the engine and how they work together to make the car move. I was finally interrupted by Amelia walking in, hair still wet, and wearing the clothes she’d borrowed.

Amelia had a flash of confusion on her face as she saw Shel on the front of the car. “Now who’s this?” Amelia asked sweetly.

Shel smiled as she answered. “My name’s Shel.” She said gleefully.

Amelia nodded as she crouched slightly. “I’m sure it is,” Amelia said. “But I think it’s time for you to go home.” Shel looked at me, searching for approval.

I nodded and waved towards the door she’d come in from. “I’ll teach you more about the car when you come back.” Shel smiled as she dropped down from her seat and scurried to the open door, closing it as she left.

I turned to Amelia and jumped slightly as I saw she had stepped closer. “You should be careful,” Amelia said softly. “We still need to figure a way out of here.”

I nodded as I let out a sigh. “We will,” I whispered back. “But it can’t hurt to be friendly to the children.” I closed the hood and moved to gather a change of clothes for my own bath. “We might as well leave behind someone that has a positive experience of outsiders.”