Zack wanted to deny Minerva's claim of him being the chieftain, but with a delay in his response, he could feel hostilities growing between the warriors. Because if Zack wasn't the chief then the position was up for grabs. Sensing the bloodshed that could follow Zack turned to the orcs kneeling.
"Go home, and get everyone ready to relocate. We meet back here in the morning, and go from there." Zack ordered.
Having their orders they stood up and gathered their weapons. A warrior named Draak stepped forward to Zack. Having two wives, and several children he wanted to know their destination. He wouldn't question the chieftain's orders but wanted to know how much supplies to gather.
"How many days are we traveling?" Draak asked.
"It will be a quick trip don't worry," Zack replied while turning to Minerva.
"Lead the way," Zack told Minerva.
While walking to their village Zack explained what kingdom he came from, and his original intentions in the area. Hearing he was here to stop the slavers Minerva offered him shelter for the night. They had a few attacks recently, but it wasn't from the south.
"Any ideas on where they went?" Zack asked Minerva.
"They retreated towards the mountains, but no way they're stationed there," Minerva replied.
Coming into view was a village surrounded by worn palisades with orc warriors at the gates, and a mage positioned in a crude watchtower. The land this close to the mountain was barren, and the area around the lake wasn't any better. Zack could see a few pens of cattle, but examining their condition they weren't providing much sustenance.
"Yields short last year?" Zack asked.
"No, they were burnt during a raid. If you're taking them with you I hope you have something to point them at. Uram may have been the one calling for war, but a few have grown a thirst for battle." Minerva cautioned.
"I already have those types at home. They won't be able to act out there, and if they truly want a fight there's plenty of slavers around." Zack replied.
"We would help, but there's plenty of work to be done around here," Minerva stated.
"I think we can work something out about that." Zack smiled.
After entering the village he joined Minerva in her hut, and they discussed a partnership. Zack would supply food, and assistance in getting their village back in shape. In return, Minerva would connect to their waystation, and help monitor the area for slavers. With an agreement met they exited the hut as the rest of the tribe was informed.
"Get everyone to the center of the village," Minerva announced.
Once the orcs gathered Zack flew into the air forming his orbs as they drifted into the earth. He lifted his hand towards the wall as the palisades lifted from their position swirling around Zack. Large bricks began to rise from the earth rapidly forming a new wall that extended their perimeter.
On the outside of the wall opened a crater that slowly surrounded the city. With an area set up, Zack extended his hand towards the lake. The pit around the city sent a large crack towards the lake as the ground under Minervarumbled. Water rapidly filled the moat as Zack split the land to the lake.
Once the paths were connected water began flooding the open space from both sides, and when they clashed in the center the lake won. As the new force came flooding towards the city the waves could be seen over the new wall.
A few of the orcs felt uneasy, but their chieftain stood firm. If she trusted Zack it wasn't their place to object. When the wave was upon them the water orb returned from the earth to Zack's palm as it stopped in its tracks. The large wave defied the laws of nature, but they couldn't deny the sight in front of them.
'One more touch.'
Zack crossed his legs and closed his eyes while chanting in Enochian. As he made his preparation one-handed guided the post, and reworked it into bridges. The other hand gathered holy power at the tips of the fingers, and when his eyes opened Zack swiftly wrote glyphs.
They floated to each wall, and corner of the fortress. While floating towards the ground Zack retrieved the materials for an array and rapidly built one near the watchtower. When landing on the ground the warriors were left speechless, but the children began running to play along the ramparts.
"I was expecting a wall, but you created a city," Minerva stated.
"I've had practice lately," Zack replied while retrieving the core.
'I'm gonna wait till morning to send a message. Need to make sure the kneeling wasn't a ruse.'
"I'll send for aid in the morning, but for now this should help," Zack told Minerva while retrieving some food.
"After a check of the perimeter, we will send some scouts out to start our end," Minerva replied.
"On my way here I didn't see a trail up the mountain. Is there something I'm missing?" Zack asked.
"Why not just fly over?" A warrior asked.
"I'm having a comrade join me, and she's not a fan of flying. I could always make one." Zack replied.
"Doing that could affect the species dwelling in the mountain, and you strike me as a person that would bother. They do have passages through, but you need more than food to barter with them." Minerva told Zack.
"I'm sure we can manage something. Mind if I set up a place to sleep?" Zack asked.
"There's plenty of space now so do as you wish," Minerva replied while joining the others in investigating their defenses.
While creating a hut to sleep in Zack thought of the others back home, and considered stopping by to see them. With his abilities, it would surely be possible, but Zack believed if he returned his desire to stay would be too strong. Today's events reassured him that these days on the road were necessary.
'I wonder how the training is going. Bringing Helena would be nice, but everything ahead is foreign.'