Story Part 27 (Patreon)

“I apologize your, um, your grace, jarl, but I didn’t know I was in anyone’s territory. This was marked on our map simply as The Wilds.”

“Our?” so there are others? I knew those damn elves wouldn’t send a single scout. I don’t believe you. The Council knows of us. They have known about us for centuries. If I am right, those who sent you include sever of the elven elders who sat on the council in the time of the Great Archon Lorkosh. We knew they wouldn’t be content to leave us alone. We knew they would come one day.”

“Our mission does not involve you, or any orcs, or conquest.”

“More elven lies! Why did you bring THIS into our territory, then?” Lazgar was holding her family sword.

Miri trembled as she replied, “It was passed down through my family. My father gave it to me.”

“Oh, then you’re the daughter of Ilvion, known as Orc-Scourge?”

Mir gulped, I never met him, but I believe someone named Ilvion was my grandfather.”

“This sword was made long before his time, for what our people call The Great Conflict. I believe your books refer to it as The Orcine Troubles. Typical, elves downplaying a war they nearly lost.”

“I’m sorry, I had no idea. Children in the realms aren’t taught much about that period…”

“For good reason! My Thrice-Great Grandmother Jarl Kumosh burned Oniridge to the ground, and would have marched on Oxyrrhynchus, if she hadn’t been cut down by a sword such as this one…maybe this very sword!”

“I assure you that we have no designs on you or your land—we’re just passing through.”

“Who? Who is passing through, and why? Speak, elf, the rage of war surges within me.”

“A small party—my mistress, two more of her retainers, and a group of three specialists who work for the Grand Exarch. Seven of us.”

“Grand Exarch, I remember that title from our history. It’s your high priestess. Typically the words that follow on that page have her giving a speech against the orcs. What is your mission?”

“I’m sorry great Jarl, but that is a secret I cannot tell, except to assure you that the seven of us aren’t here for you or your lands.”