Vorclaw, p.12
Vorclaw, page 12
Next in came a priestess of some description or a shaman at least to some heathen god – presumably Crom-Cruach, the crooked god of the underworld. An odd character dressed in beads and bones of various animals. It was another female and she seemed to pray over him. The energy directed from her hands alleviated the pain and swelling in his face. Next in came an assortment of young and old arch-goblin males carrying his armour and clothing. They stood Leif up and with hands bound still they dressed him in his clothing and armour. Lastly, they tied his wrists to a bar, parallel to the ground and around his lower back. Leif realised he was their trophy!
Chapter 15
Revelations
Chieftain Merka, the tall and slender leader of the eastern arch-goblin city of Blood-helm seated on his throne of bones, cushioned by animal furs, sat irritated and stared, in defiance of his pain. He sat viewing his prisoner with his remaining good eye. Most of the bleeding had subsided from stitching and salves placed of the wound. His head was wrapped in a bloody cloth and he had several shamans around him praying to Crom-Cruach. Before him stood the commander of the opposing force he just ambushed, relatively unscathed.
Merka was angry at the whole situation. He had planned his assault with the assistance of the human wizard ally and cornered the Vorclaw soldiers perfectly but still his own warriors were decimated, only twenty survived. The only reason Merka didn’t kill this Vorclawean officer was because he needed to appease his queen for losing so many warriors in what should have been an easy victory; Leif was to be the offering of appeasement to Queen Ooktha.
“We should kill him and make a feast of him. I haven’t had elf-flesh in so long,” stated one of the soldiers in the room who battled alongside Merka.
That thought appealed to Merka. He didn’t care much for Queen Ooktha, but his clan was the smallest of the three tribes, and he didn’t want to be visited by the vampire in the middle of the night. So he thought best to appease her, for the sake of his clan.
“No, we should offer him as a sacrifice to Queen Ooktha as a spoil of war!” said Lorez, Merka’s trusted advisor, one of his best warriors and what an arch-goblin would consider a friend if they had a word for it.
“Agreed,” said Merka in a dry tone.
Merka then rose from his throne of bones and stepped down towards Leif. The two soldiers escorting Leif smacked him in the back of the knees to make Leif knee before their chieftain. Merka stepped before the elf and grabbed him by the chin so Leif would look up at Merka.
“Why does an elf fight with these humans, ehh?” asked Merka in the common tongue and slightly shoving Leif by the chin.
“Answer him, elf,” stated Lorez also in common.
“I can answer that. But first tell me why you would risk open war with Vorclaw over a cave?”
Lorez let out a chuckle as did a few other arch-goblins who spoke common but Merka’s glare from his one good eye quieted them.
“The cave!” stated Merka returning to his throne. “The cave matters not, elf. What matters is the Vorclaw advance on our territory and fortress around your ancestry ruins, elf,” he said pointing. “For what reason, elf?”
Merka asked. Merka knew he was just a pawn in Queen Ooktha’s game with some Vorclaw army commander and this battle had been staged. It served as a means to evaluate the Vorclawean troops but also to keep the Fort Adamant soldiers from venturing unabated into his domain. It also showed good faith on this human military leader and human wizard that they were willing to sacrifice their own to gain Queen Ooktha’s favour. The whole idea disgusted the chieftain but had no choice in the matter. All he could do now was to try and save face. Merka also hoped this capture might also uncover some important intelligence.
“If it is a matter of territory, I am certain a treaty can be established. Conflict doesn’t need to continue,” replied Leif, although Leif wanted to jump up and cut down the arch-goblin chieftain.
The arch-goblins in the room laughed but not Merka. That statement gave the chieftain pause. He wondered, could he strike a bargain and have his own kingdom while keeping the humans out of his region?
Lorez did not laugh either for he knew his master wanted a sanctuary for his arch-goblins. Even though they were a warlike race, there were plenty of enemies to be had underground, above it, in the mountains or in the forests. The incursion by Vorclaw was the last thing this clan needed.
Merka dismissed that notion suddenly realising he still needed to appease his queen.
“Lorez, take him to Queen Ooktha, unspoiled,” Merka stated in the arch-goblin tongue and the room quieted down once again. “Our battle with the enemy has given us much to think about, including both in allies and tactics. Our defeat will likely go over easier if we bring her an elf to feed upon.”
“You want me to take him?” asked Lorez who had met Queen Ooktha once before and found her revolting. He thought she looked too much like an elf and the fact she was a vampire unnerved the arch-goblin.
“I am not well enough to go just yet and I am certain she will want a report if her wizard ally hasn’t provided one already. Go immediately!” he commanded.
* * * * *
Having survived that encounter, Leif started to regain his senses and take note of what he saw. If he ever got out of his arch-goblin captures, his information may be of importance.
Once outside, it became clear to Leif that he was in some form of mountain castle or fortress. To Leif, it looked more like a less impressive fortress built upon an older one; the older ruins at the base and lower walls seemed the more solid construction. Definitely two distinct architectural forms were at work here from two different eras and races. The base construction must be elven he deduced since elven ruins were abundant throughout Vorclaw, but one this big had never been mentioned to him before and the arch-goblins clearly built upon it to their liking.
In the courtyard was a small thriving village, complete with smithy and a butcher. From his vantage point, he saw something that struck him, arch-goblin long houses and barns dotted the land outside the fort. Then he saw arch-goblins tending sheep, goats and bison. He also saw smaller creatures, lizard-goblins!
Arch-goblins, Leif knew, kept the small bipedal lizard-like creatures of various colours as servants and fodder. Their scales were often seen as either green, red or orange. They had no real relation other than arch-goblins always seemed to keep them for those purposes – so that’s what the humans tend to call them. Seems they also acted as shepherds for the livestock as well. All around the castle walls were winding paths leading down into the forests or up even higher into mountains.
“No children,” Leif said aloud. It was then he was shoved by the head down a flight of stairs and inside a lower part of the keep.
The castle complex inside was definitely elven in the lower levels at least. A set of stone stairs wound down, meant more to impress than for defence, gave way to lower levels and eventually a great hole into the wall. All around that cave opening in the wall laid dozens of defaced, cracked and broken elven statues.
Leif was shoved through the busted opening that led to a set of cut stairs in the rock. Those steps led into a steep cut tunnel. The underground tunnel ended at the bank of an underground river. Leif was shoved up onto the dock where some other arch-goblins were waiting.
Leif then noticed the unusual boat on the dock. It had spikes protruding down towards the water, outward on a horizontal plain and upward at an angle. The front of the boat was fashioned into an angry dragon’s head. It wasn’t overly large, forty feet at most. It had six oars on each side and soldiers with spears, crossbows and tridents at every corner. This was a war ship, Leif deduced, equipped with a ballista above the maw of the dragon.
As the arch-goblins chatted in their grunts and growls, Leif thought to quickly jump into the water and swim, but to where and could he swim and with his arms bound behind him? What about those spikes protruding downward to the water; are they trying to prevent something from climbing out of the water? His decision was made for him shortly though, as he was pushed up the boarding plank and onto the boat.
“I am Lorez, your master henceforth,” stated the large arch-goblin chaining Leif to a seated position along the starboard side wall. “Obey me and you may get to Queen Ooktha in one piece. Defy me and you will have a slow watery and undignified death,” he finished.
Leif nodded in agreement as the boat began to row from shore. All firelights were extinguished then. Everyone, including Leif, went to their night-vision.
“Am I permitted to speak?”
“You are but I am likely the only one to understand and you must speak in moderate tones, so not to alert any creatures looking for a meal.”
“Why must I go to your queen? Is it to negotiate my suggested peace treaty?”
Lorez let out a half-hearted laugh, but it seemed to Leif, a peace accord was not the plan as Lorez walked away.
Leif closed his eyes and prayed. Leif prayed to Matronae, the great mother, the Mother-Goddess, the goddess of his adoptive mother, Disa, and brother, Bjorn, who were clergy of the deity. Leif had often attended their ceremonies, along the woods, glens and fields. They were beautiful ceremonies, breathing life into flowers, fruit and vegetables, securing harvests and nature. However, he never felt that he truly belonged to that deity, Matronae. Try as he could to pray to Matronae, he often found it difficult. Moreover, this day, he couldn’t take his mind off the events that just unfolded. He wasn’t sure how long ago the battle took place due to his injury, but he remembered the ambush, countering, winning and then his Vorclawean soldiers being overrun. His men it dawned on him then. He lost them all likely. So many dead. Why did it happen?
Leif was saddened then by the loss of soldiers. He wished he died with them on the battlefield. But then he changed his mind as he refused to die in vain. He would avenge his soldiers.
He tried to change his thinking and consider why he was sent to the cave in the first place. What was the significance of that cave or was it just a spot to pin the soldiers down and slaughter? Or was it more…
“Why do you mention treaty?” asked Lorez, breaking Leif’s thoughts.
Leif almost didn’t believe his pointed ears and almost raised an eyebrow in confusion. He didn’t expect this conversation to continue but when he looked at Lorez, who stared into the water as if deep in thought, Leif sensed this arch-goblin was interested in the concept at least.
“I…mentioned it because we both have nothing to gain in warring,” stated Leif, although unconvincingly.
“I do,” he responded. “My people do,” said the arch-goblin looking out to the water as the boat slowly oared down the dark cavern.
“What then and at what cost?” asked Leif chained to the floor looking up at the arch-goblin.
“What cost you ask? Everything!” stated the Lorez. “Enemies to fight, worthy enemies, lands of our own unchallenged and trade with other nations!”
“So you wish to be a nation or a city-state?”
“Yes! And more but your people encroach upon our lands and that challenge must be met,” said Lorez looking down upon Leif with a venomous smile, fist in hand.
The arch-goblin walked away but Leif wouldn’t let him go that easy, stubbornness he learned from his adoptive parents.
“Propose a treaty with Vorclaw and your queen could have all of that.”
“She is not my…” Lorez turned in anger. That sudden outburst put Leif into confusion, and he wore the surprised look on his face. Lorez knew it and regretted his outburst. Lorez reverted back to his arch-goblin language and stammered off through a door into the hull below.
“You can have it all!” announced Leif at the shut door. It was then Leif received a slap from a nearby arch-goblin who then motioned for him to be silent or his neck would be cut.
Leif obliged and again closed his eyes, trying to pray again to Matronae. He thought of prayers his mother taught him, songs to the harvest and forgiveness of his sins. His mind then wandered to when his father taught him the study of arms, weaponry and chivalry. He could see Magnus on the parade grounds of the Academy of Arms. A smile grew across Leif’s face remembering Magnus teaching how to parry with sword and shield to Leif, Bjorn and Dru. Magnus served as his father, mentor and instructor. Leif remembered how Magnus was adamant they learn to use several different weapons. This served not only to find their strengths, but their own weaknesses using the array of different arms. It also served as means to counter the threats of different weapons. Leif’s eyes remained closed as his smile grew wider reminiscing of the first time his brother, Bjorn, sent him toppling over backwards from a crushing blow of Bjorn’s mace to Leif’s shield. He saw Dru looking over him with his shield laughing intently. The slenderly built Dru Blackpool fared no better against Bjorn.
His mind then drifted to his two best friends, his adoptive brother, Bjorn, who always seemed so chivalrous and his friend Dru Blackpool who always seemed to be mischievous. Polar opposites in fact but somehow the two seemed to get along like two peas in a pod. When the three were out in the city of Vorclaw, Dru seemed to always find the shadiest of characters that would end in either a fight or a deal in his favour. Leif wondered how he fit in and how the pair saw him?
Leif then delved back into his training. Magnus’ teachings continued to ring true in his head. He remembered that if captured, escape by any means possible. The Academy of Arms instructors elaborated on this teaching, stating that establishing camaraderie with capturers and gaining trust was one way to achieve freedom, as long as it was not at the expense of fellow prisoners. Leif believed this doctrine would likely be his best chance at returning home.
Over an hour into the voyage, Leif’s thoughts faded suddenly when a commotion on board forced his eyes open.
“Kelpiefolk!” shouted one arch-goblin. His yelling was cut short when a trident pierced his back. A tether attached to that trident pulled the arch-goblin overboard, bouncing off the spikes protruding from the hull. More tridents and spears came forth but the now alerted arch-goblins seemed well capable of defending against the assault.
“Alarm!” shouted Leif.
Lorenz and other arch-goblins burst from the door onto the deck with spears and shields. From his seated position, Leif watched as arch-goblin shields held against the barrage. Then the arch-goblins returned fire with crossbow bolts and spears of their own.
Leif peered over the side to see what was assaulting them. It was humanoid, short and aquatic but had the two arms and two legs but all webbed. Its skin was dark and smooth, like an amphibian’s. These creatures had great dark orbs for eyes, small fins protruding from their frog-like head. Their attacks were scattered and unorganised, submerging quickly and resurfacing only for a moment. He surmised they were water breathers; the creatures appeared to remain submerged for long periods and no bubbles surfaced to signal they breathed air.. The melee was over as quickly as it began, and the boat rowed on.
“What were they?” Leif dared to ask Lorez.
“Stupid kelpiefolk! A water breathing nuisance. They like to attack unsuspecting ships.”
“I hope you speared a few, for the sake of your comrade,” said Leif. Lorez’s face looked puzzled and it was then he noticed one of the crew was missing!
Lorez started speaking in the arch-goblin tongue to the others on board to confirm their loss.
“You saw what happened to Zeth, the warrior on the bow?” asked Lorez of Leif.
“It was he who alerted of the attack. But they speared him and pulled him over.”
Lorez climbed up the stairs to the steering and looked back from where they came, hoping to see a glimpse of his fallen comrade. Leif, knowing full well there was no hope of that arch-goblin called Zeth surviving.
Leif made a point to address Lorez when the arch-goblin was back in his presence. “If it is any consolation, he died saving us. He shouted the warning, alerting us all.”
Lorez gave a slight nod. “But it was your voice I heard,” he said but did not make eye contact with Leif. However, another arch-goblin made his way to Leif with a whip for speaking to Lorez. Lorez stopped him though and turned the arch-goblin back to his post. Leif couldn’t be sure if it was because of the compliment or the cause they entered a great underground cavern they now entered.
As Leif tried to stand and get a better view, Lorez actually unlocked some of the chains so Leif could rise on two feet and see the spectacular setting. Leif gazed upon an underground lake within an enormous cavern, easily two miles across at places and seemed to stretch for additional miles. Pillars of rock reaching to the ceiling and small islands dotted the lake. There were other ships on the lake too.
“Orcs!” exclaimed Lorez and spat in the direction of a ship similar in size to their own. The orc ship was heading off away from the centre of the cavern towards another tunnel.
Up ahead Leif noticed lights of green and gold. It was a large island where many boats of all sizes moored, leaving and heading to it. It was a walled island where much noise came from. In the centre was a great natural pillar that reached from the ceiling of the overhead cave to the bottom of the lake in which it sat. A waterfall ran down the centre of the pillar feeding the lake.
Lorez gave some command to the ship’s pilot and they veered far out to the left of the island.
“Is that where your queen lives?” asked Leif.
“No!” announced Lorez with an arch-goblin chuckle, which was more like a bad cough. “That’s Skagsnest, a market town where the races of the underground trade goods, services and meet to discuss all sorts of things, like terms during war.”
“Do you not fear the kelpiefolk attacking there as well?”
“The kelpiefolk don’t venture this far away from the smaller tunnels like the one we came through for fear of other creatures in the water that would feed upon them. The differences being those beasties don’t come out of the water like the stupid kelpiefolk.”
