Inside the infirmary, a physician wrapped a tight bandage made from spider web around Cas' bruised ribs, applied some salve to his minor scrapes. Raeja lay sprawled on the floor beside him, a thick swab of salve covered the only substantial laceration the lion had received. Suddenly, a primal pain riddled scream shook the wall. In the room next over, Xujarek's burns were being mended. Cas' physician cringed," You're all set sir, best I hurry over there to help out." Nodding, Cas hopped onto his feet, he wore only a loincloth, as he approached the door it opened. Flanked by retainers, in walked the Orc King Himself.
Character: Surgade Scarsworn (Legendary)
Title: King of the Orcs
Lvl ???
HP ??????
The King sat on a tier near the very apex of Xternity, the close proximity to such a mighty figure sent Cas into a state of stupefaction. Raeja wasn't as impressed, his fiery mane standing a shade higher. "At ease, I owe you a debt human, one not easily repaid, I offer you anything within my power." Solemnness etched across the Orc King's pale green skin.
Bowing slightly," Your Highness, I'm honored by your words, if I could consider you a friend that would be enough." Truthfully, Cas was speechless, stuttering nor stammering attempting to decide what to beggar from a King wasn't in his wheelhouse. A potential legendary ally was worth more than anything else he could dream of in the moment.
"Hmmm...." Surgade seemed to take a second account of him. "I offer you power or wealth, and you choose friendship? You fail to realize your situation, sparing my son, my Heir, is a debt my Kingdom must repay. Understand this, Xujarek, had he the choice, would've snuffed your flame."
Unphased, "This makes me even more certain of my decision. Having such ruthless friends may prove far more valuable than a mountain of gold."
For a second, the Orc King stared through Cas' very soul. Erupting in laughter the King managed to snort "Baha The human is wise beyond his years, this would be where id exclaim I, Surgade Scarsworn, King to the Orcs, Slayer of all things that bleed grant your request, yet you desire friendship!" Surgade was thoroughly amused, with a thunderous slap across Cas' bare back the king shouted."Morktu fetch tankards, I wish to drink with my friend. Come, human, err, Casimiro, I wish to show you something. Krukna, stay with my son, see that the soft skin's don't finish the job my friend started!" As if the two imposing guards were born to serve, they split off, attending to their tasks. Entering the hall, King Surgade took another look at his badly burned son, a flash of disappointment shined in his eye. "Xujarek owes you more than his life. You taught the boy a lesson I never could. Underestimate enough opponents and your fate will be the sharp end of the blade." With Cas and Raeja in tow, the mighty orc king led them from the infirmary. Outside, a larger contingent of orc guards awaited their King. Each clad in ornate orange plate armor, emeralds imbedded in the decorative ridges dazzled in the setting sunlight. They marched ahead, paving the way to the King's pavilion erected outside the city. Hundreds of orcs camped outside the city, they had formed a small city around the pavilion. A gigantic boar roasted on spit, the smell alone sent Cas and Raeja's stomachs into audible growls. Hearing their hunger, the King announced to his people, "I Intended to feast in honor of my son's victory. Instead, we feast in the honor of my new friend, Casimiro." Responding in an uproar, the crowd of orcs cheered, Cas was a bit startled as they seemed to actually support him. "My kind appreciate strength above all else, defeating Xujarek was bound to earn the respect of some." Inside the pavilion, a smorgasbord had been set. Crisp roasted peacock stuffed with mushrooms and raspberries, racks of spiced boar ribs covered with honey, slices of baked bread spread with melted whale blubber. Tankards filled with a made with sliced mutton, raisins, prunes, grated bread, and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg. Plumes and oranges rounded the dishes. At the head of the table sat a female orc eating grapes. Unlike the King, the Queen wore a crown made of gold, inlayed with rubies. Her green gold skin glowed, crimson red hair fell to her breasts, and she wore a thin silk robe the color of sapphires. Compared to her husband, the queen was tiny, a head shorter and over a hundred pounds lighter. Standing behind her was another female orc, this one, a warrior. Had her helm been on Cas would've assumed she was male. She wore full plate mail and held the pommel of a black greatsword, the blade stuck into the ground. "My queen, I've brought the human who nearly killed our son to dine with us, Mazoga meet my friend Casimiro." Surgade waved his hands back and forth.
Elegantly, the Queen stood and walked over. Her guard followed closely. "You have my thanks for sparing Xujarek. He has made a habit of biting off more than he can chew since he was young." Raeja approached the queen, her guard moved to defend her, but a wave of the queen's hands caused the guard to stand down. "Your lion is a magnificent beast, his name?" She asked as she reached down to scratch Raeja behind his ears.
"It's Raeja. He seems to like you." Cas was slightly taken aback by the lion's interest in Mazoga.
Looking over at her guard, the queen spoke, "Shelur, will you get Raeja a boar for himself, I think he would prefer it whole as well."
"At once, my Queen." Shelur wasted no time in obeying the queens command.
A moment later, Casimro was dining with the Orc royals, easily the best meal he had in Xternity, perhaps ever. Casual conversation died down after a while, and the queen spoke up, "Casimiro, as much as I appreciate your humbleness and respect my husband's decision, I'd like to show my gratitude as well. Shelur, retrieve the gift." The Orc guard left, returning after a moment with a wooden box. She placed it before Cas.
"Go ahead open it, I will not accept no as an answer." Queen Mazoga's voice nearly reaching a command.
Examining the box triggered Cas' mind menu.
System Message, Orcen Lockbox (Silver)
Equipment- Ebony Bullant Whip (Silver) +30 Strength +20 Intelligence " Crafted using the antenna from an adult Bullant, this whip is extra durable and able to identify weak points in enemy armor to target"
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Bowing his head, Cas felt immense gratitude towards the royals. Having nearly killed their son, he was surprised by their acceptance. Had he been in their shoes, he wasn't so sure he could've been as accepting. Raeja lay sprawled on his back. The lion had eaten himself into a stupor. Cas was quite full himself, "I want to thank you again for your hospitality, I believe it's almost time to retire."
King Surgade Scarsworn stood, "As you wish Casimiro, we intend to remain in Adanano until Xujarek is strong enough to travel. Please join us again when you have the time."
Standing, Cas bowed deeply, "I shall, it was wonderful meeting you, Queen Mazoga."
Graciously, she replied, "The pleasure was all mine."
"Raeja, can you stand? It's time for us to go home." Grumbling, the lion slowly rose to his feet. They exited into the night.
Vale was nearly unconscious. The Sworbur swamp had drained her stamina to near exhaustion. As they entered a clearing, Kytemel stood in the distance. Tears filled Vale's eyes as she collapsed into Gruxe's arms, the mighty ape carried her as if she was his child. As they approached the city, a pair of eleven guards approached wearing the shiny moon metal armor of the elven race. A tall, dark skin elf called out, "State your business! Kytemel doesn't accept non eleven entrants!"
Weakly Vale responded," I need to speak with the priests of the holy temple... We encountered a Night Blade on the road. We believe darkness stirs once again..."
Slightly taken aback, one of the guards responded, "That can't be, no agents of darkness have been seen in a hundred years. Do you bring any proof of your claim?"
With shaking hands, Vale retrieved the glass jar containing the severed finger, holding it up for the two guards to see.
With shocked expressions, the pair rushed forward, "Quick, bring her, we will lead you to the temple."
With each step, Vale felt pain from every jolt, her body was wounded from their trek through the swamp. When they reached the temple gate, a pink robed priest greeted them. The dark skinned guard spoke," Summon Archbishop Ascul, this one has urgent business, seems they encountered a Blade of the Night in their travels..."
Astonished, the priest took measure of the pair," My my, another visitor and this one bringing such ill tidings... Bring her, her injuries are substantial, we must see to her wounds."