Noah proceeded to lay out the plan and watched as Recter’s face began to glow.
“First, we will gather those of my tribe that have crossed the threshold. Then we will run non-stop for the capital. From what Jeline has said, we have quite the battle ahead of us.” Noah explained. Recter nodded enthusiastically.
“Yesss yesss. This is good.” He hissed, rubbing his hands together. “When do we leave?” Noah laughed and clapped him on the back.
“Right away!” He exclaimed. Together they requisitioned a few weapons and gathered other supplies from the armory before making their way through the gate. They tore off through the fields, running at full tilt. To Noah’s surprise, Recter didn’t struggle to keep up with him at all.
“Did you already advance your Grade as well?” He asked in shock.
“Did you think I’ve been idle? I am also feeling close to reaching the third Gate, though the final pieces have been elusive.” Recter replied, looking smug.
“Of course you did, that explains how I still can’t beat you in sparring.” Noah mused, causing Recter to hiss out a laugh.
“Ha! That has nothing to do with it. You are terrible with weapons, plain and simple. You are the least bad with a hammer, but even that is just a simpleton’s weapon–little better than a club! You will have to invest a significant amount of effort in mastering it before you have a chance against me.” He shot back. Noah frowned but bit back his response. As much as he hated to admit it, he was probably telling the truth. Six months of training amounted to little compared to those who had spent their life with weapons in hand.
They ran through the evening and night, the everbright sky illuminating their path. Though they encountered several roaming beasts, none seemed interested enough to attack. As they ran Noah realized he had a new moral dilemma to consider. He had spent the last couple months in a castle built by beasts, in a city filled with beasts, and hosted by a beast who now wanted to be his long-term ally. He had somehow forgotten the beasts that he had fought in the arena, who were more than able to speak their minds and live normal sapient lives. He really didn’t like the idea of killing intelligent beings, beast or man, and yet he had. But whether from the soul restoration or circumstantial reasoning he felt apathetic to their deaths in particular. In some cases it really was kill or be killed, and he wasn’t willing to die for old-world morality. He supposed that was the heart of the matter, in this new world where did one draw the line? Was every being fair game? Or would they appear as savages to the other people of the multiverse?
Noah realized it was the reality of his feelings that scared him the most. He had formed a new code of ethics but he just wasn’t willing to admit it to himself. If someone or something sought to harm him or his, they were fair game. If someone got in his way he would try a non-violent approach, but was violence really off the table? Even now he was about to capitalize on the death of others for his own gain, but he felt very little remorse. He felt a peace within him as he accepted this line of thinking, this was who he had become. As they ran, he extended his domain to form a sphere of awareness around him. It had grown through his practice and advancements, now encompassing over twenty feet in every direction without requiring excessive focus. He had learned in the arena that he could push it further, but his hold on it turned tenuous. The more he practiced it the more he saw the connection between it and his Gates, and he felt that they had a reciprocal relationship of sorts.
It was several hours past sunrise when signs of his people became visible. Several wisps of smoke trailed into the sky from cooking fires surrounded by tanned hide tents. He smiled as familiar faces came into view. He heard yelling as the scouts announced their arrival and several orcs came running to greet him.
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“Chief, you’ve returned!” Ne’Ja greeted, grasping his arm in a friendly manner.
“Ne’Ja gather the tribe, we must act quickly.” He ordered. Perceiving the importance of the matter, she turned at once and began to organize a meeting. He felt truly at home as he walked into the camp, and smiled warmly as he saw Ro’Kar and Ta’Ku coming his way.
“No’Ah, what it the matter?” Ro’Kar asked, his bellowing voice filling the camp. Noah held up a hand and pointed to the assembling crowd. He didn’t have time to explain it twice. Ro’Kar picked up on his meeting and joined the procession. Recter followed behind him quietly, but no one paid him much mind bar Ta’Ku who readily greeted the former companion. When they had all gathered, Noah moved to the center of the circle and raised a fist. The murmurs ceased and all eyes lay upon him.
“Thank you for gathering. I’m sad that I don’t have more time to feast with you, and to hear your stories but I have been given a task. There is a kingdom west of here that I am on may to conquer. The enemies will be powerful, likely much stronger than many of you, but if we defeat them we will claim their land and grow stronger still. I am leaving immediately, along with my companion, Recter. You may recognize his name from our stories or from the rankings. I will not ask you to join me, as it may very well be your death. But I would gladly fight alongside any who would take up the challenge.” Noah announced, his words firm but filled with passion. It was silent for a but a moment before the first foot stamped into ground, with a low thump. One after another the orcs began to join in, and a war chant began to rise. Noah’s skin tingled as his heart began to beat in time with footfalls. His heart was warm with pride as he looked over his companions. He never needed to ask.
“I will join you chief, No’Ah! To my final end!” Di’Ma roared as he stepped into the circle.
“To my final end!” Another shouted, stepping forward.
“To my final end!” One by one the orcs pledged themselves to the warpath, ending at last with Ro’Kar and Ta’Ku. Their eyes brimmed with anticipation. After a few moments he raised his fist again, and the war chant came to a close.
“We move to war! Ready your weapons, prepare your packs! We leave within the hour!” Noah shouted. He was met with a resounding cry of ascent before every orc scattered to prepare. Ta’Ku made his way over and embraced him.
“I’m glad you’re back. I was itching for the next battle.” He greeted. Noah chuckled.
“Sure you were. How have these last months been?” He asked.
“The queen was faithful to her words and we were unbothered in our stay. Many of us have advanced in one way or another and only 20 warriors remain Iron.” He reported. Noah nodded appreciatively.
“That’s wonderful news. Do you think they will be fine in our absence?” He asked regarding the 20. Ta’Ku nodded.
“Several of them are crafters but most are warriors who have lagged in their Gate, even though they continue to advance in Grade and Path. They will not be defenseless.” Ta’Ku assured.
“That’s good. And thank you, Ta’Ku.” He said. Ta’Ku nodded as if to say ‘of couse’ before he left to pack. Recter walked up beside him with a broad grin across his face. He hummed in satisfaction as he considered his words.
“Noah I like your people. They have worthy fighting spirits. I believe they would get along well with drakon.” He said, his head bobbing in approval. Noah laughed heartily.
“If you’re people are like you, then I agree. I would very much like to meet more of your kind.” He replied. Recter nodded.
“Yess. I also would like to meet more of my kind. I have gotten the impression that we are a less numerous people than the other races, as there are many orcs in a single location but I have yet to see another drakon. From what you said, the same is true for the elves and humans.” He mused.
“Ah I did meet one other drakon in my travels, he was living amongst the humans at the time and went by Jergin.” Noah commented.
“Hmm.” Recter hummed, scratching at his chin scales. “I do not recognize that name, but perhaps I will seek him out after all of this.”
“If you do, perhaps I will join you.” Noah thought aloud. They quickly commandeered some freshly roasted meat and wandered to the gathering point. Before long the tribe was assembled and it was time to leave.
“We will run until we cannot run any further, only then can we afford to stop. I hope you have all kept up your training!”
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