Rise of the Horde

Khao’khen sent in the ogres first to try and lure out any hidden enemies inside the walls of the castle since it would be too hard to miss such enormous targets but what he expected didn’t come as the ogres just walked inside the walls without problems. The only ones who received the short end of the stick were those who were still alive along the path of the ogres who had their lives literally squeezed out of their bodies after being stepped on by the heavy creatures. Those who thought that they were fortunate enough that the ogres didn’t accidentally step on them cursed out after being trampled over by the Skallsers and the Drakhars.

Khao’khen ignored their wounded foes as his attention was focused on taking control of the town, those who died after being walked over by his warriors, he pitied them, that’s all. He and his warriors all finally entered within the confines of the walls which seemed deserted due to the lack of people. Khao’khen’s gaze then went towards the firmly shut door of the castle, “Hmm… They are hiding inside the castle.”

“You! Big guy! Go knock on the doors!” he shouted towards the ogre who was at the very front while making a gesture of knocking just in case that the big fella didn’t clearly hear his voice. The ogre lumbered forward after nodding his head in acknowledgement of the chieftain’s command.

The soldier who was keeping an eye out through the small hole on the door of the castle jerked back in fear after he saw the giant figure moving forward towards the door, “Heokh!” he gulped down a mouthful of saliva while taking a few steps back, away from the door which he doubted would be able to stop the enormous enemy if he decides to just crashed through it, he had no plans of being squashed by the giant doors nor by the size of their enemy.

The ogre reached the doors of the castle then balled his right hand into a fist, “Nah’ki’nak!” he shouted as he pounded his giant hand on the doors of the castle. The hinges of the door creaked in agony after being subjected into the powerful knocking of the ogre and even its frames trembled along with the walls due to the strength behind the knocks. “Chief! No one’s home!” the ogre turned towards Khao’khen after waiting for a few moments for a reply.

‘The f*ck!’ Khao’khen screamed in his mind after seeing what the ogre did, he told him to knock down the door but the ogre literally knocked on the door, he was dumfounded by what he just witnessed. He heard the sound of someone chuckling behind him which prompted him to turn his gaze towards the origin of the sound and there he saw Adhalia covering her mouth as she tried to suppress her laughter while looking at the chieftain’s flabbergasted face. “Ehem…ehem…” Adhalia cleared her throat, “Well you clearly told him to go and knock on the door which he did.” She clarified as she suppressed herself from laughing out loud but soft giggles still escaped her lips as she was amused by what he just witnessed.

Khao’khen just facepalmed while shaking his head, “We can try to negotiate with them first since I doubt they would still have the courage to continue resisting.” Adhalia suggested. The chief agreed without a second a thought, if they can take control of the town through a peaceful way then he had no qualms about it. Accompanied by a group of Drakhars, Adhalia went forward and headed towards the front of the doors which were firmly shut but she noticed the small opening on the right and left door with an eye looking at them from the inside.

.....

“Go back.” She instructed the ogre who didn’t know what to do next after receiving no response from his knocking. After taking a deep breath, Adhalia stared at the eyes which were looking at her, “I am Adhalia of the House of Darkhariss and I am here to hear your terms of surrender in behalf of the chieftain. There is enough killing for today so you better speak your terms reasonably.” She declared in a clear voice.

Captain Kertakk who was staring at the woman outside was a bit surprised after hearing of her identity. He knew that the one name Adhalia of the House of Darkhariss was once pursued by the current king which led to the demise of her family after she and her family decline his pursuit. ‘She survived the hunt.’ He admired her resilience. The captain figured out that a great upheaval would soon occur in Ereia and he was sure of it that Adhalia of the House of Darkhariss came back to settle the scores with the current king.

Captain Kertakk turned his head towards his fellow soldiers who were waiting for him to make a decision, his eyes went around the halls of the castle and locked gazes with his family which were also waiting for him to decide. The eyes which were focused on him had hopeful gazes that he won’t be stubborn and make the most logical decision. “Tsk… I am no fool…” he mumbled then turned towards the door.

“We have but just one term… The assurance of all our lives!” the captain requested as he knew that they were in no condition to make more conditions since their enemies could just refuse their terms if he accidentally offered something that is deemed too much by their foe. Ensuring their lives was enough for him and he heard a unified sigh of relief from almost everyone inside the castle after he announced his condition for surrender.

Adhalia was prepared for a lengthy negotiation but didn’t happen as the enemy leader clearly knew of their situation and offered only one term. “Well… Your terms are agreeable! We accept your surrender…” she responded, she still can’t believe how quick and easy it was to make the enemy surrender as she moved backwards to create a reasonable space between her and their foes who were willing to surrender.

The firmly shut gates finally opened and the defenders of the castle stepped outside with relief written all over their faces. Captain Kertakk and his soldiers were finally able to see what they were supposed to go up against and they were glad that they made the right choice.