"Interesting," said Natalia. "It appears the entire crusade is built upon a lie."
"You think explaining this will make it any better?"
"Most certainly not. They're using it as an excuse. The real question is, why?"
"You don't suppose there's godstone here," asked Athgar, "like back in Ord-Kurgad?"
"No, that would be stretching chance a little too far for my liking. There's something else. I'm sure of it."
Sir Raynald appeared through the crowd. "There you are. I've been looking for you two. Come and meet the father general, won't you?"
"By all means," said Natalia, "lead on."
Lord Dieter's voice boomed across the room. "There they are!"
As they drew closer, they saw him and his companions. Beside him was a short man, with a carefully cropped beard that was greying around the edges. "This is Father General Hargild," the duke said. "I've been telling him all about you two."
"Greetings," said the father general. He indicated the man next to him, who was similarly dressed in the dark grey of his order. "May I introduce his excellency, Master Talivardas. He is the regional master of our order."
The man was tall, with a long grey beard that stretched past the middle of his chest. His closely cropped hair gave him an imposing appearance, commanding attention from all those around him.
"Pleased to meet you," the Cunar master said, extending his hand.
Athgar reached out, looking down at Master Talivardas’s extended hand, but strangely, the palm was downward, forcing the Therengian to acknowledge the ring that stared back at him. He paused, not quite believing his eyes, for here, on the hand of the Cunar master, was a ring set with dark blue magerite. There could be no doubt, this man was a Stormwind!
Judgement
Autumn 1104 SR
(In the tongue of the Orcs)
Kargen paused, looking at the ground. "We are close," he said. "There are signs of frequent foot traffic."
Shaluhk listened. "We are indeed. I hear the distant sound of a village at work."
Kargen looked at his bondmate. "You did not have to accompany me," he said, "but I am glad we are together."
"As we should be. We are a team, you and I."
“Do you still worry?” he asked.
She nodded. “I can not shake this feeling.”
“Then let us return to Ord-Ghadrak. I would not put you in danger."
“No, we can not. Without the help of the Stone Crushers, victory would be in doubt. You know as well as I that we must do all we can to ensure the safety of our people.”
“Even at risk to yourself?”
“Yes,” said Shaluhk, “and you?”
“I am the Chieftain of the Red Hand,” said Kargen. “I can not expect my tribe to risk their lives if I am unwilling to do the same.”
“Spoken like a true leader.”
“What makes you think that danger awaits?”
"I do not know. I just have a feeling something will go wrong."
"Will the Ancestors not guide us?"
"In their own way, yes. They are the accumulated wisdom of our race. The mistakes of the past are not forgotten, thus allowing us to avoid making them in the future."
"I wonder what they might make of our present plight?"
"We are trying to unite three tribes to help one group of Humans against another. I doubt such a thing has happened before."
"What of the west?"
"That is unfolding even as we speak," said Shaluhk. "And while our kin help the Humans there, insufficient time has passed to tell if it will be to the overall benefit of our people."
"What does your gut tell you?"
Shaluhk laughed. "You sound like Athgar."
"I shall take that as a compliment, but you are avoiding an answer. I would know your thoughts, for I value your opinion."
"There is danger ahead, of that I have no doubt. Kirak warned us about Zahruhl's treachery."
"You think he will not help?"
"I think he WILL, but the price he asks may be too high."
"Perhaps," mused Kargen, "but if he refuses, we are in no worse a position than we are now."
"Not so," suggested Shaluhk, "for his tribe is stronger than us. He has only to wait until we have weakened ourselves against the Humans to move in and absorb what remains of us."
"I think that unlikely. Our people will not submit so easily."
"I think you are wrong, bondmate. Without your guardianship, the tribe will fall into disarray. Say what you like about Zahruhl, but he knows how to lead his people. Khasrahk offers safety and security. Can you say with certainty that our people would refuse such an offer?"
"Would not another rise to take my place if I fell?"
"Who?" said Shaluhk. "Laruhk? You know he would die by your side rather than flee, and the same goes for Durgash. But no, I am afraid your death would spell an end to the Red Hand."
Kargen grimaced. "Then I shall do my best to remain amongst the living."
"As will I," she added. "Now, let us put aside these gloomy thoughts. We have a chieftain to visit."
The aroma of smoke drifted through the woods, indicating the proximity of the village. Kargen kept a close eye on the path ahead as it twisted through the trees, and then the stone entrance of Khasrahk came into view.
Two Orcs stood watch, the butts of their spears resting on the ground. They gave little notice of their new visitors, not even deigning to welcome them. Shaluhk thought it strange but held her tongue, for complaining would do little to put them in a positive light.
Through the entrance they walked, taking in the village beyond. Much like Ord-Kurgad, the wall ran the perimeter of the place, with an opening through which one could enter. There was no gate to speak of, though in times of war, one could be created relatively easily. Kargen found himself wondering if the dreaded tuskers ever ventured into town, but on closer reflection, he thought it unlikely.
The space beyond the entrance was open, with huts to either
