Kargen threw up his shield at the last moment, a manoeuvre that undoubtedly saved his life as splinters of wood flaked off the rim of the shield when the axe smashed against it. Zahruhl backed up, smiling despite his lack of progress.
"You will not last long, Kargen," he taunted. "And then your bones will bleach in the sun."
Kargen launched a flurry of blows, driving his opponent back. The Stone Crusher soon recovered, planting his feet and using his own weapon to fend off the attack. The effort left them both panting as they separated. Once more, they began circling each other, their eyes locked.
"Impressive," continued Zahruhl. "I must give you credit for your speed, but it will not be enough to save you."
"You talk far too much, Zahruhl. You should save your strength for fighting." As Kargen finished his words, he leaped forward, striking out with his axe. In answer, his foe used the neck of his great axe to block the attack. Kargen's axe dug into the wood, but only a small divot gave any evidence of his success.
The Stone Crusher Chieftain feinted to the left, then shifted his weight as if about to strike. Kargen raised his shield in defence, but at the last moment, Zahruhl jumped to the right, bringing his axe down at an impossible angle to strike the inside of Kargen's shield, narrowly missing his hand. The force of the impact sent a shudder up his arm, driving him backwards.
Kargen saw the opportunity to strike a deathblow, for his opponent had left himself exposed. He was about to swing but then hesitated, remembering his mission.
Shaluhk forced herself to look away. It would do no good for her to watch the fight, for its very success would depend on her own actions this day. Looking around, she could tell the villagers were all entranced by the battle unfolding before them.
She stepped back from the crowd, raising her hands in preparation. Words of power dripped from her lips, and she felt the familiar release of magic as the spell was completed, revealing the spirit realm to her eyes.
The shamaness glanced around, seeing those watching the combat in muted tones. Unlike travelling to the spirit realm, this spell allowed her to see the ghostlike presence of those who wandered the mortal realm. She moved back amongst the villagers, making her way around the edge of the circle.
There was a sudden gasp, and then she was jostled as the crowd shifted, caught up in the excitement of the spectacle before them. Closer she drew to her goal, pausing only when her target finally came into view.
Voruhn stood watching the fight, but her features blurred, and Shaluhk struggled to focus her eyes. There could be no doubt that the spirit of Khurlig controlled the shamaness, for when she shifted feet, there was a blurring motion. A momentary delay as the possessing spirit caught up with the physical motion of its host.
Shaluhk steeled herself, moving in to strike.
Kargen shifted to this right, watching his foe's response, then he rushed forward in a crouch, his shield held high. Zahruhl's axe came down, deflecting off the centre of the wooden construct and digging into the ground. The manoeuvre threw him off balance, allowing Kargen to strike, driving his own axe into the Stone Crusher's boot, narrowly missing flesh.
Zahruhl regained his balance quickly, shouldering into his opponent and knocking him to the ground. He loomed over his target, raising his axe for the killing blow.
In answer, Kargen pushed forward with the edge of his shield, directly into his foe's stomach, driving the air from his lungs. Zahruhl staggered back, fighting for breath. Kargen rolled to the side, coming to his feet, his axe ready to strike again.
The attention of the villagers was riveted on the battle, but Shaluhk forced herself to ignore what her bondmate was doing. When she was within three paces of her target, she slowly drew her knife, sliding it from her belt carefully to avoid the sickly blue liquid dripping from its blade.
Easing up behind Voruhn, Shaluhk reached down, slicing lightly across the back of the shamaness's calf. The cut was not deep, just enough to draw blood, but the black liquid that poured forth was stained with blue.
Voruhn turned with a start, her eyes seeking her attacker.
"I see you, Khurlig," announced Shaluhk.
In answer, Voruhn pulled a knife of her own. "What have you done?"
All around them, Orcs backed up, their focus on the battle interrupted by this new altercation.
Shaluhk smiled, holding her own blade before her, displaying the mix of black and blue that glistened on the blade. "See how you bleed, Khurlig?"
Voruhn looked at her wound, noting the discolouration. "Dragonsbreath? Impossible. It does not grow in these parts!"
"True," said Shaluhk, "and yet it was quite common in Ord-Kurgad."
Voruhn's eyes widened. "You are a fool, Shaluhk. I can simply neutralize the toxins with a spell."
"Go ahead," replied Shaluhk. "For when you start to cast your spell, I shall drive a dagger through your heart. You have two choices, Khurlig. You can release your grip on Voruhn or die with her body, making your spirit that much weaker. Which shall it be?"
Voruhn backed up, cursing. All of a sudden, she shuddered, and then the ghostly form of Khurlig emerged, releasing her hold on the shamaness. The body of Voruhn dropped to the ground, motionless.
Now it was Shaluhk's turn to step back as words of power tumbled from her lips. Moments later, she heard a snap, and her own body fell to the ground. However, in the spirit realm, she advanced towards Khurlig, her hands already preparing for another spell.
The ancient Orc rushed forward, arms extended, ready to throttle the upstart shamaness, but it was too late; her spell had been cast. The ghostly image of a boar took shape and charged right at the Ancestor, tearing into her legs. Khurlig fell, cursing and swearing.
Hunters rushed
