Orc Warrior

Chapter 3

As the first rays of sunlight peeked over the horizon, the sky glowed with a vibrant mix of pinks, oranges, and purples. The lush green trees and colorful flowers of Thragg were bathed in a warm golden light. The air was filled with the scent of snakeroot flowers and the sound of crows cawing.
The village was bustling with activity as the locals prepared for the day ahead.
The women of the village were busy preparing for the upcoming harvest. They worked with skill and precision, using the freshest ingredients from their bountiful fields and gardens. Meanwhile, the children of the village ran around playing games and laughing as they soaked in the warmth of the sun.
As the sun continued to rise Odin sat in front of his alter, asking his ancestors for their blessings and protection for the adventure to come.
"What does the day entail?", inquired Isa.
Odin wrapped up his prayers with a few mumbles and handed her a fur satchel.
He himself had already been clothed in his usual armor, with a cloak to protect from the cold.  His own bag contained flint, steel, dried fruits and rabbit, and bandages. He carried a waterskin over the shoulder opposite.
"We are to fetch an amulet, as requested by Thragg's elders. It will be highly rewarded."
Isa considered the dangers. Not only of obtaining a high-value item,  but also of continuing to travel with Odin.
She strolled around the home,  placing items she thought she'd need in her sack.
She inventoried a sharp rock,  a small pot, some herbs, and tucked a dagger in her boot.
Now they were prepared for their mighty journey through the rugged mountains.
It was many hours commuting through the forest before they crossed paths with a small cottage hidden amongst the fog.
Isa was intrigued and begging for rest. Odin was hesitant, but agreed eventually.  She could have gone further now, but sleep deprivation could impact performance later. He couldn't have her or Mogget falling behind.

Surrounding the cottage was gnarled trees and dry brush. The cottage itself appeared to be made of dark, weathered wood, with crooked shutters and a sloping roof. The windows are small and the door is arched.
Isa thought it was unique and mysterious,  but Odin believed it to be sinister.
The path leading to the door seemed to twist and turn, as if to confuse unnecessary visitors.
Isa gave three knocks.
A woman's voice replied come in from somewhere in the cottage.
The door creaked open. The room is dimly lit by flickering candles. Lining the walls is shelves containing jars with strange ingredients, herbs, and animal bones. Carved into the flooring in the center of the space was some sort of grid. This place was not only a home,  but a place where the natural and supernatural meet.
In the corner of the room, rocking in a chair and reading what one could assume was a grimoire, was a slender woman. She looked like she had seen things. Her hair was matted and dirty, and there was a scar straight across the bridge of her nose. She stood up on her frail legs, closing the book and tossing it into the fireplace carelessly. The pair watched the flames crackle and gave each other quick looks, as if to ask '𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘧𝘶𝘤𝘬 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵?'.
"Isa, oh Isa, we have much to discuss.", said the sickly sounding woman. She pulled a deck of cards off the shelf and sat at a long table.
"Well, since you two are busy with that I'm just going to give you some privacy", Odin dismissed himself outside. He was wealthy,  he had never needed to encounter a sorcerer. Isa, on the other hand, practiced magick tarot with the Bartok elders for fun.
"Who are you?", Isa asked, watching the lady struggle to shuffle the cards.
"My name, Tebasa, will not matter shortly.", she said. As she laid out the cards, her face grew serious. Her voice was low and raspy.
"You may soon fall pregnant.", Tebasa declared, her words laced with malice.
Isa was taken aback by the motion. Fear and excitement rushed through her at the same time.
Nearby, Odin overheard this nonsense.
"Come woman, we must head out before she spreads fleas.", he excused, grabbing Isa by the arm and storming out the door they came in.
"Thank you!" Isa yelled to the witch.
As they were leaving,  Odin couldn't shake off the feeling of unease the cottage had given him. He urged Isa to hurry, but she was in no rush, her mind already consumed by the thoughts of a future child.
Unknown to them,  Tebasa had seen more in the cards than a little green being.
There was a wicked gleam in her eyes. One that told of pain, sorrow,  and betrayal.
A great darkness loomed over the three. It would consume their auras, leading them down a path of destruction and despair.