Chronicles Of Zefaria: The Realm Of The Ancients (2)
The man whom she spoke of looked concerned for a moment, but then he got up and walked out of Blue Ribbons without a single word. The woman turned to three other men. "What about you gentlemen? Lord Osmadaan has his eyes set on Foster Village. Are you just going to stand here and not mount any kind of offensive?" The men all looked at each other but said not a word. The woman seemed in great distress. "Cowards," she said. "Everywhere I turn I see cowards. Why won't any of you stand and fight?" At this moment it seemed as if the woman was fighting for a dying cause. Tonomoli and the rest of the company were too intrigued not to question her. They all approached her. Tonomoli was the first to speak. "Excuse me, miss--miss--" "My name is Medina. I've never seen you lot here before." "That's because we're not originally from Foster Village," said Nefandus. "But more importantly, what is your dilemma?" "Everything is fine. There just seems to be a lack of the courageous in these parts." "You said that Lord Osmadaan is looking to take over Foster Village," said Jebzian. "Are you certain of this?" "I am," said Medina. "Several of our scouts have noticed a massive influx of Orcs in Foster Forest. They are under the leadership of Ranmah's Kar Heflekarza. They're planning to invade even as I speak." "Kar Heflekarza?" said Prailee Orensadden. "I've never heard of his name before. Who's that?" "Kar Heflekarza is Var Heflekar's father," said Nefandus. "He used to be the leader of the Valderghof before Lord Osmadaan promoted his son." "Their last names are different," said Tonomoli. "Why the name change?" "For the answer to that question you'll have to ask Var Heflekar," said Jebzian. "Miss Medina," said Nefandus, "we perceive that you are in a tight situation. Would our assistance help to lighten your burden?" Medina couldn't believe what she was hearing. She could barely contain her emotion. "You mean to tell me that five complete strangers are willing to fight beside me in the defense of a land that they don't belong to?" "Not quite five," said Maphador. "I am a scholar not a fighter. But four complete strangers are willing to fight beside you in defense of a land that they don't belong to." "Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you so much! We have some men who will stand and fight after all! You need not go unrewarded! I can pay you. How does five-hundred penetts sound? No? Yes? We can talk figures later. But come, I'll take you where we plan our strategy." The fivesome trailed after Medina, a whole new avenue awaiting them. Evil Prepares For War It was night. Kar Heflekarza, the orc general, sat alone in his tent, pouring over a map of Foster Forest and Foster Village. It was as the elf woman Medina had described it: Ranmah of the Osmadaania province of Aundar had given Kar Heflekarza orders to encamp in Foster Forest for an attack against the people of Foster Village. That was nine days ago. The troop had only recently made it to Foster Forest, and now they were near the northeast border where Foster Forest and Village meet. It had been a tumultous journey throughout. Heavy rain in the form of thunderstorms had descended throughout most of their journey. The legion of orcs were more than a little agitated by the onslaught of the rain, and many felt it prudent to just simply encamp somewhere and wait out the storms, but Kar Heflekarza wouldn't have any of that. Indeed, it was appropriate weather for a late September to early October time period, but the troop had made it through it. Fires blazed here and there, sprawled throughout the camp. Companies of orcs situated themselves around the campfires, discussing trivial matters. Kar Heflekarza sat in silence, brooding over military plans, when a lone orc entered his tent. His attire was befitting of one who had accomplished much in his tenure with the military, two medals here a badge or two there. Kar Heflekarza glanced at his subordinate and, as was customary with orcs, spoke hoarsely. "Ah, Captain Jask. And what do I owe the pleasure of this here meeting? Have you discovered some pertinent information about the enemy? Do you wish to assist me with this here military strategy? Come now, out with it." Captain Jask seemingly had trouble putting together a sentence. It wasn't that he didn't know what he wanted to say, it was that he just didn't know how to start it, and he was also a little frightened about upsetting the general. Kar Heflekarza looked him over most thoroughly. "Well, are you gonna make me wait all night? You've obviously got something to say. Spit it out!" Captain Jask was quiet for a little while longer, he then stammered. Finally, he managed to put together a reasonable sentence. "General Kar Heflekarza, sir, the orcs, we're low on rations. We were wondering when we'd get a chance to get more. That is why I am here, sir. I was sent to discover when we'd restock on food." "That's it?" said Kar Heflekarza. "You mean to tell me that those idiots sent you in here to pester me about their bellies? That's all they think about! Why can't I be surrounded by the brave, stalwart, and the fearless? Instead, I'm in command of a troop whose only thought is when they'll get their next meal." "But sir," said Captain Jask hoarsely, "our gripe is legitimate. We're running low on supplies. Soon we'll be out completely. The orcs are only thinking the way they are because our future is so uncertain." "I'm well aware of our predicament, Captain Jask! I have it well under control. Trust me enough at least to not worry too much about our situation." Kar Heflekarza returned to studying his map. Captain Jask stood in silence. He obviously had more on his mind than what had already been revealed by the general. "Was there something else, Captain Jask?" Captain Jask stammered again. He then finally worked up the nerve to ask what was bothering him. "Sir, you said that you had everything well under control. If I may ask, what exactly do you have planned? I don't think the others will leave me be without a postive response on your end, sir." Kar Heflekarza was a little agitated that Captain Jask had yet to leave and also that he was questioning him. He then came to the conclusion that the only way to silence the cries of his troop would be to divulge his plans. "Fine," he said. "Tomorrow morning, I will send a squad of orcs with backpacks to Foster Village. They will be instructed to steal as much food as they can from whomever they come across, but mostly they will target stores. Does that quell some of your concerns, Captain Jask?" Captain Jask nodded several times. "Yes, General Heflekarza, it does. I will quickly inform the company about your plan." "You do that," said Kar Heflekarza, and he immediately turned his back to Captain Jask and went back to studying his map. Two more hours had passed. Kar Heflekarza had been mulling over his military strategy. The current plan was to split up the unit. One half would proceed to the southern border, where Foster Forest and Foster Village meet, while the other would stay stationed at the northeast border. By doing this, Kar Heflekarza hoped to catch the enemy off guard. Kar Heflekarza had finally come to terms with his strategy when Captain Jask and a small man dressed in a blue tunic entered his tent. Kar Heflekarza was more than a little surprised to see a human. "What's this, Captain Jask? Someone whose been taken prisoner?" "No, sir," said Captain Jask. "He's here to offer us information." "Information?" replied Kar Heflekarza. "Yes, sir." Kar Heflekarza looked in wonderment at the man, who was by now smiling. Kar Heflekarza's thoughts were largely centered on the identity of this man and his purpose for betraying his people, for that is certainly what it seemed to be, a betrayal. "What's your name?" began Kar. "Well, folks back home call me Junior, so I guess that's a start." Kar Heflekarza glanced at Captain Jask. "Ok then, 'Junior', what exactly is the information that you have obtained?" "Well, I was in my favorite eatery in all of Foster Village, Blue Ribbons, when a group of five strangers entered the establishment. They were a rather strange bunch, and of course I had never seen them before. Well anyway, a little bit later on, one of Foster Village's chief military personnel, an Elf named Medina, entered Blue Ribbons in a tirade. She was trying to get some of the local men to help defend Foster Village against Osmadaania, but none of them would have any of it. Finally though, the group questioned her, and before you knew it, they had agreed to help her." "I don't quite see how this helps our cause," said Kar Heflekarza. "An Elf woman teams up with strangers to help defend their land? Where's the information that benefits us?" "That's where I come in," said Junior. "Ya see, I can get inside the meetings with Medina and the rest of the military personnel. I'm a high level military official for Foster Village. And by being a high level military official I can get access to high level meetings with Medina and the rest of the military personnel. That's where the information comes in." Captain Jask had a smile on his face. Kar Heflekarza couldn't deny that this was some rather good news. But there were two things that bothered him: Junior's payment and his motivation. What would drive a man to turn his back on his people? "And just how much will you be wanting for your information?" asked Kar Heflekarza. "Oh, nothing much. Just the promise that, when you invade, you won't kill or torture any of my friends and family members. I'm no fool. I know that Foster Village can't stand up to the might of Lord Osmadaan. No one can. So, what do you say, do we have a deal?" Kar Heflekarza stood, showing his full height. He easily dwarfed Junior. Junior stepped away from the approaching Kar. He was terrified by Kar's now daunting presence, but his fear was soon offset by a smile that encapsulated Kar's incredibly contorted face. "We have a deal," said Kar Heflekarza. War In Wragafnifur It was night. The company of Seth, Edith, Le'on, Master Fenfarah, Farimar Oakensly, General Hornblower, and General Saddlehock had led the combined forces of the Chisolites, those knights derived from the Yorkian Kingdom, and also a good portion of Fignufen's military to about a mile and half away from a large military outpost in Wragafnifur territory. It had been decided that an attack under the cover of night would go even further to inhibit the capability of the enemy, and so thus it was acted upon. Brian Waterloo, the lone Chisolite selected to guide the Dwarves in planting their explosives, was in position. Just as it was planned, the youthful Chisolite carried with him several flasks of water whose handles were placed on a long pole. The Dwarves who were to do the digging had already reached their destinations. Brian Waterloo looked around quickly to see if any of the Orcs were watching him. All within the vicinity seemed to be busying themselves with normal exploits, a guard patrolling here, another there. Feeling confident that none were privy to his plans, he went into position. Just as it was discussed, Brian Waterloo removed one of the flasks of water and started to pour some of it on the ground. After he finished with that, he hastily stuck his sword into the wet earth. The soil was loose and mushy, the water serving its purpose. After a time, the sword began to move back toward the youthful Chisolite, the signal agreed upon indicating that the Dwarves had planted their first of three explosives. Brian Waterloo headed for the next destination his heart pounding in his chest. As it was planned, he headed in a straight line, so as not to confuse the Dwarven diggers. Finally, the lad made it to a spot that he felt comfortable with. He then took another basin of water and started to pour it on the ground. Next, he placed his sword in the earth. After a short while the sword returned to him. At last Brian Waterloo made it to the last chosen spot. As he did the previous times, he looked around to make sure none of the Orcs were on guard. None were. A nervous anxiety had overtaken him. He knew that he was in a dangerous situation and that at anytime he could be discovered but he went along with his mission. He poured water on the ground and placed his sword inside the earth. It took a little while but the sword eventually returned to him. The mission was almost complete. All that was left to do was give the signal that everything was in place in the form of launching a single firework. Brian Waterloo took a rocket shaped firework from his coat pocket and, using a match, lit it. The firework launched itself into the air and exploded for all to see. The orcs were caught by surprise and wondered outwardly as well as inwardly what was going on. Brian Waterloo hurried to make it back to the rest of the military force just as the dwarves were setting off their explosives. The orcs of Wragafnifur were confounded. Some had been walking in the midst of one of the three blasts, and were launched into the air, the rest of the orcs looking on in a horrendous manner at the misfortune of their companions. The combined forces of the Yorkian Kingdom, Chisolom, and Fignufen stormed the military outpost. The three dwarves who had planted the explosives had by now made it back to the company, as did Brian Waterloo. Seth led the company screaming into the heart of the military outpost. "For the free peoples!" he yelled. "For the free peoples!" came the reply from his troop. Wan Taan Boo, the leader of the Osmadaania province of Wragafnifur, and Var Heflekar, the leader of an Osmadaanian province called the Valderghof, led their orcs into battle. It took the orcs some time to respond to the sneak attack but under the leadership of Wan Taan Boo and Var Heflekar they managed to put up a good offensive. "The time has come!" said Var Heflekar hoarsely. "Let's win this one for Lord Osmadaan!" "I want to see the blood gushing from their innards!" remarked Wan Taan Boo. The orc army was about two-thirds the size of the military alliance under the command of Seth Von York, and Seth sensed that it was so. He decided to communicate this to his troop. "We're a bigger bunch than they are!" he said. "They shouldn't pose too much of a problem, lads! To battle!" And thus Seth Von York led his company in the second battle of the free peoples and the evil empire of Osmadaania. The first was the Battle of Fort Evner, and in that battle it was the combined forces of the Dakaroth led Thangoon and the Saunssussen led Makerva that prevailed against the free peoples and thus led to Lord Osmadaan taking a chunk out of the dwarven land of Galtigor. The second confrontation happened in the Yorkian Kingdom, though it could hardly be called a battle. It was in the Yorkian Kingdom where Ranmah, the leader of the Osmadaania province of Aundar, had led a unit to battle and attacked a lone outpost. There it was also where Edith Von York's beloved, Janus Wraynard, was killed. This current battle was one for a portion of Wragafnifur's land, and so thus it was labeled by the scholars The First Battle for Wragafnifur. Le'on Bravada, the prince of the Bravada Empire and the lone representative of the Bravada Empire to the alliance, was in his first confrontation. He was battling a warped orcas, or to call them by the more common name, an orc. The orc looked fierce, brutish, and intimidating. He then sized Le'on up and spoke openly to him about what he perceived of his ability in battle from only a glance. "Hmph," said the orc. "I perceive that you are a weak and puny man who'd do best by running away instead of challenging this mighty orc." And as he said this he beat his fist upon his breast. "Come then!" said Le'on. "Engage in battle with me and we will see who comes out on top." The two encircled one another, each looking for a chance to strike. Finally, Le'on lunged after the orc. The orc parried his first strike but wasn't able to prevent Le'on from slicing at his leg. The orc howled in pain as black blood oozed from his wound. He placed his hand over the wound and then cursed at Le'on. Le'on waited for him to get up before he engaged in a sword fight with the orc, their blades clashing in the moonlight. Sparks flew here and there from the impact of the swords. The injured orc was overly concerned about his wound and Le'on noticed this. He then decided to hold back on using all of his skill to lure the orc in for the kill. It worked. The orc thought that it was his skill that was overpowering Le'on and that him penetrating his skin early on was just a fluke. Le'on saw a renewed vigor in the orc and waited for a chance to present itself. The orc came rushing at Le'on full steam and Le'on sidestepped him and stuck his sword in the orc's side. The orc howled again and this time Le'on took off his head. Farimar Oakensly, the lone representative of the elven country Finlaiven to the alliance, had already disposed of several orcs until he came into an encounter with a warped elf. It pained Farimar immensly that his people were serving Lord Osmadaan, but he was stout and resolute, knowing that he had another battle to fight. The warped elf hissed at Farimar as he approached him. "So you want to challenge me, eh?" said the warped elf. "I fight for the mighty Lord Osmadaan. You fight for the impotent free peoples and the country of Finlaiven. I will defeat you and cement Lord Osmadaan's name as the greatest leader to ever walk the Zefarian world." Farimar said nothing. The two paced about each other until the warped elf charged Farimar. Farimar expertly sidestepped his attack and attempted to get in attacks of his own that the warped elf managed to defend against. The warped elf hissed again. Farimar's face was as rigid as stone. The warped elf charged Farimar once more and the two became locked in combat. After a time, Farimar managed to sidestep a few of the warped elf's attacks and then he sliced away at his chest. The warped elf wailed in pain. Farimar then saw an opportunity. He charged the warped elf and planted his sword in his abdomen. The warped elf was in shock. Farimar removed his sword and watched as the warped elf spasmed on the ground. "I would say that I hope that Far Finlaiven takes to you, but I don't think it will." The warped elf died. Farimar went looking for his next opponent. Master Fenfarah, the wizard from the wizardly precinct of Shondaloh, had managed to send several orcs into retreat using his powers. Just as before, in the Battle of Fort Evner, Master Fenfarah was exercising mercy on the orcs. It was easily within his power to send them to their demise, but he felt it prudent to exercise mercy and not judgement. After sending so many orcs into retreat, Master Fenfarah then found himself being confronted by the leader of the Osmadaania province of Wragafnifur, Wan Taan Boo. Wan Taan Boo was equipped with a single sword. He was formally a man, but now his visage had become so contorted as to become unrecognizable in human terms. This was a trait that all peoples who served Lord Osmadaan would eventually develop. Wan Taan Boo had no wellspring of power to draw upon like the wizard, just his hatred for everything that didn't submit to the will and might of Lord Osmadaan. Master Fenfarah looked undaunted as he paced about his enemy, his staff firmly in his grip. But before engaging in combat with him, he wanted to question him. The wizard was unsure if who he was facing was indeed Wan Taan Boo, though he gathered from his military apparel that Wan Taan Boo was indeed who he was squaring off against. Master Fenfarah didn't know how to start what he wanted to say, which is why he was relieved when Wan Taan Boo spoke to him. "You know who I am?" said Wan Taan Boo to the wizard. "I may," replied Master Fenfarah. "Would I be correct in assuming that you are Wan Taan Boo?" "You are correct indeed," said Wan Taan Boo. "And since I have confirmed your assumption, are you not now afraid to engage in combat with me?" "Hardly," said Master Fenfarah as the two continued to pace about each other. "Well you should be," began Wan Taan Boo. "I am the juggernaut of the Osmadaanian empire. I have risen through the ranks to assume command of the vast land known as Wragafnifur, one of the many provinces of Osmadaania. I am one to be feared, one to invoke dread and torment in the minds of my adversaries. You would do well to take heed to my proclamations! For I am Wan Taan Boo, prince of the Osmadaanian empire!" "Indeed," began Master Fenfarah, "I have heard of you. Being a representative of the wizardly precinct Shondaloh, I have talked endlessly with the representatives of the dwarven country of Fignufen. They have spoken with me at length about the continued skirmishes that have been taking place between their country and your province. Yes, I have heard of the many things perpetrated by the troops under your command, such as caravans being ambushed and farmland being ravaged. But as far as you being some fear-inducing figure, well, I'll just say that you haven't lived up to that reputation." Wan Taan Boo laughed. "You are a foolish old wizard," he said. "You obviously have not heard of the torture inflicted upon captives from the different Zefarian countries, torture that I myself have personally been involved in. Did the representatives of Fignufen forget to tell you that little nugget of news?" Master Fenfarah paused for a brief moment. He then spoke. "I have heard of dissapearances, yes. You mean to tell me that you inflicted torture on those poor people?" "I did," said Wan Taan Boo with a smirk. "Are you afraid now?" Master Fenfarah said nothing as he continued to pace about his foe. Slowly, but surely, he was coming to terms with who the enemy was. "Hmph," said Wan Taan Boo. "There are many other things that I plan to introduce to the Zefarian peoples, in terms of torture techniques. They will be inaugurated in time, once Lord Osmadaan's influence is spread uncontrollably across the Zefarian world." "That day will never come," said Master Fenfarah. "Are you so certain of that?" was Wan Taan Boo's reply. "Many countries have consigned to simply join with Lord Osmadaan instead of opposing him. Makerva used to be independant before Lord Osmadaan came along. I have also heard that Fort Evner in the dwarvian land of Galtigor has fallen. It will only be a matter of time before all of Galtigor falls. Why not submit to the might of Lord Osmadaan now before it is too late?" "You speak of Fort Evner falling," began Master Fenfarah, "but did you know that Galtigor called for the assistance of the Bravada Empire, and that assistance was bestowed upon them?" Wan Taan Boo shrugged. "A slight setback. Galtigor will fall. It may be today, tomorrow, or even months from now, but it will happen. Nothing can hold back the hand of Lord Osmadaan." It seemed to Master Fenfarah that Wan Taan Boo was set in his ways. There seemed no indication that he was willing to turn aside and consider the evil in his path. But before he could give Wan Taan Boo one last chance to turn aside, Wan Taan Boo spoke. "But enough of this fruitless talk. We are on the battlefield. Let us engage in combat and see who comes out the victor." The two continued pacing about one another. There was determination mingled with fire in their eyes. Finally, Wan Taan Boo charged Master Fenfarah and the two engaged in combat. Despite his age, Master Fenfarah proved to be quite adept at staving off the wild and flailing attacks of Wan Taan Boo. After a time, Wan Taan Boo began to feel frustrated. Master Fenfarah noticed this. The idea then came that he could set Wan Taan Boo up using his power. He waited patiently for the right moment to present itself, and then--without warning--a beam of white light moved from Master Fenfarah's shoulder, down his arm and through his staff, encapsulating Wan Taan Boo and sending him a good ten yards away from the point of impact. Wan Taan Boo got up holding his stomach. He was injured but he wasn't dead. There happened to be an expanse of orcs in the vicinity and Wan Taan Boo called for their assistance. They surrounded Master Fenfarah and he went on the defensive.
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