The Sagas: Vengeance

Running, that all he could do right now to stay alive. He could hear the riders coming closer and closer from behind him. He had to get off the plains and reach the forest before they reached them. Though the gash on the side of his torso wasn't helping at all. He stopped for a moment to catch his breath, he forgot how long he was running from them. It was hard time for him since it was middle of the night and he wasn’t sure he was going the right way. He then heard the shaking of tree branches in the distance from the gust for wind that came by. “Good.” He thought to himself, just a short distance away from safety. He then heard yelling from behind, he turned around. What he saw was something he didn’t want to see. Behind him was a large Orc with an axe riding a Razor Tusk. The Razor Tusk was covered in scars from many battles it has been over its life and the orc had many scars as well along with some worn iron armor. “Traitor!” yelled the orc as he swung his battle worn axe at him. He quickly rolled out of the way before he was in reach. At a moment's notice he threw his hand axe at the Razor Tusk’s hind leg and it quickly fell to the ground . A loud squeal came out as it descended to ground and rolled with its rider still on it. When it finally stopped the Razor Tusk laid on the ground dead. The orc riding it was trapped underneath it. He tried to move it off of him, but the weight was too much for him. He quickly ran over to the orc and repeatedly hit him in the head until he stopped moving completely. He then grabbed the axe from the Razor Tusk’s hind leg and continued running. Soon enough he was nearly at the tree line. But he could hear Orcs behind him were getting closer and closer towards him and his wound was getting worse. The thundering of hooves were getting louder and louder by the moment. He had to use whatever strength he had left to make it. Then with one great leap he dived into the underbrush and kept running. But while he was running, he lost his balance and fell down a steep hill near him. He rolled and rolled hitting rocks, bushes and trees as he quickly descended down the hill until he finally stopped. He tried to get up, but the pain was unbearable. He was still holding onto the axe in his hand and tried to lift himself up with it and slow tried to stand up with it. His legs quickly gave out on him before he could get up and fell back to the ground. He had no choice but to crawl on the ground. He slowly crawled to the nearest tree he could reach. He slowly raised himself up to lay back on rough bark covering the tree. With what little strength he had left he turned his head to look up the hill he fell from. There was no torches in sight, no sound of hooves or heavy footsteps. He was safe for now and flinched in pain from the wound he had on his torso. But he could do nothing about it now for the exhaustion quickly drifted him off to sleep. The only thought about what had transpired earlier that day that forever changed his life.

A voice called out to him until he felt a quick tap on his leg with quickly woke him up out of his fur blanket. Above him was a orc that was much bigger than any other orc around. “Wake up Varkas or father will be furious at you for sleeping late again.” Said the large orc. “Granus you know that I’m not in the mood today.” Said Verkas as he slowly rubbed his short black hair. He remember having a drinking contest with the other warriors after having a successful hunt yesterday. “Remind me not to drink too much next time brother.” He head was bounding as he tried to remember where he was. Which in fact was not his tent at all and he felt something next to him. He turned around saw an unconscious female orc completely naked before him. It was Ura the blacksmith's daughter and he realized he wasn’t wearing any clothes either. “Please don’t tell father about this.” He said nervously. “He will find out one way or another little brother” said Granus with a smirk. He was right about that and when that happened there would hell to pay along with punishment for this since mating isn’t allowed unless the couple was wedded with in this case he was not. He quickly got up off the fur rug, grabbed his belongings and quickly walked out of the tent. As came out he saw that the camp was still a little quiet since last night with only a few other walking about doing their daily routine. Granus was soon behind him with the light reflecting off long beard and bald head. “Come little brother we must get ready for the Gathering tonight.” Verkas almost forgot about the Gathering altogether since he was busy helping hunt the Ulgar to store for the winter. The Gathering was an important event since it was the beginning a new horde to raid the neighboring lands and leave nothing but blood and ash. “Did anything else happen while I was Drunk last night that I need to know before father tries to skin me alive.” Said Varkas trying to remember what events that transpired the night before. “You were lucky enough to make out alive at all since Halk started that bar fight after you beat Kalgor in that drinking contest. Before that happened you were dragged off by Ura into her tent.” He said. That made sense since Ura always want to be a mate with one of the chief’s sons. It might soon enough come true if she was with child, it was best not to think about it. “Other than that there is nothing else that will affect you at all.” That was a relief, at least there wasn't anything else that was going to makes things worse with father. So how many tribes have arrived since last night? Said Varkas. “At least thirty have arrived last night and more are one the way, it seems that more are on the way.” Said Granus.It seems all the tribes are coming to the Gathering there has not been horde this large since Kurnag the Scourge over four hundred years ago. “I still surprised that the meeting is happening here of of all places.” Said Varkas. “Times are changing brother, our enemies are growing stronger everyday now and we must band together to put them back in there place.” Said Granus. He was right after all since the dwarves were regaining lost holds in the mountains and the elves were ever growing stronger in numbers. “But still why we the Silver Fangs would be holding hosting such a great event when we didn't start it in the first place.” “The chief of the Blood Wolves or the Pale Moon would make better warchiefs than father.” Said Vakas. The Silver Fangs were not as strong as they use to be and their strength has weakened since the death of their grandfather, Qar the Butcher, who lived long before they were born. “I have been wondering that myself as well father is getting to old to go it to battle and he is not strong as he use to be.” “All will be revealed in tonight brother.” Said Granus. They soon travel up a large hill where the chief’s tent was station and were meet by two guards at the entrance. “Is my father here?” said Granus. “Yes, he waiting with your brother Arkal and will be ready once they are done with some business.” Said one of the guards. “What type of business?” Said Varkas. “Some stupid pointy ear was caught stealing in the kitchens today and is being tried at this moment.” Replied the other guard. “We might as well go in and see.” said Granus and Varkas nodded back to him.
They then went through the entrance to see their father sitting on his throne of bones with their brother next to him. They also saw the elven slave on the floor in front of them with a guard hanging over him. The elf was covered in blood and scars making it look like he was recently beaten. He laid on the floor with his brown hair covering his face and was hardly moving at all. The only clothing on him were rags around his waist to cover himself. He was barely moving at all with what he had been through. Most of the slaves in the camp were elves that were captured during raids and are forced to do whatever their Orc masters tell them to. “You have stolen food from storage room to feed yourself when you knew that it was meant for the feast!” said Arkal. He was as big as Granus but was missing his left eye from battle. He pointed his large green finger at the elf and said “you're fated his is now at the hands of Zark, chieftain of the Silver Fangs and his word is law.” He looked to Zark who was smaller and less muscular than his sons. His hair and beard were long and grey as it went down to his chest. His brown wrinkly old eyes looked at the elf in disgust as if were nothing more than a large rat. “For this crime that you have committed during this great gathering of our people you will be served to our guests as food for the food that you have stolen.” Said Zark with a tire voice. The elf tried to move when he heard this but the Orc next to him put his foot on top of him before he was an inch on the ground. This was not uncommon for orcs to eat whatever they find whether it be boar or elf it was all the same to them. “Kill him” said Zark in a more commanding voice. The Orc above the elf unsheathed his sword from his waist and grab by the hair with big meaty hand. He then began to pull it upward and in doing so his head revealing his neck as well. The orc began to lower it sword down to the elf’s throat ready for the kill. The elf, frozen in fear could do nothing to stop what was about to happen, he tried stop speak, but no words were able to leave his mouth. The orc slowly move the blade across the elf’s throat to savor the moment. Blood began to spill from where the blade had cut and the elf began to have trouble breathing. He couldn’t even use his hands to try and stop the blood forms pouring down his throat since had no strength to do so. This was it for him, he knew that his life was about to end and stopped trying altogether. By the time the blade reached the other end of his throat he laid there motion on the floor with blood still pouring out and began to make a puddle under him. The orc put his sword back on his waist and began to drag the lifeless body by the hair. He headed for the entrance of the tent, Granus and Varkas moved out of the way so he could pass by. Varkas looked at the dead elf’s body as was passing by, he was emotionless as if it was of no real significance. This elf was nothing more than a pile of meat that was going to be served tonight for dinner and no one would know that he had existed for nothing would be left once it enter the kitchens. When the body finally out of the room a long trail of blood was on the floor where the body was drag from. “Ah my sons you have finally arrived.”said Zark with a delightful smile. Varkas and Granus both kneeled as they were close enough. “Greetings honorable chieftain and father, we await your command.” They both said in sync for it was custom for them to do so even if they were his sons. “I have important tasks that you must handle for tonight and the must be done with absolute perfection.” “Granus you will be in charge of preparing the feast for the chiefs, use only the best ingredients.” Said Zark. “Yes my chieftain.” Replied Granus. “Varkas you will greet the chief of the Black Claws at the camp entrance as a show of good will.” said Zark. There was nothing but silence for a moment as those words started to finally sink in. “Forgive me for saying this my chieftain,but is that a wise choice to make.” “The Black Claws are our worst enemies and their chieftain hate us ever since his entire family was killed at the hands of your father.” Said Varak cautiously. “Do think that I have forgotten what happened that day, I was there when the it happened. He said with a harsh tone.”This blood feud has gone on for years with no end in sight.” He took a deep breath to gain control of his temper.“But this must end if this Gathering is ever going to succeed, if not It this could end bloodshed with all the tribes gathered in one place.” Said Zark. He was right if the chief of the Black Claws tried to spill blood it would destroy everything, leaving nothing left. “I will not fail you my chieftain.” Replied Varkas. “As for Arkal you will in charge of the protection of the camps and also the feast.” “Many of these tribes are enemies of with other tribes are gathered here, you must keep the peace so this horde can be created.” Said Zark. Arkal put his right hand over his chest and bowed.“Yes my chieftain.” Said Arkal and started to head out to complete the task that was given to him. Soon after Granus, Varak and Varkas began to leave when Zark said something that was surprising to them. “Varkas I wish to speak to you alone.” All three of them were surprised to hear this from their father, he was usually never tried to talk anything in private about anything ever. But Arkal and Granus left with a moments notice to complete the tasks that were given to them. Varkas was a little hesitant for a moment as he came closer and closer to his father on his throne. Varkas looked at the detail of the the throne a little more closely. Bones cover the entire throne as many were sticking out in different directions around the edges. The only thing that was keeping it together were some extremely tightened ropes and nails hammered in at its joints. That throne been sat on by the chieftains of the Silver Fangs for centuries. It was said that the first Chieftain of the Silver Fangs, Rejex the Silver Fanged create the from the bones of enemies to show those who opposed him would meet the same fate. But that was not true at all most of the bones were animal bones and Varkas knew since he has hunted just about every animal he could get his hands on. But the real treasure of this throne were a pair of silver fangs that belonged Rejex himself mounted at the top of the throne. Rejax made the Fangs after killing his arch nemesis Kide of the Jagged Rocks in their final duel with one another. But he lost most of his teeth after taking a warhammer to his face. So he took a silver medallions that was always around Kide’s neck and melted them down to create his fangs and became a terror across the lands till the day he died. But now those fangs were all but dull and lost their shine centuries ago. They were nothing more than a reminder of a glory long past. Zark saw Varkas looking at the fangs over his head. “Do you know what these fangs represent my son.” Said Varkas. “They represent our tribe and all that we have accomplished.” Replied Varkas. Correct but there is more meaning to them then just that.” He turned his head to look a them from the throne. “They represent what we really are, warriors.” He continued. “Over the centuries the Silver Fangs have been a great warriors and conquerors. “But now our strength has withered since then, it time to once again to bring back that strength.” Said Zark. He continued. “You have proven yourself as one of our greatest hunters.” “Now it is your time to become a warrior. Varkas was Surprised to hear this, usually orcs are not made warriors until they at least make a kill in battle. But there has not that much fighting so Varkas had not seen battle. Usually an Orc first sees battle when they are sixteen summers old but Varkas was twenty summers old and has not even been on a single raid. “When this horde is formed I will give you a small band of warriors under your command.” Said Zark. “But father I have no experience in battle, how will the men under me obey me or let alone respect me.” Said Varkas with doubt in his voice. “But you already have experience by hunting animals bigger than you and you have be trained our ways of war. Said Zark. He was right Varkas like all orcs are trained to fight at young age to prepare themselves for battle. He was also right about Varkas’ hunting experience as well. He knew how to track them, hide in plain sight, and killed things that were bigger than an orc, he has the scars to prove it. “You will a fine leader some day my son on and if you ever doubt yourself all ways look at our banner on your arm.” He pointed to a tattoo on Varkas’ right arm. The tattoo was two pair of fangs that were the color silver. All orcs have them to represent their tribe and it help warriors to identify which side they're on if their fighting other Orcs. The tattoos themselves were just burned on with a hot branding rod and a colored powder was blow on the burnt skin and the color would be absorbed into the skin leaving a colored brand. Orcs protected their tattoos from cut because it brought great dishonor if it was damaged.“I thank you for this great honor father.” Said Varkas. “Make me proud my son.” Said Zark. He clapped his hands and two elven slave girls came in with water and rags and began to clean the blood of the floor. They were wearing more finer clothing since they were slaves of the chieftain and were groomed to look presentable. Varkas soon left and headed to the entrance of the camp to meet the chief of the Black Claws.
As Varkas head through the camp he saw that streets were more busy than they were this morning. The pathways were full of orcs of all shapes and sizes. There were guards both male and female patrolling the pathways, hunters bringing in their catch, children play in the streets, and so on. “Greetings Varkas.” some said near a blacksmith tent. Varkas turned to see an orc a little older than Varkas hammering out a sword on an anvil. He was shirtless and only wearing fur pants.“Judag, how is business doing for you today?” Said Varkas. Judag was one of the few orcs that lived past forty summers and he was one best blacksmith that the plains had ever seen.“I has been busier than usual with the horde forming all the young bloods need weapons for the war at hand.” He continued to pound the sword while it was still hot enough to forge.” He then placed it in a barrel of oil to harden it, revealing a metal rod with grip holder at the end, where his lower right arm use to be. The only thing that was holding it on were several worn out leather that were tearing in several different places. Varkas looked at it, “you should really get that fixed you know.” He said. “I would have, if it wasn’t for damn tanners!” He walked over to a shaping stone to sharpen the blade with anger in his voice.“Those fool wouldn’t know how to make a leather strap if it whipped them right in the face.” The sparks went flying as the stone went faster and faster. “They just make more fur coats instead of anything else that would be useful.” “I even asked the raiding parties to bring some back if they find any, but they shoved me off since I was a cripple.” “Lousy muts, I made most of their weapons for most of them when they were young bloods.” He said. He lifted the sword from the stone wheel to admire it. The blade was not like a regular one, it was slightly curved in front with a flat back. It had sharp ridges at the bottom of the blade. It almost looked like a giant butcher knife. He then threw it into a pile other weapon that did not have any handles on them. There must have been a few dozen of them one the ground, all in good condition for battle. “Not to mention I need more of them for these weapon if they are going to be used properly.” He grabbed a cloth and rubbed it over his rough face and his bald head. Varkas walk over to examining the craftsmanship. He then remember something he need to ask Judag. “Judag, did you finish repairing my axe yet?” He said while bending down and holding a smooth dagger in his hands. Judag threw the rag onto a makeshift table and looked a Varkas. “Now that you mention it, it is done.” “But it wasn’t easy I can tell you that.” He said. He walked over to a chest in the corner of the tent and reached into it and pulled out a hand axe. The head was recently made with the handle looking like it been threw hell. Covered in dents, scratches, and at the bottom it was covered a dirty worn out green cloth wrapped around it. “How did you break this thing again?” He asked. Varkas remember it clearly it was a few days ago. “It was during was the first day of the hunt, my hunting party found a large herd of bison near the elf lands.” “By the time we took down a few of them, we attacked by a death jaw.” He said. Judag didn’t believe what he was hearing at all. Death Jaws usually stick to the mountains, for one to be near the forest is quite rare. “We knew we didn’t have the number to defeat it, but we need that meat for the tribe.” “By the time we drove it away, four of our party members were killed.” He said. “How did you drive it away?” Asked Judag. Varkas pulled out a long tooth from his satchel and show it to Judag. “By going to its weak points, its mouth and eyes!” He continued. “I was able to hit it’s mouth a couple of times with my axe.” “By the time it shook me off it ran away and it left me this nice gift to remember it by.” He said chuckling. Judag chuckled as well and handed the axe to Varkas. Varkas put the tooth in his pocket and took the axe from him. “Now I can see how you damaged it so much.” He said and hand the axe over to him. “Are you sure that you don’t need a new handle for that?” he asked. “It would make the axe a lot more sturdier it's freshly made.” He turned to looked at an axe handled that was being harden over a fire pit at the moment to see if was done Varkas looked at him with a sincere look on his face. “No that won’t be necessary.” he said. “It helps remind me of everything I went through to get this far, whether it be better or for worse.” He looked at the cracks and the cut around the handle, looking back to a more simpler time. He attached it to his belt
In the distance he see the camps of all the other tribes across the landscape. He was just about the reach the entrance when he was stopped by a familiar face. “Hello Varkas” said Ura with a mischievous smile. She was right in front of him blocking his way. “Ura I have no time have no time to talk to you now I have important things to do for tonight.” Said Varkas as he tried to pass her. “Aw that no way to talk to your future mate she replied.” She replied. We don’t know that yet and you're lucky that you haven’t be whipped for what you did.” Said Varkas in a more annoyed voice. “Now now calm down before you attract to much attention to us.” “You could get in trouble for what you did too you know.” Said Ura with a mischievous grin on her face. “I was drunk last night and my brother saw you drag me away into your tent last night, so I have a witness on my side, what to do have?” Replied Varkas with a satisfying smile on face. Ura smile vanished from her face and was replaced with an anger from what he said “Now begone with you, I have more Important things to deal with than your desires.” said Varkas. “This isn't over.” Said Ura in a angry tone and marched off into the crowd. With that over Varkas reached the entrance of the camp and waited for them to arrive. He waited and waited with not even a greeting horn was sounded. The day slowly turned evening as Varkas continued to wait for Chief of the Black Claws. While he was waiting he adjusted his bow and sharpened sword as he sat on ground since he was tired of waiting. What was worse was that he hadn't eaten anything all day. Then final, he heard the sound of drums and horns in the distance. He soon looked out the entrance and saw a dozen ogres approaching at a steady pace towards the entrance. Some were holding drums and horns, while the rest were holding clubs and blades made of iron. They wore the bones of their enemies and large animals skins too intimidate all who saw them. In the centerfold it all four of them were carrying one large fat ogre on a throne. Behind the throne was the banner of the Black Fangs moving as the wind blew by. Varkas walked outside of the entrance to greet them. The ogres stopped as soon as they reached him. He put right fist over his chest and said, “Greeting chieftain of the Black Fangs, I am Varkas, my father sent me to greet you and escort you through our camp.” Though he said it respectfully to the ogre chieftain as best he could, the ogre chieftain did seem like him very much. “Are you one of the son the chieftain of this village.” said the ogre chieftain in a deep menacing voice.” “Yes, I am.” replied Varkas.” The ogres carrying him placed the platform to the ground. The ogre chieftain slowly rose up from his throne and slowly began to descend from platform. He was soon in front of Varkas who was clearly much small to this massive ogre in front of him. Though his large stomach made him less threatening. “Hear me now son of Zark, what your father did is unforgivable and I will have his head to exact my revenge.” “If you stand in my way, will share the same fate as him!” “But for now I will wait until the horde disperses, so you will have no trouble from me while I am here.” Said Ogre chieftain. Varkas wasn't sure if he was telling the truth or not, but he would trust him with word for now. “Very well chieftain let me escort you to the chieftain's tent for the feast. It was almost nightfall when they left and neither of them tried to start a conversation on the way. Although Varkas had one thing on his mind that the ogre said, If you get in my way. He had to ask him why he said that. He stopped right as they near the top of the hill. The sound of music and laughter just within their reach. The ogre did the same. “Chieftain is your plan just to kill only my father and not the rest of his kin?” “Do you not have hatred on all of his bloodline? Said Varkas cautiously. He ogre chieftain paused for a moment before he said anything. “No.” he replied in a calm tone. “You were not in this world at the time when it happen, so you can not be held responsible for your father’s actions or your grandfather's actions.” “But I cannot stop you or your brothers from protecting him.” He walked past Varkas without a moment's notice after. Varkas followed him after a moment's pause. When he entered the tent it was completely different from what he saw this morning. In the center of the room were now dozens of the largest table that could be found in camps. These tables were covered with all of the finest foods that could be found on the Black Plains and sitting at these tables were orcs,trolls, half orcs and ogres chieftains alike. They were really enjoying themselves more than they should really. Many of theses tribes hated each other so much, that they had forgotten why they were fighting in the first place. Many were laughing and telling old stories of old battles and glories of long ago. Around them were some the Silver Fangs’ finest warriors to make sure nothing went wrong. Some of them even brought their Gabara Hounds with them. These beast have been bred with dogs and wolves to make a ferocious killing machine. They twice the size of a wolf and are excellent trackers. Somehow, they are as obedient as normal dogs. One of them was chewing on a bone that looked like a leg from something. Varkas thought back to these morning with the elf and wondered if it was his leg that the hound was chewing on. He looked over to see his father still sitting on his throne with Arkal standing by his side as usual, since he was the first born, while Varkas was the third born. Arkal would one day be the chieftain of the Silver Fangs when Zark passes away, but he was not the most well liked in the tribe due to his short temper and arrogant behavior. So many would try to challenge him for the chieftain’s throne as it was tradition for Orcs to get rid of those who are not fit to lead. Though, it would be quite difficult for them due to Arkal’s skills in combat, which few can match. Then suddenly, Varkas saw Granus sitting at the one tables laughing with some of the chieftains as if they were old friends. Granus would be the least likely to be the leader of anything, due his laid back nature. As for Varkas, he never really wanted to be chieftain, since he like his life as it was know. The laughing soon stopped as the Black Claws’ chieftain slowly walk forward. Zark notice as well as he looked at him from his throne. “Chief Qarec.” said Zark in a calm tone as looked at the large ogre across from him. “Chief Zark.” replied Qarec with a cold look in his eyes. “Did you have a nice journey on your way here? Said Zark. “If you call sitting on your arse all day with the sun beating down on you and then, yes.” Some of the chiefs started to laugh after he said that and went back to eating drink. “Have a seat then, there is plenty of food and drink to satisfy yourself from your long journey. said Zark in a more relaxed tone. Qarec, then head to the table without saying another word and started to join the conversation with the other chieftains. Varkas walked over to report back to his father.