Rise of the Horde

Sakh’arran went mute for a few moments as he joined the chieftain in figuring out what was bothering him. The two highest commanders of the horde sat in front of the campfire thinking of what was missing in the preparations that they have done that they didn’t notice Gur’kan approaching them while carrying a finely decorated pole on his shoulders that has some engravings onto its body. Gur’kan stood before the two and casted his shadow over them but they didn’t seem to see him as they still had their low and are staring at the ground while they both have a hand under their chin.

After a few moments of no reaction from them, Gur’kan finally got tired of just standing there and looking at the two statue-like warriors as they remained still for some time while in silence. If not for the almost inaudible sound of their breathing, Gur’kan would have thought that the two were under the effects of a petrify like spell. Gur’kan cleared his throat to catch the attention of the two, “Ehm… Chief, can I have one of these new weapons of yours. I saw a lot of them among the supplies and I figured it’s a good thing for bashing some opponents since it doesn’t easily break.” As he gave the pole a few swings and even struck the ground with it.

Khao’khen was about to absentmindedly nod his head in agreement but then the said weapon by Gur’kan caught his attention, “You’re a genius… That’s what has been bugging my mind!” the chieftain suddenly stood up as he gripped the shoulders of the confused Gur’kan and gave him a few gentle shakes to show his gratefulness in him helping in figuring out what he had forgotten.

“Eh!? What!” the baffled Gur’kan responded as he can’t quite understand what was happening but since the chieftain gave him some praise then it means that he just did something amazing despite not him knowing what it was exactly. “Now we just need these wards to be placed around the camp and be given to the group of Haguk and Dhug’mhar.” The chieftain patted the shoulder of Gur’kan who still had no idea of what was going on.

“Wards?” Sakh’arran stood up also confused of what the wards are going to be used for, “Anti-scrying wards to prevent our foes from spying on us. Hekoth and Gunn crafted them after they felt that someone spied on our previous camp through magic when we were still laying siege upon the city that we took control of recently.” Khao’khen explained as he shifted his gaze towards Gur’kan, “Now go and pick up five more wards and placed them on the four corners of the fort and one at the center of the camp.” He instructed as he took the ward that was on the hands of Gur’kan then headed towards the gate that faced their newly arrived opponents.

“R-right…” Gur’kan was helpless as he was given extra work to do and he could feel that someone was watching him from somewhere. When he turned towards one direction, he saw the base of the tower and as he raised his gaze up, he saw the face of Trot’thar who had an amused look on his face and was staring at his direction. Gur’kan gave out a snort of annoyance after he felt that he just got mocked by his fellow war chief and went on with the task that he was given.

Sakh’arran was left behind confused as he can’t quite figure out what was going on with Gur’kan and Trot’thar as it looks like the two enjoyed the suffering of each other. Shaking his head, he just went on and followed after Gur’kan to help him in finishing the task that was given to him by the chieftain.

.....

Outside the fort, the Drakhars were still waiting for their commander to make his return after exchanging some words with the enemy envoy who initiated the talks. They were all prepared to rush in into battle if the exchanges would turn awful right there and then and provide immediate support to their commander but fortunately that didn’t happen as Zaraki the Black was making his way back. The exchange of words between the two parties seemed to be too quick than what was normal but they the soldiers had say in it on how their leader does the talking.

Khao’khen had a cloak draped over him as not to make his identity as an orc be known to their enemies since he can’t rule out the possibility that someone among their foes have the same vision capability as Trot’thar or even greater. He also brought along with him one of the anti-scrying wards as to robbed anyone who was currently spying on the Drakhars of any information about his presence. While he was waiting for Zaraki to make his way back, he noticed the engravings on the ward that was on his hand which suddenly began emitting a faint light which would mean that someone was currently trying to spy on his location.

“That’s the last one…” Gur’kan wiped away the sweat that covered his forehead after he had finished setting up the last of the wards.