After a few hours of waiting, the rune diagram Ghak had drawn, glowed with a red light. Then Ghak took a small knife and cut a shallow line across the side of her palm. She then clenched her fist, letting droplets of blood fall onto the center of the rune.
The moment the blood touched the diagram, it ignited in a ring of flame. The fire curled in unnatural patterns that traced the rune's lines. The fire swirled upward, forming a column of glowing embers that twisted and turned until it solidified into a hazy image of an orc. The figure's features sharpened as the flames settled.
The orc leaned forward slightly. "What do you want to talk about?"
Ghak said. "I want to make a deal with you."
The orc tilted his head. "What deal?"
Ghak then answered with caution. "I don't believe my leader, Naguk, should be involved in the struggles for the council."
The orc's lips curled into a smirk. "What do you mean by that?"
She explained trying not to reveal too much. "I'm not here to explain all my reasons. Let me get straight to the point. He's been rallying supporters, traveling from town to town, and I can give you our route. But before I tell you, I have one request."
The orc leaned and asked suspiciously. "And what request would that be?"
"You promise me that you won't kill him or any member of my tribe group," Ghak said without hesitation.
The orc's smirk widened. "That's a very difficult ask. I can't promise not to kill anyone if they resist. You know how this works."
Ghak expected this. "That's why I'm giving you everything you need. The element of surprise will ensure they don't even get the chance to resist."
The orc chuckled, but it was devoid of humor. "And why would I trust you? For all I know, this is a trap. What proof do you have that this isn't some ploy to lure my people into an ambush?"
Ghak paused thinking how to answer. Then she said, "Look, I don't want him to be in the council struggle, because he had trusted some humans. I'm certain that they will lead us to our doom. If you see humans among our group, you'll know I'm telling the truth."
The orc's expression shifted slightly, the mention of humans clearly surprising him. "Humans? Helping an orc rally for the council? What kind of joke is that?."
Ghak nodded. "I don't understand it either. But it's happening. They're traveling with us, fighting alongside us. I have no doubt they will betray him the moment it suits their agenda."
The orc considered her words. "Let's say I believe you," he finally said. "What happens next? What guarantee do I have that this isn't a lie?"
Ghak straightened as she said. "You don't have to take my word for it. Once you see the humans with him, you'll know everything I've told you is true. But I need your promise. You will disarm my tribe and hold them until the match. No harm will come to them."
The orc was silent for a long moment. Finally, he nodded, though he remained cautious. "We can hold them until the match. Once it's over, we'll release them. I give you my word that nothing will happen to them."
Ghak nodded, satisfied for now. "Then let's plan. I'll give you the route we're taking, and we'll identify the best places for your ambush."
Ghak produced a rough map, sketched hastily but accurate enough. She pointed out their planned stops, the terrain they would traverse, and potential choke points. Together, they discussed strategies, the orc's questions probing deeper into the details.
The next morning, Naguk called everyone together. The group now counted above thrity people.
"We're getting closer to the match," he began. "The enemy is running out of time to stop our efforts. They surely will try more tricks. We have to be cautious."
The group nodded in unison. With a motion of his hand, the group began moving.
Amukelo and Eliss found themselves walking near the middle of the group, casually discussing with the orcs about different topics.
As they talked, Ghak, walking a few steps behind them, cast them a hateful glare. Mor noticed and moved closer to her. "Don't mind them," Mor said softly. "They're good people. They've done nothing but help us so far."
Ghak didn't look at Mor but replied curtly, "That's only on the surface. Humans are selfish by nature. When the time comes, they'll turn on us."
Mor shook her head. "I don't think so. They've already proven themselves. I wish you had seen how they fought last week. Without them, we could've lost far more than we did."
Ghak said nothing more. Mor sighed and let the matter drop, falling back into step with the rest of the group.
By the later afternoon, the group arrived at the first town on their route. The town was modest but functional, with the usual bone-and-skin architecture that defined most orc settlements. Naguk and his team quickly set about spreading the word of his speech for the following morning, handing out announcements and speaking to anyone willing to listen.
The next morning, Naguk made his speech, saying the same things he said in the different towns. It went off with no troubles. As soon as the speech ended, the group wasted no time moving on to the next town.
After several hours of travel, the group reached their next destination. This town was larger, sprawling with a mix of open markets and tightly packed buildings. At its center was a large, raised platform, clearly designed for public gatherings and speeches. Adjacent to it was a narrow alley, providing a shadowed space that led behind the platform. A tall building loomed behind the stage, offering potential vantage points for any who sought to disrupt the event.
Naguk, as usual, announced his upcoming speech to the town's residents. His people spread out, handing out flyers and ensuring the orcs knew when and where to gather the following day.
By the time they reached the inn, the drizzle had turned into steady rain.
Amukelo and Naguk shared a room at the inn, and as they settled in for the evening, Amukelo leaned back against the wall, watching the rain outside the small window. "Rain? That feels unusual for this region," he commented.
Naguk nodded, placing his axe by the wall and taking a seat. "It is. Let's hope it clears by morning. Rain can make orcs restless. We prefer the dry heat of our land."
Amukelo didn't respond immediately. He stared out the window. "I don't like it," he said finally.
Naguk turned his head to Amukelo. "What do you mean?"
Amukelo shrugged, still watching the street below. "I don't know. Something feels off. Maybe it's just the rain, or maybe it's the townsfolk, but I can't shake the feeling we're being watched."
Naguk's expression darkened slightly. "I don't feel good about this either," he admitted. "But we can't cancel the speech based on a feeling. The people need to hear me."
Amukelo sighed and turned to face Naguk. "In that case, let me take a different position tomorrow. There's that alley next to the platform. It's perfect for an ambush, but it's also a good spot for someone to watch from. If I stay there, I can keep an eye out for anything suspicious."
Naguk considered this for a moment, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "You'd be one less person in the crowd. Are you sure this place will be more important?"
Amukelo smirked and reached into his pouch, pulling out a ring. "This makes me invisible when I'm in the shadows, as long as I stay still. They won't know I'm there. And if something happens, I can spot it before anyone else does."
Naguk nodded slowly. "Do as you think is right. One person less in the crowd won't make much difference."
Amukelo slid the ring onto his finger and gave a confident nod. "I'll be ready."