Age of Heroes (Age of Heroes Chronicles)

Chapter 255: Orc land (2)

A few hours later they finally arrived at their destination. They could see thousands of orc on the outside of the stronghold, hundreds of camps all around it, tents made of leather and some kind of thick cloths.

It is the famous Orc horde. As Vor clan they have the most warriors under them and the greatest experience in fighting.

Such sight is expected.

But when the rest of the other clan unites to fight them, even their clan reputed to be the strongest is in danger. The capital of Arakath could not interfere without any justification.

Each land governs according to their own law. Thus is the Laws of the treaty

And while the capital has certain powers over the regions, internal affairs of their race is their business.

To Arial it seems like an ineffective way to rule a government. They are separated by walls, culture and geography.

It is like a racial conflict begging to happen someday.

But maybe his opinion is unneeded. After all he does not truly understand the culture of the Dark Lands.

What works for humankind may not necessarily work for the Demonkind.

The capital could not interfere unless it involves other race and only then can the Capital step up.

It is why he is here. He could hear the murmuring and whispers as he rides across the many tents

'Human' they whisper. Arial did not pay too much attention to them. This is probably the first time some Orcs have ever laid their eyes on a human

With Fera as his guide Arial enter the stronghold and greeted by Koer Vor on one of the war camp around this area.

Arial do not understand the Orc Land. Do they have certain regions or does the Land encompass everything?

Are they communal and have no idea of personal property like the Goblins or minimal rights like the dwarves who live in a caste society?

What he knows is this. This is the area that Vor clan protects.

'Lord Arial, we meet again.'

'Yes, it is an honor'

They have known each other when they sign the treaty.

'To think we meet in such circumstances is truly lamentable.' Koer Vor sighed as he was saying this. Arial also only shows a bitter smile and nodded

'True. I would li-' Arial was about to say something more but then even before he could take his seat, suddenly a sound pierces the silence.

A horn is being blow on.

'We are being attacked again! This mangy dogs wouldn't stop!' Koer exclaimed.

Again? Arial notice the word choice of Koer.

'Ready the men. I will personally enter the battle this time.' Koer ordered the moment his soldier enters his tent. And quickly the stronghold begun sprang alive with activities.

'What should we do, Arial?' Velamina asked. Arial frowned and then he said

'Hmm, I guess we can join them or we can watch from the sidelines. After all I also need to know more about the Orc Lands'

'Let's join them.' She said, smirking

'I was thinking the same thing.' Arial said, nodding in agreement

While Koer took time to address his soldier Arial jumps into one of the horses with Velamina taking another horse and following behind him as they rush outside to meet the enemies.

The moment they reach outside they could see about two thousand Orcs soldiers with their horses riding fiercely to attack the stronghold.

The entire land seems to be shaking because of their horses stomping the ground. Arial did not hesitate

Arial on horseback rushed to the enemy and he unsheathe his Enochian blade as powerful power erupted from him.

He waved his sword as his sword sliced an orc soldier into two, and killing another with a stabbing motion

'Humans!' one of them exclaimed.

But these Orc are not stupid. One of the Orc commanders yelled and suddenly the cavalry division began opening a path ignoring Arial and heading straight to the stronghold.

They are methodical Arial mused.

They would rather lose a few troops then lose their goal. Instead of fighting him and halt their riding momentum, better they just ignore him.

And that make Arial heart boils a little. He shouted

'Velamina, we need to do some damage for them to slow down' he yelled and she understands.

She follows them from behind and hack any Orc that fall behind from the ride. Arial on the other hand began showing his strength.

'HYARRHH' he yelled and he releases a slicing attack. His slicing attack seems to pierce through the wind and one could see ripple in the air as that slicing motion traveled forward.

ARGH! Screams of pain could be heard only a second later

thirty Orcs died because of the wide arc of that attack. That attack was combined with his internal energy that resulted in a large area of effect towards the Orc army.

'WHAT!'

'WHO IS THAT HUMAN! STOP HIM!' One of them shouted

They began seeing him as a threat. Since they ignored him the damage inflicted on the Orc is more severe.

Then from the stronghold about a thousand Orc ride to battle and Arial use that confusion to inflict more damage.

He was slicing, stabbing and slashing from the back while the momentum of the enemy is stopped by Koer elite guard.

Then like the wind the Commander of the enemies yelled again and they once again retreated. This left Arial with a bit of a bitter aftertaste.

'They retreated?'

And then he finally understands. A guerrilla attack. That is why Koer said again. They have been hit before.

As Arial thought.

They may not have fancy buildings like the Capital but there is no doubt of the Orc tactical brilliance.

They are trained in warfare. Thinking about it as a military commander himself, it is the logical conclusion.

Using sabotage and ambush, attacking several fronts.

Dispersal is often suitable for the weaker side, in fact if he ever leads an army of few people even he would come up with such ideas.

To attack in a concentrated force when you are weak, would only make your troop an easier target.

Then Koer summon his man back again, exhausted and frustrated. He must have repelled the same attack countless of time before.

Velamina ride to Arial.

'What do we do now?' she asked. Arial once again frowned and then he decided a course of action for himself.

'It is important that I know the geography and the surrounding of these area for me to help Koer.'

Mikael has given him the edict and ask him to aid the Orc.

Of course he could reject at the time and after all Mikael thought Arial would reject it which is why it comes as a surprise when Arial accept.

Arial will not accept something he could not solve. The least he could do was try.

Looking at the trace of battle he sighed and then they return back to the stronghold.