Fated To The Orc King

Chapter 29

▪️I Z A R A▪️

High above the kingdom, riding upon the powerful backs of our Amphiteres, Ghunar and I soared through the open sky.

The wind rushed past us, tugging at our hair and clothes, as we engaged in a routine scouting mission. I had been overjoyed when I was finally allowed to fly with Ghunar and a few of the other Orcs, doing checks around the vast borders of the kingdom.

As I soared through the open skies, a profound sense of excitement coursed through me. The bond between us, the rider and the beast, was more than a mere partnership—it was a symphony of trust and unity. With every beat of our wings, every coordinated manoeuvre, it was as if our souls were entwined, sharing the same rhythm and purpose.

The joy of flying on the back of a Amphitere was unlike any other experience. It was a sensation of unbridled power and boundless possibilities, as if the sky held the secrets of the universe and we were granted the privilege to unlock them. The rush of adrenaline mingled with a sense of serenity, creating a harmonious blend that resonated deep within my being.

Tilting my head, I gazed down at the world from our lofty vantage point and I could not help but feel a sense of awe and humility. The landscape unfolded beneath us, revealing its wonders and mysteries, and I realized how small and significant I was in the grand scheme of things. The Amphitere's keen senses and innate wisdom seemed to guide us effortlessly, and I knew that this connection, this shared journey through the heavens, was a privilege not to be taken lightly.

Draug, beat his massive wings with graceful power, keeping pace with the sleek and agile Elikar, the Amphitere ridden by Ghunar. With each beat, I felt the rush of exhilaration and freedom that came with flying, a sensation that never ceased to amaze me.

As we glided over the sprawling forest below, a picturesque expanse of lush greens and earthy browns, my keen eyes caught a glimpse of something out of place. A billowing plume of smoke surged into the heavens, its ominous presence a stark contrast to the vivid tapestry of nature that surrounded it.

My heart quickened as I exchanged a knowing glance with Ghunar and called out to him. "Isn't there supposed to be an Orc party keeping an eye on this area?"

"Yes, but that smoke is too big to be from a campfire," he replied.

"Something's not right."

Ghunar nodded in acknowledgment, and together we directed our Amphiteres towards the source of the disturbance.

Descending with controlled grace, we approached the site where the smoke originated. My gaze swept over the scene below, and my chest felt like it caved in as I took in the sight that greeted me. The remnants of a campfire still smouldered, its embers casting an eerie glow. Torn fabric and discarded weapons littered the ground while tents burned, a grim testament to the violence that had transpired.

But it was the lifeless bodies of Orcs that lay strewn about that truly chilled me to the core. The twisted expressions of pain and surprise etched upon their faces painted a haunting picture of the brutality they had faced. From the runes etched onto the forest floor, I immediately knew that this was the handiwork of Alaric. It was clear that he and his men had struck, their ruthlessness leaving no room for mercy or escape.

Amidst the dense forest, a sombre atmosphere hung heavy in the air. Shafts of sunlight pierced through the thick canopy, casting an unsettling illumination on the ground. My heart raced as I stumbled upon a chilling sight, a grim testament to the malevolent presence that had passed through here.

Getting off my Amphitere, I walked amongst the dead, my eyes taking in everything around me.

The once-vibrant grey skin of the fallen Orcs was now marred with a sickly blend of ashen hues, their strong features frozen in a final grimace of agony. Their armour, once a symbol of fierce strength, bore the cruel scars of a brutal encounter, bearing deep dents and stains that told a tale of fierce struggle.