Grüshnag stares at the Bandit leader, a younger-looking man built on a large frame and wielding a fine war axe and well-crafted armor.
"So, orc, I see you were a part of this group," said the leader, looking upon the caravaners laying strewn on the ground. "And it has me thinking, 'What is an orc doing traveling with men?' Then it occurred to me, you must have been a slave? That or a coward." Grüshnag snorted heavily, the insults petty but still coming from a man that commands none of Grüshnag's respect.
"I am no slave. I was sworn to an elf but it seems he was not worth the oath. He was killed by your lot," Grüshnag looked off onto one of several dead elves left on the ground. The leader looked over to where Grüshnag was looking. Seeing an elf that looked to have been armed and dead, he nodded with an obvious smugness. "How's this, human?" Grüshnag started, "How's 'bout you cut me in on your lot at a double-take and I'll take your offer of joining. Seems like a deal to me. I have skill, I slayed several of your runts with little effort. I want most of the fine weapons and armor you get to make the fight more fun,” Grüshnag said, eyeing the leader’s gear while he talked.
“Well said, orc. War gear is the least of our haul. Coin, exotic food, fine clothes and of course, plenty of supplies to make for fine accommodations. Double-shares for the pleasure, though? You have a steep price, orc, and a strong sense of how we work. Tell me then, how are you so familiar with how some of us 'round here split loot? Never have we found orcs to be so sophisticated.”
The calculated demeanor the leader possessed reminded Grüshnag of the elves. Made him more interested in the bandits and less irritated by the leader’s prying nature. Grüshnag let out a low bellowing laugh.
“I am orc but no fool. You don’t leave the dark lord without a plan. Me? Grüshnag is too smart for just killing people. We had those filthy humans fighting for us and you watch. Learn about them. Being an orc don’t mean we are all dumb as beasts. A warboss needs to be brutal and cunnin'.” Grüshnag smiled. The bandits around the leader looked at Grüshnag uneasily.
The leader shifted his stance. Leaning in a bit closer to Grüshnag, he said, “Orc, you make a fine point. Many of the men obviously know your exploits. The name Grüshnag is now a tale whispered to folk telling of a white orc with a brutal nature to those he don’t like. If you are indeed this Grüshnag, and seeing how you fit the description, double share it is.” Turning to the whole lot of them, “Men, spread the word. Grüshnag is joining Baarid’s gang. Start gathering the spoils quick before the stragglers get some guards and a group of hunters out here. Grüshnag, take what you like and then find me over in the next clearing. Ask the men, if need be. We have much to do to get you settled and start putting your talents to use.”
Baarid turned and exited back the way he came. Grüshnag, relaxing a little, looked around. The rest of the bandits scattered around, picking pockets and grabbing anything that looked of value. Grüshnag walked over to a group of elves. He looked around for his friend Sarkon trying to not look too desperate. Each of the elves' ageless faces not betraying their age but none of them matched Sarkon. After several careful minutes of looking and looting, Grüshnag thought in relief that Sarkon escaped, whether he was injured was another matter that he couldn't take time to ponder. Grüshnag shook his head, focusing now on finding some good weapons to fight. Behind one of the elves' corpses, he could see a faint glow. Curious, he picked it up to find an elven-long sword. After the sword, Grüshnag looked and found an ax worthy of his approval. Satisfied, he held his prizes up as he watched them shimmer in the faint light coming through the cracks of the canopy and headed off to the clearing.
The forest seemed rather quiet but nothing else out of place. Grüshnag walked slowly, thinking of how he may find and meet back up with Sarkon. They have split up before several times but Grüshnag knew he worked better with Sarkon having his back.
Crashing suddenly through the clearing, Grüshnag sees a rough encampment the bandits must have used to stay off the road. Baarid stood one leg propped up on a stump near the center of the camp and holding what seemed like a nobleman's mug full of drink. He motioned for Grüshnag to join him and the others. Several of the bandits had already returned ahead of Grüshnag, looking a bit nervous as the white orc strode through.
“There you are!” Baarid exclaimed. “A few fine weapons, not that I’d expect less from our talk. Even an elven sword? A lucky find my new friend. Come now, follow me to my tent. We have a bit to discuss" he says with a smile, visibly excited for the potential activities ahead.
Grüshnag grunts in agreement and follows Baarid towards a large, well-made, and slightly ornate tent. They both enter (Grüshnag having to squat as he would have torn it on entry) and the tent has a few scattered candles for illumination and a small table and chairs set in the middle. Motioning to a chair, Baarid requests Grüshnag to sit; but Grüshnag motions to his frame and the size of the chair. A few silent moments pass as Baarid eyes Grüshnag with an incredulous look but proceeds on.
“So, Grüshnag, first things first, I am Baarid. You probably gathered I am the head of this outfit. You are probably the single most interesting creature we have run across. Not only an orc that renounced the dark lord but now, a legend among men and elves alike and lastly an outlaw? A simple highwayman? What’s your deal, hmm? Actually, you know what, let me send for some food and drink. Anything you want and I'll let you think what your answer is.” Baarid gets up without letting Grüshnag respond and leaves momentarily. After a minute or two he returns, hot, slightly appealing food and drinks in hand. He sets it down in front of Grüshnag and says enjoy.
Grüshnag, finally feeling the day's work catch up to him, starts to dig in with gusto. Baarid eats slowly in amazement of the orc’s appetite. After finishing the food and half the drink Grüshnag looks back to Baarid. “I am now free of my oath. The elf is no more so I took his blade and now I want to grow my influence. My power. Other orcs, I say, are made to be blindly loyal and serve. I’m done serving. I…. I…..”
Grüshnag was beginning to feel his head getting foggy.
“What is…” Grüshnag saw his vision going out, falling to the dirt as Baarid stood up and walked towards him with a smug smile.
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