Thralls of a Dread Lord (1.5T)

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Retaak ate well as he listened to Ushochhushi’s instructions, which were laid out in great detail. He took care not to overeat, however, since as soon as he descended into the lower warrens an over-full belly would be a hindrance.

While the plan was too complex for most spawn, Retaak had no difficulty grasping the specifics. He would need to infiltrate Greyrock through a secret passageway. There were three keys which would open said passage, all of which could be found on high ranking prison wardens. Stealth was of the essence, since their quarry would be well guarded, but they would enjoy a distraction in the form of an assault on Oystkivat.

Retaak nodded, absorbing the details, listening for any hint of what cunning Ushochhushi was really planning. The Dread Lord’s Seneschal had many enemies, chief among them being the Ogre Gurgumaar who controlled much of the military power in Bemachhorak, the nation of the Spawn. Gurgumaar was not as powerful as Ushochhushi here in the warrens, but had more direct influence almost everywhere else, especially among the Dread Lord’s hordes and far-flung outposts. The Dread Lord’s subordinates were always scheming against one another, and Retaak expected that this was part of that web of rivalry and backstabbing for position.

In truth, Retaak would rather crack Ushochhushi’s skull open than serve him, but the other’s power over him was nearly as absolute as the Dread Lord’s. A mere thought from Ushochhushi could hurt him more than Waachear’s hot irons, thanks to the Dread Lord’s magic invested in the Seneschal. He had no choice but to serve, at least for now.

“Retaak? do you understand the mission I have given you?” asked Ushochhushi after a full hour of explanations.

“I do, lord,” said Retaak. He was full, and after sitting in the comfort of Ushochhushi’s luxurious meeting chamber, he felt good. The pounding in his skull, from Waachear’s brutes, was almost gone, and the pain from his recent breaking was almost faded. I understand what you are telling me, slavekeeping scum, and I will learn what you are keeping from me if I can.

Ushochhushi eyed him critically. “Very well then. Gurgumaar begins his attack on Oystkivat in twelve days. It will take you seven days to march there. If you fail me, Waachear will get his dearest wish. Do you understand?”

“Yes, lord,” said Retaak, trying to appear respectful. It was best to let Ushochhushi think that he was somewhat pliable.

“Then go,” said Ushochhushi.

“Without weapons, lord?”

Ushochhushi’s piercing eyes widened, and for a moment Retaak thought that he may have pushed his new patron too far. The Seneschal was known for his love of weapons, and there were many fine specimens on the wall.

“… going into the Warrens without a weapon, carrying two bars of silver, is suicide, lord.”

A long exhalation, escaped Ushochhushi’s lips and he shook his head. “I can see the logic in that Retaak, but you go too far in asking for something from my collection. Would you prefer axe or sword?”

“Why not both?”

“… so be it.”

The Seneschal snarled a series of commands in Brouvian and the two elf slaves returned. One carried a heavy battle axe with a long beard and a brutal looking back-spike while the other carried an ogre-sized falchion. Both weapons were immaculately cared for and not the usual crude metalwork found in the warrens. Retaak smiled and bowed.

“Thank you, lord,” Ushochhushi nodded, and he left.

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Retaak was escorted away by a squad of Elite orks clad in dark armour. The rode the lft with him down from the upper reaches of the Warren, standing silently as statues. They left him in the mustering halls, near the forges. One of them spit at his feet as the lift began to ascend again, but Retaak ignored the offence.

He needed to find help. He could not fulfill his mission without a skilled scout and someone familiar with the wilderness. Extra fighters would be useful as well. As he stood, considering where to start, he noticed a small band of orcs start to walk toward him, looking angry. He turned and began to travel around the enormous pit on which lifts traveled, but he saw another group, led by a big bull head towards him.

Retaak, wondering which of his many enemies had sent this new threat to greet him, turned toward the hive of tunnels that contained the smaller shops and pushed his way past the crowds, hoping to lose his pursuers…

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