Kargen slowed, a feeling of caution gripping him. He looked at Shaluhk to see that she, too, had slackened her pace. Villagers watched them warily but none spoke. It was as if every eye in the place was fixed firmly upon them.
At last, a familiar face appeared. Rugg, the master of earth, had exited the great hut and was now walking towards them at a steady pace. Kargen and Shaluhk halted, waiting for the elderly Orc to come closer.
"Greetings, Rugg," said Kargen.
"Honour to your Ancestors," added Shaluhk.
"Kargen, Shaluhk," said Rugg, "what brings you to Khasrahk?"
"We seek an audience with your chieftain, Zahruhl," said Kargen.
Rugg looked around. "And yet you brought no hunters with you?"
"We did not think it necessary," said Kargen. "We have come to discuss matters of great import to our respective tribes."
"Then come," said Rugg, "and I shall take you to Zahruhl."
He turned around, making his way back to the great hut, leaving Kargen and Shaluhk to quicken their pace in order to keep up.
"He is quick for such an old Orc," whispered Shaluhk.
"So he is," Kargen agreed. "I see there is more to the master of earth than first appears."
An Orc hunter stood by the leather flap that hung, curtain-like, across the opening. He pulled it aside as they drew closer, allowing them entrance into the great structure.
Inside the stone building, they halted, and Kargen let his eyes adjust to the gloom. The interior was barren of occupants, making it appear even larger. He couldn't help but once again admire the work that had gone into the construction of the place, for the walls and roof lacked seams, their stone blocks fused together by the power of magic.
"Come and sit," bid Rugg. "I shall see if Zahruhl has time to see you."
Shaluhk recognized the insult, for Kargen was a chieftain; to make him wait was showing disrespect. She opened her mouth to say something, but Kargen's hand calmed her. Rugg disappeared into the chieftain's quarters, leaving the two visitors alone.
"Does he not respect tradition?" said Shaluhk.
"We are in someone else's hut," said Kargen. "We must respect their customs."
"They were friendlier than this the last time we visited."
"True, but we were only passing through."
"What does he hope to achieve by making us wait?"
"He is demonstrating his own importance," said Kargen.
"But you are his equal. Does he not see that?"
"This is not the place to argue such things. We must wait and see how this plays out."
"This is not a game, Kargen. The fate of our tribe hangs in the balance."
"It IS a game; do you not see? Zahruhl wishes to appear strong. If we can make him feel more so, then we have a greater chance of being successful. We must play by his rules, or we shall not achieve our objective."
"Very well," said Shaluhk, "though I like not this treatment."
They sat in silence. Shaluhk closed her eyes, the better to think, but Kargen kept his on the exit. He had heard sounds outside, sounds of feet moving, and he was struck by the idea they might have to fight their way out of Khasrahk. He loosened the axe in his belt.
Rugg emerged from his chieftain's quarters. "Zahruhl has deigned to speak with you."
Kargen and Shaluhk rose, showing their respect.
Moments later, Zahruhl came through the doorway, Voruhn at his side.
"So," said the chieftain of the Stone Crushers, "you have returned to us, Kargen of the Red Hand."
"I have," replied Kargen.
The two chieftains stood there, their eyes locked, each taking the measure of the other.
Zahruhl whispered something to Rugg, who promptly left the great hut by the front door. "Come, let us sit," offered their host, "and you can tell me why you have returned."
Kargen and Shaluhk resumed their seats, waiting until Zahruhl and Voruhn sat before beginning. "We have come seeking your aid," said Shaluhk.
"For what?" said Zahruhl.
"A great army threatens us all," said Kargen.
"I doubt that. You speak of a great army, no doubt you mean the Humans, but the Black Axe is more than sufficient to deal with the Torkul villagers."
"It is not the Torkul who threaten, but rather the Humans that live to the west. They are preparing to invade our lands with a large army."
"And how do you know this?" asked Zahruhl.
"The Humans of Runewald have seen it. Even as we speak, they prepare to march from Ebenstadt."
"Ebenstadt? You speak to me of other Humans? Let them fight amongst themselves. It is of no concern to us."
"It will grow to be so," said Kargen. "If we do not stand with the Therengians, then we shall be forced to stand alone at a later date."
"You do not know that for certain," said Zahruhl. "And in any event, even THEY could not penetrate the walls of Khasrahk."
"You feel secure behind stone walls," said Kargen, "but the Humans can penetrate even those."
"And how would they do such a thing?"
"They have engines of war that can make short work of your walls."
Zahruhl leaned forward. "How could you possibly know of this?"
"We were taught," offered Shaluhk, "by Nat-Alia of the Red Hand."
"You lie. The Humans do not teach such things to their females."
"You are wrong," said Shaluhk. "She is a battle mage, a wielder of great power."
"Then let her defend your tribe, or does she refuse?"
"Even magic has its limits."
"You speak of magic," said Voruhn, "and yet you yourself are barely trained in such things."
"I am the Shamaness of the Red Hand," countered Shaluhk.
"And yet, still," insisted Voruhn, "my words ring true. Leave talk of magic to those who are educated in such things."
"Let us return to your original topic," said Zahruhl. "You asked us to help the other tribes. What manner of assistance do you envision?"
"I propose each tribe sends what hunters it can spare. We shall lure the enemy to a place of our choosing and destroy them."
"I see," said Zahruhl. "And what, might I ask, would be the price you would
