A Long Dry Season

[V]

The Kingdom of Astropia, is a well-known and prosperous one, expanding over most of the continent it was founded on. Famous for it's fertile farmland and the slave trade from conquering those who dare oppose them, and it's ruler, King Kelsin Welke. It's capital, Drascir, resides where the kingdom has started its success, and it is here where the most powerful of magic users and the royal family reside. In the recent months however, the rain ceased all together, not even a drop and as winter had approached, they were created only by freezing fog an howling winds; it was always cold, and it was always dry.
A man named Edward Hyde, once thought to be the most brilliant mind in all the kingdom, saw this as a chance to redeem himself and bring back that former glory. Once the minister of magic himself for Astropia, he had been given such recognition, adored by all and hated by those envious..until an accident involving a small group of innocent children being completely incinerated by an experimental spell of his. Though his status pardoned him of any time in the stockades, his reputation was forever marred. That very status was taken from him soon after, deemed a pariah within days and hated by all. Since then he had performed all he could to make penitence, but was never granted it. But now was his chance, if he could find out what was causing the drought and go about mending it, he would be the favored man of the city once again. He had departed the city one faithful morning, a determined man, disappearing from everyone's mind, still abroad even after a couple months. The City had been living fine on it's reserves and stockpiles...but without fertile farmland, there would be no yields, and all the city had been saving up for such an occasion was becoming horribly scarce that even a loaf of bread was starting to cost as much as a piece of armor. Famine is upon them and they all know it.

To make it worse, Drascir is a large kindom, divided into four main districts; The Civil Quarter, the Magic Quarter, the War Quarter, and the Royal Quater. But living amongst all the causeways and alleys, it is rumored the Kingdom's most hated enemies stalk about them; Orcs. Astropia is a diverse nation, dominantly human, but still harbored dwarves, elves, and halflings happily. All the races have disputes, but they all agree on one shared belief, and that is Orcs are the enemy. Those that are captured are quickly imprisoned and either executed or sold to slavers to live out the rest of their lives. In addition to orcs, thieves and cutthroats as well have been surfacing, stealing from shops and vendors; desperation to fill their empty bellies. But despite this, the City Guards are being cut and discharged as the lack of revenue that had once mainly come from their farming has ceased. Volunteer militia are always welcomed, but their true intentions can never be known, and they aren't as disciplined as the guards already stationed. It was slowly becoming more dangerous to reside within the walls of the great city than outside in the wilderness amongst the gnolls and goblins.

King Welke's only concern is of his family, while his city starves and fights amongst itself, his court is kept plump and thirst quenched. The people of Drascir cannot rely on him any longer, and it soley rests on Hyde's shoulders. But the man hasn't been seen in months...perhaps a willing few would be bold enough to see what had become of him...

[B]

A prestigious bar on the north side of Astropia. They call it the Blade and Scepter. Most bars were closed around the city with the exception of this one and one other. Some signs out front noted a special event that is to go on when the sun was just beginning to dim. People crowded, some with rum and some without. They all waited impatiently for what was to happen. Probably another light show some mage child pulls off, it's cute but overused. It seems it was about to start. Eerily the torches began to dim into blackness. A small ball of light and the sound of a cane could be heard. A few people grunted, definitely another children's light show. The torches then exploded into a blue flame, coloring the room with an odd hue. On the stage was an awkward mage. A thick blue robe leaving no skin to be seen. Black gloves gripping a white cane and a wicker hat larger than the width of the body. Not a single piece of skin could be seen. the most noticeable thing were two bright eyes where the face should be. The rod went up into the air then slammed into the floor. Nothing happened. The process continued a few times.
"What a joke."
One guy whispered to another, getting ready to boo. Then the figure up top bursted into flames, at the same time the torches turned back to their original hue. When the flames settled a new figure stood there. A woman's body wearing an elegant red dress. The wicker hat was still on the figure's head, it was tilted so that the head could not be seen.
"I know what you're thinking."
A sexy voice said, it echoed around the room by use of magic.
"What's a place like me doing in a woman like this?"
Silence, horrible joke. She then did a spin and the wicker hat went flying into the audience. She was beautiful. Blond hair in perfect curls going down her shoulders. red gemstone earrings hanging from her ears and the brightest blue eyes one can hope for.
"Well."
She said as she walked up to the end of the stage.
"You need to get inside the woman to get to my place."
She knelt down and rubbed a hand across one of the consumer's cheeks.
"Will you come to my place...?"
She gave him a puppy dog look and he immediately nodded. She giggled and stood up and turned away from the audience. She whispered something and her body began to sway. She began to hum, an eerie but oddly arousing tune. She turned back and a red light began swirling around her, she continued to hum. Finally it fell into her hand and she blew. A dust like substance flew among the crowd. They gasped for a second then clapped. Instantly some of them began putting small bags of money on the stage for her. She continued her humming. She had the majority of them, now. Eating and drinking tonight will be a easy for her now. She had to end it before one wants to go a bit further than she hopes.
"I love you all... Come and see me again handsomes."
she then slammed the staff into the ground again and a puff of smoke. when it cleared nothing was on stage but a rapier with a paper that had a red lips kissed on it. The men cheered. A few of them realized that when they get home, their wives are going to be pissed they spent their hard earned money so quick.

She was coughing, clearing her lungs of the crap the alchemist gave her. Oh when will she get off her lazy ass and learn a real teleportation spell? She had potential to be a powerful mage, instead she invested her time into mastering the art of mimicry, illusions, and small enchantments. She smiled to herself as she carried the weighted bag of gold. She wasn't afraid of being mugged, she'll just show that person the worst creature they've ever seen. It may not be real, but it hasn't failed her yet.
"Okay, Valera, now it's just time to buy some sweet sweet water."
She told herself. Moving towards the marketplace. It was busier than it's ever been. People asking or demanding for food. Vendors trying to deal with their lack of stock, jacking up prices to ridiculous lengths to try and help survive themselves. A few vendors had closed up shop and horded their own supplies for themselves. It really is a dog eat dog world. Luckily the cat's not on the menu. Valera smirked.

[V]

The wells had run dry long ago, the kingdom's main source of water now was conjured by magi within the Magic quarter. However, to do so required quite a bit of focus and energy, and even more so when there was no true moisture in the air to collect. So much that it seemed only a mere hundred gallons of water could be conjured a day, and that isn't a lot considering a town this size, though some families did get their small bit of water by having someone in the household attend class within the Magic quarter. But still, the prices for even a small flask of water were ludicrous.
Volunteers were normally tasked keeping these magi safe, as they needed the least protection since the whole ministry was in this quarter and could easily defend itself from thieves and bandits. The northern end though, the Trade Quarter, was where most of the guards that weren't cut remained to watch, this area needing the most protection, as it had the city's most famous and pretty much only bar. A guard was normally stationed near vendor stands, but with such under staffing, they are spread so far out that one guard normally patrols three whole blocks on their own. In the case of today however, it is a busy day, and on days like this, two guards are stationed near the vendor stands.
The guards wore nothing too special, though their armor and weapons are crafted of the higher end metals that the kingdom used to buy in bulk, instead of the impure steel handed out to the volunteers. It was a dark grey chainmail suit, covering all their limbs in chains for an underlayer of protection, and above that were black colored plates. These plates were heavy and covered nearly the whole of their bodies, save their elbows and knees. It had it's advantages in the winter for being warm, but made guard duty such a chore in the summer. Luckily for them though, the weather was frigid. On the center of the breastplate, is an ornate design; the crest of the kingdom, which was simply a winged dragon curled slightly, printed on as if it was staring westward as if into the distance. They each had a halberd as a standard weapon, and a sheathed longsword for back up, something they could only offer to their best.
One was a tall, but slim figure. The metal armor was casted to fit the individual, and even with the armor on, she looked about as thick as your average human woman from a distance. On the top of her black helmet, two special slits were put into them to allow her long pointed ears to escape unhindered, the blatant sign she was indeed an elf. Unlike human ears, hers were very narrow but very long, perhaps four inches from lobe to tip, but they were always upright. She leaned, boredly, on her pole weapon, staring passively as those with money did their best to get their hands on some water to bring back home. She knew she had to be vigilant, her eyes surveying each vendor stand in a cycle; hey were white with a green iris, but let off a faint emerald glow as well, a trait not unheard of in elves, but it was uncommon. Having scanned for the sixth time, she began to doze off, resting her head against the shaft of her weapon, before a big nudge awoke her.
"Centurion Evalynth...are you dosing off?"
The elf straightened up, and removed her helmet, holding it under one arm, letting her dark brown hair unfold and falls down to it's maximum length, past her shoulders, and offered the man a salute. "Captain Ahab! No...I was just..testing the firmness of the poleshaft...with my head."
The man wore similar armor, but it was more ornate, the sign of a military officer. "Where's Hemet?" He simply stated. The intimidated elf points to the short stubby figure at the other end of the stands.
The other guard was a dwarf, tanned skin with a bald head. However, it can easily be seen his hair color was black, as his pride and joy, his beard, covered the entirety of his torso. It's a known fact all dwarves value their beards...even over their own lives! He was tilting his head back, swigging from a flask of ale, when a strike to the back of his head knocked it right from his hand. "Oi! Fer the luva--OH! Cap'n Ahab! Ye checkin' in, sir?"
The human was clearly unimpressed. "So we have you drinking...and Evalynth over there is sleeping. I thought I trained you two better..."
"Oi...'m sorry, sir. But ye know...slow day."
"I'm aware...but you two were chosen to not be cut because of valor and dedication...do not make me regret letting you stay aboard, hmm?" Without letting the dwarf say another word, the Captain had walked off.

It was night, and this was normally when the bad-happenings started. Evalynth and Hemet normally stayed in close proximity of eachother and the vendors during this hour, as the bar closes and the drunk patrons wander around for more things to wet their whistle.
"Oiii...Eva, ye know things ain't been the same since the drought. I can't even afford a pint o' ale right now!"
The female guard snorts, eyeing a particular girl in the ground. It seems she was totally oblivious to the dwarf's ramblings. She didn't know the girl, but she knew her supposed name; Valera. She was performer at the Blade and Scepter, and this female elf had quite a crush on her. Each time the human would look in her direction, the elf would turn away quickly, certainly not intent on being seen gawking at her. Perhaps one day she'd try to approach the human and just talk...but even that was a fantasy to her in itself..

[D]

While the beautiful woman danced next door, a more terrible scene played next door. Inside of a room were two bodies, one was a Vieran and the other one a human. The dark skinned, brown eyed Vieran woman was obviously the one losing in the argument and quite exposed given that she was clad in standard Vieran armor. The armor, if you could call it that, was a black in color and revealed much of her abdomen and gave breathing room for her full breasts. Much of her back was also left revealed and because of how much her armor left open, one could debate that it was anything but armor. However, as a Vieran she wouldn’t have had it any other way given that reasons behind it were cultural.

Like the upper half of her body, her armor left much exposed. From her appearance, some would look down on her as a strumpet of sorts, but most knew of the power of a Vieran warrior. The Vieran woman that was sprawled on the ground due to the human’s attacks was actually quite skilled. She was like the rest of her Vieran race. While they dressed questionably, they were known for their extraordinary craftsmanship, grace, and intellect. From the scene in the room, it would seem that the Vieran woman had gotten herself in a terrible situation, but for her, it was quite the opposite.

As the man grabbed old of her long white hair and brought her face near to his, she let out a moan of pleasure. “Damn you! I wanted the other one! You’re no use to me!” She let him throw her back into a table. The force of the impact was enough to shatter the table below her and one of the splinters managed to cut her. My, was the man being exceptionally rough today. “Don’t you ever show your face to me again, Xena!” He shouted and then he left the room.

“Oh~ but Angelus…” She picked herself up from the mess with a small smile. “You never bore me…” Xena grabbed the splinter and pulled it from her side. “Uhhh…Angelus you’re such a bad child…” She straightened herself up, allowing her height of 6.2 , and with an added three two four inches from her stilettos, to be shown. As soon as she recovered from the wonderful event, she walked over to the shabbily made bed and recovered her helmet. Xena pulled it on and was careful to make sure that her large ears made it through their designated holes in the black helmet. The helmet kept her head protected while allowing her ears and most of her hair freedom. “This may be troublesome later… “ As soon as she felt she was ready, she slowly made her way to the door.

By the time Xena had made it out, Angelus was already out of the inn and making his way to a meeting about one of his defective merchandise. He was a tall man standing at six feet with short brunette hair. The bluish gray eyed man had a pleasant face, but because of the fact that he was usually unhappy, not many approached him and there were people who feared him. Quite built from his adventures and experiences, he was quite a menacing force to look at and his tattooed arms added to that effect.

His overall appearance further helped the effect really. His white sleeves, dirtied with the grime of his business, were rolled up to the point that they could easily called short and over his shirt was a brown leather vest. It had nothing to close it but the black belt and dark blue cloth that went around Angelus’ waist. Attached to his belt was a sheath for his sword and held by the belt were a few knives and pouches in plain sight. The cloth and belt also served the purpose of keeping his gray trousers up. The trouser legs were tucked into his grayish brown boots that gave an interesting boot sound as he walked.

“Move out of the way!” Arriving at the meeting place, he pushed the guard aside and quickly approached his customer. “I am here! What is wrong with what I have sold you?” The customer presented a little girl who was in a sickly condition. Angelus glared at the customer. “I am a slaver, not a doctor, but I will tell you this. It was healthy when I sold it to you and now that it is yours, it is your responsibility to make sure its condition doesn’t get worse. “ He held his tongue for a moment to prevent himself from yelling at the customer. “You bought it.”

While Angelus argued within the customers home, Leila, a Vieran woman who held a striking resemblance to Xena, rested outside of the home. She propped herself against a wall and waited silently for Angelus. While she waited, she played with the rat that she had captured earlier and with her claws she would peel off bits of its fur and skin. As the rat would let out screeches, Leila’s smile would widen and she would continue to peel off more of it. When she had successfully peeled off all of its skin, she threw the rat onto the streets and then wiped her bloodied hands on a nearby cloth. “Angelus…” She looked back at the home’s door and sighed. “Xena told me that you requested my aid…Why is it that you are not out, then?”

[B]

Large black robes concealed the 6'8 tall figure. Under the robes were thick leather boots. On the hands were metal gauntlets, the pinky fingers seemed to be loose as if there was no finger occupying that space. There were four guards in front of the city gate, regulating everyone coming and going from the city walls. Security seemed to be quite tight due to the increase of crime due to the drought. When the figure approached the city walls, one of the larger guards decided to be the one to confront it.
"Passage into the city is prohibited without proper documentation."
The figure turned and looked at the other guards before nodding.
"I believe this will work."
A deep rusky voice said as he reached into the robe and pulled out an envelope. He handed it to guard. It was weighted indeed. The guard was quick to realize what was in it. He ignored the coins for a second and read the letter. He then looked back at the other guards who seemed to be talking to their own people before looking back to the figure.
"Welcome to Drascir, professor. I'm sure there will be no issues when you enter the gates?"
He said a bit shakily.
"There will be no conflict so long as conflict doesn't find me."
The guard nervously stood aside and put his hand out for the figure to enter. A few guards saw the suspicious character go by. One of them walked up to the guard and questioned him on it.
"Hey, we have wizards coming from all over the land... They look weird... H-He's just here to help."
A complete lie but it worked. The other guard eased up and told the others who also seemed to agree.

He continued his stroll through the slums. Nightfall was just a sentence away. People were starving and dying of thirst. They didn't have the money to support themselves and yet the useless cretins in the castle are likely complaining about their stomach ache due to too much food. There was a child on the ground. A human child dying. Worthless humans. They can't even take care of their own young. When an orc village is suffering such a famine, elderly refuse to eat, men eat little but children and women were fed accordingly to as close to a healthy diet as they could. While orcs value age, the older orcs didn't have long to live either but healthy young, that's worth dying for. The figure reached into his pocket and knelt beside the child who seemed to back up a bit out of fright.
"Do not fear me."
That's difficult to do with such an intimidating voice but the child stopped. When the hand came back from the coat a leather bag came with it.
"Go to the market, now. Do not stop."
He warned the child and handed him 10 gold pieces. The child didn't understand why nor did he thank the figure but he ran for the markets. If only someone could have seen that it was an orc helping the child but alas, he must maintain his disguise. The orc stood and went on his way. He needed to find the inn next to the bar. He had a contact there. As he got close a blond adventurer clasped his hands together with a laugh.
"Ah! Uncle! There you are! Please! Come to my room!"
He grabbed the orc's large hand and lead him into the inn and up to his room. Once there the adventurer sat down. As did the figure.
"Krashnak, it is good to see you."
"Aiden."
Krashnak gave a nod and the man poured what he could afford into a cup. Water. Then he poured more into another glass and offered it to Krashnak who put his hand up in refusal.
"Aiden, you know why I'm here."
"Yes, I can pass on the information. Are you sure though? Why couldn't you? I'm sure they'd-"
"They're stupid. They will kill me on sight. I'm going to need assistance with this."
The human thought a second then nodded.
"You have money. There's a slaver staying here. I've seen some of his merchandise, why not buy one?"
"Because the slave will run."
"I will think of something. I'm going to go relay that information. You stay here as long as you like, my friend."

---

She couldn't help but feel the gazes creeping over her shoulders. She was being watched. She glanced slightly at a female guard not far away. her ears signaled that she was an elf. She watching her. Valera turned away quickly. She knew... She knew and she was going to arrest her. She'll be beheaded for such theft! Maybe she should do her shopping tomorrow... Or maybe switch cities. Yes, that'd be a good idea. She's milked what she could here. She'll need to buy supplies then leave for Erithon just about a 30 mile journey's away. If she "rents" a horse it should be a simple ride. She slipped into the crowd, holding her money bag tight for fear of thieves. She maneuvered herself into the more dense crowds so maybe that feeling of paranoia would cease. How she disliked guards...

[V]

The night pressed on uneventfully for a few hours; Hemet and Eva were often worked nearly a whole day, as were most of the uniformed guards, and tonight was one such day. But the night vendors were finally closing up, which let the two of them recess to an inn where they could pick up a free ration. This night they had gone together, and the innkeeper was upset he had to prepare two meals instead of one for free at the same time, but he'd deal with it, just as most of the town does. They found a table sat across from each other, removing their helmets and laying them off to the side. "Oi...Ahab has been gettin' on me a lot lately, he has. S'not our fault guard duty is borin'!"
The elf folded her hands and rested her elbows on the table, bringing her arms up to rest them under her chin, giggling as Hemet rambled on. "But it is, unfortunately, our fault for joining the city guard. Policing is still an exciting job though...and knowing you're the one they come to for help and protection...gives you a sense of pride and honor." Her ears wiggled playfully from beneath her long dark brown hair, a sign she was at least content. "And look at it this way, we could be with the military...away most of the time, fighting beasts and drow out in the forests....I hate forests."
The dwarf threw his head back and let out a loud chuckle. "Funnies' thing I ever heard comin' from an elf!"
Eva returned with a chuckle of her own. "Well I am no dirty wood elf or some pale blue drow! City elves like me are at home at the forest just as you...and to my knowledge, dwarves always hate the woods."
The dwarf shudders at the word "drow". "Damned dark elves...only thing worse than an orc, y'know. Worshippin' spiders and poisonin' the weapons! Where's the honor and glory?"
Drow were a normally forest or underground elf race, commonly refered to as Dark elves. Their skin is always almost a lightish blue with either black or white hair. They are a well known embodiment of pure evil and are quite at war with everything that isn't their kind.

As they were given their food, the door swung open, and a hooded, heavily garbed figure stepped in. Most people tried to ignore him, and when a blond haired man called him "Uncle" they all breathed a sigh of relief. But Eva and Hemet knew better. That was no mere human, the figure was quite bulky and tall, and there was a jingling sound as he stepped. They watched him until he disappeared with the blond haired man into a room in the back. The elf shook her head. "You noticed anything...peculiar?"
"Wot? Aside the rumble with each step, a figure no man could ever attain, and the jingling of money? Nope. Perfectly normal."
"Well we can't downright just approach him...Ahab would get on us for badgering...we can't really...just...scream "orc" either..."
"Aye...maybe the lug'll make a mistake himself..."

[D]

"I am growing rather impatient... I do hope that I am not a bother." Leila pushed herself off of the wall and walked up the steps to the home. Of course, the customer's guard stopped her and told her that she could not enter, but like always in these situations, she would politely tell them her business with Angelus. After she was allowed to enter, she quickly located the room she was in because of his unhappy voice. She could tell from his tone that tonight was not going to be a good one for the merchandise or her.

“Xena! What are you doing there?”

“Angelus...” She began quietly and then raised her voice. “I am not her and to be called her is an insult, but we must move from this topic. I was requested by you and told that it was urgent.” She was about to continue on but the customer quickly interrupted her. The man started to yell about how a woman, regardless of race, should never interrupt. In response to him, Leila looked over to the customer and gave a gentle smile that hid her 'vile' thoughts, as Angelus liked to call them. The customer quickly quieted down and she continued to speak. “Is there something wrong with the child that I have cared for?”

Angelus uncrossed his arms. “No, but the customer insists that I sold him a defective slave.”

“You might have.”

“I wouldn't.”

“The customer is always right.”

“Do not start, Vieran.”

“I am not done.”

--

After the negotiations, the two made their way back into the inn. Upon arrival, the Vieran and the Slaver walked to the Slaver's room to discuss a contract. The Slaver seemed to be in better moods than he had been earlier so the Vieran decided that it was safe to be in the same room with him. Upon entering the room, she quickly noticed the broken furniture. “So is this the mess that she was so happy to 'speak' of?”

“Quiet. While you may have secured a better deal with a customer, do not thing of yourself so highly.” Angelus watched Leila take a seat on the bed. “You know why we are here. I request that you-”

“I would not have it any other way.”

“Good... Now leave. The next shipment will arrive at nightfall.” He waved her off. “Be ready.” Angelus watched as the Vieran left his room and when she had closed the door behind her, he walked over to his bed. “I expect two and twenty heads. All work ready and of proper age. That should...” He laid himself down on his bed. “...I should gain a profit...”

–

Leila walked down from the second floor and took a seat at her normal spot in the corner of this inn. Even though most would not look to this corner in a busy bar, she could still feel the hungry eyes staring at her. To shake off the feeling and to rid herself of the growling in her stomach, she gently grabbed hold of a barmaid. “I request something to eat.” She let go and watched the young woman walk away to fulfill the request while dodging the lust infected movements of the place's patrons. As she watched, Leila almost felt bad, but when the young woman quickly returned with some food, Leila knew that girl was almost a master at avoiding terrible advances.

Now that she had her food, Leila quietly began to eat and watched the people and beings around her. She caught a glimpse of a hulking figure and then saw some of the guard with their eyes on the large person. She didn't want to assume anything, but from the way they looked, she guessed that the large thing, whatever it was, was something generally disliked. The only generally disliked thing that came to mind was the word “orcs,” but Leila didn't want to further assume that it was an orc.

She didn't want trouble. Trouble was...troublesome, for lack of a better word.

[B]

Krashnak stayed in the room for a good hour but he was growing impatient. His Orc blood needed him to do something to pass the time or else he'll go mad boredom. He stood out of the wooden chair he had managed to squeeze into and left the room. He had to go outside and look around. He's never been in a city this big, it would be a good idea to store in details for the future. It'll be good to see how other races get along with other races.

When he stepped out of the inn it wasn't too dark, well it would be if there weren't torches lit all over the place. There were still a good amount of people walk around the city. This must be an active city, indeed, to have people walking around this late, that or they lacked homes. He retraced his steps, testing his memory for where the exit was. He recognized buildings with ease. He could feel the eyes on him as he walked. People knew he was different, they were just too afraid to ask or find out. He recognized this little slum alley, this is where he gave that child money. Hopefully he was able to gain something off of it in time. The market looked empty except for a few people still browsing the ground for anything merchants may have missed.
"Got these coins do ya!? are you sure you didn't steal them!?"
"NO! IT WAS A GIFT!"
The sounds were pretty distinctive. A 30 year old asshole likely, and a child.
"Well well! There aint many guards out here! That makes me part of the law, boy! And I'm going to have to take this in as 'evidence'!"
The boy grunted in pain. Krashnak finally turned the corner to see the man gripping the boy tightly and snatching the bit of coin. Two men were behind that one. They were all armed, swords at the waist. The boy was definitely the one he had given money to earlier. Krashnak stopped to consult with himself. Should he stop what was happening? But in doing so he'll be public enemy number one instantly in the city. And yet if he doesn't? The boy would die of thirst or starve. If he could not stand up for one of the races he's trying to make peace with, then what is he doing? What's his whole campaign about? Sure, now, he began stomping towards the scene. He told himself constantly to keep his weapons sheathed, he will not spread blood this day. When he got close the man holding the boy caught notice.
"Eh? Mind your own business Sadqu-whaaaaa!!"
Krashnak grabbed him by the shoulder and chucked him into a wooden stall. The two men who were behind the robber looked at each other in disbelief then drew their swords. Krashnak had a hard time seeing the men, the cloak was certainly a hindrance. One of the men charged but Krashnak brought up his arm quickly and deflected the blade, the sound of metal on metal was heard. He definitely had some armor underneath that robe. The second guy lunged and Krashnak side stepped with a clothes-line which took the man down. Doing the side step caused him to step on the end of the cloak and move it just enough for it to fall off his head. Dark, dirty green skin. Black eyes and four noticeable scars, one of his right eye, two on his left cheek, one on his chin and another on his chin. Two fangs stuck out of his lower row of teeth and curled over his upper lip. He snarled and the man still standing backed up in fear.
"O-ORC!!"
The call caused two more men to come and enter the fray. Krashnak looked back at the boy.
"Go... NOW!"
He growled and the boy ran off. The two men Krashnak had already struck were far from recovering at the moment, one guy still trying to catch his breath and the other under toppled wood.
"Do you really want to do this?"
Krashnak asked the three in front of him. One of them had a grin on their face and Krashnak cracked his neck.
"Okay, then."
With a swish of his shoulders the entire robe flung off and fell to the floor. His chest was bare for the most part except a few leather straps going around to hold onto the large claymore on his back. His left arm was in a whole metal gauntlet leading up to a shoulder piece. His right arm was bare with the exception of leather knuckle gloves on his hand. His legs had sturdy looking chain mail with a leather sash covering most of it. On his leather belt there was a hunting knife and a hand axe. His feet were covered in thick fur boots. Two men charged first, hoping to kill Krashnak before he was able to draw any weapons. Krashnak grabbed one man's blade with his gauntleted hand and had it in his mind put push the blade to the right and have one man run into another but Krashnak was too strong and ended up snatching the blade out of the man's hand and hitting the other attacker in the face with the hilt of the blade sending him spinning to the ground. The disarmed man took a step back and Krashnak threw down the sword. The militia man who had sat back while the other two charged finally threw in his ten cents and began running toward Krashnak. Krasnak got to his knee then leaped up for a charge, ramming his shoulder into the human and picked him up then threw him over his back. When Krashnak turned to see the disarmed one he only saw the corner of a building. The disarmed man must've bolted it, probably to get reinforcements. The man who was clothes lined slowly stood up and aimed his sword at Krashnak again. Krashnak gave him the evil eyes. The militia started taking steps back. The only thing that was going through his mind is a dozen soldiers coming in the nick of time to get this beast...

[V]

The screaming of an Orc being seen quickly spread throughout the town from fleeing citizens and the militia who ran, Hemet and Eva were quick to leave the inn. Not far ahead down the torch lit road, a gathering of militia stood, some on the ground and some without a weapon. Beyond them they could see the orc standing there, barehanded.
"Oi, Eva, le' ol' Hemet handle this one!"
"No...let me have this one, do you have any idea how much me defeating an Orc would mean to my people..."
"Wot? You're gunna try to git him with that little pigsticker?!"
"You have the same weapon, Hemet...just go get the Captain."
"But.."
"Go get Ahab!"
Without another word, Hemet grumbled, but turned off and ran towards the barracks, while Eva pulled out her halberd and rushed off to the gathering of militia. The defeated militia were still inching away while Eva burst through them, to face the orc.
"I'll assume peace talks never occurred with these pathetic militia we've been forced to take onto arms. So I will give you a chance to relinquish your weapons and allow us to take you in freely, Orc. You are grossly outnumbered, what do you seek to prove?!"
She stared him down...there was determination in her eyes, but at the same time a little bit of fear, and as those green orbs eyes him, she spotted his sheathed weapons. Her armored hands gripped the pole of her weapon. "I am no fool!" He responded, in clear human language as well. "If I surrender now, I will be without a doubt executed. I will not allow my blood to flow so easily for a leadership that doesn't even acknowledge its wounded!"
"Then you leave me no choice!" With the agility elves are known for, she rushed at the unarmed orc, swinging the polearm down in a crushing motion, which was easily avoided by a back step. The orc would raise his hand to now doubt try to exploit on her vulnerable position with a smash of his own. Acting quick however, the elf rammed her shoulder forward into his chest to stop that attack, and pull her weapon from the ground. Regaining her momentum, she brought the weapon up and lunged with it forward, the orc stepping to the side with a lightning quick motion, and raising his arm, the spear point only impaling air as he evaded the attack a second time. But following the miss with the lunge, she swiped it downward, striking his leg at the sheath of his weapon, a stroke of luck. The elf gritted her teeth and hopped back, raising the weapon another time, but as she brought it down, there was a shower of sparks, the orc had drawn his broadsword and caught the head of her weapon. Locked in a slight power struggled, she glared at him. "You are not welcomed here! It matters not if I defeat you! You will be arrested and be met with the same merciless treatment you would show us if you had the chance!" The elf quickly brought her weapon back, and made an attempt to lunge again, this time at his legs to hobble him, but the orc was quick and saw it coming, he jumped on the head of the weapon, and pinned it to the ground, then with his own sword, struck at the shaft, breaking the handle and leaving the elf with just a broken stick. Quick to react, despite her main weapon being broken, she threw the heavy potion of her weapon at the orc's head, jumping back and drawing a longsword of her own. Her agility was no longer restricted to wielding such a cumbersome weapon. Her ears twitched, hoping to hear Hemet returning with Captain Ahab soon, her hands tightened on the hilt of her weapon.

[B]

When the pole was thrown, Krashnak had not expected such an action and the edge of the pole skimmed passed his face, leaving a few splinters in his cheek. He didn't even wince, only squinted his eyes at the elf as she drew her sword. He made no effort to charge her during this moment of her vulnerability. This is where it gets fun. He raised his large sword up and gripped it with both arms, his armored arm was out in front of the arm that held the weapon. It was rare to see an orc so calmly take a stance. Most of the time they relied on their overwhelming brute strength to take out a target, normally a stance meant a delicate defense and offense but why would an orc ever need a defense when their offense normally destroys another person's defense?
"Elves... So eager for orc blood."
He grunted. She charged forth. Krashnak had faced many elves in his time. Wood elves and their cowardly bow tactics, dark elves and their blood magic, even high status elves with their crude insults. But this elf was nimble and quick. Of course she would be. Why would she be a guard still and not some lowlife mercenary or militia taking coins from children? She swung and was quick to position the sword in front, the two blades connected. Yes, she was fast and she did have power but nothing an orc can deal. It was her blade that got deflected, the broadsword barely nudged from the impact. The elf seemed to try to get in close, after all, Krashnak's sword had a long reach, but it was easy to get around when you're close. A few more deflected strikes but Krashnak had stabbed his blade into the dirt to deflect what seemed to be a leg shot at first but the elf was smart and twirled the blade over to attack the other side since the sword was out of commission. Krash's armored left arm came out in great force and deflected the blade away from his torso then brought that same arm up into quite the left hook.

She likely didn't expect it and by the time it was inches from her head she wasn't fast enough to dodge it. A loud TINK! and she became quite acquainted with the dirt. Her helmet rolled off into the crowd. Krashnak had his chance to attack but he refused to do it yet, besides, she was quick to recover and was up with sword raised once again. She didn't charge out this time. A slight grin appeared on Krashnak's face. Of course she wasn't gonna be as gutsy. She can be beheaded by this blade in an instant. One more left hook should end this fight.

"Hold on to your head, elf."
Okay, it was pure Orc brutish saying that. He was in the heat of the moment and orcs like to cast fear when in a fight.
"He halfhearted swung his blade and she deflected then backed off. She was buying time for something to happen. More guards were gonna come, that was obvious. Pretty soon the whole castle'll be up in arms thinking this is some kind of infiltration job to assassinate the king or some other over dramatized shit. As the two exchanged their occasional swing, Krashnak continued to move forward, attempting to push her into the crowd so that maybe she'll lose courage and let someone else step up to the plate but she was better than that and side stepped to keep herself from falling into the crowd. One of the militia thought that this would be a good chance to strike. Not only would he get fame for striking down an ogre but he can also net a job as a full fledged guard for saving another guard's life. He rushed forward recklessly, with a war shout no less. Krashnak glanced over his shoulder real quick and had to decide which one he should focus on. He knew that either way he was going to have a problem and yet if the elf was on the defensive maybe she'll hesitate. However, this bone head was going for an all assault, even if he wasn't an expert he was still a danger. As the militiaman brought his scimitar shaped blade down. Krashnak did a quick 18 and snatched the guy's arm before he was able to bring it down. As he did so he felt a sharp pain at his side. She had missed delicate areas but still her blade drank blood. Krashnak, while still holding the man's arm, brought his broadsword to stab in the ground to deflect another attack. he then let go of the hilt and quickly grabbed the guy's crotch while his other hand let go and grabbed the guy's collar. He picked him up quickly. Likely for fear of harming the militiaman, the elf backed off for a second. Krashnak lunged the guy at her but she was fully aware of attempt and was able to duck out of the way of the flying human. The orc now had time to grip his blade once more. The elf charged hoping to get him before he was able to remove the blade from the dirt but the orc was strong enough to do it with ease. Both blades met and they were locked again.
"Hmph. Only honorless cowards accept help when they invite another to a duel."
Krashnak growled and shoved his arms forward, easily overpowering her and sending her stumbling back slightly but the battle just continued. No more militia wanted to try their hand at intruding in the fight. They could see the the guy lying motionlessly in the dirt who tried. Krashnak wanted to end this, now. He approached her their swords met a few more times, she even got a lucky swipe which caught his sword arm leaving a gash, Krashnak paid it no mind. Orcs were known for their pain resistance. If one were to inspect both blades they would notice chips in them where the swords met. Finally Krashnak made like he was about to swing so that she would swing but instead he grabbed her hand tightly, he had control of the hand and the hilt of the blade. She immediately tried to force him to lose his footing but his thick armored legs weren't budging. Krashnak thought of how he could do this. With his right hand holding the sword and his left holding her hand and her sword what he could he do? If he were a bloodthirsty orc she'd already be dead. Suddenly he felt a gauntleted fist meet his face. His face moved slightly, then a second hit. He growled and dropped the broadsword. He let the third hit connect then he grabbed her shoulder and rammed his head down into hers. Few get to experience such an anomaly as the thick skull of an orc ramming into yours but lets just say that a punch is more desired. The elf fell, probably seeing triples by now. Krashnak was now holding her sword He walked up to her and pointed it to her neck. The militia all froze wonder if they should charge him.. No... She will be dead by the time they inch their foot.
"I have my chance, Elf."
He moved the blade up so that stabbing it into her would be easy.
"You don't look confident anymore? You know orcs only want blood, don't you? Then you know what I'm about to do, correct? Have you made peace?"
He chuckled grimly, his eyes wandered quickly to make sure nobody was gonna sneak on him.
"No... You don't know me. I'm not like you. I'm no executioner."
He growled and threw the blade away then quickly bent down and grabbed his broadsword from the dirt, leaving the dazed girl behind him.
"It appears I have no escape. In order to maintain my freedom it appears I must fight you all, but you can run now and save yourselves."
He put his sword up into a stance again.
"Who's next...?"

[V]

Evalynth had never been in such a duel. She thought she could win, she though her superior training and agility could outmatch his strength. But here he was, about to end her. She cringed, the point of her own blade about to gouge her throat out. No, she hadn't made peace yet, she couldn't fathom this, about to be killed by an orc. She was actually trembling now, full of fear before one of her most hated enemies. As her hair blew from the breeze, she closed her eyes, and simply told the orc. "End me, now..." The blade made the motion, as if about to silence her for good...but it stopped, she opened her eyes. He'd spoken to her, he was going to spare her life. He tossed the blade aside, and called for more challengers. The elf cradled her head, and groaned. It was banging, and she was literally seeing stars. Evalynth let herself fall back in her daze.


There were more armored footsteps, and as the orc cried out for his next fight, the tall human stepped forward. His face was aged, maybe in his late forties, gray hairs mixed with his brown ones, and he held a pole arm like the rest of his guards. But his shoulders showed a different symbol of authority, more ornate than the others, with a symbol on each one. "That would be me, greenskin." One hand held the pole arm upright and behind him, while his other began to glow with a blue aura, before there was a small explosion at the orc's feet, which would be revealed to be encased in ice a second later. "You've managed to defeat one of my best, I commend you for that, you must be quite the experienced fighter. You speak very well and make decisions properly, so I gather you are very intelligent." Without changing stance, his hand began to glow blue again, before a blast of steam shot from his open hand, hitting the orc in an attempt to disorient him. "And judging from what we took from the guard you bribed, also very wealthy. It's a shame you got caught, you could have made a very good living here." With one more spell, a big chunk of ice, about the size of a foot ball, was launched right at the orc, shattering on impact. The ice holding his feet shattered as well, sending the orc to his back, Ahab standing over him. "Get him in chains...the King will like to have a word with this one..." While still stunned from the steam blast, some of the militia raised his back so they could slip the shackles on his wrists and behind his back, pushing him to his feet. "Hemet, Eva..come with me...and you Hemet and Eva. The rest of you, go back to your posts, stalls, whatever you were doing. I don't want anyone following us, we don't want the orc getting enraged and breaking free, do we?" As if to reinforce his request, his eyes glowed blue. "And if anyone does follow despite that, I am going to freeze you in place...understood?"

[B]

Someone did step forward, a confident face and looked to be a man of high rank. The regular guard was a challenge and this man seemed above her. Krash murmured a chant used in ancient orc customs for duels. Normally they would also slam the flat end of their weapons against their chests a few times but before he noticed the human appeared to be a caster and a skilled one at that as Krashnak's legs were already bound in ice. He grunted, being frozen alive was not a gentle feeling.
"Grah! And you say WE have no hon-"
Before he could finish the sentence there was already an ice blast heading at him, hitting him and disorienting him. He attempted to stumble but only his torso was able to fall backwards a second. All the while the human was speaking, Krash was having difficulty making out some of the words from the pain. He grasped his sword once more but the final ice blast sent him back, forcing the weapon out of his hand and him sliding on the stone. He lay there, clearly defeated. When his mind slowly focused on the man before him he heard the call for chains. Krash appeared to utter a slight growl but did not resist when he was put in chains, the right hand seemed to be tightened too much, he also felt an unnecessary jab to the rib and the one seemed to shake him a bit to make it seem as though Krashnak put up some resistance. Krash ignored it and soon enough the man was taking charge again. To tighten the security on him, the supposed captain secured the bindings with a second pair of ice chains. Then he was made to follow the three and the three only. To the king he goes, off with his head. Krashnak did not lament this end, he died an orc hero's death, having tried.
"It is unfortunate for you and your people I was captured. I will see to my death without resistance, in the end, you will regret the loss of this orc."
He spoke to them, a sure voice. He was naturally pissed off but he was able to cool his head enough not to resist what was happening to him. He murmured something that appeared to be elvish, most elves would know it as words of honor, though it sounded as though he was mocking it, then again, any elf would feel an orc knowing their old tongue would be a dishonor.
"Do your worst, Chuvei."
Chuvei is an orc who had, in legends, eaten two traitor dragon hearts to achieve power to destroy ten thousand men and elves. The dragons had then given him the task of torturing the souls of heretics who had strayed from the ways of the Drakes, or dragons. Chuvei is the equal to the human Devil.

[V]

Through side streets and alleys that so no life other than the usual rats and other vermin, the four of them lead the orc into a secluded place, away from the eyes of the public. "Alright. This is good." The Captain said, ordering the dwarf and elf to let him go. Though Krash was still restrained, he could have ran if he so chose, while the human began. "Today is a good day for you, Orc..." He said as paced around, Eva and Hemet stood at ease. "Before your little stunt in town, a little boy came running and he found me. He told me the entire story. He was a nice kid, really nice, maybe preteens. But you know what interested me the most? He wasn't reporting on the orc he'd found roaming the streets, he was reporting that a band of thugs had attacked his friend. He knew what you were, but he insisted you were the good guy. Funny isn't it? We teach kids these days that orcs are monsters. Then of course the front gate guard you'd bribed earlier. We routed him in front of an orphanage, where the royal treasurer and I came to address him over taking the bribe. After which, I insisted we give that copious amount of gold to the orphanage matron..." His tone of voice briefly changes to a bit of an aggravated one. "She'd been in need of donations for weeks, but the damn treasurer insisted we use it to bolster the king's stock, so we can have a larger stockpile to fund the kingdom. Hah..." He spit on the ground, then looks back to the orc. "Sickens me, you know. How those big wig nobles only worry about themselves in this time of need, when it's their duty to take care of their people? Hah..Astropia surely has fallen from grace.." Ahab looks then to Eva, and gesturing with his head to Krash'nak. "Undo his shackles."
"What? But si--"
"Centurion, that is an order."
The elf nodded, and with the key, she moved over to Krash's wrists to start undoing them. "Bribing a guard isn't unheard of. But giving a child so much gold? You know that's more than the average laborer makes in three weeks around here? No wonder he considered you a friend so quickly. I sense you're not here to end us in anyway. So tell me, orc. Your intentions. But why don't we start with introductions first, hmm?"
The elf finished unshackling, and took them away, taking her spot next to Hemet.
"These are my two most loyal and best soldiers, Hemet the dwarf, and I believe you've acquainted yourself well with the elf, Evalynth. And I'm Captain Galahan Ahab, of the guard. Conjurer of ice and water. Ironic in this drought isn't it? I have granted you your freedom, but I want us to make a little deposit before I make it absolute. Think we can make an arrangement on that?"

[B]

Krash looked around his surroundings of the back alley. Why would they bring him here? Certainly not to execute him. Executing him in front of the city would be far more rewarding, no, they intended to help him. When the magician began to speak Krash only looked at Eva and made an awkward grin. She had a steel face, natural for an elf to think lower of herself from receiving mercy from an orc. He turned back to the leader of the troop who was babbling about the hardships of the city.
"Yeah, pretty bad when a creature of their nightmares become the hero."
He grunted the captain seemed to agree and spoke on how it sickens him where things have gone. He then ordered that Krash be released from his shackles. The elf attempted to put up a fuss but agreed when the order was made clear. As she undid the shackles the captain introduced himself and his team. Krash rubbed his wrists in annoyance.
"Krashnak of the-"
He paused, thinking better of telling them his clan.
"Never you mind, human. As for my intentions..."
He glanced around.
"Drought is affecting everyone. I'm going to stop it with steel or information. I'm using moles to spread techniques to farm water. They earn money selling water cheap while pompous kings and royalty lose influence. Win-win for me. In return I gain information of my own. Cities that are more well off than others. Something dark is draining the world but it doesn't just disappear. My hunch is that some kingdom somewhere is collecting it, either to gain power or just to kill. This is our world and our lands just as much as it is yours. And to answer your little deposit... 'request'. I will part with some but I need much of it in order to sway would-be enemies minds such as your... guard?..."
He didn't know how quite to identify the guard he bribed. If he was a guard he would never have accepted the bribe. He's more of a comfort, looks to make people feel at ease until something bad does come around.
"You have granted my freedom but I have granted you gold, her life, and information that will sustain your kingdom longer. I can imagine the information will be circulating within the next month. What else do you have besides my freedom? By my eyes, you're still in debt to me."
He gave a chuckle. Krash could hear some conversation from outside some buildings. There was a curfew in effect which meant it was likely guards, probably up to no good but their conversation was incoherent at this distance.
"