Parallel Vol. 4 [LEGACY EDITION]

Chapter 70.2: Empire's Foundation (4)

Rudega Farvulia's heart trembled as he stared at King Chu in shock. Just like that, they were willing to listen to his tale? Only now did he understand just how valuable his information must have been. The dwarf took a moment to collect himself and then said, "Your Majesty, I will forever be grateful for this mercy."

King Chu smiled and waved his hand. "Please. You earned this yourself. Come, tell us what troubles you, and we will see if we cannot be of help."

"As it pleases Your Majesty," Rudega acknowledged, but then asked, "If it pleases you, may I call upon the brave orcs who saved my life. Their input is just as valuable as mine."

King Chu glanced at the other kings, and then said, "As you wish."

"Thank you, Your Majesties," Rudega said, and then beckoned Durst and Ragnaf forward. Durst and Ragnaf stepped out from the shadows, their massive frames drawing loud cries and shocked gasps from the crowd. Orcs were massive creatures, easily growing beyond 7 ft. (2.1 m) tall. Furthermore, Durst was considered big, even amongst the orcs. So, one could imagine how he absolutely towered over everyone in the room.

Shockingly, though, despite their intimidating visages, neither Durst nor Ragnaf said a word upon reaching Rudega's side, choosing instead to keep their mouths shut and observe.

Rudega let out a rueful smile at the orcs' attitudes. Orcs were immensely proud. They would never bow their heads, nor offer platitudes to anyone other than the recognized War Chief. Well, them not talking was better than saying something absolutely rude.

Some ministers wanted to raise the issue, but luckily, their kings were knowledgeable about the orcs' cultures and thus urged the ministers silent. Rudega, realizing any further delay could lead to an unforeseen outcome, immediately said, "This is our story..."

Rudega proceeded to narrate the complete tale of how Silver Spear ran them out of Daggerfall. He explained that the dwarfs, himself included had joined hands with Silver Spear in order to deal with the orc threat. Unfortunately, Silver Spear colluded with a few traitor dwarfs to eradicate a couple of orcish villages unprovoked, the purpose of which was to incite a war.

Rudega, realizing what had occurred, and the most likely culprits, rushed to hold a meeting with the orcs. This meeting was supposed to prevent a war, but Silver Spear had unknowingly hired people on both sides to sabotage the meeting. As a result, a war would most likely erupt soon, heavily damaging both sides, which would then allow Silver Spear to swoop in and claim both sides.

"That is not all," Durst said, and then added with a grave expression. "Our War-Chief died this morning. A new one must have taken his place—most likely Ragelock."

King Parissius' eyes widened in surprise. "I'd read that orcs were psychically linked to their war-chief. It would appear that is true. Is this how you knew your war-chief has passed away?"

"Yes," Durst confirmed with a stiff nod. "With most war-chiefs, it is but a simple feeling that lets us know their will. But in some extremely rare cases, some war-chiefs can manipulate the wills the orcs around them to carry out their cause. These kind of war-chiefs are what you all know as Orc Kings."

The word Orc King sent a shiver down the spine of everyone in the room. The birth of an Orc King often signified a period of chaos and death across the continent. An Orc King's ability to unify the warring orc tribes under one banner and to make them fight until they were beyond dead was far too terrifying.

Unlike the others, Kashi was not fazed. Instead, he looked at Rudega and the orcs with a deep, curious gaze. There seemed to be a myriad of thoughts and calculations going on in the pools of those eyes, but no one aside from the man himself knew what he was thinking.