Inferno

Prologue: Huroc Tun

Huroc

"Thck!" cracked the brittle skull of yet another kobold, a vile race of small dragonlike-humanoids, under the iron spikes of Huroc Tun's two battle maces. The battle had waged on for nearly 3 hours but the General of the 2cd Orcish Army showed no signs of fatigue. Earlier that day, an estamated 2 thousand kobolds had attacked General Huroc's cap of twenty seven wariors, and yet, not one had made it into the interior of camp. Huroc knew his success in battle wasn't some divine blessing bestowed by one of the pantheon of Gods and Goddesses. Instead, he attributed it to good breeding, tireless training, and above all, dedication.

Even with his disbelief in the Gods, Huroc always headed to the nearest temple, be it the Grand Hall in Tarac Nir, or a simple patch of ground, but not for worship. Rather, Huroc's sister, Areas, was a priestess in the service of Ka, and she provided him with a comfort that he could not find elsewhere. It should be noted, however, that Areas was no Orc. She was....an elf.

In a strange act of alruism, Huroc's parents, Hardvir and Maka adopted the strange orphan when they found her on their doorstep, some twenty years ago. Treated as an outcast, the only places of solace for Areas were her home and the church. It was here that Huroc learned to love in a different way than most of his Orcish kin. He learned compassion, honesty, and the power of wisdom from his little sister. Areas was his rock, his reason for continuing to fight.

As Huroc headed into the temple today however, he sensed that Areas was in an.... odd mood and he addressed it.

"Something the matter, sister?" Huroc asked after passing through the tent door.

"No, dear brother, but i do have troubling news from Falco."

"What could it possibly be? Just yesterday the mage and I were sharing drinks together."

"do you remember the sign that appear on your shoulder the other day?" Areas asked, inquisitively.

"Y.yes", Huroc sputtered.

"Well, it appears Falco has discovered a prophecy. One about defeating the darkness that now plagues our land."

"You mean, Koor?" HUroc spat the name as he said it.

"Yes, and somehow you are a part of this prophecy."

Huroc stood stock still, taken aback by the comment.

Huroc spoke again,"I should need an army to take down the Silent Castle!"

"oh, you won't be leading an army, just a team of four, including yourself" Areas said simply.

"But Areas, the armies of Koor are endless, how could four people take them on?"

"You're rather worried for such a successful warrior. Besides, if all goes well, you need only face Koor himself."

Huroc sighed, discontent in his breath.

"Remember brother, Ka always provides," Areas said with a wry smile.

"Not for me, sister. Not for me..."