Even though I was aware that I was going to meet him, I finally felt the pressure. The man that I was going to see was the strongest orc around and an important creature. One wrong move and I was done for. For the first time in my short life, I had to be careful of my words. Treading on Quincy's heels, we exited the house and followed the stone path towards the center of the tribe. The orcs around looked more dignified and stronger than the ones on the outskirts of the city. The streets were bustling and were filled with merchants trying to close sales. The smell of food lingered in the air.
A castle soon stood in front us with tens of fierce guards encircling it, each of them was wielding a shiny razor-sharp sword. As the son of a blacksmith, it was easy to see the sheer amount of skill that went into making them. But I still had a weird feeling. Even though this was a big city that was incomparable to my little village, I still thought that my father produced better weapons.
"Just what was the mission that the attackers were talking about?" I thought to myself.
The towering walls of the castles seemed to stretch towards the sky with the weathered stones covered in moss showcasing its history. The guards blocked the entrance with their arms. After a lengthy explanation from Quincy, the orcs lowered their arms. A mechanical rattle was produced behind the gates. The oak doors slowly swiveled open which induced a creaking noise. My eyes were scanning every nook and cranny in awe as we ambled into the courtyard. Compared to the noisy surroundings, this place conveyed tranquility and serenity. The only sound around was the birds chirping a harmonious melody. We walked past the grand fountain which was carved out of white marble.
"The chieftain likes to live lavishly," I exclaimed.
"He doesn't. He's quite a simple man like Grald, but this place housed his ancestors for hundreds of years, so he has to uphold their legacy," Quincy replied.
"I have just realized that I don't even know his name even though I am going to meet him!" I exclaimed.
"As usual, you do not think about anything. His name is Harold," Quincy replied.
As we entered the castle, my jaw fell in astonishment. The inside was just as lavish as the outside. The walls were lined with portraits of past chieftains and other notable figures. Maids and butlers were running around like there was no tomorrow. The plush red carpet led us to a spiral staircase. A crystal chandelier was hung from the ceiling and went through all the floors. The maze of levels and corridors finally led us to a rusted metal door.
"The chieftain is waiting behind those doors. A meeting just took place with the aristocrats, so be careful with what you say."
"You have to go in alone. But you'll be fine. With your luck, you might only lose a leg," Quincy said while laughing.
My body began shaking and my rapid heartbeat could be felt in my head. Sweat was now dripping down my skin as my breathing got heavier. I placed the palm of my hand on the door and pushed. It was so heavy that I had to use all of my might to open it.
The room got quiet. My eyes were met with the menacing gaze of an orc. This one was different. He was sitting on an iron throne on the other side of the hall. His green body was covered with scars and he was missing an eye. The aura that he was emanating filled the room and was enough to make the bravest man falter. I took a deep breath, composed myself and walked towards him. The walkway was bordered by around fifty other strong orcs, but their presence could not be compared to the one on the throne.
When I was about five meters away from him, it was only then that I noticed Grald and his brother who were seated in the back. My knees thumped on the floor as I kneeled with my head bowed in respect. I could sense his stare piercing the back of my head. It felt like an eternity.
"You can stand up," he said with a deep voice.
Slowly, I stood up and looked at him. He was still analyzing me and he read me like an open book.
"So you're the human who piqued my son's interests."
"Yes sir."
"I heard that you do not have anywhere to return to. Is that correct?" he asked.
"Yes that's right."
"And you thought of taking advantage of my son's kind heartedness to come live lavishly?"
My blood began boiling after he uttered those words. I clenched my fists tightly but did my best to hide my anger.
"No sir, I simply explained my situation to him and he offered to help. If I am not welcome here, I can leave," I said while trying to not offend the chieftain.
"So you're saying that my judgement is wrong? Stop with your lies and just admit what you are," he replied.
I was at my wit's end. I could not endure his insults any further. I did not care about dying anymore. With all of my courage, I glared at him and took a deep breath before speaking.
"Sir, with all due respect, you are wrong. I did not know who your son was and I still don't know anything about you. How can you even accuse me of leeching off of you? My father has just been murdered, yet you think that your money is all that I have on my mind?"
Everyone in attendance audibly gasped. They did not expect that I would dare talk back to the chieftain, much less doubt his judgement. After I regurgitated my thoughts, I was almost out of breath. My whole body tensed up and I instinctively readied myself, awaiting my death.