"Yes," said Laruhk, "and my sister as well."
"And in the meantime, what will you do here?"
"I shall wait."
Laruhk crouched, listening carefully to the sounds of the forest. Birds chirped in the trees, a sure sign danger was not at hand. He relaxed, letting out his breath. He was in the same position when Kargen and Shaluhk found him.
"You have news?" said Kargen.
"Orcs are nearby," he replied, "likely beyond that twisted tree."
"Then it is time we introduced ourselves," said Kargen. He took a step forward, revealing himself with Shaluhk by his side. "I am Kargen, Chieftain of the Red Hand," he called out, "and this is Shaluhk, our shamaness."
"And I am Urughar of the Black Axe," a voice drifted back. "Come forward so we may see you mean no harm."
They moved closer, soon detecting the carefully hidden hunter. "We come in peace," announced Kargen.
Urughar stood, then came forward, his hands held palms up in front of him to show he was unarmed. "Honour be to you, Kargen and Shaluhk. My chieftain, Kirak, will be pleased for you to visit him. I understand you have come far?"
Kargen looked at Shaluhk, whispering, "How would he know that? The Ancestors?"
"I have no idea," she replied. "And we shall never find out unless we take him up on his offer."
"You are right, of course." He raised his voice once again. "Very well, Urughar. Take us to your chieftain that we may greet him."
They entered the village of Ord-Ghadrak with little fanfare. Word of their arrival spread quickly, and by the time they arrived at the great hut, the chieftain of the tribe was standing before them.
"Greetings, Kirak," said Kargen.
The immense Orc stepped closer, his scarred visage a mere finger's width from Kargen's face.
"Welcome, Kargen of the Red Hand," he finally said. "Welcome to Ord-Ghadrak." He embraced Kargen, a move that surprised everyone.
Kirak looked towards Shaluhk, bowing his head. "And honour to you, Shamaness." Returning his attention back to Kargen, he continued. "Come, let us share the milk of life to celebrate this meeting."
"I would prefer some drink," said Kargen, "for my throat is parched."
Kirak let out a chuckle, leading his followers to relax the grips on their axes. "Well said, my friend. So be it. Come and sample the hospitality of the tribe."
They soon found themselves inside the great hut, sitting around the central fire that dominated the place. Other Orcs had drifted in and now sat nearby, listening intently to the discussion.
"Tell me," began Kirak, "what is it you desire for your people?"
"A place to live," said Kargen, "nothing more. Surely there is room in these parts for another tribe?"
"Ordinarily, I would have said yes, but recent events have changed everything. We have had to deal with the Torkul, you see."
"Torkul? You mean the Humans?"
"They are more than mere Humans," noted Kirak, "for they have the grey eyes of their ancestors."
"Athgar's people," said Shaluhk.
"Yes," Kirak agreed. "It was Athgar that helped broker the peace."
"Athgar is here?" said Kargen.
"He was," the chief replied.
"What of Nat-Alia?" asked Shaluhk. "Was my sister with him?"
"If you are referring to the Human female with pale skin, then yes, even now they live amongst the Torkul in Runewald."
"Is that the village of the Therengians?" asked Shaluhk.
"It is."
"Then it appears our journey is almost done."
Mortag, the master of flame leaned forward, intent on the conversation. "Why would you say that?"
Shaluhk smiled. "From the beginning, Athgar's arrival in Ord-Kurgad portended great change. After we defeated our enemies, we sought to move east, but fate placed an army in our way. As a result, we were forced north, following in his footsteps. It soon became clear our Ancestors were guiding us closer, perhaps to a shared destiny."
"Then it could be that the fate of both our races is tied up in this 'Therengian,'" noted Kirak, "though I must admit Torkul is easier on the tongue."
"Torkul is the name for an enemy," said Shaluhk, "but I believe the Therengians might be our allies. The Ancestors have indicated it was thus in the distant past."
Kirak nodded his head, turning to his master of flame. "What do you think of that, Mortag?"
"We have seen Athgar represent the interests of our tribe," the old Orc remarked. "I think it a reasonable supposition."
"That is his way of agreeing," said Kirak. "And what of you, Laghul? You are our shamaness. Do the Ancestors tell you any different?"
"I would agree with Shaluhk," she replied. "Our race is at a critical time as the Humans spread into our lands. The arrival of our cousins gives us the strength to resist them."
"War with the Therengians is to be avoided," insisted Kargen.
"I agree," said Kirak, "but their king is difficult to deal with."
"Difficult in what way?"
"He pretends to want peace but secretly prepares for war."
"How do you know this?" asked Shaluhk.
"Our hunters keep their eyes open when they visit Runewald."
"How far is this village?" asked Kargen.
"Two days' travel," said Kirak. "I can have Urughar take you there if you wish."
"I should very much appreciate it, though I would have to make arrangements for my tribe first."
"We would be happy to assist," said Laghul.
"Yes," agreed Mortag. "How many travel with you?"
"One hundred and ninety-two," said Shaluhk. "Many of them younglings or the elderly."
"We shall find room," said Kirak, "if only for the short term. We will, of course, expect your hunters to contribute to the stores."
"Of course," said Kargen. "I would have it no other way."
"If you are to travel to Runewald, with whom would I speak to in your absence?"
"Laruhk. He is Shaluhk's brother and a trusted friend."
"Are you sure he is up to it?" asked Shaluhk.
"I would trust him with my life."
"Yes, but would you trust him with your tribe?"
"You trust him with our son," Kargen reminded her.
"So I do," she relented.
"You obviously hold him in high esteem," said Kirak, chuckling.
"I do," said Kargen. "He has been a friend since we were younglings."
"I understand completely," said Kirak, "for many of my closest advisors are the same.
