Blue River

Kalthas Bridge

Jacob watched as the Orc leap in the air and trigger some sort of Cleave ability as he brought his ax down but Jacob darted to the side and out of range of both the ax and resulting small shockwave. Jacob chuckled and darted in firing off three rapid-fire punches at where a human kidney would be before moving off again, each shot dropped the Orcs health down by 1-3% and brought a grunt from him. The Orc swung wildly using one arm while counterbalancing with his other arm. A good free target Jacob thought as he danced back and then forward again grabbing the free arm and punching the elbow. The sharp crack resounded through the area and the Orc leader stopped talking.

"Don't mind us, my food is kinda uppity right now. Don't worry this will be over soon." Jacob called out as the Orc he fought roared and charged bringing his ax down and trying to split Jacob in two. Jacob chuckled as he darted behind the swinging Orc and grabbed his uninjured arm and braced it as he slammed his open palm forward. A loud pop was heard as the shoulder was dislocated causing the Orc to scream. He sounded similar to a pig, in all honesty, Jacob thought as he backed up and analyzed him.

Name: Orik of the Broken Skulls

Level: 40 (42 War-Band Buff)

Health: 21,385/22,000

Abilities: Crushing Leap, Power Attack, Unknown

Not bad, plenty of life left in him for him to eat Jacob thought as Orik looked at him before turning and tried to run back to his War-Band. Jacob chuckled and grabbed onto the back of his chainmail shirt and kicked out at one knee causing another pop of dislocation and a grunt of pain as Orik went down. Jacob smiled and moved the Orcs head to one side before he buried his fangs in his throat. Orik tried to fight back but three of his limbs had been disabled and he could do very little.

Once Orik's health hit 25% a few moments later Jacob pulled back and slammed his fist into the back of Oriks head sending him into unconsciousness. Jacob quickly pricked at his wrist and bleed a little on the Orcs open neck and within moments both Jacobs wrist and the Orcs neck wounds were sealed. While Jacob moved to pick up the fallen ax and broken Warrior he checked to see how much the Orc had fed him. He wasn't even a third full!! However he no longer had Thirst De-Buff and his speed, strength, and healing regeneration would be back to full strength.

"Hey Hot Air, since you are taking a break from your speech, send me over another meal. I am still hungry and this guy is done." Jacob called out as he reached the midway point between the bridge and War-Band. Jacob smiled at the lead Orc before turning to the Shaman that had at first looked on in fear but now stared at him in a mix of pure terror and wonder. The Orc leader simply chuckled and tapped another Warrior.

4 Warriors and 20 minutes later Jacob was finally full and felt completely like himself for the first time since this whole thing had started. The War-Band was completely silent and the leader was furious while all the Shamans had moved to the rear while conversing between each other. Jacob made his way over to Moonlight and his helmet equipping both before turning back toward the War-Band. "Well, you have sated my thirst now I want my dessert. Are you doing being a little bitch Hot Air? Or do you have to wait for your War-Band to fight an enemy?" Jacob called out to the Broken Skulls leader who had started to froth at the mouth and charge toward Jacob who chuckled as he analyzed this new foe. Oh, this was going to be fun he thought as he ran to meet his newest foe.

Name: Brog the Bloody

Level: 42 (45 War Leader Buff)

Health: 26,000/26,000

Abilities: Cleave, Berserker's Rage, Unknown

Road betwen Middlebrough and Blue River

Dineart watched as the wagons and carts moved down the road. It had gotten steadily rougher due to being so far from civilization. No one kept the roads maintenance and if a steady stream of caravans and travelers did not destroy any growth on the road, it would have been completely overgrown. Ahead of the caravan was more broken road but what worried him was that he could see a small dust cloud ahead and getting closer. Dust clouds meant a large group of people steadily moving closer.

Suddenly a Moon-Elf appeared coming out of Camouflage next to the road. He raised his hand in greeting before shouting, "Hello Cousin, may I have a moment of your time?" Dineart studied the Moon-Elf and his gear before nodding and hopping off the moving wagon and telling the other driver to keep going. "No offense cousin, but your caravan seems to be lacking goods and is overabundant in people. I hope you have not fallen far enough to trade in people." The Moon-Elf said as his hands drifted to a pair of daggers.

"Peace Cousin, I am no slaver. Feel free to talk to anyone here but the caravan will not stop for you or anyone else. Now how can I help you?" Dineart responded while looking around. Suddenly he saw a pair of Void-Wolves, neither one Star but she wasn't far away and she was growling at them. Based on their response they did not like her much either.

"Your caravan has picked up an interesting companion there Cousin, where did you find her?" The Moon-Elf asked as once again his hands started to move toward his daggers. Before Dineart could fire off a spell a dagger suddenly was at his neck while another was pointing at Star.

"That right there is a very special Void-Wolf. She is the companion and friend to an Immortal Jacob Longstrider. Word is that he was being held by a slaver caravan heading north. Star would not be far from him, so where is he Elf?" The Drow asked as he dug the dagger in deeper. Star, on the other hand, appeared to hear her name and broke off from intimidating the other wolves to run over and inspect the new visitors. Star smelled the Moon-Elf and acted with disinterest but the Drow caught her attention. "I met her during the campaign against Middlebrough, she would know me from then. So feel like talking Elf?"

"Jacob Longstrider was with the slaver caravan heading north but things changed yesterday. Someone showed up and attacked the caravan and killed most of the slavers. He then freed Jacob and all the other slaves." Dineart responded.

The drow slowly lowered the dagger and moved off, "I am guessing something bad has happened since then and he has done the stupidly heroic thing to try and save you all, correct?" The Drow asked while the Moon-Elf started to mutter and curse.

"Yeah, a raiding party of Orcs was approaching and Jacob and Bob stayed behind to buy us time and hold them off if they could. They choose a good spot, a bridge over the Blue River and based on your reaction this is not the first time he has done something like this." Dineart stated as the Drow darted away toward the other Void-Wolves. Star quickly looked between Dineart and the running Drow and started to follow the Drow.

"I am gathering the other scouts and going to back up Jacob. Stay here in update Captain Strongarm when he shows up." The Drow called over his shoulder as he mounted and darted off to the north. Star quickly overtaking them as her howl cut through the night a greenish aura surrounded her and the Void-Wolf the Drow was riding. In the distance, Dineart could hear other Wolves take up the howl as their speed increased and they disappeared into the night.

"Who the Abyss is Bob?" the Moon-Elf asked as they started to walk toward the head of the caravan.

Blue River

Kalthas Bridge

Jacob was breathing heavily and was getting tired but Brog looked like shit. His armor was broken in over a dozen places and he was bleeding steadily too, but he was sitting at 75% health and falling steadily. The howl of distant wolves filled the air distracting both combatants, Jacob looked at the wolf riders but their mounts were silent and fidgeting a little. Taking them in, Jacob could easily tell that Void-Wolves easily out-massed them by 100 pounds at least and were shorter as well.

Suddenly Brog was struck by a Lightning Bolt three times rapidly, taking off almost 50% of his health. Brog staggered around drunkenly before collapsing.

Alert...

Brog the Bloody and his War-Band have been broken.

10% Increased damage against War-Band

Alert...

Jacob's eyes immediately went to the old Shaman, he could see the vague lines of Mana from him, directed at Brog the Bloody. That was new he thought as he watched the Shaman went down to his knees and bowed. Within the next minute, every other member of the band were down on their knees as well.

Jacob looked at Bob as he sheathed Moonlight and started walking toward the bowing War-Band. "What is your name?" Jacob asked him as he approached the War-Bands line.

"I am known as Grabal. I apologize for not interfering earlier Great One, but I was stunned by your appearance and thought the stories were just legends. I did not think the Blood Drinkers existed anymore. Those that keep the old faiths and allegiances are few Great One, but we will support you and your goals." Grabal responded as he continued to abase himself.

Jacob studied the older Orc before responding, "Rise Grabal." Suddenly the hoots and war cries filled the air as Calvary rode over the bridge. Bob studied them but did not impede them in any way. Seeing that Jacob was standing there conversing with one of the band they hastily slowed their charge before they slammed into the War-Band.

"Sir, is everything ok?" The lead Dwarf asked as he studied the War-Band that had not moved even to defend themselves.

Jacob studied the Dwarf for a moment before smiling in recognition, "Captainr Strongarm, it is good to see you. Enjoying the life of Legion? Where is your uniform?"

"Good Sir, I left a Century with the friends you made to the south. I brought another Century I had with me in case you needed assistance. It appears you have subdued them though." Captain Strongarm stated. "Commander Brox thought it would be more prudent if 200 mercenaries were riding north to assist you opposed to 200 Light Horse of the Third Legion. We can move more freely around this way."

Jacob nodded before turning back to Grabal who had been studying the soldiers and what they had said. "Grabal, I have responsibilities. I appreciate your assistance though. If I can be of any help to you or your clan in the future, please let me know." Jacob told him as he turned and moved off. Suddenly Grabal moved forward quickly grabbing Jacob wrist stopping him cold. A hundred different weapons were raised as the Century readied themselves to kill the War-Band.

Grabal quickly released Jacob and stepped back, "I apologize Great One, but those that remained loyal to the old ways and remember you and your people are few. Our tribes roam the Golden Plains that stretch between the Free City Alliance and the Eastern Desert of Arakon. Those that remember your people number in the hundreds, but our clans are in the thousands. We could prove to be a valuable asset to you and your people if you would allow us to but serve you. Next spring, the clans will send representatives to the Cairn of the Fallen Chiefs. It is located in the center of the Golden Plains. If you can rally the clans there, you will bolster your armies greatly." Grabal advised.

Secret Kingdom Quest Issued: Rally a Horde!!!

Description: Grabal of the Broken Skulls tribe of the southern Orc clans has informed you that hundreds of old followers remember the Vampire people and are still loyal. If you can influence the annual meeting at the Cairn of the Fallen Chiefs, you might be able to rally all the clans to your banner and join your cause.

Meeting Time: 5 Months, 22 Days, 8 Hours, 23 Minutes

Rewards: Variable

Jacob considered his words before nodding, "I will be there Grabal, Shaman of the Broken Skulls. I would appreciate your discretion with my peoples continued existence." Jacob told him as he turned and left the Century of Light Cavalry turning and following as he walked over the bridge, Bob falling into step as he walked. Star was there waiting for him on the other side with 8 other Void-Wolves and a group of Rogues and Rangers. "Bob, I would offer you a mount but I don't have any spares and Star does not ride with two." Bob snorted in amusement before flicking a finger and a Horse made of Light materialized out of thin air much to the awe of those around him. Jacob just shook his head, "Show off."

"My King, I have to say you meet the most interesting people." Captain Strongarm said as they started to ride down the road.