Shaman Bones had revealed something that even some of the chiefs didn't know. Their bloodline power, was a result of the Forbidden Index. Many had thought that it was a natural part of their evolution. In a sense, it was, Just that Oxhorn had used the Forbidden Index to learn how to access and develop it.
Majority of the crowd were shocked by the revelation. In fact it could almost be said that "everyone" was shocked, if not for Zogriff and zenif's calm expressions. They were the only ones who didn't have much of a reaction apart from light smiles on their faces. Other than the two of them Kalam reacted differently; he frowned.
"Elder Bones, if what you said is the truth, then no one knew we had it, so why aren't we in possession of The forbidden Index?" Zamash asked with deep curiosity. Now that he knew the full story behind the Forbidden Index he was curious about how it went missing.
Shaman Bones sighed. "Because we lost it due to our own internal strife and selfishness." He replied. Adjusting his stance, he explained. "At the end of Honourable Chief Oxhorn's rule, he chose a successor. After he died, his successor tried to rule as he had done, but quickly realised how difficult it was to keep everyone in check. Through a series of malicious events, he was plotted against and killed by his own people." He glanced intensely at the crowd.
A series of different expressions covered everyone's faces.
He continued. "The problem was that it took Oxhorn's family branch generations to decipher a small piece of the Forbidden Index. They chose the future head of their family to continue the research, until eventually it was passed on to Oxhorn who finally revealed the truth. However after Oxhorn passed and his successor was killed, no one could read the forbidden Index. Thus, they had to start deciphering all over again."
"Following Oxhorn's successor's death, others tried to rule in the same way but the result was the same. Without overwhelming power to suppress all others, the system that Oxhorn had put in place crumbled. Eventually our people split into two tribes and fought over the Forbidden Index." Shaman Bones stopped and shook his head as he said ironically. "Just like what happened during the great war, the Forbidden Index was stolen amidst the chaos." He paused for moment. "As for who stole it, there is no concrete proof. Our predecessors assumed that that it was someone called Sumthar because he had disappeared at the same time as the Forbidden Index. I have yet to receive any revelations pertaining to this person's identity."
Everyone pondered on Shaman Bones's informative story. Today they had learned many new things pertaining to their past that they never knew. Every cycle, Shaman Bones would go deeper and deeper into the past through his connection with the ancestors. He would learn things that those ancestor spirits knew in bits and pieces, till he had full pictures too convey. All the orcs respected his insight and trusted his words.
Kalam finally spoke, saying, "If the Forbidden Index is truly in the hands of the elves then they have the potential to be an actual threat. However if it took us generations to decipher it then so would they. A thousand cycles is still not enough for a lot of progress based on how long it took us to merely decipher a small part."
"I agree." Zamash interjected.
"I also thought of the same thing." Zogriff commented. "Still, the fact remains that that elf used means way beyond the norm. Even if it was a small part, they could have certainly learned something of value." He explained.
Everyone agreed with him. It was a possibility that they didn't dare to neglect.
"In that case," Kalam suddenly raised his voice. "We can no longer be as easy going and laid back as before. The facts are before us, the humans are steadily growing more powerful, so much that their Proficients can match our chiefs." He cast a glance at Zamash, who frowned in embarrassment. "The elves are possibly in possession of the mysterious Forbidden Index and they also have the dwarves endlessly supplying weapons." He paused, creasing his brows with a grave expression. "There's also something strange happening with the beasts in the outerlands. We've recently been encountering some abnormally powerful ones. Also... Something, or things are going around draining others of their life and magic."
Everyone frowned upon hearing that last point. Just like what the dwarves-- Rikkle and Dwargo had said-- people from all races were being found dead and drained like mummies. It was happening all over at a rate that wasn't enough to cause alarm but still noticeable.
"We had an incident a few days ago with a Red-Fang Slaughter Wolf." Zogriff exclaimed as Kalam mentioned the strangeness with the beasts. "It killed over a hundred of our people stationed near the border and still managed to escape. It cut down our men like they were nothing. I had to send three blood chiefs to deal with it, but it was smart and never showed up again."
One beast killing over a hundred orcs. Everyone felt a looming sense of crisis in the air. It had been there all along though, just more potent now with their dampening moods.
"Which is why we must come to a proper decision about our motives going forward." Kalam exclaimed. "I for one will not stand by idly any longer." He looked at Shaman Bones. "Whether the Nightmare Legend is true or not I won't cower any longer. If I have to act alone I will go to war alone." His fist clenched making creaking sounds.
"You are never alone chief." Zerath, his vice chief said. He was the first one with less status than the chiefs to speak the entire time.
Following him, all of Kalam's blood chiefs voiced their willingness to follow him anywhere at anytime.
Shaman Bones remained indifferent as he said, "The same rule still applies as usual. I cannot stop you from doing what you want. My purpose is to gather and distribute knowledge and wisdom. I have no authority over your actions."
This was a rule that was followed by every orc shaman. They were not to directly interfere in any decisions made by the leaders of their civilization. Their race progressed or declined from lessons and lessons were learned from conflict which was a result of actions. Whatever actions the leaders decided to take would determine the future of their race.
Zogriff looked at Shaman Bones. "Forgive me for ignoring your words of wisdom but I too feel war is necessary regardless of the nightmare that is Venox." He was after all the chief who spent the most time with Shaman Bones. He knew many things others didn't and also believed that Venox was real. However he wasn't fond of waiting for others to launch the first strike. He was also vexed at the elves for nearly taking his son Morak's life.
Shaman Bones simply nodded and looked at the remaining three chiefs.
Zamash, obviously wasn't going to sit by idly and do nothing. "I have a bone to pick with that piece of shit Grimsby of course I'm in. If Venox truly revives as a result of this war then we'll figure out how to deal with it then. Right now the sky is blue and the flowers are yellow."
Now, only two were left to voice their stance. Either way a war was going to take place. They could either join or watch from the sidelines.
Borg sighed a deep helpless sigh. "I hate war. I hate blood and I hate death. A peaceful world, is that so hard to ask for?" He sighed deeply again. Then he looked at his vice Chief. "Borash what do you think?" He asked.
Borash was like a massive mountain on the opposite end of the table. He was even a bit bigger than Kalam. Okay, more than a bit bigger, he was huge. How did he not become chief? He shrugged and said in a deep lazy voice. "Whatever you decide chief." He even yawned afterward, causing a few of the blood chiefs to yawn also.
Borg sighed again then he looked at Zenif. He didn't say anything and just stared at him.
Everyone's gaze focused on Zenif as well. They all knew he had a strong influence over Borg so whatever he decided would be Borg's decision as well. Though everyone already suspected what his decision would be, throwing cold glances at him. Apart from his and Borg's subordinates of course.
Ralfat was especially agitated at the moment as he ran his gaze over Borg and Zenif's groups.
Zenif smirked. "I suppose you all think that I'd vouch for more peace this time around?" He asked rhetorically. "Truth is, I had my reasons why peace was a better idea all this time. I suppose everyone will just have to find out for themselves. Remember, you heard it from me." He ran his gaze across the crowd as his smile disappeared. "Don't underestimate the humans." He warned.
"What are you implying Zenif?" Kalam barked coldly. "Are you saying that we're still too weak to stand against the humans?" His expression darkened.
Zenif chuckled. "Your words, not mine. That said, I guess you're right about that. You all are too weak to stand against them." He said tauntingly.
Kalam let out an angry grunt. "I suppose, that you yourself are strong enough then? Or maybe you just like reflecting your own weakness on everyone else."
Zenif laughed and shook his head. "My strength has nothing to do with it. It's all of your lack of strength that will bring our downfall."
"Brat, I'm tired of your insolent tongue!" Kalam yelled as he ripped the massive hammer from his back and tossed it toward Zenif with a powerful thrust. With how short the distance was between the two, it would only take an instant for it to strike Zenif in the face.
Boom!
A powerful shockwave vibrated the surroundings as the hammer collided with its target. Well, it would have collided with its target if not for the person standing in front of the hammer, with his sword half drawn from its sheath.
It was Zenif's vice chief, Balzog. He was also a slightly good looking orc-- well, better looking than the rest-- dressed in black armour like a samurai. In the blink of an eye he had left his seat and blocked the attack on behalf of his chief.
Bang!
The hammer collapsed to the ground.
Everyone present was shocked by the power displayed by Balzog. He was able to so effortlessly block such a powerful attack from Kalam of all people? Even if it wasn't the full extent of Kalam's power it was still a fatal attack.
Balzog's piercing gaze was fixed onto Kalam. Word for word he uttered. "Are you looking to die." A ferocious coldness filled with murderous intent exuded from his entire body.
"Balzog!" Zenif exclaimed with a frown, which quickly disappeared.
Balzog looked at him.
"It's fine. You're no match for him, you can sit down." He ordered.
Balzog cast a cold glance at Kalam and returned to his seat, obediently.
Kalam had a deep frown on him face as he looked at Balzog returning to his seat. He looked at the hammer on the ground and aimed his hand towards it. It trembled and flew back into his hand. He then looked at Zenif with suspicion in his gaze. Zenif's mocking smirk stared right back at him causing him to seethe with anger.
Suddenly Zenif spoke. "I suppose war cannot be avoided this time around. I hope that you've all prepared for the consequences." Then he looked at Borg. "I hope you're okay with shedding just a little bit of blood?"
Borg looked at him for some time, then he sighed even deeper than before. "Fine. I can't sit on the sidelines alone and watch my people die without me."
Everyone's expressions turned slightly bitter and awkward hearing him say that. It was as if they were accepting a death sentence.
The good thing however, was that all the chiefs had reached a mutual agreement. They were all going to participate in this war whether they liked it or not.
Shaman Bones clapped his hands three times. "That settles the main agenda of this gathering. Since we've all come to an agreement on the matter, let's move on to the next phase-- Strategy." He wanted to ease the tension in the atmosphere as quickly as possible.
Everyone settled down and prepared for the critical discussion on how they were going to initiate the war.
Meanwhile,
Six horses arrived arrived at the back gate of the imperial city, Craigavon.
Asclepius cast his gaze at the familiar but long forgotten place he used to call home. His usually indifferent expression, was filled with apprehension.