They could be the fiercest warrior alive, but if their tusks are small or missing, they won't get a second glance from a prospective female. It’s even widely believed by most Orcs that the length of the tusk is a direct reflection of the size of one’s manhood.
Allister smiled at the thought of such foolishness. Still, those beliefs would be vital in getting this big warrior to tell him what he wants to know.
It wasn’t long until his window to strike was thrown open. Zannith had opened a magical portal to somewhere unknown and passed through it. Leaving Gru’Nak alone inside the ruins to perform the mundane task of cleaning up after the morning meal.
Once he was sure the mage was gone, Allister strolled into camp. With a swagger in his step and an expression on his face that said he was more at home than trespassing.
The big Orc lost in his own thoughts, never even noticed the slender assassin standing not twenty paces behind him now.
“Ahem, we should talk big fellow,” Allister said his grin taking on the appearance of a cat who had just cornered its dinner.
“What the hell? Where did you come from, Elf?” The big Orc exclaimed, surprised by the sight of the dark elf man.
Gru’Nak reached for the massive battle-ax at his side, but the assassin was far to quick to allow that. In a flash, he produced a small throwing knife from the wrist of his cuffed shirt and flung it at the Orc. Striking him squarely in the back of his shoulder.
Gru’Nak growled in anger, ripping the knife out, and tossing it to the side.
“You should have used a bigger knife elf,” The big Orc said, raising his ax and stepping forward.
“I’m going to cleave you in half.” He growled as he swung the big ax in a massive arc towards Allister.
“Oh, I think not,” Allister said, leaping back to put a little distance between himself and Gru’Nak. Never trying to retaliate, seeming instead to be happy just letting the Orc wear himself down.
“I am going to cut that smile off your face, so stop jumping around and fight me damn you.” That’s when Gru’Nak felt it. It started in his legs first, as they began to grow weak, and he found it harder to hold himself upright.
The arms were next, growing dense and numb as his hands would no longer even hold onto his ax. The big weapon fell to the ground with a loud clanking sound, as Gru’Nak tumbled over landing hard on the ground. Unable to move anything but his eyes and mouth.
“What did you do to me, elf? What magic is this? Release me and die as a man should you DokalFae Dog.”
“There is really no need for name-calling Gru’Nak, and don’t worry, it’s not magic its poison.
I try not to use magic, such a weak way of doing things, no real skill to it. Just speak the words or wiggle the hands and poof. No, I much prefer the personal touch” The assassin leaned in close so Gru’Nak could see him smile.
Allister’s words caused the big Orc to howl in anger as he fought desperately to move.
“You’re wasting your time I’m afraid, the only way you get over this is with my help.” Allister held up a small vile of greenish colored liquid. I will give you the antidote once you answer my questions.”
“Gru’Nak stared at him with the fire of hatred burning in his eyes.
“Kill me now, elf, because I’ll tell you nothing.” He growled in anger.
“Oh, I think you will,” Allister replied, his patience growing thin. He grabbed Gru’Nak’s head by the ponytail and jerked it up from the ground as he stood straddle of his body. The flash of a dagger in the assassin's hand caused Gru’Nak to close his eyes as he waited on the attack.
What came instead caused him to grimace in pain and anger. Allister dug the point of his blade into the Orcs mouth and through the gum line under one of his tusks.
“You will tell me what I want to know, Orc. Or you will be the tuskless brother of a war chief. You will have to explain how a DokalFae not only got the better of you but also stripped you of your honor and masculinity at the same time.”
As Allister finished his threat, he dug the blade a little deeper. Gru’Nak could taste the blood flowing into his mouth and down his throat, causing him to swallow hard to keep from choking on it.
“See, I won’t kill you, I’ll leave you here paralyzed and let your own clan do that. Or let the exiled prince find you, something I’m sure would be a fate far worse than dying.”
Allister’s words enraged Gru’Nak even more, but he was still smart enough to realize the dark elf was right. He held no fear of death but the thought of losing his honor in the face of his clan, that was every Orcs nightmare.
And if he was honest, he did not even want to consider what the cold-hearted Zannith might do if he found him this way. With a growl of rage Gru’Nak swallowed his pride,
“What do you want, DokalFae?”
Allister smiled the most wicked grin,
“Smart choice Orc, now tell me who the HoloFae is that the prince is so interested in.”
There was no hesitation from the big Orc this time. He told Allister everything he wanted to know, and some things he didn’t realize he needed to. Such as how they killed the Thorn Callers leader, poisoned the forest, and Zannith’s strange trip to the mining village that he was so secretive about.
The Orcs mentioning of Black Hearth village was of great interest to Allister, as he knew who lived there. Queen Esmerelda had long ago had him track down her exiled daughter. He couldn’t help but wonder what Zannith could be doing with his sister.
Was he using her to control the HoloFae? Or were they all in this together. Whatever the reason, he would head there next to discover it for himself.
After the interrogation was complete, Allister patted Gru’Nak on the chest as if addressing an old friend.
“There now was that so hard?” He asked as he stood to leave.”
“What about that antidote elf? I kept my end of the deal now keep yours!” He shouted as Allister walked away.
“There nothing to keep Orc. It will wear off soon enough.” With that, Allister was no longer visible to Gru’Nak out of the corner of his eyes, and he was still not yet able to turn his head.
“What if they find me this way?” Gru’Nak shouted, but no answer came. All that he could hear now was the sounds of the forest outside and the pounding of his own heart.
22
As Rone and his companion rode through the gates of Dusk Haven, they were met with looks of both suspicion and curiosity. Rone couldn’t help but feel a little uneasy as they made their way through the busy streets.
“Let’s stop by the Moon and Stars; I could sure go for a drink,” Traijen said, licking his lips and smiling.
“You go ahead, Tray, and I’ll meet you there later. I really want to go see the historian and find out what they know. And Traijen, try not to get into trouble.” Rone added, looking over his shoulder at his friend.
“Trouble? Me? I was born here; this city loves me.” Traijen said with a much more mischievous grin than Rone would have liked.
“I’ll go with you, Rone. I’d like to hear what they have to say as well,” Trisha said, riding up next to Rone.
“Fine with me,” Rone answered shrugging his shoulders,
“What about you, Kat?” He asked, spinning in the saddle to see her.
“No thanks, I like the sound of getting a drink, and I would like to see more of the city.”
With that, she hopped down from behind Rone then climbed up in the saddle with Traijen, and the two of them made their way down a side street in search of the tavern.
“What do you think of the DokalFae Rone?” Trish asked, watching them disappear on the busy street.