08. Leaving the Orc Camp

*See chapter 00. Intro and chapter descriptions*

I awoke before dawn to an early morning chill and dressed quickly, hearing a flurry of activity. When I stepped out still sore and aching from the night before, having a difficult time walking naturally, I first saw Gilead with a pack of orcs and their wolves.

"Be quick, we leave on the marrow and need the meat dried and salted. We will ride fast with little rest. Zyre is impatient to reach the bands and tribes on the other side of the mountains. Now go."

They growled and roared and goaded their mounts with hunting spears and into the woods they bounded, soon out of sight.

"Ah Mistress Analea, did we wake you?"

"No Gilead. So he is determined to leave tomorrow then?"

"Aye he is. That was the fourth hunting party to leave camp already."

"It is no small thing to feed a horde on the move."

"It is not, but he does not take the horde with him, he is leaving 300 or so to guard the camp, and it seems me and ten others are to accompany you."

"Truly? He does not take you with him? I am sorry Gilead. If you wish I will speak to him."

"Ah much appreciated Mistress, but no. He has made his mind up and you are the priority. He does not trust the elf king and will have you protected as much as possible."

"It may be nothing Gilead. Surely you would rather ride into certain battle?"

"I go where Zyre commands Mistress. He thinks you in grave danger on this errand of yours, and he always trusts me with what is most important."

I knew not how to respond to his words and was embarrassed by them, if an elf could blush I would have.

"I will be sure to thank him Gilead and your escort will be most appreciated."

"Aye it is an honor to serve the future consort and my future queen. But I must go, there is much to see to this day."

"Be on your way then, do not let me keep you from your duty."

"Ahhh it is Melee who keeps me from my duty, ha! But gladly so."

With that he was gone, but before I could process what he had said there was another orc, tall and strong standing beside me.

"Envoy Analea, have you seen Zyre?"

"I have not chief Kryzig, but I will tell him you seek him when I do. Is there anything I may do?"

"No, I simply wanted to discuss our path thru the forest. The demon orc are making excursions deeper and deeper into forest. We should not be blindly charging thru. There will be resistance."

"I am certain he will use precautions, he is not foolish."

"Aye he is not..."

He appeared hesitant to leave, yet was not speaking.

"Is there something you wish to say lord Kryzig? I assure you I am in his confidence."

"Has there been word from your father? Messengers? A word from Cyllian? Surely he knows."

"There has been no word and yes the king must know by now. What concerns you so?"

"Just that, no word. I spoke briefly with your brother before he left. There is conspiracy in the northern realm, within the palace; he sniffed it out and dealt with it silently, and he did not say it, but seems to suspect betrayal from an unexpected corner, again he did not say-"

"Conspiracy? From whom, the king? Why would he betray his own kind?"

"I don't know, but he hinted before he left after fighting off a small incursion upon their lands from Skyros' soldiers. Zyre told me of your plans and I agree with him, you should not go. I know of the arena and what happened, and what was found. The same gold has been found in the mountains and caves far to the north."

"Did Cyllian say anything else? I must know, and where did he go?"

"He did not, and his path was towards the south west, towards the central kingdom, but he is a crafty one and reticent like Zyre, so who knows? My men tracked him briefly, but lost his trail at the river."

"Who does he travel with? What soldiers did he bring to defend against the incursion?"

"Half breeds, all. Ha! You ask questions like Zyre, well matched you are... and a few may have been half fae. There are more of them than I thought."

"How many soldiers Kryzig? How many left with him, how many remained?"

"An entire battalion he brought, of those who lived most remained, he left with only 30 men, traveling fast."

"Hmmm all this you would have known Analea had you remained in my tent."

Zyre startled me, so focused I was on Kryzig I never heard or scented him.

"Haha! Easily startled for an elf! Never have I seen one so easily caught off guard."

He was right, and I was definitely shamed for my lack of focus.

"Perhaps it is because I know I am secure here in your camp. A testament to your rule Zyre."

"Perhaps, but after I leave tomorrow you and Gilead will be running the camp, with the council of course. And there may be some who cannot yet be trusted."

"We will be on our guard, what else did I miss last night? You did not inform me when you came to my tent."

"You were tired and I would let you rest, there was nothing that could not wait. But the demon orcs have a pact it seems, working and invading with the goblins, emptying towns and settlements and claiming the land. Refugees are everywhere. The fall of my father's hegemony has the rogue orc bands testing boundaries, and the weakening rule of the northern elf kingdom is the same. No doubt that is why Cyllian was there, but it seems that incursion was only a test of strength, and not a true assault."

"Skyros then is calling the rogue bands to himself... and what of Syrte's actions, his attack on us?"

"Bah, Syrte was nothing more than a tool for Skyros, an arrogant braggart, a coward. Probably sent to test us, perhaps eliminate... depending on if he was bought by the king or not; I only waited to finish him at the arena since he chose to take us there as a show of his power."

"Aye, sounds like Syrte. Probably defied his orders and tried to take power himself. What is this about him being bought by the king?"

"Hmmm. The bonds he put Analea in were charmed to restrain her power, but only hers, not mine. It tells me--"

"He wasn't there for you. The trap was for her, you and your death were just convenient and would have scattered orc power."

"Indeed. But my death wasn't the goal, her capture was. But by who, and why?"

"If the elf king indeed is behind it, you certainly should not attempt a return, but remain. Zyre is correct, and my suspicions are in like mind. Cyllian even hinted he is behind the conspiracy in the north kingdom."

"Then perhaps lords, I shall ride out and find my brother to get the answers I need. I cannot sit idly here not knowing, and waiting for Fate to work it's course. I will have agency, and I must have answers if we are to know how to act, and against whom."

"Can Cyllian be trusted? The most feared elfin warrior in a thousand years, loyal to his people and kingdom? They both are known to be devious and dangerous. A small band of thirty will not save you from him."

"I appreciate your concern chief Kryzig, but I will not accept that I need saving from Cyllian. Ever he has protected me, trained me. I will not believe that he would betray me. Even from our father he has watched over me, I would know why I was kept alive only to be betrayed when we were making peace and alliance."

"I've told you before, I don't trust it. If you insist on leaving the camp, take Tiamat, mount your men on wolves, that will make anyone think twice."

"No Zyre, tho I have misgivings about declining, an orc band on dire wolves in elf territory will be seen as hostile, or worse an act of war. We will go on horseback, they will be faster crossing the plains anyway."

"Hmmfff. Stubborn elf maiden, so be it. If you are not back at this camp upon my return I will seek you out, and hunt those who were with you, be they friend or otherwise."

"Very well, Zyre. I will be here and I will have the answers we need. We will know who our enemies are, and who our friends. I will leave you to make your own preparations while I make mine."

"Lady Analea, one last thing. Cyllian was last seen heading back to the city at full gallop. They may very well be looking for you."

"Thank you chief Kryzig, but Cyllian did not return to the city or palace, I know my brother well. He wanted those watching to think he was returning, both enemy and 'friend'. His concern is the border country and the northern kingdom, the home of his betrothed. He is certainly in the wilds somewhere, and he will find me."

I gave a bow of my head and turned and left, so many things going thru my racing mind, so many questions needing answers, but now I had to ready my band to leave in a few days, and wanted to find Melee, looking for her as I made my way to the cooking pits where my band was still encamped.

I heard shouting from outside the tree line, where the sun was now shining bright and warm over the prairie that stretched like a sea of grass and wild flowers seemingly forever.

"It's too big, Broge! I cannot handle it!"

"Bah! You'll learn waif, keep trying, with both hands if need be."

"Broge, go easy on her, she isn't trained. Perhaps a javelin would suit her better, a hunting spear. Something lighter.. here, try this Talia."

When I stepped out I saw Melee and Broge with a few of the others training Talia. Melee was showing her how to defend and attack with the long weapon; stance and position, how to move and block and defend from blows of a blade.

"See Talia? And even if your spear is cut in two..."

Here Broge drove his iron blade thru the wood, cutting it in two, but Melee didn't hesitate, and soon had the spear point at his throat and the jagged sharp wood threatening under his rib.

"And two ways to end your enemy."

"I don't know if I'll ever learn that. I prefer the bow I think."

"Talia, the bow will do you no good in close combat."

"Mistress Analea... I.. I... I'm sorry I didn't know you were here..."

"Your training is going well I see? Do not worry, no one expects you to be a warrior. What you are being taught is to defend yourself if need be."

"I'm trying, I am, but I'm not Melee and definitely not an orc. I've never been taught weapons, only trapping small game..."

"The spear and javelin are useful weapons for those who do not know hand to hand, or the blade. And for those who are smaller and weaker. Indeed Talia, when I began my training it is what Melee taught me first."

"Melee taught you?!"

"Hahaha, it is true. I was an envoy, a messenger. But it is a dangerous world and my brother took his finest captain and warrior and put her in my service, for protection and training. If you are learning from Melee, you are learning from one of the finest fighters in all the realms."

"I... I.. I'll try harder, I promise. I want to stay here, I want to do my part and be part of the band, be like her."

"Do not get frustrated Talia, and be patient with the impatience of an orc, Broge means well but I'm sure isn't used to training a human, let alone one with no experience... in weapons."

"Hehe, true chief, all too true. But she does well. At least no longer threatening to stick an arrow in someone's gob, ha!"

"And knife work?"

"We haven't begun that yet. The spear first, and more bow work. She can't hit a moving target yet."

Certainly I should not have made the joke, but sometimes it cannot be helped, especially after what I witnessed the previous night.

"Broge, Melee, I need to speak with you both."

"Aye chief... waif Talia enough for now, later this evening before sunset, we go into the forest with bow and spear, to hunt game and spear fish... and when showing you how to spear fish, I'll show you again how an orc spears, ha!"

"This evening? Cannot you show me how you spear again this afternoon? it is only late morning."

"Hehe eager this human woman. If you're not too tired from last night's spearing."

"I am not! I'm still learning how an orc spears and it's my favorite lesson."

"Broge..."

As amusing as this was, I had important things to discuss.

"Ha! Of course it is.. but enough, the chief needs me. Go rest or practice your bow if you will."

"Mistress what is it?"

"Zyre and most of the orc host leave tomorrow, he is leaving 300 to guard the camp. We leave in a few days time ourselves. Broge get the band ready, and Gilead and a few chosen by him come with us."

"Gilead isn't going with lord Zyre Mistress?"

"No Melee. Zyre insists he come with us and so it shall be."

"Aye chief, we need wolves. We are a lowly band and have none ourselves."

"We do not take wolves Broge, we go on horseback. Taking wolves into elf lands could be an act of war. But bring all your arms, we may be going into certain danger, if not a trap."

"Then why Mistress do we go to the palace at all?"

"We do not. There is certainly betrayal, if not against Zyre, then most certainly against myself. We ride out to seek Cyllian."

"Cyllian? The elf prince? The bane of the demon orc?"

"Yes, and my brother. I am certain he haunts the borderlands, perhaps the edges of the forest on the other side of the river, or the rock hills to the north. And that will be our first destination."

"You are sister to lord Cyllian? The deadliest blade and fighter? Heir to the central kingdom? If the king has betrayed you would he not as well?"

"You know of him? It is complicated Broge and I will explain, but not now. I need to speak with him, it is of great importance that I do so. Can I trust you and the band Broge?"

"What?! Of course you can. You're our chief, and chosen consort to the hegemon. We go where you lead."

"Very well then. Prepare the band and steeds. We will travel light and fast. The day after tomorrow send out the two fastest and quietest riders to scout ahead."

"Aye chief Analea. It is done.... but how are we to find him in the wild?"

"Hahaha Broge, my Mistress does not intend to find him, but to be found by him."

I went to leave them heading back to the heart of the camp to make other arrangements and to find Zyre, leaving Broge and Melee to themselves to give orders to the others, over hearing a bit of their conversation. I stopped by a large tree to listen.

"Spearing fish this evening then to teach her swiftness and decisiveness?"

"Aye, that's it exactly--"

"And the other spearing? haha!"

"Hehe well she requested, what orc would turn that down."

"Indeed, including me. Is there room for another to receive a spearing? I've been with the same ones my whole time here, and besides we can continue to build trust, no? I promise I won't leave Talia out."

"Heh? You would be welcome indeed! Talia will be surprised, ha!"

"Haha, I'll train her in a new way, showing her more tricks! How many of the band will be there?"

"Hmmm a few. But some need to hunt and others need to prepare for our leaving."

"Well be sure to have four at least--"

"Ahhhhh! What are you doing! Let me goooo! Ahhh---"

Talia. Behind the tents. I moved quick, as did Broge and Melee.

"Eh? What? That is Talia!"

I ran the short distance faster, being an elf, and thru the trees I saw him. The human male had his arms wrapped under hers and was dragging her into the forest as she struggled against him.

I had my knife at the ready but there were too many trees to get a clean throw and rather than run directly at him I went round to cut him off, he was too distracted by fighting against her to see me, and he certainly could not hear me.

"Let me go Giles! Let me go! I don't want you! I'm staying here!"

"I'm taking you one way or another--"

I broke thru the brush and threw myself into him, knocking the three of us to the ground. He was quick to recover and brandished his knife, but I was quicker, and my rage was great, eyes burning amber, I could feel them glowing. With my hand balled into a fist I broke his nose and probably some teeth, his knife dropped. Humans always underestimate the strength of an elf, especially a woman, he would not make that mistake again. His shock made him pause, and I grabbed his throat and slammed him into a large tree behind, lifting him off the ground, my hand was heating up, burning into his flesh, his feet kicking and hands grabbing at my wrist trying to loosen my grip which only tightened... that is when Broge and Melee arrived. Broge's anger was obvious, but it was Melee who had her knife out.

"Melee, see to Talia and check for wounds, remove her to our tent."

"Aye Mistress.. Talia can you walk?"

As Melee led her away my grip tightened more, he was gasping for breath and fear was in his eyes, so much so he wet himself. I never broke eye contact as I contemplated what to do.

"Hmmm chief, let me handle this whelp sneaking into an orc camp. He's beneath you."

"Broge, did I not charge you once to see he left camp?"

I dropped him to the ground in a heap but remained watching him for any sudden move.

"I swear I--"

"Do not disappoint me again, Broge. See to it he cannot return."

I knew it was not his fault, but my rage was burning and I needed to make my point. One look at Broge and I stepped away to follow Melee and Talia, but stayed to watch Broge approach the human, grabbing him by his cloak and dragging him away.

"Grrrr human, whelp. You sneak into an orc camp, attack my female, anger my chief, and set her rage against me? This is going to hurt, I won't lie, but it won't last long... in fact waif Talia lasted all night with six orcs and wanted more, you have but one to deal with, and you won't see the first watch."

"Outside of the camp Broge. I would rather Talia not see or hear what happens."

He simply raised his hand in acknowledgement as he dragged the kicking human across the rough ground and further into the trees. I turned heel and headed back to my own tent knowing the human would no longer be a problem.

When I arrived Melee had Talia in the tent with a drink sitting on the bed, she appeared no worse for it.

"Are you well Talia?"

"I am Lady Analea, thank you. For asking and saving me."

"You may stay here tonight if you wish tho he will no longer be a problem."

"Did you? Or Broge?"

"I let Broge deal with him, as he asked to."

"I can go back to him, I'm fine really. He just caught me off guard is all. If I had had a knife it wouldn't have happened, but I was just getting ready to bathe... and he came out of nowhere."

"Well never again, I promise you. Here, a dagger to keep with you at all times."

I dug into my things and handed a little dagger I had no use for, one I used to keep in my robes in the city and palace, or in negotiations.

"Thank you! Really? You don't need it?"

"I do not. Here in this camp my knife belt is always with me. I used to keep that concealed in my robes, but there is no need anymore."

"It's beautiful!"

"Elvish made. Finely honed steel, leather with gold filament in the handle, the pommel is solid gold, and that is an emerald on each side of the handle, set in the leather and the steel beneath it. May it serve you well."

"You have been so kind, and I haven't done anything yet...."

"Hahaha, relax. There will be a time when I call on your service, you are a member, of sorts, of my band. And I confess I feel a certain kinship to you."

"You do? How? I'm nothing like you... just a human, a traders daughter..."

"Well you chose to leave one life behind for another, one you would prefer. I am no different in that way. I left a life behind I will not go back to, and I would not trade this life or the orc in it, for anything, nor would you. I promise I will help you to keep this chosen life if I can."

"I don't... I don't know what to say.. thank you Lady Analea. I promise I won't be a burden, I swear."

"Hahaha, you are not. Now, I must go. Remain as long as you will, Melee will tend you and see you back when you are ready. Melee, I know of your plans for this evening, but do not forget to prepare for our leaving."

"Aye Mistress, all will be set. The horses ready and weapons sharp, the band prepared. We shall find Cyllian, or more likely he, us."

I wandered about after leaving the tent to calm my temper and eventually ended up where the horses were kept; rarely used by orcs except on peace missions, and I felt guilty for not coming here before, for I knew our horses from our first journey were here. I was surprised to find Broge there, feeding and tending, checking hooves and health. He was focused on one particular when he saw me.

"This one must be yours chief. A fine beast."

"It is indeed, a faithful and well trained steed. I have shamefully neglected him since our arrival."

"Hmmpf. Zyres' keepers are decent at what they do, tho they could be better."

"You know horses Broge?"

"When my father grew too old to fight he bred and traded in horses, profitable with humans and elves. That was before the demon orcs took the territory and butchered all that would not pledge loyalty."

This was new and curious. Why would he have been with Xeela then?

"So you have no love for the demon orc?"

"No. My father was true and loyal to the hegemon, Zyres' father, who united the true blood orc and half breeds, protecting them and their lands against all enemies, so I am."

"May I ask then how you came to be in Xeela's band?"

"After my father was butchered by Skyros and his band, I wandered looking for revenge. I fought every demon orc or any loyal to him, mostly alone. Not all demon orc are that powerful, and many loyal to him are true bloods like me.

"In time I found a band to join, but instead of fighting they wanted to drink and fuck, going to taverns and towns as peace spread about, and the border lands became peaceful; Cyllian and Zyre driving the raiders out and into hiding, I still wanted revenge, but was unpractised in fighting, raised to breed horses.

"That is when she found me, drunk in a tavern and wounded after killing two of my own kind with the mark of Skyros on their arms. She promised me more blood, more revenge, for she was going to join the new hegemon, Zyre and be his consort. I readily agreed."

"Yet I defeated her, and you swore loyalty to me as your chief..."

"Aye, at the time I wanted to fight you myself, even if it meant my death. I thought you were deceiving the hegemon, leading him astray. But I knew I wouldn't get my revenge on you with Zyre there, and besides, I heard your accusation of betrayal, and she did not deny. I decided to wait for my vengeance. We took her body to prepare for the burning, and that is when I found it, the marking on her lower back, the mark of all loyal to Skyros. She lied to me and the others.

"I went thru her belongings after and found more. Weapons, the type they only make. All bearing the dark markings only they use, gifts probably, bribes of gold and steal. We spoke all of us together, we went out to the plains where we could not be heard and decided loyalty was better than death or banishment, and I want to prove myself worthy to the hegemon, something my father didn't accomplish, being a simple soldier in a small band of no consequence. What better way than being under his chosen consort?"

"And proving yourself you are and will have more opportunities to do so. You have my trust Broge, and in time you will have Zyres' as well, and you will fight the demon orc, I promise."

"Aye, I won't disappoint you again."

"You did not in the first place, Broge. I spoke in a rage that was not intended, and I wanted to be clear on what I expected, on what I was going to do myself. As I said, you have my trust."

I bowed my head slightly to show respect and it was reciprocated, and I left him to the horses making my way back thru the camp.

Everything was alive throughout the camp. The orcs were harnessing the wolves, sharpening weapons; iron swords, spears, thrusting spears, axes, everything. The wolves were restless and growling and snarling, pawing the ground. Traders were being sent away thru the plains, along with those not a part of the encampment. Those remaining to guard the camp were moving closer to the center, building small sections of rampart and earthen walls, and even a few watch towers were going up. All this while I approached Zyres' tent, well guarded, but they stepped aside to let me thru.

"Things are well in order Zyre. The camp is truly alive and prepared."

"It had better be, I haven't set foot out from this tent since last we spoke."

Zyre and Kryzig along with Gilead and a few others were looking over a map.

"Kryzig, the river path is the fastest and most direct route, and the one I will use. Scouts will go ahead, flanking into the thick forest on our right, and more upon the hills and mountain slopes on our left."

"You risk certain ambush on that road Zyre. Four days in and you will descend into the narrow crevice, It is another day's ride thru that before it ascends again. And the enemy has made strides in that region."

"Then Kryzig we will devise a plan. If they ambush there, I will know this night and send riders out to find them from this side of the mountains. There is a pass little known and little used, it will put them behind the only place they can attack."

"Orc spies will be expected and watched for."

"Ha! Who said they will be orc?"

"What? Who then?"

"It matters not, I will keep my secrets for now old friend. But do not worry, I know my forest and these hills and slopes, along with who lives in them."

"So we war openly against the demon orc then."

"No, but battle is inevitable. We go to unite the orc under my rule, united and one. Who stands in the way or rebels will be swept aside."

"Very well then, I go to prepare my men and send word back to my lands to send more. Lady Analea."

With that he left with those who were with him, leaving Zyre, myself and Gilead.

"Zyre, what spies do you speak of? Humans? Dwarfs? Who watches the mountain passes for you? Or do you wish to keep your secrets even from me?"

"The Finderin-"

"The little people? They live here in the forest? I have not heard word of them in a very long time."

"Aye they live here among the great tree roots, and under. They cannot fight but long ago they learned we, the Orc, defend this forest, our ancestral home and to prevent it's destruction they began to give us warning of impending danger. Very few know and mostly they speak thru the dwarfs here in the camp."

"They once aided the elves, in the distant past."

"Before the elf built walls, destroying the forests for palaces and stone cities."

"Spurned on by war Zyre, there are no innocent races here."

I almost became hostile, and certainly felt defensive. I did not wish an argument but...

"One cannot forget the raiding, raping orcs and their wars from yesteryear."

"No, one cannot. But now we seek something better, more worthy of all. We must let yesterday die. There is a new war now, a new hate; it must not last a thousand years."

I relaxed; there was no insult or anger in his demeanor, only truth.

"And our union will be the beginning."

"And the end Analea, if the prophecies are true."

"We must make them so, no?"

"Indeed. We move Fate as much as it moves us. Gilead see how the preparations go, mine and the camps; Analea do you remain?"

I wanted to, I felt my time alone with him was always short, always rare, and I always wanted something from him, but there was much about an orc camp I still needed to learn.

"My desire is always to remain, but with your leave I will go with Gilead and see how your camp goes from peace to war."

"Hmmm well chosen; go and witness, it will be you giving orders soon. Gilead show her how my camp prepare for war."

"Of course lord Zyre... Mistress Analea..."

Gilead pushed out of Zyres' tent and waited.

"Will I see you tonight yet Zyre, before you leave in the morning?"

"If I am not here when you return then I am seeking you out."

Leaving the tent Gilead was on wolfback and waiting.

"We ride Gilead?"

"Aye it's a distance we are going, out into the plains and back into the forest, you will want Tiamat; and besides orcs follow orders better with a direwolf beneath you, ha!"

"Haha, I am sure. Very well then."

I gave a sharp whistle and she came bounding from her pen, crouching low so I could mount her back and off we went.

"You see along the woodline here mistress? If you look close you will see in both directions a pair of orcs. They are watching for warning fires from further out. Where there are hills or a copse, we have watchers to warn of any approaches."

"How far out do they go? How far along the woodline?"

"Let's run out and see?"

We bounded out into the open plain to start, rushing thru the tall grass and wild flowers before veering off towards the treeline and I could see the first set of watchers, wolves inside the trees and a large stack of kindling, unlit, for the warning fires. From there we had a distant view of a copse on top of a hill, with sharp eyes you could see movement; two more guards, and looking back behind our eyes followed the treeline in a sweeping arc and directly across another two orcs.

"Well guarded indeed Gilead."

"Better than you think. Throughout between hidden in the tree tops are bowmen; half breeds mostly. People from the surrounding villages and settlements who find protection from lord Zyre. Come, we go to the hill."

We raced to the hill, the sun is past it's zenith now but still hot. When we arrived the hill was steeper and larger than it first appeared, and heavily wooded. A huge orc stepped out of the trees at our arrival, the others working on building a fire pit. After brief introductions and Gilead giving orders, we were off again, making straight for the forest where the river running thru it cut into the plain.

Entering the wood I saw nothing at first, the light turning to shadow, but soon realized trees and brush had been bent, formed into make shift huts, and movement up high in the trees; bowmen above, fighters below.

"Well hidden Gilead, if not for my elf eyes I would not have noticed. Truly a good first line of defense."

"No mistress, a warning for the camp some, but these would fall upon an enemy's rear after they pass. This line stretches with groups of three to five for miles, on both sides of the river."

"Indeed an effective way to protect a forest camp."

"Zyre leaves little to chance, even at peace and fully armed there are patrols at all times, on foot and wolf. There are riders ready in the moment to send word or warning to Zyre himself. For you know that as his father was trying to set the hegemony in the old city, Zyre ruled and protected this forest, the ancient orc homeland."

"I did know, tho I had never met him before. Cyllian had told me stories of him, when they did fight the goblin together, and the occasional demon orc band. Some elf lords found it strange they became allies, if not friends."

"Hahaha, some orc chiefs were untrusting as well, but the two of them are like minded. Even Zyres' father found it odd, but they both seem to want to bring elf and orc even closer."

"Tell me Gilead, does Zyre, or yourself even, think Cyllian would betray him? Betray me?"

"I think he doesn't know Mistress. It is one reason he would like to speak to him himself. I think he doesn't want to believe it, and like me he thinks there are other things happening that may make it appear that way."

"It would be strange indeed for Cyllian to seek years of peace and alliance, train me himself, fight side by side with Zyre, bring him to the heart of the elvish kingdom, simply to betray him, especially to Syrte of all enemies, whom he would certainly know Zyre would destroy quickly. In no way could Cyllian believe he would be a match for Zyre."

"Aye I said much the same. More likely Syrte planned it himself, or you, we, were betrayed by the elf king without Cyillian's knowledge. If Kryzig is right about the northern kingdom, then the betrayal is far deeper than you and Zyre."

"Then you understand why I must find my brother."

"I do, and I think it dangerous for you to leave the camp. If they do not already, everyone will soon know Zyre has left and taken the horde with him."

"Does Zyre's number one fear danger and a possible trap?"

"Haha, no lady Analea. I fear his threats should something happen to you. I have been warned."

Again, I hear more from others than Zyre himself would tell me, and although appreciated, I feel underestimated as a warrior and what I now know, a demi god.

"I am a warrior Gilead, perhaps you and your lord forget. And I have power that I know how to use."

"Nay, it is well known and trusted, but there are others who have power, and once already you have been bound and made powerless, by what means we do not know. Much depends on your union, tho he does not say so he begins to think there is something to these prophecies and curses from the past, and I should not say it, but will. He desires you more than his power or rule."

"As do I Gilead. Rule means nothing to me, only him would I have. I would choose exile in the forest to be with him, and death without him."

Having seen the defenses and watching Gilead give orders, we had been gone for hours and it was now early evening when we turned back to the camp and our conversation had moved on to Zyre leaving in the morning and our own impending departure in a few days. We parted near Zyre's tent where I sent Tiamat to her pen and entered his tent finding him gone; I felt I should wait for him but the evening was beautiful and warm and the camp alive so I wandered about heading in the direction of my own band, where I thought he would look for me first.

I could hear before I saw, moans and screams, grunts and groans, calls to the gods. I know not why, knowing already what was to happen, but it still caught me off guard, the first words I could make out among the screams and moans of pleasure were from Melee.

"A quick student Talia, you like? Hmmmm... you are sweet to taste."

"Melee, oh fuck Melee, n-n-never f-f- felt this before...."

"Hmmm this orc cum in you is so good... hmmm... try something new?"

"Huh? W-w- what?"

"Hehehe... take one in your mouth now, give pleasure while you take it..."

"The gods! The gods! Almost... ahhhh... I want it, want to.... someone, please by the g-- hmmpppffff!"

"Hehehe... fuck that mouth waif! As good as that tight cunt! Ghaaa! If it weren't being used now!"

"Hmmoppfff! Hmmppfff!"

"Ahhhh she's cumming! Yummy Talia! Mmmm cum for me, like you do them, mmmm...."

Mesmerized again by watching I could not leave as I saw Melee position herself on her knees, her face between Talia's skinny thighs and reach behind herself, opening herself up.

"Hmmmm are you all going to just watch me make her cum and lap it up? Or do any of you want to make me cum? Stick a fat orc dick in me!"

The fire light and darkness, the flickering shadows made it hard to see who stepped and knelt behind her, ramming himself in her hard and deep forcing her face hard into Talia who screamed loud, drowning out all else.

"AAAAAHHHHH! That tongue! Fuck fuck fuck that tongue! By the gods! Mor-- hmmppfff!"

"Ha! Enough talking! More cock is what you need waif! Ha! Going to flood that tiny throat while she makes you cum!"

"Ahh ahhh ahhh yes! Please! Fuck Broge I love your cum! Hmm how you stretch my jaw, it hurts but want more!"

"Hehe, take it, all of it!"

He grabbed her head and pushed into her mouth, tho I had crept closer I was still at a distance, but could still hear her gag, then there was Melee and the one fucking her, but not in the way I thought.

She screamed loud into Talia's thighs as the orc, who I know realized was Gilead, pushed into her hard and it seems, deep.

"AAAAHHHH! Fuck! Gilead... oh fuck fuck fuck!"

"Ahhh.. this ass of your Melee, so tight... arghh... "

"Fill it! Fill me! Ahhh gods, that cock in me!!! Another, fuck I need another.. another cock in me!"

She was quickly obliged in her request. Another from the band got in front of her, as Talia was now in what apparently was her favorite position, being held up and sandwiched between two of the band, filling and stuffing her. I was still amazed that such a tiny woman could take two orc cocks in her like that, thrusting in and out in rhythm, her legs wrapped around the one in front of her, the one behind holding her up by her cheeks.

I watched and witnessed this when I noticed something, a musky scent on the warm summer breeze, a heavy footfall behind me, without looking I knew who it was and also knew he'd be behind me in seconds.

As I watched Melee and Talia being stuffed, filled, penetrated over and over, listening to their screams and moans; the grunts and growls of orcs cumming and filling them, covering them, again and again, two or three at a time, I could feel him behind me, his hot breath on my skin.

"Before this Zyre, before coming to your camp, I never realized- no, I never understood the public act, others watching, or watching others. And I do not understand it yet but-- I do not know."

"Hmmm there is a pleasure in it; a freedom in watching and being watched. A freedom in taking and being taken before others, for the taking and taken is all that matters, that desire being fulfilled before all, their want feeding your own."

"I need no aide in my want and desire for you, it overwhelms me constantly, but I would not care who saw or who will see when you take me; indeed Zyre I would have all eyes witness my claiming and revel in it."

"You have done so already with your marking...."

"I have, in a way. But even then I went into it with trepidation; wondering if I should feel shame or if I would. I always thought of public display as feeding the lust and desire of others; that it was for their pleasure, not the pleasure of the one being taken. That night of my marking showed me otherwise. I was proud to do it, and I think I would be proud to do so again, tho I prefer in private for being bathed in your cum. It is not enough for me now having your scent upon me; I want them to witness you taking me, entering me, planting your seed in me, claiming me truly as your own, that only you may have me, my body; that all of this (I turned to him and removed my covering, put my hands on his muscular chest) belongs to you and only you. I want them to lust and desire knowing they can never have what I freely give to you to take."

Naturally I slid my hands down his rough skin, feeling every taught muscle rippling with his breathing and felt him as I slid down to my knees.

"One more feeding before you leave, something to remember me by."

I didn't have to take him in my hand; as soon as I pulled his leather breeches down his hand was on my head pulling my mouth to him, his pale green cock standing straight up, throbbing already.

"Feast now Analea. For the next time you see my cock it will be to claim you, spreading you open wide, filling you, breaking you, making you scream. Feast on my cock, swallow what I give you, taste my seed, feel it filling your mouth."

"Hmmm and some on me? I love how it feels on my soft pale blue skin, making me white with your cum. Hmmm hmmmm."

He held my head and thrust into my mouth, parting my lips around his girth, lowly growling, but even so I could still hear Melee and Talia screaming in their ecstasy as they were fucked by the others, begging to cum, and to get cum; I knew the feeling, I was desperate for Zyre to cum for me and their begging screams and moans only fueled my desire.

I held still, my hands on his thighs, then my own, then the rough ground I was crouching on trying to maintain a balance. His thrusting grew rougher and faster, his taste and musky scent filling my mouth and nostrils, my mouth watering. I needed to breathe but wouldn't stop sucking his massive green cock. I took and felt his sack, heavy with his thick liquid, holding it, keeping it from me; I wanted his release.

I swirled my tongue around him in my mouth, felt his wet shaft with my hand, and even tho he was thrusting into my mouth I slid my lips over him, taking him deeper, wanting and loving feeling his huge soft head hit my throat. I was soaking and thought I might even orgasm without being touched; this out here in the woods, in the camp where I could be seen was my favorite cock sucking yet.

His massive rough and strong hands were soon both on my head, fingers behind my long and tall pointed ears and under my silver hair, his grip tightening with every orcish bark and growl.

My thighs were burning and I needed to change my stance. I moved my position to one I had seen Melee in countless times before, including tonight. On my knees, hands on the hard packed earth, my face and neck straining up to his massive shaft; I never let him leave my mouth, such was my progress with this new found skill, and one I was quickly priding myself on, how well I could suck on his manhood.

"Hmmm hmmmm ahhhhh... (stroking him in front of my face, looking up at him watching me) you are throbbing in my hand, I can feel it on my tongue, pressing against it. Release for me Zyre, cum for me, your Analea. Fuck my mouth if you wish, if you need.... hmmm hmmmm... the taste of your skin, the feel of your hardness, the ache of my jaw; such pleasure you give me hmmm hmmm."

He said nothing, but watched as he kept thrusting his shaft between my lips, his grip getting tighter and tighter, sliding harder and harder, my body started rocking back with his thrusts and no longer hitting my throat- disappointing, but not for long.

He loosened his hold on my face and relented for a moment; I took advantage and thrust my face forward, taking all of him I felt his head not hit, but enter my throat; I swallowed, squeezing and closing my throat around him, tightening. He roared in pleasure, so again and again as I found a rhythm in bobbing my head on his shaft and 'swallowing' everytime I felt him so deep.

"Ghaaaa! A great pleasure to watch you suck my orc cock and draw my cum from me with your mouth, but this... arghhh... time to fuck your mouth and throat! Swallow my cock like you'll soon swallow my seed!"

I could only moan and squeal around his veiny girth, looking up I tried to smile my approval, but with something that size stretching your mouth and jaw to their limit and ramming into your throat, it is difficult.

He didn't just grab my face with his grip, but grabbed my pointy ears hard and pulled me to him, slamming into me, my face hitting against his muscled stomach, holding me there briefly, his head again in my tight throat.

"Aghhhh! Like an orc! Time to fuck your mouth, face like only an orc can!"

I squealed loud at that, wanting it more than ever; for him to take it how he would, not be gentle for my sake, but how he wanted.

He hesitated at first, sliding his length fully out then in again, watching and growling lowly, and in the momentary silence I realized I heard nothing; no Melee or Talia, not the orc band fucking them over and over. I don't know why but it struck me as odd; however the moment was fleeting as Zyre picked up speed and force, still holding me by my ears, pulling my face to him as he thrust into me.

There was ache, a little pain, but a pleasurable pain, with the usual spit and drool as my mouth watered tasting his shaft as it always did; of course I knew already how much I loved tasting him, having him that way, his pleasure from it giving me pleasure. How much I loved feeling his hardness in my mouth, feeling him throb against my tongue, my lips, his fire of orange lust in his eyes as he watched his long hard shaft fill my mouth, sliding in and out, pushing out my cheeks in spite of my best efforts to suck them in against him.

But as much as I loved all of this; the cool night air, the feeling of the earth and leaves against my hands and knees, his lust, my own, his hard cock in my mouth, his head and now even his shaft entering my squeezing throat, I remembered to keep swallowing against him, drawing him deeper as he held my ears still, pulling me, thrusting into me; I was desperate for him to cum and give me his copious seed. I wanted to beg and plead, but could not, only wait and enjoy the pleasure of being fed his massive orc cock.

As he thrust into my hungry mouth stuffing me full of orc cock, I felt his throbbing quicken, expanding his girth and stretching my jaw even more, I felt a liquid leaking down my throat tho he was too far in for me to taste it; his precum was leaking, it would not be long before I received what I craved.

I closed and opened my throat with a quickened pace, squeezing it around him faster as he held fast my ears, pressing my face against him, he held himself him me, no longer thrusting. Then it happened, his first burst of thick liquid straight down my throat. I was in the act of swallowing against him when it happened and choked and gagged on his cock and cum, coughing and spitting up, choking on him. Zyre pulled back, withdrawing his cumming cock, but I had recovered and pushed myself forward on him taking his length back in my mouth not wanting to stop.

He roared with pleasure and thrust and came again as he did so, a massive stream of thick liquid coating my mouth and I swallowed what I could, the rest gushing out of my mouth and over my lips. Finally I couldn't anymore, and pulled off, cum hitting my mouth and face as I did.

I coughed and spit and swallowed. My instincts taking over I wiped my mouth with my hand smearing his seed on myself even more. Looking up at him, his cock still hard, cum leaking out of it, I took him in my hand and held out my tongue below, letting it splash and splatter before taking it and drinking it down.

"More more more. Give me more Zyre."

I stroked his shaft taking his head between my lips and filling my mouth without swallowing any.

"Hmmm I always have more seed for you to feast on Analea, since you crave it so."

I held all I could, still on my knees below him, looking up my mouth full of his orc seed, but there was too much and I could not contain what I had taken. Without my will my mouth opened and some spilled out, dripping down my chin before with one gulp, like Melee had told me about quaffing an ale, I opened my throat and took it all down, feasting indeed upon his copious seed but gasping for breathe after.

"Always... always want... more.. n-n-never have enough. How you feel so hard in my mouth, your taste, the taste of your cum. The more I receive the more I want."

"I have more yet to give, I am not yet empty."

"Then let me fini-!"

Before I could say more he stroked himself and shot a massive amount out, his already huge head expand before my very eyes and I felt the heavy wetness splash against my skin. I gasped at the shock of it and my mouth opened receiving more. He watched me closely as he stroked his heavy cock over me, and I debated; do I take him in hand and feel it, stroke him onto my face myself? Or push and hold my chest up for him? I chose another way.

As he growled and roared his pleasure out on my face I took hold his heavy cum laden sack and squeezed, coaxing everything out I could. With every spurt of cum I could feel his large sack tighten in my hand as I messaged his seed out, not only on me, but back into my mouth until his pale green cock was finally expended.

I gently stroked him not wanting to let go and reluctant to stop as I cleaned his shaft with my tongue and lips when he reached down and pulled me to my feet; I almost fell since my body had been in one position for so long, but he caught me and spun me round backing me against a tree. That is when I realized we had been being watched by the others; Melee, Talia, Gilead and those of the band who had watched me suck Zyres' massive member.

I had no time to react, Zyre reached between my thighs and slid down my deer skin breeches and jammed a finger inside me; I gasped then moaned, my eyes on him, then the others watching as his finger, then two, stretched me. He pressed his strong broad chest against me and my large soft breasts pinning me against the tree as he pleasured me with his calloused fingers.

Gripping his arms my nails dug into his thick skin as I moaned in pleasure, knees weak; I may have fallen but for his pressing against me. It was not long before my moans became squeals and then screams as I came on his unrelenting fingers.

"Hmmm you cum as you made me. When next I bring you ecstasy it will be my cock stretching you, that you will be cumming on, not my fingers."

"Ahhhh..... ahhhhh.... all I want.... ahhhhh... your cock.... your cum... ahhhh.... in me.... by the gods Zyre.... "

"Hmmm a fortnight only then the full moon. Only a fortnight until I shove my orc cock deep!"

He slammed and rammed his two fingers unbelievably deep and hard, I swear my feet left the ground and I screamed as loud as I imagined I would when he did finally fuck me with his huge cock.

"Aaaaahhhgghhhhh! More more more! Again again again Zyre!"

Again his strong finger thrust, a deep grunting growl in my ear, a rough hand gripping my breasts squeezing and smashing them together, calloused fingers sliding against my hard nipples, an orcish laugh of pleasure and perhaps amusement as he thrust his fingers in me over and over, causing my liquid to pour and squirt out of me.

"Hmmm maybe my cock won't hurt so much after this stretching."

"Aaahhhh... d-d- don't care... wa-wa-want the pain of you.... in me...."

The pleasure was great but I knew it was a tease, a prelude only for what was to come.

Thru all this when my eyes were opened I still saw the others behind and to the side, watching. Several of the orcs had stroked themselves and had cum, some only slowly stroked making themselves hard; Melee and Talia had Gilead and Broge in hand, Melee had fingers in herself.

Zyre finally stopped with his fingers but did not move, keeping himself pressed against me, grunting as his own chest heaved with every breath against my breasts, his renewed hardness pressed against my skin. In the little space between us I grazed his head with my fingertips, running them softly over and over the sensitive skin.

"Can you stand on your own yet princess or do I need to hold you up?"

That orcish smirk, the 'princess' comment, his old joke... a deep breath, pressing my soft chest and hard nipples against him one more time, for I knew it was over.

"Well lord Zyre I rather think you like where you are and simply using my 'weakness' as an excuse to press your hardness and yourself against my (here I whispered low) soft... soft... flesh, no?"

I pressed harder, and my hand tight between us stroked him and I felt precum leaking over my fingers and my stomach.

"Oh my... ahhhh... Broge..."

"Hehe come waif, back to the tent with you."

Although I was focused on Zyre and my desire to have more of him, it was amusing watching Broge pick her up and sling her over his shoulder and walk off into the trees, the others who remained following. I glanced briefly for Melee, but she and Gilead were already gone.

"Perhaps Zyre we should return to our tents. Others are probably waiting for you before you leave at dawn."

"Hehe, no one watching and you want to stop? Ha! You see? There is pleasure in being watched."

"Haha, if we don't leave now I will take you in me myself, damn the claiming ceremony and your vow. Already the temptation is too great."

I slid out and away from him grabbing my covering and restraining my chest myself as we headed back to our tents thru the camp, still alive with activity of all kinds, admittedly most like we had just been doing ourselves and I felt envy in me like never before but said nothing, nor did we stop to watch or observe; Zyre knew I would be right, there would be captains and chiefs waiting for him.

When we arrived there was a small group outside his abode, Kryzig and surprisingly Gilead among them. I attempted to take my leave but Zyre prevented it, raising his hand to silence those attempting to speak to him.

"Lady Analea, where do you go? Much of this concerns you and you should be present."

I was not expecting this, my intention was to go to my own and wash his drying cum out of my hair and off my face and cleavage, not that there was much having swallowed most of it, but I was not comfortable appearing in a council like that and Gilead noticed.

"Worry not mistress. You see the orc woman there? A powerful chief of a band numbering 25 in Kryzig's territory from the north; her skin is actually a darker green, covered head to hips in cum yet none would dare mock or deride; orcs care not mistress. Pleasure is one thing, council and war another."

All this whispered in my ear as Zyre and the others waited for what I would do.

"As you will lord Zyre, I am honored to be among your council."

Although extremely self conscious, at least I was dressed, the orc chief was barely, only wearing a leather thong and studded bands on her wrist, her breasts out and still showing marks from hands and perhaps marks from teeth? and covered in seed, some of it still fresh and wet; and from the look of her I would not willingly challenge her either, far more fierce she looked than Xeela with far more scars.

Before we could be introduced Melee came crashing behind me unexpectedly, as I did not even know she was there.

"Agneze! Truly?!"

"Aha! Melee old friend, still fighting in the elfin guard?"

"Ha! Not for years, it has been ages since last I saw you. I was in the service of an envoy, an elf maiden, now I am in the service of the future consort of Zyre, my mistress Analea."

"Ahhh, one and the same I hear, so it is you... *sniff, sniff* I smell it now, yes."

I smiled at her little joke, and bowed my head slightly when she looked at me.

"I have heard tales of your exploits chieftain, welcome to Zyres' council."

"Hmmm and I have heard of yours. I was disappointed to hear you ended Xeela, I looked forward to challenging that traitor and rending her with my bare hands. Melee after the council we drink, no? I leave on the morrow with the horde, you?"

"No we stay behind. I never leave my mistress' side, and she stays. But certainly drinking and feasting!"

"And you consort, do you join us?"

"I shall. Your name is honored far and wide and it will be a pleasure to feast with you."

"Ha, so be it then. After the council."

The council went along, as they do. Some argued about the route of the horde, others about place, front, rear, some honored, some felt dishonored. The defence of the camp was much discussed and who would be giving orders, many shocked that Gilead would remain to see Zyres' will done excepting my departure which should only be a few days. As these things usually are, it was tedious and much of it unnecessary, although I did grow uneasy when Zyre declared my word would be law, but no dissent was voiced, as most probably knew all orders would be tempered by the council of elders who would remain. And after a few hours it finally ended; I took my leave of Zyre after most had left, with nothing occuring between us. In truth I simply wanted to bathe; dried cum on ones skin hardens and is uncomfortable and I wanted it off me.

Melee and Agneze waited outside Zyre's tent for me. We then went to our own and washed ourselves and approached the feasting tables clean and dressed.

"Are there no Elfin men in this camp? I haven't seen one?"

"Hahaha, no Agneze only a few elf/human half breeds, and even fewer orc/elf half breeds. I had forgotten your preference, haha!"

"Ha! I know you prefer orc men Melee and the mess they make--"

"Hehe it isn't only the mess I prefer, but the size as well... oh that girth..."

Melee licked her lips and groaned for emphasis only to break out in laughter. I however, was feeling timid listening to this, not sure if I should speak or not, but curiosity was gnawing at me, and truthfully I wanted to know.

"You prefer Elf men then?"

"Aye consort I do! Hehe orc men are messy, ha! As you well know..."

That was slightly embarrassing, especially since I had just shown myself in council with dried cum all over my skin; I still had a ways to go for these things to be normal, and wasn't sure how to acknowledge her comment.

"Yes, indeed they are as I am finding out."

"Ha! Excuse my Mistress' silence, she is new to all of this Agneze, Zyre is her first and only-"

"Of any, Agneze. I have never known a man before, in any way."

I would own my story, and not have another tell it. But I was feeling more comfortable, perhaps it was the ale, and the fact there was no mockery, only simple jesting and I was beginning to enjoy myself a bit.

"But may I ask? Why Elf men?"

"Haha.. well there's the mess, but an elf? Hehe an elf man can fuck for hours without cumming-"

"But Mistress, no where near as large as an orc, at least in girth, ha! And I for one want to be stuffed full and stretched!"

"Hahaha, Melee, I think anyone who knows you knows that!"

"Oh just you wait Mistress, you'll find out when he claims you, you cannot even imagine..."

"But those elf men... sooo deep Melee, no? And no mess. No being covered for hours in seed. Not to mention orc men and their dominance."

"Half the fun! Being dominated, handled, flipped, shoved, held... hmmm and the mess... it shows how much they want you.. Agneze I tell you you should have been here at her marking! Even you would've been jealous with how much she had on her, how he covered her!"

Agneze looked at me laughing, and Melee a bit sheepishly, probably thinking she over stepped.

"So much consort? I know Melee well, sometimes things get exaggerated, ha!"

"Haha.. no, there was.... much, so much.. I was shocked in truth, even having seen Melee like that before."

"And?"

I hesitated, what did she mean? It took a moment for me to realize what she was asking.

"Ahh, y-yes, surprisingly I liked it, after the shock wore off, and I will not deny I've been given more, and want more still... from him."

I felt relief actually saying it. Letting that out felt freeing, like a truth I certainly knew but kept to myself, now out, and undeniable.

"Hehe... orc cum feeds a desire, and makes you hunger for more, it's taste like salted honey, ha!"

"Ha! Indeed Agneze, I will not deny it-"

"And being handled? You are an elf, you probably like being dominated, no?"

"By him, certainly. And you?"

I wanted the attention off myself, as I was growing uncomfortable, so much emphasis upon me, with little experience.

"Bah! Orc men and their dominance! Give me an Elf man, or better, several! they love being dominated by an orc woman, the ones that dare anyway, hehe. I am anxious to get back to the north edge of the mountains. The elves in the northern kingdom are most willing. Here all I have are orc men."

"But you do not deny orc men I see?"

"Deny? No. We orc women are as virile as orc men, we always want a cock in us, hehe. It is a simple matter of taste. Oh those long hard as steel elf men with their long tongues hmmm... unlike orc men, short stubby tongues, not good for eating hahahaha! An elf man can eat for hours... that is what you miss out on Melee, those elfin tongues!"

"Ohhh I wouldn't say that exactly... but for men, I don't miss it. Just stuff me three ways with large, girthy cocks and I'll get my pleasure for an entire night!"

"Hahaha! Remember those years back? The inn on the border lands back north? Those border patrols? Your elf group and my orc band? How many days was that? I lost track of how many days, and how many ways we took them all!"

"I do! Hahaha they swore they would fuck the both of us to oblivion! Ha! My Lord Cyllian was so angry.. my band, except for me couldn't function for an entire day! And those orcs of yours..."

"Ha! I was two days late reporting back to Chief Kryzig, I was reprimanded for three months over that."

"Reprimanded how?"

"Haha, well consort, I was pulled from my captaincy and stuck doing camp duty, no patrols, no fighting, and worse, not an elf man in sight, ha! Although in fairness it should have been Melee, she's the one who wore out my band, not I."

"Hey! That is not true, Mistress. They all had us both, most willingly.. and honestly by the second day it was hard to tell who was fucking who anyway, but I specifically remember you being fucked by more than one orc those three days."

"Haha, how does that even happen? That both of you with all those men? I do not believe I've heard this story Melee."

"Hehe well consort, we both were doing separate patrols and in that region there is only one inn-"

"I was surprised it was still standing after that, ha!"

"Ha! True! And who knows? Drinking, Melee and I already knew each other.. I think someone said we wouldn't or couldn't? fuck them all?"

"I brought much gold home after that, hehe. Poor fellows just could not keep up!"

We talked and laughed thru the night unknowingly, and before the sun broke over the horizon, when the darkness was still pitch, there was a change in the camp; a restlessness, a stirring, something in the mood and air around. We could see movement everywhere and soon heard the impatience of hundreds of wolves, then the drums, the beating of drums throughout the camp.

"Bah! We've spent the whole night talking and feasting! The horde sets to leave!"

In consternation Agneze rose to go, as did Melee and myself when Zyre approached with Kryzig and Gilead.

"Agneze are you not prepared? We ride ahead of the horde to scout and clear the path, Lord Zyre with us."

"Aye an honor! My mount is ready as are my weapons. I'll be at the front momentarily."

"Hmm. Fortunate you are a worthy warrior other wise a punishment would certainly be coming."

"Ha! Punish me as you will chief! I'd have it hehe cumming from you!"

"Ha! Foolish orc woman, hehe, if Zyre lingers yet there may be time to reprimand you. Now lets be off before sunrise!"

The four of us watched them leave, and soon, too soon I would be watching Zyre do the same, it hit me suddenly and I didn't like how I was reacting.

"Melee, come with me, seeing a horde gather and depart is something to see, and I yet have orders to give those leaving."

"Aye I've seen it once and it is a sight I would not miss, if only we were going fully armored and armed, but there will be other times."

She looked my way, knowing Gilead was giving myself and Zyre a moment before his departure.

"Analea, orders have been given. You and Gilead rule the camp, follow the lead of the council, but if a moment of urgency comes, Gilead and yourself lead, no other."

"I thank you for your trust, and I am certain there will be no danger to the camp. Tell me Zyre, when do you expect to return?"

"It is a two days ride to the river path we will follow, another five if we ride without rest to the northern most point of the mountains. I should return in a fortnight, well before the full moon in three weeks."

"Then journey well Hegemon, your consort will be waiting. Be quick and claim me as you say you will, for if you do not..."

"Speak your mind Analea, I would hear it."

"You said once that to find me you would rip every rock and stone, root every tree and destroy all to find me."

"So I would."

"If Zyre, you do not return to me I will turn all the realms to a waste land of ash and smoke, I will smoulder in my power until my words are true. Return to me Zyre, I will be here."

"There is no one, no power that will deny me you. Go on your journey, find Cyllian, but do not linger in the wild too long. Return here soon, be not reckless."

"A fine one to speak of recklessness as you ride to the heart of our enemies, the very lands of Skyros."

"Hmmm only the second heart of our enemies, while you ride towards the heart of our first enemy, and perhaps the more dangerous."

"You are certain then the elf king betrays us?"

"I am. I see no other way for it to be."

"I will be cautious Zyre, you have my word."

We had been making our way closer, stopping occasionally thru this, towards the horde waiting for their master, when he stopped me one last time.

"Analea, the scouts said Cyllian was last seen near the outer edges of the great swamp, head that way, away from the central kingdom. Avoid settlements and inns. I needn't say it, you know he rides with no flags, no insignia; avoid royal patrols..."

"I know Zyre, and we shall. And I would entreat you to avoid Skyros, not that you cannot defeat him, but my heart tells me it is not time. Gather your horde, defeat those who defy you, and return to me...."

I knew not what else to say, I did not know how to bid an orc hegemon off to battle, and felt... embarrassed and yes, inadequate.

We approached the gathering of the horde on the edge of the plain, all were gathered, mounted and ready. The wolves were barking and howling, pawing the ground; Gorlung at the ready as we approached, and as I and the others were taking steeds, his whole pack was riding with him including Tiamat; he would send them ahead scouting the route. I approached Tiamat and scratched her head and ears and leaned close to her.

"Bring your master back to me Tiamat, let no harm befall him, or to yourself."

She nuzzled me giving a low growl and I watched Zyre mount Gorlung and give a mighty thunderous roar, his war cry splitting the air, his war hammer held high.

First the horde riding with him followed suit, then those of us remaining. I followed what the others were doing. We brandished our weapons and raised them high in salute, giving a mighty cry as one.

Zyre gave another mighty roar, then one after another each band, each chieftain gave a mighty blast on iron horns and as one the horde of over a thousand orc sprung forward at full stride, Zyre casting one more look before he was gone.