---Evening---
Sitting back and watching our food roast over the bonfire, the orcs and I reflected on all the work we had accomplished today. On top of repairing and strengthening the outer walls, we rebuilt their well, restocked their food pantry, and performed sorely needed repairs to their longhouse's roof. Putting their all into the work, all the orcs were in much higher spirits than when I first arrived. Raising his mug of ale high, Gularzob suggested they name their Blood-Kin. Voicing their agreement, the other orcs raised their mugs in confirmation as well.
"I am truly honored to receive such a distinguished title.", I said, "It is a privileged to be counted among you."
"The feeling is mutual, in just a few short hours we have significantly improved our stronghold's situation.", Atub stated, with a mischievous grin, "It is no exaggeration that your deeds have ensured the continued survival of our small stronghold. You have done far more than Yamarz or his predecessor ever did. We are the ones who should be honored to count you as one of us."
"Haha, I am sure we could go rounds on this point so we will leave it at a draw.", I chuckled, raising my mug for a toast, "To new friends, may your future battles be legendary, and the prosperity of your stronghold be boundless!"
"HERE! HERE!!", the orcs shouted, as we clanged our mugs together.
Taking a large gulp of orcish mead, two of the female orcs got up and began carving the boar on the spit roast. Giving the first plate with the best cuts to me, both women gave me a content smile before moving on to the others. Watching how they reacted to the others, I was the only one who received a smile which insinuated something was afoot here. Looking over at Atub, she and the other women gave me a similar smile as well.
'I see what you are doing, you crafty woman. Treating me like a chieftain so I might consider facing Yamarz and take the position for myself.' I thought, seeing through her scheme, 'I wonder, how hard was it for you to convince the others to follow your ploy? Did it take some convincing or is Yamarz truly that incompetent that all of you would so readily let a man from another race lead all of you?'
As everyone began to eat, we heard shouts coming from off in the distance. Initially thinking it was a group of adventurers nearby, as the shouting grew clearer and louder, Atub and I realized it was Yamarz. Setting our plates down, we walked up onto the wall and watched as the heavily wounded orc stumbled into the clearing.
"Open the bloody gates!!", Yamarz spat, as he staggered forward, "Bring me a mug of ale, and whatever you are cooking!"
Coming down to meet him, as Gularzob and Lob opened the gates, Yamarz proceeded to throw Volendrung at me the moment he was inside. Stating that I had what I came for now, he demanded that I leave their stronghold immediately. Still upset about my jest this morning, he assured me that if he were in a better state he would ring my neck out for uttering those words.
"I will let you leave with your life today, out of respect for Lord Malacath.", Yamarz said, pointing toward the gate, "Now fuck off!"
Glancing back at the group, all of them looked at me instead of Yamarz. Clearly choosing who they would rather follow, I made the decision to induct them into my military forces. Seeing this as a golden opportunity to start integrating outside groups into my military, if I could pull it off with this group, I doubted I would have any problems doing so with others.
"Nah, I am rather invested in your people now. Leaving them to suffer your pathetic existence would leave a bad taste in my mouth.", I stated, stepping toward him, "While you were away, we did quite a bit of work on the stronghold. As thanks for my help, all of them agreed to name me your Blood-Kin. As I am now one of you, I challenge you for the position of chieftain."
"They…they did?!", Yamarz stuttered, looking at his tribe members.
"We did, all of us made this decision!", Atub said, as the other orcs nodded in confirmation.
Realizing that everyone present was scowling at him, Yamarz knew there was no way he could back out of this now. Instead of doing the proper thing and formerly accepting my challenge, he just charged at me fuming with anger. Calling me a deceiver and a usurper, he swung his fist at me as hard as he could. Causally sidestepping the attack, I grabbed him by the throat, then proceeded to rip his head and spine out of his back. Watching the whole scene unfold, the orcs looked at me in utter shock.
"He…he ripped him apart with…with one hand…", Lob gulped, looking at me with reverence now.
"Does anyone still doubt his capabilities to lead our tribe?", Atub inquired, looking at those who had been unsure of things.
Shaking their heads violently, everyone was more than satisfied falling in line with me in charge. Looking genuinely happy, all the orcs were certain this was the start of something amazing for them.
"Malacath, I want to take this group with me to fight our common enemy. Do you have any qualms with this?", I inquired.
Rising to their feet, the orcs began pounding their fists on their chests. Swearing to fight in a manner befitting his name, they let out their war cries into the night sky. Please with their response, Malacath released the stronghold from their curse restoring their lost strength. Feeling their bodies return to normal, everyone looked to me for instructions.
"Tonight we feast and celebrate this momentous occasion.", I said, with a commanding tone, "Tomorrow, your lives as Warriors of Malacath begin!"
Acknowledging my orders, the orcs took their seats again and began scarfing down their meals. Shutting the gate and returning to my seat, I began coordinating tomorrow's meeting with Yamato over my neural link.
---3rd Person POV, Female Party, Silent Moon Camp---
Having crushed the bandits in the ruins of Silent Moon, Aela and Lucoa made the decision to camp there for the night as it was getting late. Making full use of the bandit's supplies, as they no longer needed them, the women set up camp and made themselves comfortable. Getting a roaring fire going, Olivia got work making some stew with Clarice and Lydia's assistance.
"I have to say, this magic bag Victor gave us is quite handy. He could make a lot of money selling these to adventurers and merchants. Being able to always keep fresh food and supplies on you, without it weighing you down, is a luxury few get to enjoy.", Aela commented, as Roxanne and her inspected the team's equipment, "What other helpful tools does he have?"
"It is not a tool, but Victor usually erects a barrier around our campsite that keeps bandits and monsters at bay. While other adventurers took turns keeping watch, we could all sleep peacefully throughout the night.", Roxanne said, with a proud smile.
"Damn, that would be really nice!", Aela admitted, a bit jealous of the luxuries they were used to, "So, on the topic of keeping watch, how do you ladies want to divide up night watch?"
Looking at one another, Angelica, Clarice, Deirdre, and Mylene realized they had not thought about that aspect of adventuring on their own. As none of them could use the barrier spells he used, they had to be on guard against potential dangers in the black of night.
"We could do one of two things. Either we each take a one-hour shift alone, or we take a two-hour shift in pairs. The odd man out takes works alone or with someone else tomorrow night.", Lucoa suggested.
"I think working in pairs makes more sense.", Deirdre remarked, "If we have some hot coffee or tea, a two-hour shift should not be too bad."
"Coffee and tea?", Aela said, setting the blade in her hand down, "I do not think we bought either of those things in the market. Did we?"
"Crap…I knew I forgot something!", Lucoa groaned, looking at the others with an apologetic smile, "Sorry about that."
Hearing that coffee nor tea had been brought, the four noblewomen stared at her as their eyes began to twitch. Making a mental note to not let Lucoa go shopping without them anymore, Angelica was about to suggest they head back to buy some when Olivia chimed in.
"Angie, would you say that we can trust Aela and Lydia?", Olivia asked, "If so, we can ask you know who for coffee or tea."
"Who are you talking about?", Angelica inquired, with a confused look.
Drawing a circle in the air, all of Victor's fiancées immediately remembered that Cleare was with them. Taking a moment to discuss the topic amongst themselves, everyone agreed that Aela and Lydia were trustworthy enough.
"If you need us to step out for a moment, just say so.", Lydia commented, "We understand."
"No, it is fine.", Mylene stated, as the women returned to their bedrolls, "That said, please do not tell anyone about what you are about to see."
"Haha, it is a wife's duty to safeguard family secrets.", Aela assured them.
"I am Victor's sworn bodyguard, any and all of his secrets will follow me to the grave.", Lydia confirmed.
"Very well, Cleare, can you come out for a second?", Clarice asked.
Lowering her camouflage, Cleare floated down from the ceiling to her.
"Oh! Please do so, we did not think of that!", Clarice responded, "Also, if you could, please send fresh coffee down in the morning. We would all appreciate it."
Turning her camouflage back on, Cleare flew back up to the ceiling to keep watch. Thanking Olivia for reminding them that Cleare was here, their spirits were much more cheerful now.
"Uh…what the fuck was that?!", Aela remarked, as Lydia looked around for where it went.
"It is a bit of a story…", Angelica said, "Since we are all comrades and friends, let us tell you a bit about who we are…"