The Henchman From the Mist

[Lyle]

"Move forth, or your heads will belong to me, you pathetic excuse for commoners!"

"My lord! Shall we not take such a.. direct approach in meeting with the lord of these lands, more or less talking down to his subjects..?"

"Not our place, surely, but you must forget who I am, and who we are as an organization."

"But my lord, we are an organization that is unknown, it has been our goal to remain hidden from the public eye. They know not who you are nor what our banner even means."

"Damn.. your right. Velgur, you've served me well through all of these years. Hmm.. Then I will have to prove myself in the name of Yerev, we shall present ourselves and see what carries out.."

The horseman finished his words, his voice much kinder now as he assumed the role of a simple magician like human, though his armour and horse did nothing for his new outlook. Of course, the bastard wouldn't care if anyone noticed either, as he only needed but a whisk of his hand before he himself turned into something very different, his art in that of trickery and not just fire. Men around him, upon foot numbering four in total pushed and shoved their way through the crowds, quickly making room for their mounted lord who leisurely sat effortless, planning what he'd say to this 'King,' he was to meet.. His mind drifted momentarily, going back to earlier when he parted ways with Yerev, who was waiting outside of the city with the main army in seclusion, the swaps providing more than adequate cover for the demonic bandit lord. A light flashed before him, something that he'd seen in the distance closing toward him, or possibly the other way around.. He looked up to see a very large door, shining from the sun's rays above.. Lal cleared his throat and spoke to the nearby guards, his voice sounding quite wise and cold. He shortened his speech for the surely stupid orcs.

"I am in search for a King that my master may follow. I have come here looking for aid and enrollment from your king. I must see him.."

[Elmo]

The huge orc stared with that glassy eyed face that many-a-guard perfected. As with all orcs he was freakishly muscular, his small eyes glittered like diamonds with a strange animal cunning, which in bad light could be mistaken for intelligence. Sadly, in the whole area of intelligence, the orc was lacking...

"Da Emp'ror Valos is inside da palace for da moment... You'sa follow me.."

The orc was silently unsettled by the cold and calculating voice, as if it examined the orc and found him lacking. It was times like this he wished he was a criminal again, but his mother'd said that if he beat people up he should at least have a uniform. He always listened to momma.

The path through the palace was like the evolution of man, orcs became taller and stronger, their eyes focused slits of wisdom. Some wore robes and attended to numerous clerk orientated jobs. Amongst them were other races, elves from the northern lands, humans from the north, even vampires from the south. When Lal was finally showed to the throne room his guard waved a "bye bye" and strode off.

The throne room was less ornate and more a place of purpose. Nobles stood around shouting at one another, mean guards walked around the room. Generals stood over maps and debated, their agile minds moving fast. The throne was on a elevated platform, there upon it sat a orc. His features were similar to his father; Rigmor's although less beaten, scarred and broken. He wore a regalea of fine armor, across his lap lay the Axe of Oblivion.

"Yes? You wish to meet with me..."

[Lyle]

What did one see when peering into the eyes of this continent? A Human looked like an open target, a vampire looked like a murderer, an elf taking the features of a peace loving native, the beats simply beasts, and then these damn things.. orcs. It was one of the closest race to the Demonic one that Lal possessed, it always seemed, yet the two could be more different in truth. Where others possessed knowledge, these blubbering fools stood tall and drooled. Where others possessed know how and great strategic maneuvers, these meat shields walked forward in a single line, cutting everything down before them.. and by god, it worked. If you wanted to have the most powerful army in the world, you'd fill it up with countless orcs. Their skin and bodies as developed and tight as the armour that they barely need. Their minds blunt but their weapons as sharp as knives. But the reality of it was the orc was built for war and trained for war most of its life. Extreme physical prowess and extreme size aided them in all their bouts, as they shocked and awed their opponents as they broke through their lines and ripped their commander's head from his neck. The green foes were best to be left as friends at the end of the day, no one wanted an orc chasing after them..

Lal had gotten off his horse as he followed the guard, two of his own men coming with him while the other two stood and looked after his steed. They were all silent as they followed the beast, which all appeared to be respectful to, though as if they'd been inclined to do so. A few scholar like orcs passed by, as Lal wondered in his mind, thinking that these orcs would soon run dry, their newer generation not progressing well under their current Emperor. The old, powerful and cunning vassals of Rigmor would not matter much soon.. Several other races could be seen in the halls, something both foolish and well thought out. They'd replace all of these old orcs when all was said and done with. "A cluster-fuck..", Lal breathed in a very low tone, only his men behind him capable of hearing him. Moments later they were in the court room, which supported the demonic lord's recent words. The man upon the throne seemed tall and powerful, though Lal would have bowed if he was the smallest one here. His voice was kind, cautious and constantly speaking up to the Orc Emperor.

"Oh wise and great Emperor, I've looked for the fairest of them all to discuss the workings of my own lord's band of men. I myself am simply known as Lal, Demonic Mage that had fled the depths of Cyrax's dungeon in name of a true lord, like yourself. My master waits far from here, and I am his voice in his stead, which he must keep close to from prior complications.."

After the pleasantries and his little lie about being a mage and why Yerev wasn't there, the demon illusionist carried on, keeping his one knee with his guards, which they'd been holding themselves up from since after they bowed. Of course, like any good Emperor, he'd let them stand, though only when he was ready and sure..

"From across the oceans we came in search, the moon and sun our only compass, the wind our only navigator. It seemed we searched for days at a time for wind alone, but we made it never the less. Our banners black and yet friendly, we were nearly attacked when meeting your shores, toward the west. None know the path of a demon, especially that fool Cyrax who dwells within the inner and much darker workings of our race. In all truth, we are a wandering crew of demons, hiding from the world and keeping the eyes of the continent far from our own. We do not bleed the same blood, and thus we can not bleed blood.. together.. But my lord feels differently, just as do I. But.. I'm not here to preach to you, or create great reform. More or less not even to call for it. I am a creature of politics, nobility and in some cases the art of war. My master is in only true sync when in battle, and he wishes to aid your Empire, so that he may build onto this vast world, and possibly create a well to do city that cause no harm to the ethnicity and races within it... Great Emperor, he will war for you, he will lead for you.."

[Elmo]

"Will he die for me?" Valos barely allowed the words to pass his lips. They came inaudibly, none in the room heard that sour utterance. The mage had done well, first to buff the ego of the Emperor before delving into what he wanted. However instead of that, he told Valos what Valos wanted. It most certainly seemed that this one knew how to speak.

Valos understood each trick with the silent understand beyond the knowledge of his race. Orcs, they could build kingdoms in a day, they could hack apart thousands. Where every other race suffered in war orcs prospered, when battles dragged on for weeks Orcs were happy, not dispirited and broken. Yet at the same time they were bored in peace, only Rigmor could hold together a fully orcish empire. And that had been his father's plan, 100% orcish and hell to all others. Yet it seemed none in this age had the will of the old orc, Valos' court was made of pretty elves and ambitious humans.

"Good, Lal, yes? I have a lord to the north, a Lord from the East. But to the south I see the Vampiric lands, they call me emperor, but for how much longer. They need a leader, to rule in my name."

Finally Valos rose, cloak seeming to drip off him like a thick liquid.

"This master of yours will be instated as the Lord of the Cliffs. It will be his charge, in my name he will act as a representative of my will."

Valos sighed, his noble features glinting in the light. The axe in his hand seemed dim, inside his spirit and ancestry knew it. He was a orc, he needed war. Speaking with rich diplomats and such held little sway over his wants and urges. Lust for war, the orcish way.

[THE Justin]

The Gates opened, and a large contingent of units, all seemingly dressed differently than the normal legions of Orcs that were bred and armored from the Capital. These were Humans, Men, and yet they stood quite tall, comparitively to Human's of course. They wore stranger armor and wielded even stranger weapons, almost all of them wielding pikes and pole-based weapons, something that the orcs were not fans of. They each had banner carriers, men with blood-red banners that bore the words "Troika", "Gnasher", and "Dawn", the latter of which was borne by a man with an ornate dress piece on his back.

Behind these men came the Orc Hordes from Gedas. These were bloodthirsty men of the many clans from that area. They all bore Axes, except for a small group that wielded bows, looks of disgust obviously written upon their faces. Banners wove from the leaders of these men, tattered cloths, almost all blood red, depicting the words "Snub", from the shorter axe men, "Hammerburst" from the longer axed warriors, and "Longshot" from the bow wielders.

At the front of all these men, 900 strong, was two men, one upon a large black mastiff, the other seemingly floating besides him, his feet not quite touching the ground as his long strides carried him farther than would seem physically impossible. He wasn't exactly all there, as bits and pieces of him seemed to flash in and out of existence around him.

The one upon the horse wore armor that was similar to the rest of the Human armies. His was, however, fully gold, unlike his partners painted gold steel armor. He also bored a more ornate weapon, but still the cruel barbarianistic grace to it accentuating its deadliness.

The column of men continued their steady pace. Once all were inside however, the two leaders departed, and the army marched back out, at the behest of their individual commanders. They made a defensive perimeter outside of the main gate, for no reason other than for drilling. The Orcs in the army groaned as their human counterparts began to set up sparring drills.

The Orcs always lost in the Human's games.

--In the City--

Ulfang and Ungoliant made their way towards the citadel, where the Emperor of Orsinium would be located. They stopped outside, Ulfang handing off the reigns to a handler for his horse. The beast neighed loudly, snorted, and then lead the handler away, dragging the poor Orc.

Ulfang and Ungoliant made their way up the stairs, arriving at the top. The spoke to the guards.

Guardians of Valos, Ulfang began, We have come to speak to Valos, Lord of Orsinium, Wielder of the Axe of Oblivion. We are the most recent addition to the Orcish Horde, with our constantly incoming Easterling Warriors. As of now, I would like have an audience with your lord. Ungoliant here will accompany me in.

[Elmo]

Truely it seemed a popular day at the palace! This strange force had been heard of already, Korag, the General of the Legions had sent word that Gedas was now lorded over by a Lord Ulfang. The very same orc who had accepted the demonic Lal snorted angrily. He'd been planning to have a sleep on the gate but instead he would have to attend to these generals.

"Ya, follow me den humies."

Yet again the guard tramped through the palace, rooms bore reminders to Orsinium's history. Not exactly as it would be for most kingdoms, instead there were suits of armor, next to them a small notice as to whom wore it, normally before they were killed. Pictures were not of royalty but fields of battle, it was strange that normally orcs artistic ability was limited to redecorating rooms with other's blood however when asked to paint battles they excelled. Ferocious blots of green ink stood in seas of red, hacking away pink blots.

Of course, orcs always won...

In the throne room the mood was still rowdy, well quiet by orcish standards. The imperial guard, at a beckoning from Valos cleared a official looking path to the throne. The, by now, tired guard urged on the Easterlings before returning to his post.

"Welcome to my.. hah humble home. What is it you wish to discuss my lords?"

The Axe of Oblivion was in his firm grip, more deserving of respect than any crown, hat or other piece of tastelessy jewelled headwear.

[Lyle]

A silent, quaint and weakened nod, the only reply that this orc Emperor would ever be able to get out of Lal upon Yerev's true motives.. Would it prove enough, was everyone here just playing a game, including Lal himself..? The magician like warlord remembered when he first met the creature that he'd come to call Yerev. It was silent, quaint and weakened, though that must have been a front, for those who were weak enough to not be able perceive any further.. A demon who possessed over a thousand years of history, past and memories. Many that stung, many that he would chuckle to, many that he would fail to speak about.. That was such a day, when he attacked the man, rather confronted in sort, a massive ball of fire peering upon the individual in a well crafted trap.. Yet the creature knew it was coming, a very powerful power about him, his persona capable of sensing a trap or danger.. Lal wondered if he still had this.. and possibly if this Emperor did as well.. He felt next a sudden rush of pity, though he hid it expertly..

"..I'd once lived in that area, and I know it to be a most dangerous place. My lord and I shall do much to prove you well there... But my lord, I know the will of my great Emperor, as you surely do now as well.. Let me now know the will of my Emperor, as is my lord's Emperor is that absolute in authority.. and domination.."

The last statement was said more like an answer than a question, though Lal himself truly didn't know where he was going with it. He played it off well though, his mind deep in the next thought as he prepared to leave.

[THE Justin]

Ulfang Nodded towards the great orc chieftain, emperor, ruler, thing. He held his own pike firmly, slamming the butt of it into the ground forcefully but without over-activeness, and then spoke.

Well... Finally. I get to speak to Lord Valos. I have come from Gedas, as you assuredly know. My name is Ulfang the Unyielding of Belriand. This avatar to my right is Ungoliant, the Everlasting. We have come to officially pledge fealty to you, Lord of Orsinium. I'm also here to make a note to yourself that I have achieved Blade Master rank, for your own knowledge.

I've also come to ask for a payment, so that I may equip more legions of troops. And to queery about weekly payments for my army? Of course, if these things are not settled, I ask not to rush you. For now, my army is large at nigh a thousand men, and soon enough I would like to crush an enemy for you.

Take your time in payments lord, but know that my men long to see their comrades, and I can not currently afford to bring any men over from Belriand and the surrounding countries without paying for the Blackship's services.

Otherwise, I have come to let you know that I am moving my post from Gedas. I plan to move to Date, to repel any invasions from the Sobek's. I also would like to look for the long lost V, of legend, whom had taken up command of the forces there.

I would also be in a perfect spot to destroy Jericho if necessary. Whenever your command doth wish it, Lord Valos.

[Elmo]

"Well done, you're progress is noted Lord Ulfang.... and I am sure that Date will benefit from your aid as did Gedas. Also, searching for Lord V would be a worthy task. He was a..... ally of my father. "

"Lal, as you have said, the cliffs are a difficult place. Prove your and your masters worth, I am sure that you could do something to make it safer. "

Valos stared over the three, all strange creatures, foreign races. It forced anoter sigh from his lumbering head, however he understood that changes had to be made. For a long while he stared at both the groups, his slit like eyes stared over them for a long while. However the subject of money had been brought up.

"I will have somone hand you 200 gold coins each, a gesture of good will..............You each are charged with rising a funds, building trading outposts. When you have raised a small amount of funds you shall begin constructing barracks, construct Orsinium an army... "

At this time he smiled, war, armies and the ilk always seemed to cheer up orcs.

"Soon after that we shall war... show the world our might..........."

Finally some official, elven probably handed two rather large bags to Lal and Ulfang. A kickstart to the growth of Orsinium...

[THE Justin]

((I'll be AWOL most of the day, my mouse is fucked up, so i've gotta go get a new one))

Ulfang nodded, accepting the bag, he weighed it, found it suprisingly exact, and then strapped it to his side. Ungoliant let out a long hissing noise, and Ulfang nodded his approval as well.

Good then, Lord Valos, began Ulfang, We shall move on to Date. I have also heard of an old warrior that lived there as well, bearing the name of the city, Date. I shall look for his corpse as well. In the meantime, I will began buffing Date for you.

Allow Xsut'Ja watch over you.


Ungolian Nodded his head to Lord Valos, flames licking outwards. He and Ulfang left, to the head of their army. They awaited outside for the other member of the meeting with Valos to leave the city....

[Lyle]

Lal quickly and attentively rose and gathered up the bag, only which after handing it to one of his captains and then all three of the demons bowed, sealing the fate of all, and the relationship between Yerev and the orcs. The dark mage paused.. his eyes lingering as the pity feeling from before swelled high in his body. He spoke once more, this time in a curt tone, turned and then left, his guards still very close to him.

"When tides clash, and a vast array of races come with such tides, defeat may be very certain within the minds of those upon the top.. Lack such ideals, as my lord will stamp out the oceans itself, if he must. Victory to Orsinium, victory to the Emperor, Valos.."