Published at 14th of April 2026 11:45 pm

Chapter 43: The Evening Before

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Alright. Lets go over this one more time, Arkk said, looking around his meeting table.

Vezta stood a step behind and just to the side of him, looking calm and serene as usual. Khan was coiled up directly across from Arkk, hands gently resting on the table. Ilya, Zullie, Rekkar, and Olattan were split on either side, none paying too much attention to Arkk as they stared at the gorgon in their midst. For once, it seemed like Vezta wasnt the strangest thing around. Or, more accurately, people had gotten used to her but were still highly wary of the gorgon.

Tomorrow morning, Arkk continued, trying to pretend like he had everyones attention, the inquisitors will begin their search of the Cursed Forest accompanied by about forty volunteers, most of whom are just regular villagers looking to get a little extra coin in their pockets and not hardened mercenaries.

It is a large swath of land to cover, Arkk said. Possible to traverse in under a day if youre walking or running through it but these people will be searching. I dont know how fast or how slow theyll be moving. Vezta will be making use of our crystal balls to keep track of the inquisitors and both Fortress Al-Mir and the false fortress to the north.

Vezta dipped her head in a slight bow, acknowledging her part in the plan.

We dont want to make it easy or obvious for them, so if they do pass right over the small clues we left pointing toward the false fortress, well let them go by. I assume the inquisitors wont give up so easily, they seem quite persistent, but if they give up temporarily, it buys us time to work out even better plans for the next time they stop by.

If the search parties do stumble across the false fortress, well make a show of fighting them off. Based on my own villages temperament, regular villagers will stand and defend their town to the death as long as victory seems plausible. Out here? The mere presence of a small group of orcs will likely be enough to frighten away anything but overwhelming numbers. Were not expecting that. The mercenaries might take a bit more of a beating but we should easily outnumber them even with that team of orcs still at the lost pyramid. Even still, I want everyone to be careful. Remember that I can transport all of you at will.

Rekkar didnt even glance over to Arkk, focused entirely on Khan. Thankfully, Olattan gave Arkk a firm nod of his head. I will endeavor to remind the others that they can garner your attention should they become injured or otherwise find themselves in a precarious situation.

Good. If the inquisitors enter, I dont want anyone fighting them. I dont know exactly what their capabilities are, only that they destroyed the Darkwood fortress. Given the monsters around Darkwood, that makes them a whole lot more dangerous than anyone else. When they arrive, Ill deal with them myself.

Big talk, Rekkar said, voice low and gravely. He finally turned his head over to Arkk. With his lips curled into a frown, he crossed his arms. Would you remind me who fell to a ghast just a few weeks ago? These inquisitors can apparently kill ghasts with little effort if the destruction of that other fortress is any indication.

Arkk pressed his lips together, stiffening. That was me saving one of your men from having his head torn off in exchange for what was obviously a far less grievous wound. Remind me of who made your former chieftain literally explode.

Rekkar flashed his tusks for a brief moment. You have warriors. Use them. He slammed a fist on the table, glaring before speaking again. If Vezzok or Orjja dies, who cares? But if you die, there goes our cushy lives here, our pay, and maybe even our own lives if those inquisitors really will tear through the place.

That Arkk glowered. He had a point. The thought of throwing orcs to their deaths, even if they had once been attackers of his village, just didnt sit right with him. Maybe he would have agreed a few months ago. Not now that they had gotten to know each other, fought at Darkwood together, and generally just lived together for the last three months.

Boys, Ilya said, rubbing her forehead. She wore dark bags under her eyes. In fact, she had sported those dark bags ever since returning. Looking at how hard she had to try just to stay awake for this meeting, Arkk felt guilty about dragging her away from the two elf children. Please. Arkk doesnt even need to fight them since we want them to destroy the fake fortress. So it doesnt even matter.

Zullie adjusted her glasses with her middle finger. If they find the real fortress, what then?

Then we fight for real, Arkk said, turning his attention to Zullie. I dont see how they would, though. Since sealing the crevasses in the ceilings, the only physical access comes in the form of the tunnels to the villages. All three entrances are well outside the area were expecting the inquisitors to be searching. The tunnels themselves are filled with traps and are designed to be collapsible. The only connection from here to the false fortress is a tiny tunnel that even a rat would have a hard time squeaking through.

Arkk looked around slowly, watching everyones faces. Rekkar had gone back to glaring at the gorgonwhich really wasnt a wise decision in Arkks humble opinionwhile everyone else had simply fallen silent. They had a plan. Arkk thought it was a pretty good plan. Most of the rest of them had agreed at one point or another. This meeting served just one purpose. Making sure everyone was on the same page.

You requesst our pressence in thesse fightss? the gorgon asked, hissing voice making everyone except Arkk and Vezta jump.

This meeting served two purposes. When I initially made these plans, I didnt know I would have gorgon joining us. Youre here because I wanted to keep you, and the rest of the gorgon by extension, informed of the goings on around Fortress Al-Mir. If you have input, Ill happily accept it. However your presence might be detrimental to what we hope to accomplish here. We want to lure them in and have them think theyve won. If they see gorgon in the halls, theyll likely run away and call down the Dukes army on us.

The gorgon nodded his head. I undersstand.

That said while I didnt plan for your presence, gorgon standing at our backs would be a great boon if we do have to fight for real.

Khan nodded, tongue darting out of his mouth before snapping back in.

While youre here, how are you and your people settling in? Is there anything you need?

Khan closed his eyes, letting out a nasal hum. Not at thiss moment. We are enjoying our new homess and belliess filled with real meat.

Good. Good. Keep me posted if that changes, Arkk said. And if your people are getting bored and want something to do, let me know what skills they have and Ill see if I cant get them doing something. Otherwise continue enjoying yourselves? Looking over the group once more, Arkk nodded. If there are no other comments about the next few days, he said, pausing a moment to see if anyone said anything. Meeting over. Zullie, stay a moment.

The witch, who had started to stand, stopped and dropped back into her chair. Vezta remained directly behind Arkk. Ilya didnt move. Rekkar remained seated as well. Olattan stood and, with a gracious nod of his head, started toward the door, only to pause and let Khan exit first before following after. They turned in opposite directions just before the door swung shut behind them.

Arkk glanced around at the people who stayed behind. I assume you all have something else to discuss? he asked, already feeling like he knew what the topic was.

Are you sure it is a good idea having the gorgon around, Arkk? Ilya asked, first to speak. John said one stopped by the other day and nearly frightened him to death.

Zharja. Im retty sure she got lost, though she wouldnt admit it. Hale went on and on about how pretty her scales were. I didnt think it was much of a problem.

Hale would

One threatened my blacksmith, Rekkar said, fist hitting the table.

Arkk sighed. After finding Zharja wandering around, he had run through a quick check to make sure nothing had happened. Given that Zharja hadnt attacked him at the mine entrance, he doubted that she would have randomly attacked anyone. Someone getting scared and attacking first would have been a different story but no incident had occurred.

I spoke with Perrok. He said she just asked a few questions. Even offered to make her armor

As an appeasement, Rekkar growled. I said no gorgon and now youre bringing them to meetings like this?

You said you didnt want to fight gorgon. You arent. Khan is an employee, same as you. They stick to their section of the fortress for the most part. Even when they dont, they arent attacking. Arkk shook his head. I dont know why youre so frightened of them. Everyone in this room is dangerous. I could fry you with two words. Vezta could tear apart everyone here at the same time. Zullie is a powerful spellcaster who knows more magic than I could even guess at. Ilya could put an arrow through your head from the next mountain over

Please dont bring me into this

and you hang around with a man called the Ripthroat on the regular. They can turn you to stone, so what? At least that is reversible.

Theyre cold-blooded snakes. They dont think like you or me.

They are intelligent, reasoning beings. Thats enough for me, Arkk said with a shake of his head. Frankly, Im more concerned about our other guest. Turning his head toward Zullie, Arkk tried to force the subject onto what he actually wanted to ask. How is Savren settling in?

Unhappily. Although not in chains, I think he feels like he is a prisoner here. He sticks around in his room most of the time, thankfully, but he stops by the library often enough that I have taken to facing the door at all times.

He hasnt tried any magic on you?

Would I know if he had? A perplexing question. Ive been setting up systems around my room, little reminders that, if I suddenly cant remember, Ill know he did something. And that is in addition to a few warning spells Ive had active around me. That said, he might try something far more subtle that I wont easily be able to detect. Zullie shuddered to herself. Are we sure we need him? Even aside from his concerning magical knowledge, the way he speaks is just slimy.

Youre the one who said we arent going to easily be able to find people of your level for the ritual. I still have no idea where we are going to find another. Arkk paused, then added, You have checked Savren, right? He will work? Because if he doesnt

Unfortunately, he will suffice.

Then we deal with him for now. If he makes himself a problem, we get rid of him. I dont suppose you checked the gorgon to see if any of them are magically capable?

Zullies violet eyes flicked across the table. Not to give into my associates paranoia

Rekkar snorted.

but I would rather not be alone with them either.

Arkk glanced over his shoulder. Vezta, can you assist Zullie?

I am beginning to feel stretched thin, Master.

I know. You have a lot on your plate, but

Ill do it, Ilya said, sitting forward. I can stick with Zullie when she needs someone else around.

Zullie glanced over, flipping a lock of black hair over her head in the process. You might be able to put an arrow through his head from a good distance but what good are you up close and personal with a gorgon?

Ilyas eyes flashed in irritation. You want moral support or not?

They arent going to attack, Arkk said. Probably. The four older ones for sure. They He shared a look with Vezta. Theyre loyal with very little doubt. Half of the younger ones follow the elders. The other two Im keeping a close eye on them. Theyve hardly left their lairs, however, and then only to eat.

Zullie drummed her fingers on the table. Fine. On the condition that if even one of them is a capable spellcaster, we get rid of Savren.

But we need two

Look, I signed up for magical research, not for dealing with monsters. A strange look came over Zullies face as she glanced at Vezta. No offense.

If one of them is capable, we can run the ritual immediately and get rid of Savren after. Well turn him over to a burg to deal with.

Might as well kill him yourself, Rekkar grumbled. Dont like getting your hands dirty?

Arkk drew in a breath, glaring down Rekkar. He was getting a bit irritated with the orcs demeanor. Rekkar had a number of valid complaints, it was true, but he was so abrasive about it that Arkk couldnt help but find it grating. Im perfectly willing to get my hands dirty when it benefits me. In this situation, turning the Hope Killer over to a burg, captured by Company Al-Mir, serves me to a far greater extent.

Something about Arkks comment made Rekkar smile. Not the angry bearing of his tusks but a smile. A nasty, unpleasant smile. Good, the orc said, standing. Keep the gorgon away from me.

Without another word, Rekkar left the meeting room, leaving the door to shut behind him.

A long moment of silence followed before Zullie stood as well. If were done, I suppose I best ready my materials for testing the gorgon. Would you kindly transport me to the library?

With a nod of his head, Arkk made a vague and entirely unnecessary motion with his hand. Zullie vanished, leaving just him, Ilya, and Vezta. Arkk drew in a deep breath and let it out in a long sigh.

You alright? Ilya asked softly.

Im fine. I saw this fracture coming when I decided to try to recruit the gorgon. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing but I couldnt not do it. They have abilities that are just so useful.

When did you start thinking like that? Ilya asked. Useful to keep the gorgon. Useful to send a man to his death

First of all, that man is a remorseless murderer who tried to kill me the moment we met and might have ended up killing an entire village if his ritual circle went undisturbed for too long.

Still

Arkk just shook his head. He had goals. Rescuing Alya wasnt going to be easy. Deposing the Duke? Even harder. He well knew that he would have to make some tough decisions at some point. Handing a murderer over for trial under the laws of the land was not one of them.

What about you? Following Zullie around? What about the two elf kids?

John and Hale have been spending time with them. Theyre I dont know what to do. They seem better with Hale especially. Something to distract me for a while sounds like a good thing, honestly. This isnt something Im looking forward to telling my mother about.

I could

No. This is mine to deal with. Ilya rested a hand on Arkks arm before letting her fingers fall away as she stood. Ill head out as well, I suppose. See when Zullie wants to test the gorgon.

Alright. But dont push yourself too hard, Arkk said. Get some rest, especially before tomorrow.

Ilya shot him a funny look. Yeah, was all she said before stepping out of the room.

Arkk leaned back in his chair, eyes drifting to the maze-like pattern on the ceiling. He traced a few long pathways, moving endlessly within those lines before his vision started to fuzz over from the repetitive patterns. Shaking his head, he turned. Any thoughts?

Vezta offered a slight bow. I think you are operating optimally under the circumstances. I apologize for not being able to do more

Your scrying is a valuable duty and I lean on you hard for help managing the servants, learning more about the fortress, teaching Zullie as much magic as you ca, working with Zullie over the ritual, and your fighting skills and

Still, it pains me to not be able to fulfill a task upon being asked.

Physically painful?

Vezta stared a moment before laughing. A musical, uplifting laugh. Arkk wasnt sure he had ever heard the servant laugh before.

No, Vezta said with a smile on her face.

The smile was a bit much. Although he could tell that her mannerisms were well-meant, it still was a smile too wide with a few too many teeth.

Shaking off the sudden reminder of her vastly inhuman nature, Arkk returned her smile. Well, I hope Im doing right by you.

Of course you are, Master.

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