Thralls of a Dread Lord (1.23T)
Welcome to my weekly serial. This is a rough draft that I am working on, for your reading pleasure.
It is a fairly grim tale, so be warned.
Here is the first post from this series.
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They left Ushochhushi’s in a daze, still reeling from the Kaasukak oath. Their patron was eager to see them off to Oystkivat; the attack would soon commence and he wanted this prisoner.
Uyaashie led them through another smuggler’s tunnel as they left the Fellspawn warrens, helping them escape the notice of their enemies. Once they were in the mountains, surrounded by trees and rock, Uyage took over the lead; there was no better pathfinder in Bemachhorak.
Through the first day, there was very little talk. Only Ashoktyaar seemed unaffected by the Kaasukak. Retaak was in a foul mood; he hated the compulsion with a burning intensity and bowing to Ushochhushi had taken much from him. he hoped to repay the indignity in blood, one day.
Gradually his temper eased and his mind turned to the mission. What did Ushochhushi want with this elf? He doubted it was pure lust that motivated the crafty Seneschal, despite the two elf slave women that attended him. There was something very valuable about this Albyursia Pástyamóz; to the spawn value equated to strength as often as it did wealth. Perhaps she knew some kind of magic that Ushochhushi sought.
Part of the mystery surrounding their quarry was why she was imprisoned by her fellow elves; what kind of power or information did she have that would place her at odds with her own kin in a time of war. Knowing Ushochhushi she was likely a traitor or spy of some sort; the Seneschal was good at turning others to his ends. While elves were not subject to Kassukak, their frail bodies were easily broken by the seasoned torturers of Bemachhorak. Retaak’s thoughts took a dark turn at this, remembering his own time under Waachear’s cruel knife.
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They climbed out and away from the Fellspawn Warrens and by nightfall even the great burning fires that illuminated the Iron Towers of the Dread Lord’s palace were distant enough that they were almost lost among the stars.
Retaak and the others made camp with swift efficiency. Uyage built a small fire and kept in shrouded so it would not be visible from far away. Ashoktyaar busied himself gathering wood and wild mushrooms while Uyaashie and Kuzat set up the small tents that would protect them from the wind and cold.
Retaak made stew, cooking it slowly over the fire, waiting until the others were finished with their tasks. It was a thick, hearty blend of meat, tubers, and mushrooms, made with the kind of spices preferred by those from the low warrens.
A growling from nearby caused Retaak’s hand to fly to his axe, at least until he realized that it was just Uyaashie’s stomach rumbling.
“It smells delicious,” she said, sitting down on a rock beside him.
“It is a recipe that I have perfected on many long journeys,” answered Retaak. “It is thick enough to keep you warm, nourishing enough to keep you going, and light enough for me to carry a good supply.”
Uyaashie smiled. “I have some questions for you before the others return, Retaak.”
…
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