13. A Triumphant Return

*See chapter 00. Intro and chapter descriptions*

We rode the wolves out of the gate into the open plain beneath the hot sun in all her glory, Tiamat and I just behind Gorlung and Zyre but not for long. We quickly caught up and the wolves paced side by side. My thighs burned and ached slightly but not as terrible as I expected and the thrill of riding free, bareback, no weapons or gear and barely any clothing. After the exertion in the arena the breeze and rushing air on my skin and thru my hair felt relieving, tho I did feel sorry for Tiamat; I was still dripping and leaking Zyres' seed out of me. Perhaps the river later and fresh meat would make it up to her.

We were racing on the outside, the open plain to my right, Zyre was inside nearer the tree line and I decided I wanted to run thru the trees and perhaps Tiamat would enjoy it more being out of the sun. I leaned into her and with my legs and hands in her thick fur guided her close to her mate's side, eyed my own mate sideways, laughed, goaded Tiamat and we cut into them nearly colliding and I urged her on, we passed them and cut into the trees. Zyre let his feelings be known as did Gorlung with a growl and he snipped, just missing biting her tail as we left them behind.

"Bah! Foolish elf! Let me show you how to ride a wolf!"

"Hahaha! (I yelled back, not knowing if he heard me) do you not know how quickly I learn to ride?!"

We were gaining distance as Zyre urged Gorlung on, grunting and barking at him, goading him to catch us, but he could not. We crashed thru underbrush and over and under dead trees, Tiamat expertly navigating the forest and all it's challenges; this was indeed freedom and I could not help but laugh with the joy I felt as we raced on.

Dead trees were felled by her massive shoulders, branches whipped my skin and face but I cared not, I simply leaned into her and let my body move with hers, guiding her here and there, preparing myself when I thought she may leap or shatter a dead standing tree, not that she needed guiding, she knew these woods better than I.

They almost caught us, occasionally going back out to the plain to make up ground, but every time they came crashing back into the trees upon our heels Tiamat would spring forward, ever gaining ground putting distance between us.

"Ha! Enjoy your game elf! It will end soon."

He reached for Tiamat once, coming back into the trees right beside us, but she snapped her jaws at his grasping hand and quickly veered off and the trees were too thick and too many and they could not follow but had to veer the other way instead. When we could, I brought her back round to his side, but out of reach naturally enough.

"And when you do catch this elf? Then what? A punishment?"

More trees dodged, or felled.

"Hahaha! I'll bring to you your knees, no mercy!"

"You'll have to catch me first orc princeling, and if you cannot my prize is mine to choose."

"Ha! Very well--"

We were on high ground that suddenly sloped down, gentle at first, but just before us it suddenly gave way to a ravine with a creek running thru and a huge fallen oak, its trunk as round as a stone tower in the elfin city; Tiamat leapt high, put her paws upon it and sprung far, clearing the little ravine and landing at least three wolf lengths further than her mate, and we never looked back, out stripping and out pacing our rivals the rest of the way.

So we raced back to the camp, Tiamat and I arriving minutes before Zyre. I reigned her in at our tent... words that sound odd coming from me, but so it is now. I sent her to the pen and ordered the dwarf handler to bring meat for her and the rest of the pack arriving soon and waited outside for Zyre, receiving stares from those who remained in only the tight cotton tunic, knowing full well there was dried cum on and between my legs; it had dried in streaks as it ran out of me after, I no longer cared and it was more likely they were staring at my chest thru the thin light fabric.

I watched as Zyre approached covered in sweat, Gorlung breathing hard as he waved him to the pen.

"Slow riding, hegemon. Perhaps I will show you how it is done?"

"Ha! You are a quick student and ride like an experienced rider."

"Well speaking for Gorlung, he is bigger and carried more weight."

"Hmmmm... be proud of your skills in riding-"

"Should I be? I feel as tho I need more lessons, I am eager to learn."

"Aye and I am an eager teacher."

I turned to enter the tent making sure to sway my wide hips.

"I want to claim my prize for my victory first."

"Are they not one and the same?"

"Come find out."

I was already inside and removing my tunic, pulling it over my head, my back to him when he approached me taking my wide hips in his hands. I felt his hardness against my back side spreading my cheeks, pressing against me. I pushed back into him grinding against him, I felt him grow harder against me and his grip tightened on my hips.

"Hmmmm."

He stepped into me and pushed me to the giant trunk he used as his eating table, put his massive hand on my back and forced me forward, bending me over it, I gripped the sides and pushed my round cheeks back and up, he took himself in hand and pressed against my entrance, sliding his head up and down between my lips, I could not control my moans.

"Hmmm ohhhh... yes... again... more Zyre, again... take it, take me again, fill meEEEEE... AHHHHHHH!"

"GHAAAAA!"

He pushed in me hard and fast, my body pushed down and forward against the trunk hard, so hard my feet almost came off the ground. He pulled me back into him hard as he thrust his cock into me; rough thrusting, pushing his body against my soft round ass pressing against him, every thrust making me grunt with pleasure and ache.

"YESYESYES! FUCK... YES! GODS, FUCK ME FUCK ME FUCK ME! AGHHHH FUUUCK!"

He growled and groaned, grunted and roared his pleasure inside me.

"MINE! THIS BODY IS MINE TO FUCK! MINE TO OWN! GHAAA... THIS CUNT BELONGS TO ME, MY COCK, TAKE IT TAKE IT! GHAAA!"

"OH FUCK OH FUCK! YES! YOURS YOURS YOURS! FUCK ME FUCK ME! GIVE ME YOUR COCK! AHHHH IT HURTS... SO DEEP! SO DEEP IN ME! FUCKFUCKFUCK! FILL ME FILL ME.. GODS YOUR COCK YOUR CUM! FILL ME! FUCK ME! FUCK ME HARD FUCK ME LIKE THE ORC YOU ARE! MY ORC MY COCK! FUCK ME!"

His hand pressed down on my back pressing me against the table, he leaned his body over mine and the rough jerking thrusting became fast, hard, and deep; driving into me, his leather like skin slapping against my own, his grunting louder, more fierce, animalistic.

I couldn't think, couldn't speak, only scream again, whine, whimper while he took me so hard and rough, his enormous cock stretching and filling me, hitting, slamming inside, every nerve on fire, and I came again before him. Even tho my eyes were open all I saw was a bright white light when my orgasm hit, like he was fucking me blind, my mouth opened but no sound came out.

He took my long silver hair in his hand, jerked my head back fast and hard arching my back, and thrust his long thick shaft up into me deeper still, grinding against me. I felt him push harder against me, in me.

"Ghaaa... cumming in you again! Take my seed like you take my cock! Deep inside you!"

"Yesyesyes! Cum in me! I'm cumming again, cum in me! Fill me again! Give it to me!"

"GHAAAAAA!!"

He exploded in me again, like before. Flooding me inside, filling me, planting his seed in me; so warm, so much, but he did not stop. His thrusts were unrelenting as I came with him, our cum mingling in me, and every thrust was another explosion of cum.

I had to push myself up on my arms, this laying flat, head pulled up by my hair was painful and hard to take for too long, at least for one with no experience in being fucked so hard and rough, or at all.

Zyre relented but little once he finished cumming, but he was still hard as iron in me and still pushing in, but he had released my hair so my face fell forward and looking down between my ample tits, I could see him entering me, and his cum gushing out with every thrust; it spurted between his cock and my stretched lips, splattering on my skin and upon his thighs.

A few more unexpected bursts of cum in me and he stopped thrusting, just resting his iron hard shaft inside my wet and dripping cum filled pussy, throbbing against my own throbbing walls, pushing against them as my body kept trying to grip around him and pull him in me more. My body ached and burned, my legs, thighs, pussy, and my lungs which still struggled to get air.

He stayed behind me and in me, his hands now relaxed and exploring my hips and ass, gentle and easy, to my waist. He leaned over me more as I could not move anyway, holding myself up on my forearms and slid his hands under me and over my breasts, grabbing and squeezing, I moaned as he did when he grabbed and pushed and squeezed, another little push of his hips making me gasp.

"By the gods by the gods by the gods...."

"Hehe... no mercy I told you, consort."

"Aye aye aye.... never... never... by the gods Zyre... no mercy from you is bliss..."

"Hmmm. Come."

He pulled himself out and like before cum came pouring out. He gently pushed my legs together, took me by my waist and rolled me over and picked me up sitting me on the table before him.

"You have flooded my womb twice already in only hours, yet you are still iron hard."

"Ha! I told you before there is no end to the lust of an orc, or our ability to cum. We are insatiable, you were warned."

I touched him and it twitched and throbbed in my hand, my fingers encircled him, I ran my hand down his slick shaft and underneath feeling his weighty sack, rolling his stones gently in my soft hand.

"A fair warning it was hegemon, and not unheeded, but it was still unknown and not experienced before, I am not disappointed; indeed I am pleased."

He took hold of me at my waist lifting and pulling me forward at the same time, setting me on my feet before him, my chest pressing against his.

"Hmmm there is no mercy from an orc's lust, especially once it is indulged."

"I said once I ask no mercy, I want none. Take what you will when you will."

"I intend to. Feast yourself on my meat."

His massive and strong hands were on my shoulders and with gentle pressure he pushed me to my knees, his cock was still in my hands and still hard. My mouth watered at the thought; from the beginning I have wanted to taste myself upon him and although I did not wish to admit it, the rest of my body needed a break, his massive size hurt when entering me but my jaw was now well practiced.

Parting my lips I slipped my long tongue out licking his soft head first; encircling it, tasting it, his cum and mine. I moaned and stroked him while my tongue explored his head slippery and slimy with fresh cum; his shaft just below it, his hands moving to my head resting in my thick hair.

I looked up at him and he was watching, but he didn't thrust in, just watched as I licked him, lifted his cock and moved down his shaft, cleaning him, our mixed cum drying and sticky all along his length. I continued rolling his heavy sack in one hand, massaging and squeezing while my tongue and lips worked the rest of his long, thick, hard cock, making me wetter and wetter.

My own impatience grew and as my mouth worked back up his length I took him in my mouth sucking and inhaling deep, now stroking him at his base as I slid my mouth up and down, over him again and again making sure to use my tongue along him as I did; either pressing against his shaft or swirling it over him, tasting him.

His hands on my head stayed still at first, just following the slower movement of my face over him; he groaned and grunted and eventually his hips moved into me. I guessed he was still sensitive from our recent fucking and was probably already feeling the urge to cum but I didn't want him to yet. I pulled off his length, sucking hard as I did and as I filled my lungs with air I continued stroking his base.

Zyre's gaze never left and as I caught my breath I took him against my lips and dragged his head across my closed mouth, back and forth, his fingers flexed in my hair, now gripping my head and I noticed the slight pressure, unintentional, like the movement of his hips into me; he was losing control of his actions as I had during my arena fucking, and I enjoyed the thought I could do this to him.

I opened my lips for him again only now he pushed in my mouth and all I could do was relax my jaw and take it, tho I did keep my face sliding over him, taking more inches everytime, deeper and deeper, opening my throat, and it was not long before I felt his cock tap my throat. Zyre now was growling, both hands gripping my face as he pushed in and pulled my face forward. His throat tapping was growing faster and faster; I was no longer sucking his cock but receiving a mouth fuck, quickly turning into a throat fuck. I braced my hands on his huge muscular thighs and leaned forward as best I could, leaning into it, taking it, breathing as I could thru my nose. I did not ask him to stop nor attempt to pull off. My lust wouldn't let me; I love his huge pale green orc cock in my mouth; the taste, especially the taste of my own juices covering it; I love the feel of his massive meat sliding between my lips- the contours of his thick bulging veins on my lips, my tongue; the challenge of stretching my jaw enough to take all of him- nearly my forearm in length; and keeping my throat open to receive him, not that there is a choice, his size so great it forces it's way into my throat regardless; and swallowing fast enough every time his head hits my throat, closing around him trying to coax out his cum.

He was getting close I could tell; his shaft hardened a little more and his head swelled against my throat when I heard the noise outside the tent; the others were returning and I heard the barks and growls of wolves, and naturally enough Melee's loud voice in raucous laughter. I was only allowed to be distracted for but a moment; Zyre's hands gripped me harder, he grunted and groaned and thrust into my mouth as his first burst of cum entered and shot down my throat. He pulled back, now only half in my mouth, his cock resting on my tongue as he continued to cum. Relenting he eased his grip and I took his cock in hand continuing to stroke him as he came again and again. I took what I could, swallowing as fast as I could but again there was too much and I had to pull my mouth off him as he continued to ejaculate. I kept stroking, my hand gliding up and down, moving his sheath of skin over his hardness, wet and soaking, the veins of it bulging under my touch, his cum hitting my face and chest, until he finally emptied himself.

We were both breathing hard and I still upon my knees before him as I licked his softening shaft swallowing everything when there was a shout from without our dwelling.

"Lord Zyre, Queen Analea! All are arriving for the feast! The council wishes to gather, what say you?"

"Enter Gilead, all is well. Zyre and myself will be ready shortly."

I was just rising from my knees when Gilead and Melee entered upon my word, taking my cotton tunic and covering myself.

"Mistress are you- oh my! Umm sorry-"

"No need Melee, all is well. I bid you enter."

She stared tho I am unsure why. Perhaps the realization hasn't hit her yet.

"Gilead tell the council we will arrive shortly. I will wait until Analea is ready, then we go. I expect all of them to be there before hand."

"Aye, it will be done- Mistress, ahh Queen I should say."

"Haha it is all well Gilead. Titles mean little to me and I am already aware of your loyalty."

"And Gilead ensure there is space near us for Cyllian and Queen Deniera. Our pact of friendship will be confirmed by the council."

"Of course. Melee do you join me?"

"Oh I am sure my Mistress needs me to help her prepare, no?"

"I do, if you do not mind. I have much to do and little time for it."

"Then I leave you all. I shall see you both at the council and more importantly the feast!"

A quick bow of his head and he was gone.

"I shall leave you and Melee here to tend your preparations. Send Melee when all is ready."

"Actually Zyre I am returning to Melee's tent. What I need is there. I shall come here when done. Ready Melee?"

"I am! Lord Zyre."

She bowed her head and we turned to go.

"Melee see to it this night her things are brought here."

"I shall, tho I will miss our shared abode."

We left and walked the short distance to our tent and upon entering Talia was there waiting.

"Talia is everything well?"

"Yes Mistress- umm..."

"What is it? You know you may speak freely."

"I have something for you, I made it. You've been so kind letting me stay, the dagger, training me... ummm here. I hope it's to your liking."

She handed me a long piece of leather dyed black; open from top to bottom on one side with small leather loops on one side and gold buttons on the other.

"It goes around your waist and there's a belt for your knives to hold it up and these loops go over the buttons, like this."

I put it on around my waist and the fit was perfect. Sitting just above my hips and tight on my thighs and butt, but flaring just past my thighs, slit all the way down the other.

"See, now you just slip these leather loops over these buttons as far as you want, all the way or just part way..."

"It is perfect Talia, thank you. You made this yourself? How? Where did you get the material?"

"While you and the others were gone. The elder Poryx you left me with, I told him and when the traders were here we got the material."

"Thank you Talia. It is beautiful and I shall wear it this very night at the council and for the feast. I would hug you but I'm afraid I need a bath first."

I was truly touched by her gesture as was Melee who looked rather stunned.

"I had no idea you were a seamstress Talia! Did you Mistress?"

"I did not, and what a useful talent. You have surprised me Talia from our first meeting in the forest and continue to do so."

"Thank you, both. I can't imagine what my life would be had you and Lord Zyre not found us that day. And ummm I don't mind, about the hug."

She was beat red and embarrassed by the moment, shy and looking to the floor at her feet.

"Hahaha very well then. Come here if an elf covered in orc cum doesn't bother you."

I hugged her and thanked her again as she clung to me tighter and closer than I expected; her emotions were strong and when I paused to consider why I understood.

"Now I must bathe and prepare myself. Melee, a sponge please. Drying seed does not please my skin for very long, ha!"

"Maybe not, but it does become you Mistress haha! Oh I can't wait for the feast to begin. My skin has been dry for far too long! Don't you agree Talia?"

"Haha, I do. I've missed Broge and the others, but especially Broge. We haven't had time, he's been so busy."

She was now relaxing as the water warmed and I began washing the dust and cum from my body, and the little streaks of blood off my inner thighs from the arena, and after. It was only now I fully realized the ache and pain of it.

"Don't worry Mistress the first few times always hurt but it fades quickly and you'll soon want more, actually you'll soon realize you can't live without that orc cock inside you, right Talia?"

As I washed myself Melee had begun combing and untangling my long thick hair and not wanting to soak my hair, washing out the clumps of cum I didn't even realize were there.

"Yes! Oh by the gods! There is nothing like orc!"

"Haha, I already want more of him and certainly don't want to live without him."

Talia soon helped Melee with my hair as I finished washing and when we were done and I was ready to dress I felt the need to speak with Melee alone, tho I felt guilty for Talia and decided to wait until I was dressed to dismiss her.

"Now Talia, your wrap you made. Hmmm like this.. Talia my knife belt is there, thank you."

I put the leather wrap around my waist and clasped three loops leaving the slit running from my upper thigh all the way down for ease of movement; next my knife belt tightened over it around my waist, the two knives in sheathes crossing each other at my lower back.

"Melee, my black bodice, the one that ties in the front... yes, that one."

It was low cut exposing much of my cleavage and short, my midriff exposed. I tightened it, lacing the leather string thru and pulling it together in front pushing my ample chest up and out, squeezing them together. I was almost ready as I slipped on my boots, up to my knees.

"Oh Mistress, yes! Like a true warrior queen!"

"Thank you Melee, Talia what do you think of your work? I am well pleased indeed."

"I- I- I don't know what to say... I want to be like you someday. You really like it?"

"Of course I do and I'm certain Zyre will be pleased, ha!"

I ran my own hands over the soft material, my curves and viewed my toned and strong leg thru the slit; the leather was soft and supple and now fully dressed realized just how well it fit and hugged my body and the material didn't irritate or inhibit my movement either, another testament to her skill.

"I am certainly impressed with your work. In fact I am unsure if anything has fit me so well. I will remember this Talia, I promise. Now you should yourself go, see Broge your orc, haha, and prepare for the feast. I will see you there; I have gifts of my own to dispense tonight."

"I'm glad you like it, thank you for everything! I feel like I owe you so much!"

"Haha worry not, but go and prepare or you will miss out later."

"Haha Mistress, she was beaming when she left. Still this is really impressive, so much so I'm tempted to remove it, ha!"

"Oh Melee, another time perhaps, hehe. I still need your help with something. I am not quite ready yet, there is one more thing to do, my hair."

"What? I brushed it clean already?"

"And it feels smooth and clean as it always does after your attention. But I would be one of them, one of the orc. If I am truly their queen I would look like it. Help me to top knot and braid it Melee?"

"Ahhh I see! Perfect really, I hadn't thought of it."

I sat and we began to work, Melee doing most of it as four hands get in the way, and my mind wandered to what I wanted to say to her, my most trusted companion and friend, and before I even spoke my worry and emotions made my eyes water.

"Mistress what is it? What troubles you?"

My voice trembled despite my efforts to control myself.

"Melee- I... "

She stopped, almost completing her work, now troubled herself.

"Mistress?"

"Melee I am... I need to make you an offer."

"What, what is it?"

"Everything is changed now as you know, a- and- ahhh and I am... I am releasing you from my service if you so wish it."

"What?! Why? Have I displeased you?"

She was facing me now, tears in her dark brown eyes, her usually jovial face fallen; I too began to shed light tears.

"No Melee, my constant and true companion and the truest of friends-"

"Then why Mistress, tell me why you don't want me?"

"I did not say so Melee. But it is different now, here. I am offering you your freedom from service to me. Zyre will give you a captaincy; greater freedom, a command, a territory of your own to protect. Freedom to roam to... freedom from this camp, your own choices Melee."

"I had that under Lord Cyllian Mistress, and I tell you I have more freedom in your service than I ever had being in the wild. Do you no longer need me? Do you no longer need my service?"

Both our voices were trembling with emotion and our tears streaked our faces and I hated this, hated myself for saying these things, but I felt strongly they needed to be said.

"Melee I would never be parted from you in anyway, and your service to me, tho invaluable, is the least reason why; your friendship and council, your protection of me, your love of me, your joy in life make you invaluable and irreplaceable to me. I would not willingly part from you. But I need to offer you your complete freedom, give you your choice of life; I cannot keep you by my side if there is another life you crave."

"What could I crave? I love no one like you. What could a captaincy give me now that you could not? You are Queen of the Horde, the Warrior Queen of the Orc; what better service is there than that? I would and will protect you with my life. Do not make me leave your side, I would be nowhere else."

"Are you certain Melee? As I said I would not be parted from you but Zyre would surely give you-"

"Pardon Mistress, but Zyre, tho great, cannot offer me anything that you cannot. Yes, I serve him being here and follow his command, but for you, because of you, not because I would rather serve him. I serve you first, no one else. My oath to Lord Cyllian was to protect you at all costs, now it is because I love you. You said I am your friend, confidant, and companion, and so you are mine as well. Do not send me from you, I would ever be at your side."

"And I would ever have you at my side Melee. I hope you understand why I needed to make you the offer, relieved as I am you decline; truly I would not know what to do without you."

"Then forgive me for what I am going to say."

"Speak your mind as you will, as you always have."

"Do not say such things to me again. I would rather die a thousand times than hear you send me away."

"Never again Melee, but I had to give you your choice, it is only right. You have more than earned the right to decide your own Fate."

"I chose it long ago Mistress and have yet to regret it. Serving you has brought me here... ah, there we are, done."

"To a camp full of lustful orc men haha, your own paradise."

I needed to break the tension and turn this, usually Melee's role, but it needed to be done.

"Come Melee, this night is for celebrating, no? Let us laugh and be joyful."

"Look at you! Every inch a warrior queen! All eyes will be on you, even those I want on me, haha!"

"Haha, there is only one set of eyes I want on me, and I am certain you will be able to get the attention you want, but after the council... as for a warrior queen, I think breeches would be more fitting."

"Yes if you were fighting, but you are celebrating! You have been crowned a Queen! This wrap Talia made is perfect for celebrating, hehe perfect for fucking, too ha!"

"My thought as well I confess, and I certainly will be doing that again this night. But enough. You have helped me, let me now help you, no?"

We prepared Melee in a brown leather halter and a light cotton wrap, also in boots, and since she would be walking by my side to the council, a small spear in her hand, and off we went to Zyres' tent-- my tent. He was surprised when we entered.

"Ready Analea-- ghmmmm."

He turned when we entered and saw me. My 6 ft frame in the leather wrap with the slit running up to the top of my thigh, my boots, the black bodice squeezing my chest and cleavage, and now my top knotted hair in the orc fashion. Zyre had on only his buckskin breeches choosing as always to remain bare chested, otherwise only wearing his silver studded wrist bands, his hair of course top knotted.

"I am ready to appear before the council as your consort, Hegemon Zyre. Are you pleased?"

"Indeed, except for two things."

He could not stop staring and I too was pleased.

"What two things Zyre? Are you displeased with something? Have I over done this? You are dressed so simply..."

"Ha! No, fear not. I do wonder how many orcs I will have to fight to keep you mine, ha! And there is this, here take these."

He handed me two wrist bands identical to his own; black leather with clasps, and circled in pure silver studs. I put them on eagerly.

"There, now you are my warrior queen. My Queen of the Orc Horde; the most fierce fighting force in all the lands. No doubt all eyes will be upon you this night, ha! this whole week of feasting and drinking, eh Melee? And I need nothing more to assert my rule, and you I would have no other way."

He did not need anything more. He flexed his arms and drew to his full height; his muscles rippled under his skin, the scars that crisscrossed and marked his body rippled with them, his shoulders bulged, his thighs looked like they would split his breeches and I needed to gain control of my breathing and my urges.

"Indeed Lord Zyre, I already said so myself."

"When do we go to the council Zyre? Do they not wait for us?"

"When the drums beat and Gilead returns, then we go. I would have them all there when we arrive."

"I am surprised they are convening so early; I thought it was always at sunset, and why."

"Ha! They will be drunk by then, if not already. To accept you as their Queen, that you have the right to rule and command, and what to do with all these orcs, those that will remain when the rest return like Kryzig, to their own territories."

Indeed the noise outside was growing louder by the moment, becoming more and more raucous, the drinking and feasting had probably already begun.

"I have a thought on that. Certainly not all can remain here."

"No they cannot- but share your thoughts with the council, we are being summoned."

The drums were beating giving the signal summoning Zyre and myself. I wish I had time to share my thought before speaking to the council, but Gilead entered.

"Everything is prepared Zyre, for the Hegemon and his Queen. Lord Cyllian and Queen Deniera are already seated, and the council waits, impatiently, drinking and eating being the order of the day among other things, haha! Melee walk with me, we proceed them."

The four of us exited and the path to council circle was lined with orcs from Zyres' own band numbering 120, and they not only lined the path, but formed a larger circle outside the council all armed with long iron pikes.

As it was a few weeks back so it was now, only there were two high backed chairs at the head of the large circle, there were far more here now than on that night now that most of the horde was assembled. I took the seat I knew to be mine and Deniera with her red-gold flowing hair was seated next to me, Cyllian being on the other side of Zyre; Gilead stood behind them while Melee behind us. There was silence while the bon fire was lit, then Poryx stood and began.

"The Horde is assembled under our new Hegemon, is there a dispute?!"

It was almost amusing as they all looked one to another growling and short barks, no one stood and objected, while I watched with interest Zyre glowered, practically challenging any to speak.

"The Hegemon Zyre has chosen his consort and mate! You all witnessed the claiming! Speak if there is dispute!"

Again nothing, but the stares I was getting, not of spite and anger, but lust, envy, want, and even awe.

"The Hegemon Zyre, your master and captain, ruler of all Orc lands declares his consort your Queen! Is there dispute?"

Silence, only the low snarling breathing of orcs, the crackle of the bon fire. Poryx turned to us and bowed his head first to Zyre then turned to me.

"It is my honor Analea, Queen of the Orc, to bow first to you offering my allegiance and pronounce you before this council of all the Orc captains, leaders of clans, and certain chieftains, Queen of the Orc!"

They all rose, every one, including Cyllian and Deniera, and knelt before myself and Zyre; I was actually embarrassed and knew not how to react or what to say.

"Thank you old father-" I took his hand raised him up.

"Rise, all of you. I am humbled by this and your graciousness. I will not disappoint you I hope. It is my honor to live among you, be one of you, and live by your ways, and to fight beside you."

They stood and roared, raised weapons, hailed their hegemon and their queen, shouted our names, and someone brought in a barrel of ale and broke it open, but Poryx was not done yet and put some amusing effort into stopping the celebration.

"We have sworn allegiance to our Hegemon and Queen, but there is still council business to complete before we celebrate this new rising of the Orc! Lord Zyre?"

"We have guests, Lord Cyllian whom most of you know, and all know of; and Deniera, Queen of the Northern Elf realm. Hear them speak."

Zyre never stood but remained seated when Deniera rose. Her body erect, straight as an arrow, tall and beautiful, grace defined. Her eyes narrow like mine, and as all elfin kind pure white; her hips slimmer than mine and her chest not as pronounced. She wore a finely made felt coat, brown and gold trimmed buttoned to her chest, with a brown halter to cover her breasts, and brown leather breeches tucked into knee high riding boots, her blade sheathed across her back with her red- gold hair pulled back over her pointed ears and falling over her slim shoulders.

"It is an honor to be among you and to witness the claiming and pronouncement of your Queen, my kin by blood, and an honor to celebrate among you the uniting of the Horde.

"But Lord Cyllian and I, who shall soon rule by my side the northern realm, come to you in dangerous times and ask not only for peace, but to be allies and friends.

"The central kingdom commits acts of war, claiming free lands for it's own driving off those who live there, working and farming the land, be they half blood elf, orc, human, or any other to remake these lands in his own image, for loyal true blood elves, loyal to him alone. Already he has, thru deceit and subterfuge, attacked my lands and my throne, and he allies himself with those who are enemies to all, including this council.

"Long have my parents and since, myself, maintained a pact of friendship with Chief and Captain Kryzig, Lord of the northern Orc against the demon orc, those foul beings who destroy all not like themselves. Now under the rule of cruel and powerful Skyros, more demon than Orc, ally with goblins and now the Lord of the Central Elf kingdom to the detriment of all. They empty lands and those who escape are now refugees seeking shelter and protection where they can. You all know this. Long has your Hegemon and Lord Cyllian fought, often side by side, to protect all in the free lands to keep the peace, protecting your lands and of those who cannot defend themselves. We ask you for not only peace, but cooperation, to be allied in the war that is coming."

Many mumblings and growls, the recent celebratory mood suddenly shifted to one of hostility. Indeed many have suffered at the hands of Skyros and more recently the central elf kingdom, and all hated the foul goblin race. Zyre waited as long as he could for the council to speak, each to the other. We needed the council to be unanimous, or this would become a struggle to unite the horde again. Finally he rose, all fell silent.

"As Hegemon it is my duty to protect the orc and orc lands. Queen Deniera speaks a truth. And I tell you, as Hegemon, I ally the orc to her kingdom. The Horde and those battalions of the northern realm will fight side by side, elf and orc together against any who impede our freedom."

Freedom and war, two things that mean the most to the nomadic orc, and perhaps the love of fighting the reason why orcs did not typically live as long as elfin kind. It did not take long for the council to approve of the alliance, tho there were mumbles and snarling against Cyllian, the bane of pillaging orcs everywhere. He tried to soothe the boiling anger.

"I do not, nor ever have, waged war or fought against the orc because you are orc, but only those who pillaged and rampaged against the defenseless, or those directly attacking me. For years have I allied myself with your mighty Hegemon, the most feared warrior in these realms to keep peace and war against the common enemy, the goblin and the swarm. Yes I am from the central kingdom, but do not stand with it, now hunted myself by it's king. I too have been betrayed, like your last Hegemon, by that lord and seek to end his reign."

By now shadows were growing as Cyllian re-seated himself as they mumbled among themselves, many having witnessed Cyllian's rage and blade before in battle, his unstoppable force in war, when there was noise and confusion from without, as a giant of an orc made his way thru to the council circle.

"Zyre, Hegemon! Envoys from the central kingdom just arrived and demand an audience."

There was surprise and confusion among all, myself included. What could this be?

"Let them come before the council, bring them, we will hear what they say."

Such were Zyre's words and from his look, he already suspected what was to come.