"Let's follow," said Athgar, "but keep back. We don't want to spook him."
They kept their distance, watching as he left the building, heading out into the streets of Ebenstadt.
"Do you remember who he is?" Athgar asked.
"No, but it's someone from my past. He looks much older than I remember him. Maybe someone from before I went to the Volstrum?"
"It's not Stanislav, is it?"
"Saints, no," she said. "I'd know him in an instant. No, this is someone else." She paused. "Wait, now I remember; his name's Nikolai. Stanislav warned me about him, said he was the man who murdered my mother."
"Oh?"
"Yes, he's a mage hunter who used to work for Stanislav. He attacked us when I was first brought to the Volstrum."
"Then we'd best take care. He's likely not changed. What do you think he's doing here? Looking for mages?"
"Not at the father general's place," said Natalia. "However, he does work for the family."
Ancestors
Autumn 1104 SR
(In the tongue of the Orcs)
Kargen awoke to the sun on his face, warming his skin. They had hung there for days, and he could feel the hunger gnawing at his stomach. Looking across at Shaluhk, he saw that she was just stirring. He tried to call out to her, but his voice had left him. When she finally raised her head, they stared into each other's eyes, the wisp of a smile on her face.
"Can you hear me, my love?" asked Shaluhk.
He nodded.
"We must be strong," she said.
Kargen turned his head, looking at their guards, but the Orc hunters paid them no attention. Villagers were going about their business with little thought to the fate of their prisoners.
Out of the corner of his eye he spotted movement, but his present situation prevented him from getting a better look. Soft voices were exchanged, and then one of the guards left his post. Kargen suddenly felt a chill; was someone coming to finish the job? Had Zahruhl decided to end them now rather than let them linger?
A younger Orc, no more than eighteen summers, came into view, his face covered in grey mud. He also wore grey cloth, marking him as a master of earth or, considering his age, more likely an apprentice. Walking straight up to the second guard, he spoke in low tones that Kargen couldn't make out, but his words had an immediate effect. The guard nodded, then left his post, leaving the two prisoners alone with the newcomer.
Kargen glanced at Shaluhk. It was clear she had seen the exchange for she, too, was watching with interest as the young Orc drew close. The stranger paused, taking a moment to look Kargen in the eyes, then turn his attention to Shaluhk.
"You are a shamaness," he said.
"I am Shaluhk," she replied, "bondmate to Kargen, Chieftain of the Red Hand."
"I am Urumar, apprentice to Rugg. I have been sent to speak with you."
Shaluhk cast her eyes around before settling them back on the visitor. "And to do that, you must dismiss the guards?"
Urumar turned to Kargen. "We need your help."
"He can not speak," said Shaluhk, "for his voice is gone. A victim of his thirst."
Urumar hesitated, unsure of what to do, indecision on his face.
"We speak with one voice," said Shaluhk. "Tell him what you wish, and I will answer for him."
Urumar looked around the village, waiting as someone ambled by before continuing. "Some time ago, Voruhn caught the eye of Zahruhl."
"What has this to do with us?"
"Let me finish. Voruhn was little more than an apprentice at the time, learning the ways of a shamaness under the tutelage of Glurdash."
"And where is this Glurdash now?"
"Dead," said Urumar. "Killed in an ambush in the forest. It was blamed on the Torkul at the time, but my master has his doubts."
"And?"
"Since Glurdash's death, Voruhn has become powerful. Much more so than could be expected in so short a time."
"Go on."
"My master, Rugg, believes she has delved into the dark arts."
"How long ago was this?"
"Only a few ten-days ago, just before your first visit here. However, her influence over Zahruhl has grown stronger, to the point where he can no longer think for himself."
"Has her manner changed?"
"Yes," admitted Urumar. "Her former self is barely recognizable."
"It is not the dark arts," declared Shaluhk.
"Then what is it?"
"I believe she has called on the Ancestors to feed her quest for power. She is possessed, and I think I know by whom."
Urumar stared back at her. "Tell me."
"No," Shaluhk replied. "If we are to die here, then that secret will die with us."
The young Orc glanced around one more time, then lifted his hands, cupping them before him as he uttered words of power. The area around them echoed with the sound of splintering wood. Moments later, Shaluhk's frame collapsed, dropping her to the ground. Urumar didn't hesitate, turning his attention to Kargen and repeating the spell.
Shaluhk rose, rubbing her wrists and tugging the loosened bonds free. She rushed forward, catching Kargen right as his wooden frame snapped in two. He fell heavily, leaning into her, then steadied himself. Urumar tossed her a knife, and she made short work of the remaining rope.
"Come," the apprentice said. "We haven't much time. Rugg awaits."
He led them through the village and into a small stone hut. Inside were two Orcs, one of which they recognized as the master of earth.
"This is Gahruhl," said Rugg, "sister to Zahruhl. She is a master of earth, like me."
Urumar selected an earthenware jug, passing it to Kargen, who drank thirstily.
"We haven't much time," said Rugg.
"Shaluhk thinks Voruhn is possessed," said Urumar.
"It would explain much," said Gahruhl. "For she has not been herself for some time."
"Has she ever contacted the Ancestors?" asked Shaluhk.
"I can not say for sure," said Gahruhl, "but it would have been part of her training, would it not?"
"I believe she was swayed by the words of Khurlig," said Shaluhk. "An ancient Ancestor who longs to return to the mortal realm. She
