Dexter

Despite all my fears, that was the most satisfying day of my life. We had gone back to the preparations room to change out of our equipment and I couldn't stop smiling as I undid the straps of my armor. “I still can't believe we managed to do that. I thought for sure we were done for once that creature tossed me aside like a ragdoll.” I turned to Wurthu, wondering how he was doing. He was sitting on a chair as his injuries were being tended to by one of the mages. I grinned as the final blow suddenly replayed in my mind. “I’m pretty sure that was the most memorable blow I ever witnessed. That’s even counting all the ones I saw back home.”

Wurthu grinned and sighed as he used a damp cloth to wipe the dried blood from his temple. “My arms still ache from the strike.” He remarked. “Were that a real battle, that action would likely have turned the tides.”

I nodded as I finally pulled the bracer off and saw the jagged scar now gracing my inner forearm, going from my wrist and traveling down at least three inches. I ran a finger along it and winced as a shot of pain ran up my arm. “I guess one of the absent effects involved scar tissue.” I shook my head as I tossed the bracer onto the table. “All the more reason to learn healing techniques.” I turned to my other bracer as I voiced a question to the general room. “So where does this equipment belong? While I'm here I might as well put it away.”

Vargan stood to answer my question, causing me to turn to him as he pointed about the room. “Your armor belongs to that third mannequin, the shield goes to the rack over there, but the sword is not from this room.”

I looked at him, confused. “Wait, then where’d we get it? I thought this was everything we were offered for the Arena”

Vargan nodded as he gestured towards the door. “Shurkul had arrived before most of us to supply the blade for the rite. He said he had finished the ‘Bessemer contraption' in time to make a few swords. Told me to have you put it to good use.”

My eyes went wide as I turned back to the scabbard, realizing what Vargan meant. “Woah. He finished that fast. I never expected him to complete it so quickly. Although, he’s proven himself very knowledgeable on how to work metal. He probably worked on the Bessemer Chamber in his spare time as he helped with repairs.” I pulled at the handle again and gazed at the blade, the steel glinting in the light. “It’s freaky suddenly realizing I’m holding my own sword. Holy Shit, This is cool. I’ll have to find time to go down and thank him.” I grinned to myself and nodded as I sheathed the sword, turning back to Vargan. “That's very generous of him. I'll have to find a way to thank him.”

Vargan nodded as he turned to Yamarz and Yargug. “He said you two could keep your weapons as well. He sees no reason to return such unique weapons.” They nodded as they finished pulling off their armor and began putting them away.

I followed suit as the door was suddenly pushed open, striking the opposite wall with a sharp smack. “It would seem congratulations are in order.” A voice said as I placed the leather back onto the mannequin. I turned to identify the speaker and saw the orc with the gold-trimmed shawl. He was smiling this time, looking around at us as he folded his hands behind his back. “The troll was by far the most difficult creature we could have chosen. I would dare say that many weathered soldiers would find trouble accomplishing what you had today. Your cooperation has demonstrated how capable you are as warriors.” He turned to me as I walked back to the table. “And I must commend you on rallying the others, despite your … painful setback.”

I nodded as I absentmindedly thumbed the scar on my arm. “The potions were a big help in there, despite the physical cost.”

The orc nodded as he rubbed his leg. “We would provide such potions to rite participants if there was not a valuable lesson to be learned from it.”

I nodded again as I lifted the shield and carried it over to the rack. “I'm guessing it's something along the lines of ‘Don't get reckless just because you have an undo button'?”

The orc tilted his head as he watched me pick up the shield and put it away. “I am unfamiliar with that phrase. But no, that is not the lesson I was referring to. Being cautious even with such potions comes with discipline. The lesson that came to mind is to not rely on our mages should you get injured in battle. There are not enough battlemages to keep an army uninjured and they are often far more pressed with their own skirmishes.”

I nodded as I walked back over and picked up my sword, pulling it on as I chuckled to myself. “That works too. I’m glad you mentioned that then. I’ll keep that in mind if I find myself in the middle of a battle again.”

The orc grinned and nodded as I tied the leather strap tight around my torso, pinning the sword to my back. “Let us hope that day is far off. From how you carried yourself in the Arena, I would say you still have much to learn of our ways of combat.”

I nodded as I stretched, walking towards the door as I went through a mental list of things I skipped while preparing for the rite. “You’re right about that,” I admitted. “The time crunch did me no favors in learning actual fighting techniques. I do think I’ve cemented my preferred weapons though. At least, until I find it necessary to try out other choices.”

The orc nodded and grinned as he gestured at the door him, inviting me and the others to follow. “Thoughts for the future, outsider. For now, I suggest we begin moving this gathering to the Great Hall. The Chief has ordered a feast prepared. You still have the luxury of celebrating this momentous occasion, after all.”

I grinned as the thought of food suddenly barreled to the forefront of my mind. I was starving after the Gauntlet and Arena back to back. The meager breakfast wasn’t doing much to sustain me at this point. I nodded as I turned and glanced at the others. They were just finishing returning their armaments and joining the group gathered near the door. “That sounds like a good idea. You guys ready?” They nodded as Wurthu stood and tested his leg.

The mage beside him nodded as he stood and handed him a small vial. “Drink this if you feel any pain during the day.” Wurthu nodded as she took the bottle and slipped it into his shawl. The mage then turned and departed from the room, leaving us and the new orc by ourselves. I turned back to the orc as I felt Wuthu’s wounds now covered everything left to do in this room. “Let's go then. I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re starving.”

The orc chuckled and nodded as he turned to open the door, “Let us away then.” He said cheerily, stepping through as he began escorting us up to the Great Hall.

We stepped through the door and into the Great Hall. It was even more crowded than the arena was. Orcs filled the chairs as the chatter of conversation permeated the room. I looked around as the orc escorted us towards the throne. A few of the orcs stopped and stared as we passed. Some carried warm grins of congratulations, others still showed contempt for my presence, though it was weaker than those in the weeks prior. I turned towards the throne as we neared and saw another long table positioned in front of it, piled with all manner of delectable food and drink. A series of chairs were set up beside the throne, spanning the length of the table. I grinned as I saw Bulak stand from her seat and hurry over. In her hands, I could see a pair of black frames, a smudge indicating one of the lenses had cracked. “Congratulations.” She beamed, handing me my glasses.

I continued to grin and nodded as I put the frames on, bringing the world into sharp focus. The others walked over to the tables as I continued to talk to Bulak. “I should be thanking you. I definitely wouldn't have made it through without your help.”

Bulak grinned and looked down slightly, her fingers occupying themselves as she blushed. “I only showed you where you lacked. You were the one that improved yourself.”

I chuckled as I pointed at the sword. I couldn’t draw it from where it sat, but I had no intention of doing so today. “Still, I wouldn't feel comfortable having this if it wasn't for your help. Your uncle taught you well.”

Bulak nodded again as she gestured at the table, her hands finally done fiddling with each other. “We should sit, Amelia will be here soon with the-” The door just behind us was pushed open and Amelia stepped through. “Speak of the devil.”

She looked about and spotted us, her face forming a smile as she rushed over, holding up the three silver amulets. “I brought these in case you need them.” She explained. “I’m pretty sure those orcs will want to talk to you now that it’s all over.

I nodded as I took the amulets from her and slipped them into my pocket. “I'm sure there's a ceremony I have to attend. I'll ask them when they bring it up.”

Bulak shook her head as she gestured in my pocket. “It is not complicated. You could do it in the time it takes to strike a blade.”

I looked at her skeptically. “It's that easy?”

Bulak nodded. “The enchantments require the presence of both parties to begin, but once that's done you can easily declare the debt fulfilled.”

I nodded as I glanced over at the table. “Then let's sit down. I think we're the ones everyone is waiting on.” Bulak glanced around and nodded as she gestured for us to follow her back towards the table.

I moved to follow, but Amelia wrapped her arms around me in a quick hug, pulling me to a stop for a moment. “Congratulations.” She voiced, looking up at me, relief on her face. I grinned and hugged her back before letting go and sitting at the table, removing the sword and draping the strap onto the back of my chair. I sat between Bulak and Amelia, the throne to my left beyond Bulak and the other recruits to my right beyond Amelia. I looked beyond Dubak, who was presently sitting on his throne, and saw a group of half a dozen orcs with gold trim shawls sitting on his left side. They appeared to be conversing among themselves as they patiently waited for the feast to begin. I felt my mouth water as I turned and looked down at the feast before me. Meat topped with delicious looking sauces. Cooked birds surrounded by darkened vegetables. A whole smoked boar sat on a small outcropping in the table in front of Dubak. Plates of bread and fruit littered the unoccupied space, packing the table with food. I looked over as I saw Dubak stand, causing a hush to fill the hall.

He allowed the hush to linger for a moment as he looked around, meeting the eyes of a few orcs in the crowd. Then, he cleared his throat and allowed his voice to boom about the hall. “Today, we welcome these warriors with open arms. This feast is to commemorate the time and effort they have presented to make it here today. May they valiantly serve to protect the state of Gashur.” thump thump The orcs in attendance responded by hammering the tables before them, either with their fist or goblets in hand. Dubak nodded and gestured around, silencing the sudden outburst. “Let the Feast Begin!” His words signaled a procession of orcs egressing from a door behind him and spreading out to occupy the tables with the food they carried. They wore shawls that were tied close with leather straps, similar to the straps that had kept my leather armor on in the Arena. Very little of their clothes drooped or sagged, allowing their figure to be seen beneath the thick clothes. I turned and watched as they slowly filled the tables with an assortment of foods similar to the ones in front of me. I felt my stomach rumble and briefly thought about reaching out to grab some of the food before noticing Bulak and Dubak had neglected to do so. I bit my cheek and sat back as I waited for them to start. The orcs not at the head table wasted no time in digging into the food once it was in reach, grabbing rolls and piles of meat within a moment of it being presented to them. The ones at the far end of the hall had to wait the longest for their food, most of the tight-laced orcs returning with already empty plates before they even reached the end of the building. Finally, once the orcs had finished handing out food to all the tables along the hall and retreated back through the door behind us, Bulak and Dubak reached for their plates. I followed suit as my stomach let out another low grumble.

I piled my plate high with a variety of food as the feast began with vigor, each orc too occupied in their own plates to converse with others. For several minutes the only sound filling the hall was the crunch and smack of eating. As soon as a platter was emptied, a tight-laced orc would emerge from the door again to refill the barren saucer. Once plates gradually emptied and stomach slowly filled, conversations began. I slowly worked through my meal as another procession of orcs came out and gave each person at the table a goblet of beer. I grinned and took a swig, fluid burning slightly as it traveled down my throat. I set the goblet down and looked out over the hall as my mind began to churn idly. I turned to Bulak as a question popped into my mind. “Out of curiosity, how many tribes are there?”

Bulak took a second to chew and swallow before answering, amusement on her face as she placed a half-eaten bird leg down for a moment. “You do not slow down, do you.” She remarked.

I chuckled and shook my head as I took a bite of a drumstick, taking a moment to think about the future. I finally replied to her statement, mouth half occupied with bird meat. “I want to start working on a plan as soon as possible. I have no idea what he has come up with. The cannons could be the very beginning of what he’s managed to make or the pinnacle of what he's reached so far. I might as well learn the potential of the orcs around me so that I can plan accordingly.”

Bulak nodded as she took a sip from the goblet in front of her. “Prudent, knowledge is a powerful tool for success.” She then considered for a moment, swirling her drink thoughtfully. “To answer your query, there are seven tribes throughout the lands, including Gashur. The others span the land to the east and fight along their borders to gain control of the land. Gashur has not participated directly in this conflict, but merchants from Varthug do come to trade.”

I nodded as I swallowed the last of the food in my mouth, reaching to take a sip as I asked another question. “And If you were to guess the amount of land the tribes control, what would it be?”

Bulak paused as she seemed to consider the question. “About a hundred and eighty million acres.” She finally answered.

I turned to Bulak sharply at the size of the number. “I thought Gashur was only ten million acres,” I remarked, placing my goblet down. “If there are seven tribes, shouldn't it be around seventy million?”

Bulak shook her head as she set her drink down again. “The others hold much more land than Gashur. Even Bugrol holds twelve million acres. Zuhgan currently controls the largest regions, but I cannot presently recall their territorial claims.”

I nodded as Bulak explained the disparity. I felt a twinge of annoyance at myself as I realized I hadn’t considered the possibility. “Dumbass.” I nodded again as I ignored the thought. “That makes a lot more sense. Expectations aside, that’s a lot of land to hold. Still, that's good info. It can give me an idea of how they'd stack up to Adympia. Speaking of, how much land do they hold?”

I reached for my goblet again as Bulak answered “About four hundred million acres.”

I breathed in sharply, causing me to sputter and cough. I spent a few seconds coughing as I tried to expel the beer from my lungs. “Jesus fucking Christ,” I finally choked. “No wonder they’re so notorious. I had no idea their land was so vast.”

Bulak nodded as she began to scowl, fiddling with her knife as she explained. “What makes them dangerous is how coordinated they are. Almar is a coward and a crook among cowards and crooks. He would gladly pester Gashur until the end times, but one hint of a response will send him wailing to the rest of Adympia. Without such formidable threats, we would gladly march across the border and lay waste to that city.”

I nodded as I took another sip, soothing the soreness from the coughing. “That may end up being a reality if I get a plan together,” I assured her. “I just need to find an opportune moment to convince the other tribes to form some kind of alliance.”

Bulak nodded as she placed her knife down with a soft click. “You may find such a time at the Harvest Festival.” She suggested. “I cannot assure most of the other tribes will be there, but it may allow you to convince the ones that are of your intentions.”

I nodded as I fiddled with my own utensil. “Judging from the name, it's a festival to celebrate a harvest?” Bulak nodded. I scratched my head thoughtfully as I considered the possible responses to my presence “However, if I were to attend I'd have to be careful. I'm guessing the initial sentiments the city showed me is tenfold what it will be amongst them.”

Bulak nodded again, a look of disappointment on her face. “I wish that were not so,” She sighed. “I am hopeful that orcs may find betterment by learning of your strange magic.”

I let out a sigh as I glanced around at the orcs filling the hall. Just looking around reminded me that I wasn’t home, that a lot of them still hated me but were being quiet because of my new status. “If I can change the mind of these people, I can certainly do it for them,” I assured myself, trying to distract myself from the daunting task itself.

Bulak nodded as she placed her hand over mine. “You can worry about that later,” She whispered soothingly. “The seed is not even planted yet. For now, just enjoy this victory. If you have intentions to manage an army, you should know how to keep morale high.”

I grinned and nodded as Bulak let go and raised her goblet, presenting its rim to me. I raised my own goblet and collided it with hers. “To victory.” I beamed, causing a clink to emit from our goblet. Bulak grinned in kind as she brought the drink to her lips and drank deeply. I followed suit and tried to drain the goblet but gave up as the burning sensation overwhelmed me. I looked over and saw Bulak drain her goblet with a satisfied sigh.

She turned and smiled as she set the goblet down and an orc walked over to refill it. “How is the food treating you?” She asked, changing the subject.

I looked back and picked up a bundle of berries, grapes as far as I could tell. The taste of them as I popped a few into my mouth supported my assumption. “It's all delicious. I actually thought you guys didn't have many fruits, what with all the meat and bread you've given me.”

Bulak shook her head as she watched me eat. “We do not serve them often, but we found if we did not do it often enough the people would grow weak. Sadly our soils are not well suited for sweet fruits. So even then, not many wish to consume the enriching food.”

Amelia suddenly leaned forward, a smile on her face as she addressed Bulak. “We actually know why that happens.”

Bulak tilted her head and leaned forward to address her. “Is that so?” She asked, speaking past me now to speak to Amelia. Amelia nodded and started explaining the concept and benefits of vitamins, amino acids . . . and potassium, for some reason. I had heard of similar talks before so I turned to look out and watch the orcs eating their food. I saw them gradually pick apart the birds and pigs set before them, leaving only the bones behind. I saw smiling faces and heard nearby raucous laughter as the feast progressed. I smiled to myself as my thoughts from before diminished. Sure, some of them hated me, but I could see myself getting along with a lot of the others, especially the ones that were willing to help.

I suddenly spotted a group of three stand and walk towards the table. I recognized Uggug, Xegug, and Brugo as they approached. “Speak of the devil.” I thought as I grinned and stood to greet them. “I’m glad you could make it,” I said as they stopped in front of me. They grinned in kind as they struck their closed fist to their chest. I mimicked the movement and began feeling the mild tingle of the alcohol in my drink. “Thanks a bunch for all your help,” I chuckled. “I definitely wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for your help.”

They grinned and nodded as Uggug gestured towards the feast behind him. “I have no clue of the training practices you followed, but the soldiers you requested sounded much more humble when they returned.”

I chuckled and nodded as I jabbed a thumb at the sword resting on my chair. “I did the same thing I did to you, showed them how I fight. It has a weird effect on you people.”

Brugo nodded as he glanced along the table at the other recruits. I noticed Vargan was talking to a group of orcs, likely his family. The four orcs seemed ecstatic the Vargan was standing there. I could see a bit of a resemblance among the lot of them. “You were certainly spectacular to watch,” Brugo noted. “It goes against many things we thought we knew about outsiders.”

I nodded as I reached into my pocket and pulled out the amulets. “Speaking of expectations, I doubt you thought much better about our sense of honor before you met me. You wouldn't have given me these otherwise.” They nodded as they saw the silvery lockets. They felt strangely heavy as I held them up. “From what I heard, it shouldn’t take too long to fulfill these. . . So, how do I do that?”

Brugo let out a laugh and held out a hand. I gave him the locket he'd given me, curious about what he was going to do with it. He gazed at the locket for a moment before pressing a small button on the side, causing a hinge on the bottom of the amulet to open and reveal a small needle. “A debt sealed in blood must be broken in blood.” He said simply, handing it back to me. I looked at the small needle and the thumbprint inside the locket. A realization dawned on me as I realized what it needed from me. “Oh, it's like that John Wick movie.” I let out a brief sigh and swiftly pressed my thumb onto the spike. A small sting emanated from my digit as the glass case suddenly popped open, allowing me to access the print staining half the amulet. I brought my thumb up and pressed it next to the old print, causing warmth to radiate onto my other hand. I removed my finger and turned the amulet over in time to see the clay beneath sprout new words below the old ones. Dexter has declared this debt fulfilled.

I grinned and handed it back to Brugo. “That is so cool.”I chuckled.

Brugo held up his hand in refusal. “Keep it. Consider it a promise to aid you if you need something less . . . mad.”

I nodded and slipped the amulet back into my pocket as I turned to the other two. “Now for these two.” I pressed the spot Brugo had touched, but nothing happened. I pressed harder, but still, the hinge did not spring out.

Uggug cleared his throat and held out his hand. I paused for a second then handed him the amulets. He turned them over then handed one of them to Xegug as he explained. “The clasp will not open if the debtor is not the one pressing the spot.” The two amulets let out another small click as they pressed on them, revealing two more needles for me to press on.

I nodded as they handed the amulets back and I repeated the action, earning two more pricks on my thumb. “That must be the enchantment,” I commented, handing the amulets back. “Bulak told me it could only work if both parties were involved.”

The brothers nodded as they slipped the amulets into their shawls. “Each of us holds a unique essence that can be used to trace our path or prevent access for anyone but us. The amulets are given such an enchantment.” I grinned and let out a small laugh. “That kind of sounds like a genetic passcode.” I was about to continue the conversation when the group that was talking to Vargan suddenly appear beside Brugo, addressing me directly.

A small orcish woman reached out and gripped my hand as she spoke. “Thank you for helping our son. I have never seen him this happy.” I turned and saw Vargan beaming wildly as he talked to another orc, this one young, attractive, and seemingly very into Vargan. The others were also now speaking with their families over the food.

I chuckled as I turned back to Vargan’s family. “He's very capable with his weapon,” I replied, giving them a grin. “I doubt we could've done this without his bow. He has a lot to be proud of, just like you do.” I saw a wide smile sprout from her face. I grinned as I saw the joy radiating from her. “Whatever you did with him, I hope you're doing with these two.” I gestured at the two younger orcs beside her. They shifted from foot to foot as they twiddle their thumbs nervously. I gave them a reassuring nod before turning back to the small woman. “Gashur can always use more capable orcs like him.” The woman grinned wider and tears began to swell in her eyes as she turned to look at Vargan with pride. I turned to the orc towering over her as I finally noticed him staring. He gazed sternly yet cautiously at me, an expression I had seen in the city before, but I could have sworn it was softer than normal. “Must be his father” I held out my hand as I met his gaze, giving him a reassuring nod. “You've done a great job raising him. There's a lot he can accomplish with what you've taught him.”

The orc eyed my hand warily, then took it and shook vigorously. “Welcome to Gashur.” He said simply. I grinned and nodded as he let go and gestured everyone to follow him back towards their seats. “He seems like a man of very few words.” I watched them leave as I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I only now realized I had my own apprehensions about working with these people.

Uggog grinned at me as he noticed my relief. “It would seem you have managed to sway their minds as well,” Uggug commented, trying to distract me from my thoughts.

I glanced at the growing group talking to the newfound warriors, imagining the immediate scenarios that would occur. “I suspect I'll have to wait on sitting down,” I remarked. “They might want to talk to me as well.”

Brugo nodded as he too glanced at the crowd. “We will leave you to it then, but first.” He extended his hand to me. “Congratulations on becoming a Champion. People will expect much from you because of this. I hope you do not disappoint.”

I grinned and nodded as I took his hand and shook. “I’ll try not to disappoint,” I replied. Brugo nodded as he turned and walked back into the mass of tables, followed shortly by Xegug and Uggug. I let out a sigh and turned to the other orcs, already spotting one of the groups making their way over. I lifted my goblet and took a swig. “Let's fucking do this.”

I spent the next hour or so talking to their families, getting congratulated, commending their actions in the arena. I was even giving a tiny carved shield by Yamarz's father; apparently, they're woodworkers, specializing in making and selling furniture to the city. “If you ever need a masterfully constructed chair, you know where to find me.” I nodded as he finally walked off, leaving me with the small carving resting in my hand. It was barely big enough to fill my palm. It was a nice trinket though. I let out another sigh as I slipped the figure into my pocket and took another sip from my goblet, feeding the buzz I was feeling. I lowered the goblet as another figure stepped forward. It took me a second to recognize the spotted shawl and unamused expression of Agrob staring down at me.

I let out a slow sigh as I met his judgemental gaze. “Good evening Agrob. It's nice to see you again.” Agrob didn't respond, merely glared at me. I detected movement to my left and raised my hand to signal Bulak to stop. I had to confront Agrob myself. I heard her lower herself back into her chair as she watched our conversation. I gave the Champion before me a smug grin. “I have to admit; this whole situation is still surreal to me. Two months ago, I was back home with my friends and family, completely oblivious to the world where I now stand. A mere sixty days later I'm a champion of a people that have only been described in our wildest fantasies. I must say it sounds like something out of a movie.” I paused, sipping from my goblet to see if Agrob would respond. He just continued to stare at me as he let out a low growl. “Although, all things considered, I'm not all that surprised that I accomplished this. Back home I’ve heard all these tales of human ingenuity and stubbornness. There always seems to be a certain point where humans just . . . break; and all they can think about is how to destroy the things that hurt them. For a few of those stories, their rage can consume them if they're not careful. Then again, sometimes being consumed by it is the only way they can hope to accomplish their goal. You of all people must understand. I can't imagine how often you've thought about Almar and what he did to your sister.” I saw him tense up as he clenched his fist. I’d hit a nerve. A part of me knew it would get to him, but another part didn’t really care. I smirked as I gave him a shrug, spinning the conversation towards a place where I thought we might have common ground. “To be honest I'm probably thinking the same things right now. What sort of gruesome tools can I come up with to use on him? How much pain can the body handle before death sets in? Can I draw it out to make sure he suffers as much as he's caused suffering?”

“You know nothing of my thoughts.” Agrob suddenly scoffed. I paused and took another sip as Agrob continued to speak. “You may have swayed these people here, but I have yet to see a reason to disregard what he did to our city. All you have done is show how capable of a fighter you are.”

“Uncle-” Bulak interjected, but Agrob ignored her.

“I will not deny that you have earned the title of Champion, nothing I say could change that matter, but I refuse to let myself be so easily swayed. You may have kept up this charade for this long, but sooner or later you will show who you really are.” I opened my mouth to speak but stopped as I spotted movement behind Agrob. I turned and saw a child's hand reaching over the edge, grabbing blindly for food. Agrob noticed my gaze and turned towards the child, surprised at the sudden audience. I leaned forward to identify him.

The child's eyes went wide, and he stepped back as he saw me looking down at him. I felt my heart soften as I heard the timid and nervous tremor in his voice. I was reminded of Shel as the young boy stammered out an apology. “I- I am sowy. I saw peapole standing here and I thought I could get more food. I can just-”

I held up my hand and cut him off, not wanting to scare him. “Give me a second,” I said, reaching over to one of the smoked birds near me. I gripped the drumstick and twisted hard, causing a loud snap to emanate from the joints. The leg pulled away with ease as I reached over to another plate and grabbed an apple. I presented the two pieces of food to the young child. “Make sure you eat both of these.” I requested. “You want to grow up big and strong, right?” The child nodded timidly as he took the food and ran back into the mess of tables, leaving me and Agrob to watch him go. I smiled to myself as I watched him disappear behind the mass of orcs. “Never again.” My face fell again as I turned back to Agrob. He was still glaring at me, but I swore I saw a hint of … something else besides that. I let out a sigh as I took a sip from my goblet, pushing my anger to the back of my mind.

I let out another sigh and set my goblet down as I stared at Agrob. “I have no control over what you think of me,” I said, getting to the point of it all. “The best I can hope for is to show you why your thoughts might be wrong, but that's not the thing pressing my mind right now. I meant what I said in the arena. I fought in that battle to protect the city. I've been fighting so that I can gain that title in order to protect these people, and I will continue to fight for as long as I can to make sure that they don't have to face fear like that again. I'm not asking you to accept me, that comes of your own volition. What I am asking you to do is to trust me. Because I can't defeat Almar if I don't know everything he's capable of, just like you can't do the same without my help. So, for now, let's forget any harsh words we've spoken to each other and work together towards a common goal.” I extended my hand as Agrob continued to glare at me. “What do you say?” Agrob looked down at my hand, then back at me. After a minute he turned and took a few steps away, pausing as if to consider something.

He then looked over his shoulder at me, green eyes holding the same contempt as before. “I organize training in the Eastern Barracks. Come find me when you are ready to work.” I swallowed nervously and nodded. Agrob then turned and walked back into the crowd, remaining visible until he disappeared behind a group of standing orcs. I let out a sigh as I finally sat back in my chair, feet glad to be resting after so long.

Bulak turned to me apprehensively. “You have met my uncle before?”

I nodded as I rubbed my head. “A less than pleasant encounter, but nothing I don't understand. At least now he's agreed to cooperate.”

Bulak shook her head as she leaned back in her seat. “I would hardly consider that cooperation,” she huffed. “You are a Champion now. He should show you a modicum of respect.”

I shook my head as I cracked my knuckles. “He's still a Champion as well,” I reminded her. “He expected respect when I first met him and I showed him fuck all in that regard. No, now I need to earn it. At least the rite gave him a hint that I can be trusted. That means I can see what sort of doo-dads you guys have collected over the years. I might be able to explain what they do and how they work. I can even explain how the cannons work, but I'll need to find a way to protect against them if I plan to march on Nione.”

Bulak nodded as she took another sip from her goblet. “We do not have many outsider objects,” she admitted, “but we have plenty of elven artifacts that you might give us insight into. I am unsure if the elves have stolen much from the outsider they possess.”

I nodded again as I took a sip of beer, the concoction burning slightly as it traveled down my throat. “Those I'm less sure about. I might be able to explain it, or I could be as lost as you are.”

Bulak nodded as she let out a sigh. “Prudent,” she replied thoughtfully. “Still, it would help Gashur if you can determine what an artifact is or how to make it.”

I nodded as I stretched, feeling my muscles ache from the effort. “I can head over there when I get a plan together. I'll start working on that tomorrow. For now, I'm just enjoying being a Champion.”

Bulak grinned at the notion as she looked out at the Hall. “There will be people that do not believe this development. The two thousand in the arena are the only ones that witnessed the battle. Then again, that is why we have the Champions branded with their symbol. That way, none can question the authenticity of their claims.”

I nodded as I lifted my goblet to my lips but faltered as I registered Bulak's words. “Wait, Branding?” I asked in disbelief. “Like, with a hot piece of metal?”

Bulak nodded as she turned to me. “A permanent mark on your being, forever dedicated to the battle that earned you your title. Given the speed at which you chose your symbol, your ceremony will be in a fortnight. They'll imprint the emblem on your chest, just above your heart, signifying the life you risked to achieve the title. You can attempt to exercise authority without it, but they likely will not believe your status until you are branded.”

I sat back as I rubbed my chest, just trying to imagine how badly something like that would hurt. “That's a lot for a title,” I remarked.

Bulak nodded. “It is the tradition of things. It also ensures cowards do not claim false authority. Only seasoned warriors or ones that know of battle have the stomach to withstand the pain. Though, nowadays, they only require you to withstand the pain for an hour. After that, they give you a potion to speed up the healing process. Some choose to forgo the potion, but they run the risk of a skin sickness.”

I nodded as the prospects of the branding diminished. “That sounds better. At least I'm not running the risk of infection.”

Bulak nodded as she raised her goblet again. “Still, you should enjoy this moment of victory. You can return to your passion-fueled campaign in the morning.”

I nodded as I raised my own goblet. “To victory then.” I acknowledged, clinking my cup with hers once again. I then turned to the crowd of orcs and raise my cup higher. “TO GASHUR.” I declared loudly, voice carrying across the hall. THUMP THUMP The entire hall erupted in noise as the orcs slammed their chalices in agreement. I grinned and raise my cup to my lips as I drained the contents, feast carrying on well into the night.