Amelia

Dexter nodded along as he listened to my recounting of the day. Once I was finished he nodded as he rubbed his chin. “A printing press would definitely help them out.” He remarked. “Just getting it to work could increase the literacy rate by ten percent.”

I nodded as I pointed towards the door. “Plus, make it a lot easier to copy existing information. They’d be able to tell a lot more of their own stories and pass on more knowledge from previous generations.”

Dexter nodded as he stretched, causing several soft pops to sound. “In any case, now we both have things to keep us occupied. At least until we finish our respective tasks.”

I nodded as I glanced at the spellbook, a thought suddenly occurring to me. “What about a weapon? Anything come to you?”

Dexter shook his head as he picked up one of the crystals from the bin. “I have yet to find out most of the limits of magic. So, I can't say, definitively, if any of the ideas I have will be good or viable. Anything technological is limited in speed by what the orcs already have. It might take a full-blown year or two to get them officially into the industrial age. That’s also assuming I dedicate my time to making all the necessary technology. As such, I'll need to research magic some more; hope that I can think of a crack in the limits that our current understanding might be able to bypass. I mean, they haven’t thought of a chemical solution to their problem so their understanding of it must be pretty primordial.”

I nodded and let out a slow yawn as Dexter tossed the crystal back in with the others. “Either way, you still need more time and I need to get back to designing the press. I just hope that bastard elf doesn't get impatient and decides to attack again.”

Dexter nodded as he glanced at the door. “If he's smart he'll see it as a huge loss and be wary of another assault. If not, he'll at least be cautious and target one of the other villages around here, try and set a kind of example. If he's stupid he might even do it within the next week or so.” He suddenly started walking towards the door. “I can probably glean something about Almar by asking the orcs what they think he'll do. If fifty years isn't that much to them, it might not be much to the elves. By that logic, Almar might wait a few months before making a move.”

I followed him towards the door as I began questioning him. “Are you sure that's a good idea? They thought the army was going to take a week to get here, not arrive by morning. For all we know, they might be wrong about that bastard too. Plus, it's pretty hard to judge someone based on the recollection of others.”

Dexter shrugged as he pulled open the door. “You might be right. Almar could've changed since then. For all, I know he could be preparing an invading army as we speak. But if there's one thing I'm good at, it's judging character. They can at least give me a baseline to start getting into his mindset and predicting his next move.”

I tilted my head as Dexter turned to stare out at the darkening city. “You say that like you've done this before,” I remarked. “Don’t tell me you actually think it’s possible to anticipate that monster.”

Dexter grinned slightly as he turned back to me. “In a way, I have; a lot. I was great at predicting people when I was younger. I only had to talk with them for a few minutes before being able to deduce their actions in a given situation. It's what I did to win at manhunt, provided I was one of the hunters. My siblings used to call it tryhard mode. Though that kind of died down when we got into high school.”

I sighed and shook my head slightly. “That recount alone is probably riddled with confirmation bias. He probably got a lucky streak sometime during his childhood and didn't bother to really test it.” “Just be careful.” I pleaded. “You just got on the orcs' good side. You don't want unwanted questions mucking that up.”

Dexter nodded as he waved to me and stepped out the door. “I'll tread lightly this time. Just up to the Great Hall to see if Bulak can answer some of my questions. I won't be gone for more than an hour.” I nodded and waved him off as he closed the door with a soft boom. I then turned and stretched as I made my way back over to the table. “Now to get to work.”

Dexter

I stepped into the dimly lit Hall just as Bulak was stepping out of the staircase. I grinned as I rushed over and thanked my good fortune. “Bulak! Just the person I wanted to see.”

A grin flashed across her face as I approached her. “Dexter! What a pleasant surprise. Have you found your substance?”

I shook my head as I gestured to the door behind me. “It's a hard substance to find in the wild, even with the proper conditions. I'm having to try and harvest from the smaller plants that happen to produce a similar substance. Of course, that means I need to find said plants, and I only know what they look like when they bloom. So, I'm examining the winter bramble and hoping I recognize one of the earlier stages.”

Bulak nodded as she glanced across the hall. “There is much flora that surrounds Snakhagr. It takes quite a while to know what they are and what they can do. I suspect finding what you seek will take some time.”

I nodded as I glanced at the door. “Were it springtime, my job would be a lot easier. I'd be able to identify the plant from a distance, and wouldn't have to go stumbling through the woods looking for the telltale bushels.”

I jumped in surprise as another orc suddenly interrupted our conversation. “Lady Bulak, your father requests your presence in the war room. He says it is of the utmost importance.”

Bulak's face fell and she nodded as she gestured for the orc to leave. He bowed slightly and backed away as Bulak turned back to me. “Pardon me, I have a matter to deal with.” With that, she turned and strode briskly away.

I dashed to catch up to Bulak as she finished crossing the open space between the tables. “Hang on, I actually wanted to talk to you about something.”

Bulak stopped to turn to me, a look of curiosity on her face. “Is it urgent?” She asked. “I do not wish to keep my father waiting.”

I shook my head as I let out a breath, still winded from the climb up the hill. “I wanted a general idea of what you think Almar might do next. If I knew that, I might be able to throw my two cents in later.”

Bulak gave me a curious look for a moment then nodded. “That is a wise choice. Knowing your opponent is the first step to success. However, I am doubtful much could be gleaned from our expectations. Almar is rather unpredictable.” She then turned back and gestured for me to follow. “I am only versed in the more recent elven tactics. If you would like a more complete picture, I suggest speaking with Agrob. He has devoted far more time than I.”

I let out a sigh as I began to follow her. “Doesn't he hate me? I know we have a mutual understanding, but I doubt he'd be willing to share his knowledge with me.”

Bulak shook her head as she led me to the door behind Dubak's throne. “My father will be in attendance when you ask. He may be displeased with you, but he will comply with my father's orders; particularly in a situation like this.” She pushed open the door and started leading me down the flight of stairs beyond. “Besides, if you wish to unite the tribes you will likely have to learn of their relations.” I nodded as we traveled down, passing a door along the way, the sounds of clinking utensils and fire seeping through the wood. “You should know, that is the doorway to the kitchen. If you need extra provisions for your expedition, merely ask them.” I nodded as we continued walking, the sounds of cooking growing fainter as we went. We finally came upon another doorway, off from the staircase, and Bulak pushed it open, leading me into a room dominated by a massive wooden table. Figurines were resting on it with small markings etched into each of them. The top was coated in an assorted color of paints, denoting forests, mountains, rivers, and even an ocean surrounding the mass of land at two sides like a corner. I looked around and saw orc surrounding it, each wearing various armor and weapons and discussing amongst themselves. I noticed Dubak at the far end of the table and followed Bulak as she made her way over to him.

Dubak grinned as he raised his arm and welcomed her into the room. “Ah, daughter, I am glad you came.” He glanced down at me as the door behind us finally closed with a resounding boom. “I did not expect you here, nor did I summon you. Have you already found your substance?”

I shook my head nervously as I glanced at the table. I took note of the size and shape of the respective pieces. There were seven large pieces in total, I assumed representing each of the tribe chiefs judging from the spiky points at the top of each figure. Several smaller pieces lay scattered about the top and faced in various directions, matching colors facing similar directions towards opposing colors. “It's proving about as difficult as I expected. It's not something easily harvested, even under the most ideal conditions. It might take me a while to get enough sap to make the rubber I need. After that, I can get onto the crystal thing that started all this. Until then, I'm just trying to cover all my bases when it comes to a plan. Right now I want to figure out what Almar might try next. If he attacks, I want to get steel armaments out to the soldiers as soon as possible. If he's going to wait, I want to focus on making and improving whatever I come up with so that that can be doled out to the troops when the time comes. Most of all, I want to start getting into his mindset. I want to know how he thinks so that I can think on my feet when I eventually reach Nione.”

Dubak nodded as he too glanced at the table. “A wise decision, knowing your opponent is the first step to success.”

I grinned and nodded as I gestured towards Bulak. “I heard; your daughter said the same thing upstairs.”

I saw Dubak grin as he turned to her. Bulak grinned and looked away sheepishly in response. He then turned back to me. “Well, if you wish to learn about Almar, I suggest you wait for Agrob. He has made it his obsession to learn everything he can about him. The most I can tell is that he will wait after suffering such a substantial loss, but that will change if the tribute is not given on time. He will likely grow impatient and attack again once that happens.”

I nodded as I glanced around. “Bulak mentioned it being beneficial that I'm here; can you tell us what you called her down for?”

Dubak gestured patiently as he glanced at the door. “In good time, we still have one other to wait on.” I looked around at the orcs in attendance. Some wore similar gold-trimmed shawls, similar to the one I’d seen in the arena. They were clearly members of the city council. Others donned various metal armors. They must have been prominent military figures of the city. I saw Kagan in among them as well as someone else with a spotted shawl, this one colored grey with black spots.

I turned back to Dubak as my question finally formulated. “Who are you missing?”

Dubak gestured towards the door. “The object of our prior conversation, Agrob. He should be here shortly. I sent for him just before I sent for Bulak.” I nodded as I glanced at the table again, trying to orient where we were on the map. I suddenly noticed letters etched into parts of the map, near each of the seven large figurines. “Let's see; G, V, Z, W, B, D, K. If I were a betting man, the G must be Gashur. V is probably that Varthurg place. They’re right next to each other on the map. The rest of them must be the other tribes.” I looked up as I heard a creak from the door.

Agrob stepped in and closed the door behind him with another resounding boom. “Yes, Dubak? Has something happened? Has Knurig made a move towards the river?” He paused as he noticed me standing beside him. I instinctually placed a hand on my sword. I'd neglected to remove it throughout my time at the barn.

Dubak broke the silence of the room as he gestured at an open spot in the crowd. “It is not concerning Gashur this time. I have reports from the eastern coast. Conflict is brewing between the tribes.” A small murmur moved across the room as the orcs stared intently at the table. Dubak continued to speak as he pointed. “Wrukag has moved troops closer to the border, seems to be preparing for something. The high chief of Zuhgan has caught wind of this and sent resources south in response.” I nodded as he pointed at the two clusters of figures facing each other near one coast on the table, one white and one black. “It would seem that the old treaty may soon crumble. Zuhgan and Wrukag may be just the beginning. If those two start fighting, they will soon claim their neutral grounds again, prompting the others to seize theirs and signal another tribal war.” I glanced at Bulak as Dubak paused. Her face betrayed no emotions as she stared at the table. Her eyes flitted back and forth along the table as murmurs within the room rose again. “Shit, not good. My plan can't work if war breaks out. Plus, that'll mean they start wasting resources and means no harvest festival to find some common ground. That just reduces my chances of revenge from zero to nil. God damn it. Why couldn’t this have been pos-”

I looked up again as a small pop sounded through the room and Garahk appeared near the doorway. Her face now held a cold and calculating expression, the look of a grandmother now gone and replaced with one of a stern and elderly aunt. “It would seem I am in time to see the aftermath of your rash judgment.” She commented, looking around the room. The orcs in attendance remained silent as they waited for her to continue. She let out a sigh as she began speaking again. “If you had read the report in full you might have deduced the true intentions of these troops. A caravan was spotted not too far from where the troops currently are. A caravan represents a collection of resources and food. Wruthag and Zuhgan know their easter regions are infested with trolls and ogres. Disappearances have also been reported in the same regions the troops are being moved to, meaning they are there to guard against the trolls and ogres that grow bolder as their food stores dwindle. Our operatives in Zuhgan have also seen an increase in such attacks. The last winter has been brutal on everyone, orc or otherwise. I suspect such precautions will be taken for the next few months until the green begins to return and these creatures return to their hovels. There's no point in riling up the people for such paltry events. I suggest I be consulted before such a meeting is called again.”

Everyone turned to stare expectedly at Dubak as he stared at Garahk. “You are certain of this fact?” He asked curiously. Garahk nodded as she gestured towards her staff. A glowing cloud was exuded from it and slowly formed into another map, this one having oceans to the north and east, a more complete map of the table in front of me. Small lights gradually appeared, using various colors and clustering together or forming lines between each other.

Garahk pointed to one such line near the eastern end of the display, then to a particular purple light. “These markings are more than soldiers marching through the land. This specific point indicates a high concentration of arcane ingredients, not found in normal troop movements. It is likely a merchant that trades in magical wares.” She then pointed to a cluster of red lights nearby. “These points mark where such monsters currently frequent. As you can see, they are much closer than normal. Any troop movements are likely to combat such proximity and ensure these goods do not fall to monstrous attacks.” The cloud faded out as she turned to stare at Dubak.

He let out a low sigh as he stared at the table, scratching his chin. “You are certain of this matter?” He asked again.

Garahk nodded again as she gestured to herself this time. “I have no reason to believe this spell would misinform me. Nor do I doubt my observations of these particular events. While it is good that you have managed to summon so many on such short notice, the matter at hand is truly unnecessary for it. This meeting would only rile up those in the city and make it difficult for our outsider friend to achieve his goal. The merchants would undoubtedly hear word if we choose to alter our typical troop movement.” I felt all eyes turn to me as Garahk finished speaking. I quietly gritted my teeth and turned to stare at the table as the room fell silent for a minute. Finally, Garahk spoke again. “I commend you on meeting so soon, but it is utterly pointless for this matter. Though, if you have anything else worth discussing, I suggest you do so.” The room fell silent again as everyone glanced at each other.

Finally, one of them spoke up. “I am wary about this rumored unity.” He admitted, staring at me then turning to the others. “The war had been waged far longer than any of us have lived. Even now, an official end to the war seems like a far-off dream. How can one person, one outsider, possibly hope to change that matter?” Everyone turned to me again, causing my leg to involuntarily shake. I was silent for a minute as I took low shaky breaths, trying to suppress my fear.

Another gold-trimmed council member spoke up and broke the silence of the room. “I assume it has something to do with that incentive he mentioned yesterday.” He remarked. “If he plans to force the other tribes to cooperate, Gashur would not last another century.”

I took one last breath and look up calmly at them. “That's not what I had in mind,” I growled, a little angrier than I should have been. “The weapon isn't to force the tribes to join. It’s meant to provide a sort of reward for if they cooperate. I'd try and tell you more about my plan, but to be honest I don't know it either. I need time and information to make a real plan, one that provides more of a guarantee for a united tribe and ensures that Adympia's days became numbered.” I let out a sigh as I began playing with my fingers nervously. “It's actually why I came up to the Great Hall in the first place. I wanted an idea of what our first stepping stone would be like. Nione is undoubtedly going to be the first city on the list and I have no idea of how the baron there thinks. So far the two that I've asked have referred me to Agrob. Now I’m just waiting for an opportunity to see what he knows.” Everyone turned to him as I replied to the questions they asked me. I saw his face briefly twitch before returning to his calm expression. He glanced at Dubak as everyone continued to stare. I glanced at him as well and noticed he was returning a deadly serious expression to Agrob. The two stared at each other as if having a silent conversation.

Agrob finally let out a reluctant growl as he rubbed his temple. “If you truly require this information, I can provide it; granted that you acknowledge that it is likely incomplete and Almar may act counter to my observations.”

I nodded as I turned to stare at Agrob. “That's fine, I just need to know what he's done for the last fifty years. Even a second-hand recount can help me determine the kind of person he is.”

Agrob nodded as he glanced at the others surrounding the table. “If there is nothing else plaguing our minds, I suggest we return to our duties. A tribal war may resume regardless, and we must be prepared for such an eventuality.” The others nodded as Garahk let out a low sigh. They began making their way towards to door while Agrob began walking over and Garahk began gesturing to herself. She popped out of existence just as I came face to face with Agrob again. He glanced back as the door closed behind the last orc, leaving me, Agrob, Bulak, and Dubak in the room. He sighed again as he turned to me, his towering form giving me pause for a moment. “I assume you wish to know everything?” He asked, his voice full of dissatisfaction.

I nodded as I turned to the table, avoiding his gaze and focusing on the blank patch next to the region marked with a ‘G'. That was likely where the great empire of Adympia started. “Leave nothing out,” I replied, still not meeting his gaze.

I heard shifting next to me as Agrob leaned on the table, looking over the pieces with great care. “Then we shall start with my initial observations; what I learned when I began my investigations fifty years ago.”

Garahk

I materialized back in my study, sighing slightly as the damp air of the war room was replaced by the incense of the candles on a nearby table. I looked around at the stone walls, etched with more arcane symbols and markings as I let my teleportation nausea gradually fade away. The shelves upon shelves of parchment and books displayed my years, no decades, of work and research into the magical world. Tables littered the room, bearing parchment and tomes as my nausea finally left and I continued with my work.

I limped over to one such table as beads of light floated above me, detached from any anchor and bathing the room in a pale purple light. “All of our efforts almost for naught. It would be unwise to let rumors spread over this. I would trust Elder Mother Mogak to stop the rumor in Varthurg, but she still runs the risk of failure. With the existence of Dexter, we stand a chance of succeeding, but not when war breaks out. I shall have to ensure the others make it the utmost priority to keep the conflicts down. We must make it to the next harvest festival and see what he can accomplish there. It may take several years for him to establish connections between the tribes and several more to construct a feasible alliance.”

I picked up one of the amethysts I was working on and examined it carefully. It was still opaque and unfit for use as a focus. “But perhaps that assumption is faulty. He may be able to do it in much less time. I had not known it was possible to create crystals of our own, or in his words ‘grow' them. Perhaps he may glean a solution that we are blind to. Outsiders do appear to carry innate knowledge of the world, even a glimpse of it may be able to change ours in unimaginable ways. One thing is for certain. The other elders are liable to adopt a different mentality of Gashur if they learn of his presence here, at least currently. They will need a demonstration of the fruit he bears if they are to trust him and redouble their efforts towards peace. Perhaps the crystal-”

My thoughts were interrupted as my staff started to glow, spraying a green light around the room. I sighed as I set the crystal down again. “Speaking of,” I muttered, moving over to a corner of the room. My staff clacked on the stone floor as I navigated over to a violet curtain, covering a corner from the rest of my study. I finally reached out and pulled it back, revealing a wall filled with markings, the left half dominated by a large rectangle of exceedingly complex etchings and symbols. I turned my attention to the other half, simpler marking joining gemstones as they glowed intermittently. The blocks of stone had been shaped and molded to delicately but precisely hold the gemstones in the right position. I took a step away from the wall as I gestured at the rug before me and pulled it aside, revealing a circular carving set into the floor. A small hole graced the center, just large enough for the tip of my staff to rest in. I lined up the wood and let it sink in, looking up at the half-dozen gems embedded in the wall as I did so. The emerald stone began to glow as it stared illuminating a portion of the wall, displaying a green snakehead with a hissing tongue, gemstone composing its eye. “I expect this to be important,” I grumbled, addressing the glowing serpent. “Has Knurig discovered something? Are you closer to conflict?”

The snakehead did not move, merely glowed brighter as a gruff voice spoke through it. “This does not concern Knurig. This concerns Gashur. I have received word that Farod has ordered troops, including mages, toward Zuhgan. If I have received such news, it is likely you will soon receive similar word. I advise you to prepare your chief to silence any rumors that sprout from this. The last thing we need is another rumor from Gashur. Varthurg is on shaky ground as it is.”

I let out a low sigh as I briefly looked down. “Knurig truly is falling behind.” I chuckled, looking up at the snake again. “Snakhagr received the news naught but a day ago. I had just returned from convincing my chief to remain calm. Any concerns you had are wasted here.” I grinned to myself as the head remained silent, gemstone seeming to stare out in anger.

After a minute, the snakehead finally spoke. “That is good news. It means one less thing to worry about. Despite everything we have done, the tribes are still on poor footing.”

I nodded instinctually. “Quite so,” I said quickly, remembering the Elder Father could not see me. “I had hoped that Sharog would have managed to pacify Wrukag slightly better, but I suppose there is only so much one can do with Farod.”

A low grumble of agreement emanated from the snakehead. “I would have hoped that she did not have to do it by herself. I encouraged everyone to convince their chief to reach out to Farod and attempt communication with the budding leader. Unfortunately, none of you heeded my advice.”

I let out a low sigh as I pinched the bridge of my nose. “You forget that we find difficulty in keeping chiefs neutral to one another. We are not forgiving people. Dubak is fortunate enough to not possess such animosity towards the others, but the same cannot be said the other way around. Farod would find any attempts at contact unwelcome. We must-” I stopped as the topaz within the wall began to glow, causing the yellow emblem of a boar to illuminate the space a little way above the snakehead. As with the snake, the gemstone took the place of the eye as the tusks finished materializing on the wall.

A lighter sultrier voice came from the head as the emblem grew brighter. “I hope you are not making enemies of yourselves. It is bad enough that our chiefs cannot agree with one another. We do not need this council to fall to the same sort of bickering.”

I nodded as I kept my attention trained on the glowing boar head. “Elder Father Umhra was kind enough to warn me of a potential problem. Fortunately, I had enough foresight to handle the situation before it became one in the first place.”

The snakehead let out a low grumble as the boar grunted in understanding. “Excellent. I hope there is nothing else worth discussing.”

I shook my head as the snakehead let out another grunt. “It is quiet on the Gashur front. The most we have had is some nuisances from Adympia. Though the people do seem eager to trade with the incoming merchants.”

The boar let out another understanding grunt. “Morug certainly carries interesting wares. I can see why they would be excited.”

I nodded as I glanced at the snakehead. “What of you, Umhra? Has Morug recently graced Knurig?”

The head remained silent for a minute, then it spoke in a grumbling tone. “Admittedly he has not been granted permission to our lands yet, but I know he has petitioned for such a pass. Unfortunately, I have not figured out how to convince Murob to allow him in.”

I nodded as I glanced around my study. “I was only able to convince Dubak once our metal needs exceeded our production. Our stores of furs do us no good when we need more metal for weapons.”

I turned back to the boar head as it glowed again. “Varthurg is certainly grateful for such furs. I had not known them to be so soft before Morug started his caravan. Even your most common furs seem to rival the ones I provided my mages in my Hall.”

I nodded again, feeling the soft fur weighing on my shoulders. “The trinkets he had are fascinating. I believe they even converted one of our blacksmiths into a tinkerer; a substantial feat to say the least.”

The boar let out a soft laugh. “I could say the same for your furs. Some of my leather workers discarded old rivalries to cooperate and figure out how you made them so soft. It has been a relief to dissuade such an old conflict.”

It was my turn to let out a short laugh. “It would seem that a mere business transaction has had an unexpected benefit for both our tribes.”

The boar let out an understanding grunt. “Quite so. Though I only wish they would cooperate better on the larger level.”

I nodded as I glanced back at the snakehead again. “It would be beneficial to convince Murob to allow Morug into Knurig. Perhaps then we can convince our three chiefs to cooperate better.”

The snakehead let out a low grumble. “I can attempt to again, but she still must see an inherent benefit to the caravan trading within our tribe. That could take time to accompli-”

I turned as a knock suddenly radiated from the door on the far side of the room. A muffled voice shouted through. “Elder Mother!” One of the Magistrates called. “I have the crystals you requested.”

I nodded as I turned back to the two heads. “We will have to continue this later. I have my duties to attend to.”

The two heads grunted in agreement then spoke in unison. “May the gods smile upon you.”

I gripped my staff firmly and pulled at it as I replied. “And you as well.” The emblems faded from the wall as I stepped forward to pull the curtain back into place. With another wave, the rug dove back into place, covering the arcane circle on the floor. I then turned and started making my way towards the door. “I hope Dexter knows what he is doing. It will take more than fancy metal and custom crystals to impress the chiefs.”