Crimson Talon - An Uruk Dominion tale

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Seventy Six






Do not concern yourself with such matters but know this: if you fail, your head will soon follow his.
-Alpha Sten to a Mordred knight



The axe-sword is a crude instrument. It can cleave a man in two and decapitate an Uruk.
That's all she's good for and it's enough!
-Toke One-Eye



'They were captured last night.' the tall, black Uruk Gan informed his superior.
Both Uruks were stomping through the empty, humid hallways.
'How many?' Sten Volchok demanded.
'Four. Just four.' Dhaub said.
Sten cursed. Not because of the humans, the Uruk Gan knew this. The mud was caking on his boots. His master disliked humidity.
Sten was the biggest Uruk in the camp yet he hated getting his feet wet.
The cell doors were right in front of them. They could hear the prisoners voices coming from inside.
'Let's get this over with.' his commander growled.
Time to play the monster, thought Sten.

*

'Well, I've always knew it will end like this.' Skanne the Scarred confessed to his brother-in-arms.
'The four of us inside a Dominion dungeon.'
'No better way to go!' Vane the Mad shouted.
'At least we're together.' replied Adaluin the Fair.
'Shut up!' Gurian ordered.
There came a sound of footsteps from the corridor. Heavy ones, thought Gurian. They're here!
'Remember! Above all, you're Mordreds!' he told his brothers before the heavy doors were slammed opened.
'Not sure if this counts anymore.' Skanne whispered, looking horrified as the giant brute walked in.
He was wearing little armor but you could tell he was a chief among his people. His skin was dark but his head looked regal. For a moment, Gurian forgot he was himself chained to the wall, wearing no armor but a loincloth.
Poor bastards, the beast thought, watching the shackles and their dirty faces.
'You've been tasked to kill me.' the Uruk general growled. 'You failed.'
Not from the lack of trying, thought the Mordred Captain.
'It was supposed to go smooth but a Ly Kan gave us away. ' Skanne informed the monster.
The brute grinned.
'Aye, Ly Kans make good watchdogs.'
He was surprisingly unscathed, for an Uruk. This one knows how to save his skin, Gurian realized. We didn't have a chance.
The monster had an object in his hand. He lifted up into the torchlight.
It was a helm, a knight's helm. My own, thought Gurian. He recognized the bat wings on the top.
'You've come a long way from Avalon, Mordreds. Looks like you're survivors, like me.'
The brute was examining the helm. His words sounded strange to the Captain. Is this a trick? Why do you care? Why don't you just kill us already?
Another monster walked in the cell, lowering his head so as not to hit the low ceiling. He was carrying something. It was too dark for Gurian to see what.
'These rebels have been a thorn in my side for too long.' the monster continued. 'I have a proposition, Mordreds.'
The Uruk Commander's voice was a guttural whisper but they understood every word. His adjutant gave him the object. The leader dropped it on the floor.
'You'll go to Vasquez and you'll give him this!'
Gurian saw it clearly now, under the torchlight. It was a head, an Uruk's head.
'Tell that whoreson you've got my head.' Sten's eyes glowed with intent. 'And bring me his head.'
'What if he notices it's not yours?' Vane the Mad replied.
The large Uruk blinked slowly. His golden eyes were shinning beacons in the darkness.
'Do not concern yourself with such matters but know this: if you fail, your head will soon follow his.'
With his boot, he pushed the false trophy towards Gurian.
'Do this for me and you will live.'
Then, the creature turned and left their cell. The large adjutant unchained their wrists.
'What was that?!' Adaluin the Fair whispered in disbelief.
'That was Alpha Sten.' Gurian informed his men.

*

That same night they were sent to return to the fortress. The Volgier guards allowed them in, under the cover of darkness and mocked them for their lack of horses.
'Poor Mordreds, did the river drowned your ponies?'
'No, your mothers got them.' japed Vane the Mad.
This made the halberdiers laughed. For once, Gurian was thankful for Vane's loud mouth.
It's all going according to plan.
The false head gave them free passage. Direct access to the private quarters of the rebel general. They were brought there by the Volgiers.
Vasquez, in person, welcomed them.
'It is true what they say about Mordreds!'
Vane the Mad was clutching his dagger.
'Now?' he whispered to his captain.
'Not yet.' Gurian replied. 'Wait for the signal.'
'Show me!' Their victim was excited. 'Let me see the head of the beast!'
When they gave Vasquez the false head, he immediately called for 'reinforcements'.
'Anita! Maria! Come see!'
Both wife and daughter came to gawk at the monstrosity.
'You've done us a great service, senor!' the general's betrothed congratulated Gurian. 'We are forever grateful to you. Anything you ask and you shall have it!'
'I ask for your daughter's hand in marriage.'
The Captain's words shocked everyone present, including his men.
'What...are...you...doing?' he could hear Adaluin the Fair whisper in their native tongue.
They're all dead anyway. This changes nothing, thought Gurian.
Then they heard Vasquez shouting with delight:
'Of course! Of course! Maria, bring the wine and chalices. We must celebrate!'

*

Outside the castle, the two Uruks were silently watching from the trenches. They could hear music and laughter coming from inside.
'Looks like they've took the bait.' Sten said to his Bodyguard.
'Should I call the attack?'
'Not yet.'
Sten Volchok smiled.
'Let them have their feast.'

*

'So how do we get out?' Adaluin demanded to know.
They were seated alongside each other, surrounded by guests and armed guards.
'Through the sewers. I know a way.' Vane said and took another gulp of wine.
They were speaking in their own tongue for the Meravangians understood no word of it. Gurian was nowhere in sight.
'That fool will get us all killed.'
Skanne the Scarred hardly touched his plate.
'Your food is getting cold.' Adaluin the Fair noticed.
'It all depends on how drunk the guards are.' Vane declared. 'You know, I never heard an Uruk use big words like that! I don't even know what verocity means!'
'Veracity.' Skanne muttered through clentched teeth. 'It means the Uruks will act as if we've accomplished our mission.'
'Oh, I see. Pretty smart, for an Uruk!'
'Smarter than you, for certain!' Adaluin japed.
At the end of the table, Vasquez the Rebel rejoiced.
'Friends, I give you...' the rebels leader announced.
He got to his feet and revealed the gruesome trophy to the crowd.
'... Sten Volchok of the Uruk Dominion!' he declared, holding the head up high.
'Here, here!' Vane the Mad raised his glass. 'To Commander Vasquez and his family!'
'Wretched fool.' Skanne observed with disgust.
'Who was he?' Adaluin pointed his fork towards the gigantic skull. 'Do you lads ever think of such matters? Was he was a friend or a foe?'
'Who cares?!' Skanne shouted. 'Nobody will ask questions about your stupid head if we fail and I for one, like mine where it is! So shut it!'
'Nobody asked you anything, Skanne.'
Gurian appeared, out of nowhere. His calm was impenetrable as usual.
'Well, you certainly looked pleased with yourself.' Vane the Mad observed.
'Let's just say I got what I wanted.' the Mordred Captain licked his thin lips. 'Ahead of time.'
The Mordreds watched the entire thing play out like a bad comedy. In truth, the head bared little resemblance to Alpha Sten, except maybe, the long, shaggy hair. Vasquez had no idea how Sten actually looked like, in real life. He only saw the Uruk leader from a far.
'Come, brothers! Let us feast!' he told the Mordreds. 'You have done a great service to Mankind!'
You have no idea, Gurian thought. You simpering fool.
Later that night, the Mordreds caught him in the privy. They killed Vasquez while he was trying to take a piss.


*


The night was cold and silent. Two Uruks were still watching the parapets.
'What if they betray us?'
Dhaub's voice was betraying him. He's anxious, thought Sten. He wants a fight. Predictable, like all Uruks.
'They will not.'
The music was still there. The feast was still going.
'What if they fail again?'
Sten hushed his Bodyguard with a gesture.
'Look, up there.'
And the Bodyguard saw with his own eyes. Perched up high, on a tower, a lonely figure was flashing the attackers with a small torch.
'There's your signal, Dhaub.'
Sten smiled again.
'Sound the attack.'

*

'Hurry up!' Adaluin hissed, watching down the hallway as Skanne took care of business.
'This is delicate work.' the Scarred grinned. 'You don't want me to damage the merchandise.'
After it was done, the head of Vasquez was secure and Adaluin gave a whistle out the window to Vane on the roof.
His flaming arrow alerted all the guards posted on the ramparts. Then all hell broke loose.
'Morgana help us!' Skanne shouted, running through the large corridor. 'We won't survive this!'
'Keep running!' Gurian demanded.
He could hear it clearly now. Rockets were hitting the outer walls. Bestial roars came from the gates ouside.
The Dominion was coming.

*

'So, you survived.'
Sten looked down on them, from his iron throne.
'And you brought me the skull of Vasquez.'
The scene was repeating itself. This time, the head was real. The Uruk leader looked pleased. All the Mordreds were present.
'You will serve as my personal Bodyguard from now on.' Sten declared. 'You will fight on foot, as is the Uruk way.'
Gurian felt the morale drop, right there, on the floor.
'I will not have cavalry running amok in my camp. My veterans are prickly over such matters. Gorun here, will teach you the ways of the axe-sword. That is all.'
They got to their feet. He could hear the resentment brewing inside his men. Their questions were his own.
How are we knights without warhorses? How shall we fight from now on?
It all faded when the large veteran brought them their new swords. Black as night, they were, as if to steal all hope from the enemy.
The Mordred Captain lifted his own glaive.
Deadly, she is. Heavier than any blade.
Without even a try, Gurian the Mordred knew then and there:
he was in love.





© Games Workshop


The rest of the Meravigian host was burned in the city square with rockets by Ly Kans.
The castle was renamed Kala Sten.
Later, it was found out that the rebels had a Heavy Mortar but lacked the gunpowder to use it.
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Seventy Three




We are the strongest race on Thera. Our mission is to lead by example, not force.
-Sundak Hades, last descendant of the Hadessa



'I was there when Toke died.'

The blind veteran said.
The recruits gathered closer, holding their collective breaths. It was a rare time, indeed, to hear about a legend.
'It was during the First Battle of Hoth*, you see?
We had those Valiente dogs surrounded. They were led by their First Minister, a young pup of barely fifteen summers. Fernan, I think, was his name.'
None dared interrupt him. So he carried on with the story.
'It was hot, as it usually is, in Ibellica. You know, by now, how we Uruks love heat.'
That got a few approving grunts from the other veterans present. The old warhound knew how to tell a tale.
'We were just finishing off the Valientes, some lads even took down Fernan from his horse. Can't remember who, could've been our lads or some pikemen of the Free Companies**. That was when the Faustians appeared.'
Some Uruks spat on the floor, at the mere sound of the name.
'Aye' the old Uruk continued 'no declaration of war, no warning. Just their banners and horses on the horizon. They came to relieve a dead man!'
Even the tavern wenches were listening now.
'Toke, who was called Ragnvald, at that time, routed the Valientes, killed most of their army but found himself trapped between the city gates and the advancing Faustian army.'
A moment of silence followed, just enough for the old Uruk to catch his breath and hold back curses.
'He charged headlong, Callisto bless his heart! Straight into the ranks of the enemys! It was Faustian pikemen that did him in. As for the rest of us, we stood no change against their Grenadiers and Line Infantry. They poured murderous fire upon us so we had to pull back. We didn't retrieve his body. He lay there, for a whole week, where he fell, lanced through by hundreds of pikes. '
He stopped once more, as listeners imagined the scene.
'That is how Toke One-Eye died.' concluded the veteran.
'NO!' a voice ran up from the crowd. 'He didn't die there!'
A one legged Ly Kan stepped forward, jumping on his good leg and holding his crutches tight.
'I know how he died, for I was there!'
The crowd turned to face him. The blind Uruk growled.
'Enlighten us, dog.'
'Yes' the Ly Kan licked his snout. 'It was at the Second Battle of Hoth***, not the first! It was winter, not summer! And it was the first time the Faustians used their KPG's **** on us! But we had the Priests of Callisto and they set the entire field aflame!'
The wolfman showed off his charred stump.
'That's how I lost this leg.'
This caused a stir in the crowd.
'You lie, dog!'
The giant who spoke commanded respect. All the drunkards, beggars and harlots moved out of his way. He was a Gan, judging by his insignia and white hair.
'I was there and there were no Priests! Taurus Vlad commanded us and Toke was nowhere to be seen. We took the city without any withcraft. Aye, Kaiser Pike Guardsmen were there and they died to the last man. We took their clothes and equipment. The enemy commander, a dog named Erhart was killed by a musketball. To this day, no one knows who fired the killshot.'
The werewolf was silent now. He just bared his fangs in submission.
'The Faustians were so afraid that two of their Line Infantry regiments remained outside the city! They didn't dare to scale the walls, as honest Uruks would!'
No one dared challenge the giant Gan, either. Except for a small girl, in the corner.
'Look at you, fools, bickering over who did what and who died when.'
The monster turned towards her, his hand grasping the handle of an enormous glaive.
'Say that again, you worthless...'
'Worm!' the girl screamed, jumping to her legs.
'Is this how you address your god, you worthless animal?'
Her eyes glowed in the dark. The Gan's expression changed to horror.
'It... it cannot be...'
The girl smiled. Her pale skin was cracked here and there, showing signs of supernatural influence.
'I know what happened at the Second Battle of Hoth and I know what happened in Aachen. I know what happened during the Siege of Peluda and I know what's going to happen here. I was there. I am everywhere.'
She pushed her blond hair from her eyes.
'And I see a whole bunch of unbelievers, here to question my authority.'
The blind veteran turned his head towards the girl.
'Bless us, Mother, for we are unworthy!'
Callisto smiled again.
'Oh, I will.' she said, through a child's pale lips.
The entire tavern exploded in pure, white flame.

*







* First act of war of the Faustian Reich against the Dominion; First act of war of the Faustian Reich against the Uruks, also a Total Defeat for the Dominion; Jobst von Hamburg intervenes to save Fernan de Valiente; DominionTotal Defeatso a Total Defeat for the Dominion
**human mercenaries employed by the Dominion to counter enemy cavalry
*** Second Battle of Hoth, Taurus Vlad conquers the city; DominionDominionDominion Total Victory
**** Kaiser Pike Guard, elite unit of pikemen

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Seventy Five





They said I'm not fit to be Alpha yet here I am.
They said Ibellica is unconquerable yet here we stand!
-Alpha Attila addressing his troops


The speech didn't have its desired effect.
His Uruks were tired of campaigning, Attila could sense this. But he was their leader and they had to follow him, no matter what. Or else he would slaughter them all.
Sword or no sword, I am still Alpha.
The Rudis was missing. Without it, Attila's claim to the throne was fragile, at best. After Kaga was assassinated, he was named Alpha, purely because he was the adopted son of Seleukos. And that made him next in line.
Seleukos...
Seleukos the Butcher, who died in Mesocala. Abandoned by his troops. Surrounded by savages.
That won't happen to me. I'll make sure of it.
Attila couldn't afford to let his fear shine through. He feared the troops, he feared the human mercenaries, he even feared his Uruks. There was discontent in their eyes. He could feel it. One day, a sword-axe will fall and he won't be ready for it.
Thus, the Uruk leader did what he knew best: roar and maim. Uruks respect strength so that was what he showed. At every step, at every corner. The slightest provocation would send him in a fury.
He killed a Ly Yar boy for not pouring wine in his cup faster.
He maimed an old captain for failing to salute.
These acts did little to improve his image with the troops. Mad Attila, that was his nickname. No one wanted to get in his way.
So when he gave the order to attack, that morning, they followed. They followed out of fear for him more than out of fear for the enemy. His Uruks were facing a Faustian army, ten times larger than their own. Mad Attila led the charge.
If I am to die, let it be at the hands of my enemy...
He saw the black coats of enemy riflemen through the morning mist. When the bullets started whizzing by his head, Mad Attila wasn't afraid. Battle was something he knew well. An old friend to be greeted and admired.
He was not alone in this charge. Other Uruks, not just his Bodyguards, were racing towards the Faustian line.
Another volley, more lead balls hit their strong bodies. Some Uruks fell, skulls shattered. Others raged on.
'For Demos! For Kaga!' Attila roared.
But this wasn't an synchronized suicide-attack. Soon, the familiar hissing of rockets hit their ears, as they went over their heads and fell into the Faustian line. The Line Infantrymen went for cover, just in time for the Uruk maulers to close ranks with them. There was no quarter given.
This is what the Uruks were good at. Mad Attila killed with the precision of a mountain gorilla in musk. Close, raw, hand-to-hand combat. The victim died with his hands on his sword and his blue eyes staring into his. Mad Attila was a master of decapitations. It took less time and the axe-sword didn't get stuck in the body. Everywhere on the battlefield, throats were cut and limbs were severed.
They'd do the same to us, the leader thought, in the midst of the melee.
No Uruk was ever captured alive in Tierra Madera. They all knew this. The town of Medusa was nearby but that was no guarantee against the cutthroats and the rebels swarming the surrounding countryside.
The Valiente never stop fighting! It is in our blood!
Attila's mother told him this. She was a princess of the Ducado. Mencia, was her name.
She taught him everything there was to know about the people of Ibellica. The Cursed Continent, as it was known among Dominion high circles. Nothing came close, except Mesocala.
A rifleman was kneeling and taking aim with his musket. The Alpha lobbed off his head in one swipe. He stumbled upon some children, looting a corpse. The people in these lands were tough, raised and trained in warfare from infancy.
Attila stopped and stared. They stared back at him. Every man, woman and child knew how to fire a bow or to throw a javelin in Ibellica. Expert hunters and fishermen, the locals thrived, populating every single region, no matter the obstacles.
With a wave of his bloody hand, he scared them away.
Humans dominated the continent. The tribes fought against each other, mercilessly, long before the Uruk invasion. Even the more advanced nations did so, for land or riches. The Valientes fought the Tahars, the Faustians fought the Valientes and the Povos da Hispanna fought against everyone.
The arrival of the Uruks only made them unify against a common threat. It turned the deep valleys and gorges into hunting grounds for ambushes. It made every castle and mote into a redoubtable fortress.
But out in the field, they were vulnerable. If they weren't on horseback.
Attila knew this well and urged his Uruks forward. He was out of breath but his troops weren't. He looked around, surveying the battlefield. Yes, they were winning. It was obvious.
The smell of cordite reached his nostrils. The humans redoubled their efforts into the scientific exploration. Their gunpowder took many ancestral lives. Uruks, Mahishas, Ly Kans, no one was safe from the black powder.
But the Dominion brought dark magic into the fold. And with the Dominion came the feared Priests of Callisto. Their hellfire washed every battlefield in Ibellica. Every stone in every fortress was marked. And in battle, hell spilled forth from inside their palms. These pale men, instructed to serve the Goddess of Chaos, whose unnatural presence send many warriors fleeing to the hills.
This battle was no different.
Lorenz Kruger knew this well, as he charged the dark figures on top of the hill. He had one chance. One chance to rescue his men and turn the tide. As a commander, he had this responsibility.
But the priests saw him. One in their ranks still had some 'fuel' left. The Firestarter, as he was called. He had the mission to protect the group from any unexpected attacks, be it cavalry or infantry.
And this wizard's name was Octreomus. Octo, for short. He was only twenty two summer old.
'Goddess, Firebringer, Undefeated One...' the young priest chanted, his eyes closed.
The Faustian Captain rose his pistol, singling him out from the crowd. The timing between Octo's hellfire and Kruger's shot stretched for an eternity in one single moment.
Flames licked the tall grass, igniting it instantaneously. The projectile hit Octreomus' head, lead ball grazing his skull. The river of fire turned the Faustian general's horse into ashes but Kruger jumped, just in time.
He managed to hid behind a large stone formation, where he stood for the remainder of the day.
His superior, General Maximilian Echter was not so lucky. He fell victim to a Ly Yar rocket, a hundred yards away, like thousands of his men.
In the end, the Priests of Callisto burned two hundred Faustians in the field.
The chronicles recorded this clash as The First Battle of Medusa.
Mad Attila, despite his wish, was very much alive.
'Damn you!' he cursed his troops. 'Damn you all to hell!'


*

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Seventy Seven






After the death of Alpha Kaga, his lieutenants left Buchendorf and went on to besiege Apelia, last bastion of the Valiente.
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy




'Tell me, old friend. What happened here?' the investigator demanded, in a low whisper.
'There was a fire, my lord.' replied the human.
They were both sitting in the middle of the scorched room, among the fallen bodies. Some of them were still smouldering. Strabo smiled, once more, to himself.
'Evidently, Severus. That I can see. But I want more details from you. Who was the culprit? What was the cause? Why burn down this place ?'
Severus scratched his ginger head. Unlike his master, he wasn't very fond of mind games.
'A drunken brawl, I guess.'
'I think you can guess better than that, Severus.'
The human looked at the corpses. Charred to the bone, they were. Unrecognizable.
'There was some pyrotechnics involved. Perhaps a Priest of Callisto? Maybe some old bugger blasphemed.'
That made his master chuckle.
'Heh... Inventive but no.'
Strabo, son of Tiberius the Noble Savage, bent down and picked up a splinter from the ashes. No, it wasn't a splinter. Severus approached. His boot heels crunched down on the ashes.
'Look closer. What do you see?'
'A bone.'
The Uruk general gave a nod. His bald head reflected the lantern's yellow light outside.
'Yes, but not just any bone.'
He pointed towards the floor. His legs where placed on a spot left untouched by the fire. A circle, almost.
'This is where it started. And this...' Strabo lifted the bone into the light.
'This is the finger bone of a child.'
Severus swallowed. All of the sudden, the cold in the room became palpable. They were in the Frostlands, after all.
'Human, by the looks of it.' the investigator continued. 'It belongs to a girl, no more than six summers of age. She is the key, Severus.'
Strabo revealed the charred room with a wave of his hand.
'She is the cause of all of this.'
The man swallowed his fear. After a while, he spoke.
'How can a girl burn down a whole tavern?'
Strabo offered another mysterious smile.
'Well, apparently...'
The wolves were howling outside.
'She imploded.'


*

'I've seen a dead one, you know.' Lord Eric Blake, Grand Commodore and last Lord of the Greystokes, confessed to his second-in-command.
They were both watching the great black beast as it stood on the deck of their ship and scoured the sea with its menacing gaze. All pirates on board kept their distance from the monster.
'Where was that?' asked Ulrich the Squid, his ginger mustache barely moving during the whisper.
'In the High Inquisitor's Palace.' the pirate lord turned and smiled to his friend.
Ulrich's face turned white.
'Your grandfather would be rolling in his grave if he knew.'
'My grandfather is on the bottom of the sea, like his father before him.' said the Grand Commodore. 'Time to entertain our guest.'
Before he could leave, Eric grabbed his underling's shoulder and whispered in his ear.
'See to the men. Make sure they don't start a brawl with the Uruks. We don't need incidents before landing.'
'Aye, aye, sir!' the Squid saluted.
The pirate lord stomped as he approached, to announce the beastman of his arrival.
'How much longer?' the leader of all Uruks grunted.
He's growing impatient, thought Blake. How typical.
'A week. Maybe less.' Eric lied. 'Why? Are you in a hurry?'
The Uruk turned and bared his large fangs.
'Don't make jokes with me, human.' he growled. 'I've killed for far less.'
'Why are you so tense?' the pirate lord continued, unaffected by the outburst. 'Is it because of that?'
In front of them, into the far distance, there was land. They could see dense jungles surrounded by the heavy mist.
'Your people never conquered this land. Mesocala...'
The Uruk was silent so Blake continued.
'They say it's full of riches. They say Uruks are dying in their thousands over there, even as we speak...'
'Fools, the lot of 'em.' the Immortal rasped.
'Do you not wish to be rich?'
The Alpha of the North looked down at the human.
'All the riches in the world are useless. Nothing matters.'
'So you're a nihilist then.' the Lord Commodore probed.
The Immortal's voice was low thunder.
'I want what is mine.'
The great beast turned its large back to Eric Blake. The pirate lord knew what it meant.
This discussion is over.





You die a thousand deaths before you live just once.
-Uruk proverb

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Seventy Nine







Nothing will remain of this place.
-Ugo Grim





The snows were high enough so you could hardly see the bodies anymore.
But Severus knew they were there.
His master knew it and so did the killer.
'Here.' the large Uruk Gan stopped in his tracks. 'This is where I killed them.'
Those words sent shivers down the human's spine, more than the cold itself. His master smiled, as always.
'Show me.' he whispered to the slayer. 'Show me where you were.'
'You're really brave.' the monster grunted. 'For a Halfbreed...'
Severus instinctively pressed his hand against the hilt of his sword. He was watching the slayer closely.
You can never be too careful with these monsters.
'Why do you say that?' inquired Strabo, his gloved hand massaging his scalp.
The tall pines cracked under the chilled air. There was silence, all around.
'Well, there may be others. Watching. Newcomers. Here for the same purpose, as us.'
The killer was looking at the trees, his bestial brow darkened in concentration. His master joined him, watching in the same direction.
'What do you see?'
'There, on the cliff.' the slayer grunted. 'That shadow. Do you see it?'
Severus didn't turn to look in that direction. He was too focused on the Gan. His master's life depended on the quickness of his reactions. But what good am I, really? he thought, bitterly. If the Berserker decided to charge, all Severus could hope to do was stall him until his master reached safety.
I must be the only human Bodyguard in the entire Dominion...
'I see it.' Strabo whispered. 'What do you think it is?'
A scarecrow. A dummy. A bloody pine, cut down in his prime. Who cares? There's nothing alive for miles.
The cold was getting to him. Uruks thrived in frozen climates, their thick skin providing isolation. Severus wasn't made for this weather. I'm freezing my legs off and we still haven't found that bloody sword!
'Could be a Vozagog *.' the veteran guessed.
'Nay, he wouldn't be out in the open like that.'
Then, the snow moved.
Something was rising behind them. And in front of them. Before Severus could say anything, the corpses rose to their feet, everywhere he looked. All Uruks, all bigger than him, all dead. Mutilated, some were missing limbs, some even more. They all had a thing in common: they were coming straight at them.
'Muh...muh-master?'
His lips could hardly move. His legs were frozen on the spot. He was shaking violently. Not from the cold. As if in a dream, he heard the Berserker chuckle.
'Your Snaga just pissed himself.'
'He's not my slave... And he hasn't soiled himself!' Severus heard his employer retaliate. 'Come, help me with him.'
The human felt the strong hands of the Uruks grabbing him, dragging him to safety. He could still listen to them. But he couldn't move.
Useless, you're useless, Severus.
'Some Bodyguard.' growled the veteran, echoing his thoughts.
A headless Uruk appeared, brandishing an axe-sword. The Berserker sliced him in half. His glaive shun, darkened by the frozen blood. They were back to back now, his master and the slayer.
'Necromancer, by the looks of it.' the veteran pointed to the walking dead. 'How do we beat him?'
His master stabbed a corpse twice his size, through the eye-socket and sent the whole thing rolling down the hill with a shove of his boot.
'He has to see what he's doing, like all sorcerers.'
Strabo gazed towards the lonely shadow.
'I can go. You keep my property safe.'
'Ha, no promises.'
The slayer laughed as he sliced. Some of these Uruks have felt his blade before. He's killing them twice! thought Severus.
Soon enough, there was only the massive figure of the Berserker, standing above him. All encompassing, stealing all light, like a giant from Hell.
This is a stupid way to die.
His eyes were closing now. The cold was gone. What was left behind was a strange calmness, a warm sort of peace invading his limbs and his soul.
This is a stupid death.
Above him, the Berserker was still laughing.


*



For once, Ullon the Unworthy was silent. The warrior who once served under Arcadius the Saintwas silent as well was silent too.
The icy dark water reflected their tired faces. The boat rocked them gently.
A human was rowing.
It was the same Zhuliki who saved Ullon's life, a long time ago. For some reason, the hunter preferred Uruk company.
'There we are, three souls in a small boat.' the poet broke the long silence.'Three souls, somewhere in the Sea of Always Winter.'
'Why are you still carrying that?' the warrior pointed to the package in Ullon's lap.
'I made a promise to Callista and I intend to keep it.'
A lone, solitary strand of golden hair shivered in the Arctic wind.
'Why would a goddess need a human head?' Geru insisted.
'Look, friend' Ullon rose to his senses ' I don't pretend to understand the ways of the gods. I don't question their ways and they don't question mine. I only do as I am shown.'
'Shown?' Geru blinked in the darkness. 'By whom?'
'By portents, you see. Signs. Divine omens. I don't expect you to preoccupy yourself with such matters.'
The veteran scratched his scarred head.
'You mean... lights in the sky and all that.'
The scholar sighed.
'Aye, lights in the sky. Indeed. I happen to believe in such things. If you happen to disbelieve, that is your trouble. Uh, I mean, choice! I won't pass any judgment.'
'You're strange.' Geru concluded.
'Of course I am!' Ullon shouted above the arctic breeze. 'Heard that all my life! Heard it from the Lannista, back in training school.'
The poet grimaced, mimicking voices from the past.
'Why can't you hold a sword, Ullon? Why can't you be like the other lads? What's wrong with you, Ullon? Heard it from my brothers. Why can't you kill, Ullon? Afraid of a little blood? Oh, you're not a real Uruk, Ullon! Heard it everywhere I went until I decided to stop giving a toss and just became myself!'
The veteran sat in silence for a moment.
'You became yourself?' he grunted. 'Aren't you always yourself?'
'Well, I am... just... not as I used to be.'
Ullon pondered for a while.
'I didn't realized that then. It took me years to know what I know now.'
Geru frowned.
'So... are you yourself now?'
'Yes. But I wasn't being myself then.'
'You're strange.' Geru concluded again. 'The human thinks you're strange.'
'This human doesn't understand a word we're saying! Watch!'
Ullon leaned over to the rower.
'We're going to eat you for breakfast and then have our way with your wife!'
The Zhuliki grinned with all his pitch black teeth. He laughed and so did Ullon.
'See? Not a bloody word!'
Geru gazed at the icebergs floating in the mist.
'We've passed Haakon's Lament. Won't be long now.'
Ullon felt the familiar sting of disappointment creeping in his gut. The poet remembered the Immortal.
'He left us behind to die.'
'We didn't.' said the warrior.
'He left his own wife back there.'
'At least you have her head.'
Geru's jest didn't phase the other Uruk.
'Why would he abandon her like that?'
'She was a whore. And he's a mad tyrant.'
Ullon sighed.
'I thought I was his favorite.'
'Then you're mad as well.'
Ullon looked up and stared at the pale blue curtains of light shivering across the starless sky.
'The Northern Lights.' he said. 'They say that's Callisto up there, on her chariot, chasing out the lesser gods from heaven.'
'Still doesn't explain why you carry a human head.'
Silence fell once more and all they could hear was the sound of each other's breathing.
'Why not? You warriors take the heads of your enemies and place them on display for all to see!'
'That's different.' Geru grunted.
'How so?'
'We're not in love with our heads.'
Ullon jumped to his feet.
'No! I refuse to...'
Geru pushed him down.
'Don't rock the boat. I know you're lying. This human knows you're lying. The gods know you're lying. Now shut up!'
He felt something, thought Ullon. Both the Uruks and the human remained silent as the patrol of savages passed by, in a long canoe. Ullon held his breath for what seemed like centuries.
After a while, the noise of the paddling died out. They were alone on the icy water, again.
They've missed us! Oh, Holy Callisto! Blessed are you among the gods!
'We're close. I smell earth.' Geru whispered.
All Ullon could smell was the fog.
Thank you, Callista, for this mist. Thank you, Callista for shielding us from our enemies. Thank you, Callista, for taking us this far! I swear I'll never speak so much if you get me to dry land!
Just then, the ship's bow hit the unmistakable density of ground. Ullon almost pissed himself, with excitement.
'You see? You see?!' he shouted to the warrior. 'All the portents were true! Mother-Callisto, you have not forsaken me!'
And as they were pushing their boat ashore, the Zhuliki smiled and said:
'Welcome to New Demos.'





Time had come for the Ice Uruks and their vassals in the north, to sail across the Sea of Always Winter and take Jotunheim from the bloodthirsty Jotnarr.
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy


* Spy (in Black Speech)

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Eighty




Find his blind spot. If he moves right, go left. If he moves left, go right. Find his blind spot and kill him.
The enemy will try to do the same to you.
-Toke One-Eye


'We know who you are.' the Darkened addressed the stranger.
Xenos Secundus looked up from the campfire. They were all present, just like in that morning, when they found him on the beach.
'Who am I?'
Xenos Caligula licked his lips.
'You are Cerberus Fulk, adopted son of Tiberius the Noble Savage. Also known as...'
'The Treasurer.' the stranger whispered.
The slave women got up and left the proximity of the fire. They instinctively felt that something was wrong.
'What gave me away?'
They were all present, the War Council of Mesocala.
'The way you talk.' remarked pale Fulcinius Sigismund.
'The way you move.' the giant Brutus Noctis added.
'Remember the first thing you've said when we found you?' inquired Xenos the Darkened.
'That I was no one?'
'No.' the onyx Uruk smiled. 'That you were famous.'
The wood cracked consumed by the flames.
'Hah...' the Treasurer chuckled. 'Exposed by my vanity.'
'Now... what do we do with him?' Hades Genduk addressed the Council, ignoring the stranger.
'I say we kill him.' growled Brutus Noctis. 'Send his head back to Demos.'
'What for? So the High Shaman can mention you in his sermons?' Fulcinius Sigismund quipped.
The brute turned to the pale one.
'Or I could kill you, instead.'
They were all interrupted by a strange sound. Like a jaguar's growl. The Treasurer was laughing.
'Do we amuse you, Usurper?' asked Xenos Caligula.
The Uruk formerly known as Xenos Secundus, said:
'Yes.'
An axe-sword left its sheath and in an instant, the blade fell. But the Treasurer was quicker. He dodged the blow and pushed his attacker into the fire.
Brutus Noctis roared in frustration, hot embers glowing on his brown skin.
'Here you stand' the stranger continued 'bickering among yourselves while the sharas are deciding your every move.'
The Uruk Generals were silent.
'You chase them through the jungle as if they're spirits, not men!'
Cerberus Fulk stood up. He was tall, taller even than the mighty Brutus Noctis who rose up, still clutching the sword.
'This is not how we conquered the world. This is why foreigner invade our lands, steal our women and kill our sons!'
Even Fulcinius Sigismund, the jester, kept his mouth shut. For they all knew he was telling the truth.
'Now tell me...' the Treasurer demanded. 'What are your plans for this wretched continent?'
There was silence. The flames illuminated the faces of the Uruk Generals. For a moment, no one dared move.
Not even Brutus Noctis.
'We... we burn every village.' Xenos Caligula intervened. 'Kidnap their womenfolk, ransom their families for the captive Uruks and...'
'BAGAL KARKAT * !'
The Treasurer's roar shook the hut's wooden beams.
'You think the humans care enough to keep those prisoners alive?! No Shara** gives a Dahaut*** about a live Uruk!'
Xenos the Darkened felt he needed to remind everyone of the Paynali habit of live sacrifices. But he chose to stay silent.
'Besides...' Cerberus Fulk turned and addressed the fire.
'A captive Uruk is no Uruk at all.'
'That is the way of the Uruk.' Brutus Noctis whispered.
'That is the way.' chanted the others.
Some dogs began barking into the night. Perhaps an enemy raiding party. Maybe another ambush, the Darkened thought.
'So what will you have us do?' he asked the foreigner.
'There's only one thing left to do.' said the Treasurer.
'Attack.'

*



* Dung explosion (in Black Speech)
** Man (in Black Speech)
*** Defecation (in Black Speech)

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Eighty One




Thousands took to the streets to denounce the violence.
The brutal repression of the Revolt of the Sons was brought to a halt by the free people of Demos.
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy



It began with the last Sons.
The survivors were rounded up in the main square, to be burned alive like so many others before them. Onlookers were gathering in droves, to witness the spectacle. The sight of the defeated rebels moved many inhabitants to tears.
'Enough! They had enough!'
'Leave them be!'
Demands were thrown towards the dark Priests of Callisto. The crowd began to swell before their very eyes.
'This is our chance!' Wilelda whispered to Oddus as they descended into the street, their faces hidden behind cloaks.
'You can't burn us all!' an old Demos hoplite yelled. 'Go back to your temple!'
'Show mercy, you miserable bastards!' an Uruk roared. He was a veteran but he still had both of his eyes. Wilelda slipped past him.
'Give me your hand!' Oddus complied, with little resistance. The sight of the defeated Sons broke him. 'They're gone. You can't do anything for them.'
Wilelda was pushing through the crowd. Everyone's watching the other way, she thought.
Even the Gans. She could see the black guards at the corners of the square. Just yesterday they were against the High Shaman. How quickly loyalties change.
'Let them go!'
The first shout was picked up by others. Soon, the whole crowd was chanting.
They're calling for their release. As if the rebels would've spared them if they've won!
The Priests looked on, from behind their skull masks. They were hesitant. She could see it clearly.
'Go back to your Shaman!' a youngster yelled, just inches away from her. 'We're not your slaves!'
Then, the unthinkable happened. The same Uruk Yar picked up a stone and threw it at the priests. His gesture was copied by others. Pieces of fruit and rotten vegetables pelted the pyromancers.
'We are free! We are free! We are free!' the groups were chanting as one.
The crowd's roar was drowning all noise. It was as if the entire world exploded in anger.
'We're too close to the center!' Wilelda shouted to her husband. 'Go back!'
'No, they won't burn us!' a beggar woman overhead her. 'They're cowards!'
Her shrieking was picked up by the crowd. Soon, everyone was yelling the same thing.
'You won't burn us! You won't burn us! You won't burn us!'
Even the Gans were shounting with the rest of the crowd. Now I've seen everything.
One of the Priests raised his hands and released the fires of hell, in a wide circle, to the skies above.
It was a warning. The crowd gave out a general gasp of shock and awe. Wilelda felt like flames could soon engulf them all. She could hear all the onlookers breathing hard in the grim silence which followed.
'You can't burn us all!' a solitary shout came. It was the same hoplite from before. His voice was heavy from drink.
'You can't burn us!' It was her Oddus shouting now.
And the entire crowd followed suit. Their onslaught forced the dark priests to retire to the steps of the Palace. They retreated with their grim masks facing the angry mob.
'Go back to the Shaman! Tell him this is our city!' Wilelda watched her husband roar.
He was showing his face to the crowd. They could see he was missing an eye, even the Uruk Gans. But it didn't matter now. They were all cheering. His presence was inspiring.
Wilelda smiled, watching her husband addressing the crowd.
Oddus was in charge.

*



Knowing full well what the title of Alpha implied, Attila wisely chose to remain a general.
'Let others die for the Throne. I shall find death on the battlefield'
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy


So speaks I, Attila, Maugan* of the Legions of the North.
-Alpha Attila

* General (in modified Black Speech)

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Seventy Eight




The humans fear us because we are big. The Ly Kans fear us because we are strong.
On the battlefield, you have to be faster than a cat and sleeker than a fox.
-Toke One-Eye



Taurus 'the Gray Bull' Vlad watched as the Faustians sallied forth from the city, to attack.
Corellia has been under siege for days, showing no sign of surrender. Until now.
'Finally.' the Gray Bull growled.
All Dominion troops around him, human and Uruk alike, were waiting for his order.
'Forward.' he said.
The monsters charged together, roaring, in unison. They were welcomed by musket fire.

*

Captain Gerhard of the Faustian Reich's troops were reinforced by Captain Duran of the Valiente and another 800 men under a certain Captain Gunther.
This left the Uruks outnumbered nine to twenty.
Taurus Vlad accepted that challenge.
'Fair odds, for the humans.' the Uruk commander said to his officers.
It was in that gray morning that Captain Gerhard fell from his horse, slain by Aventuros pikemen. He died in front of the city gates. The Gray Bull ordered all his troops to rush in to secure the city center.
Every Uruk, Ly kan and human under the Dominion flag climbed over the walls, by ladder or shear force alone. The defenders were broke on the ramparts and chased down the city's streets. In the overcrowded chaos, Captain Gunther was killed as well, by the same Aventuros.
The Valiente commander was shot in the city square, by Dominion Musketers. Tremendous losses for the Dominion: one Uruk was left alive out of the entire company and that Uruk killed the last defender, a Faustian pikeman.
'Well done.' the Gray Bull praised him.
From his Bodyguards, only five remained. Faustian Grenadeers inflicted heavy casualties as the Uruks went up the hill to reach the main square. Four Valiente Musketeers arrived just in time to witness the results of the slaughter.
Taurus Vlad ordered all prisoners to be executed.
Corellia falls. Town was renamed Lutaum Hashat, Spear Battle, for all the pikemen that died there.
It was a heroic victory for the Dominion.

-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy

*

The city stank of fear. On each corner, corpses were being pilled up. The few humans that remained were too afraid to look Uruks in the eye.
And yet, even in those dire conditions, some were foolish enough to seek an audience with the Uruk commander.
'Let them in.' said Taurus Vlad.
A hooded man walked in. With him, there was a woman. Her face was veiled.
'Greetings, commander.' said the human. 'Let me be the first to congratulate you on this marvelous victory!'
His words failed to impress. At the same time, both humans found that the appearance of the Uruk commander left much to be desired. The Gray Bull was a scrawny, leathery-skinned, beady-eyed creature, of a diminished stature.
'He's small.' the woman whispered to his companion.
'Show yourselves.' the Uruk demanded.
They did as commanded. Taurus Vlad winced, as if in pain.
'What are you doing here?'
Primeiro Menendus smiled, pleased to see the disconfort in his enemy's eyes.
'Like I said, I'm here to congratulate you.'
'How did you get in my city?'
The King of all Hispanics shifted his weight from one leg to another. That single movement made the five Bodyguards present to tense their muscles. Their nervousness pleased the Primeiro even further.
'We were already here when you arrived.'
The Gray Bull grinned.
'Consorting with the enemy? That's a capital offense, Chief.'
'Watch your tongue!' Menendus shouted. 'I'm the King of all Hispanic tribes, no mere chieftain at your disposal.'
The Uruk's yellowish eyes glowed with intent.
'I can have you killed right now. No one will notice.'
'Except the largest horde in recorded history. Don't tempt me, Vlad. You know what my people can do.'
'Yes, they can die. Like all humans.'
This isn't going according to plan, Primeiro Menendus thought. He's too arrogant.
'Great Leader, allow me to tell you the purpose of our visit.' the woman by his side intervened.
Her hazel eyes contrasted wonderfully with her dusky skin.
'I am Talulah, daughter of the Great Jaguar. My father fights your people in the lands across the Great Sea but I am not here to talk about spilled blood.'
'Good.' growled Taurus. 'It won't do any good.'
They could hear the Faustian prisoners being executed outside.
'Yes, I agree.' the princess continued. 'You've won a great battle, worthy of a mighty warrior! But you've suffered losses, too. Too great, I'm afraid, for you to carry on new battles with the same army.'
'Ask my Gans if they can't fight anymore.'
Talulah did not allow herself to fall for that distraction.
'Reinforcements won't arrive here, in time. We all know this. What we want to propose is that we join forces.'
'With you? Why?'
The Paynali princess looked the Uruk in the eye, defiant.
'Because I am the daughter of the Jaguar and my husband was Alpha Kaga.'
The mention of his name did not change anything. The Bodyguards were still stiff, the atmosphere just as unpleasant. Only Taurus smirked.
'You think that name is enough to bring my Gans to their knees? Ha... Kaga's dead. And so is his legacy.'
He snapped his fingers. A single Gan grabbed Primeiro Menendus, expertely imobilising his sword-arm.
'You're brave, Chief. Coming in here, talking like we owe you something.'
Taurus Vlad got up from his wooden throne. He approached the King.
'The Dominion doesn't owe you hosh *.'
'If you harm one hair on my head, my people will burn the Seven Districts in search for your head.'
'All the more better.' the Gray Bull grinned.
'Wait!' Talulah pleaded. 'Take me instead!'
This got the Uruk's attention. Despite himself, Primeiro Menendus shouted:
'Don't do this, lass!'
Taurus Vlad extended his arm. Talulah took the creature's hand into her own. The Gray Bull grinned, bearing his fangs.
'Time to sample the delight of Kaga.'






*viscera (in Black Speech)

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Eighty Two





In the North, the Uruks subdued the Sycorax and nearly drove all Greystokes to extinction.
It is of little wonder that the last one did what he did during the Fall.
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy



The settlement was a far cry from the decrepit, isolated village it once was.
The old log-and-earth palisade was gone, to make room for more houses. Ullon noticed the stone walls as they approached. Large and thick, they were. Dominion style.
'Keeps those raiders at bay.' said the Zhuliki, whose Uruk name was Frum*. 'Most of the time.'
'How did these weaklings move such stones?' Geru the Chosen grunted.
'The Berserkers gave us a hand.'
Ullon gasped.
'You have Berserkers living here?!'
'Aye, we have a few. We keep them hidden to frighten our enemies. They're useful for heavy work. If they can't hack flesh, they hack stone.'
'Madness.' whispered Geru.
Ullon was of a different opinion.
'If only our Alphas were this wise.'
'Watch your tongue, poet.' snarled the veteran. 'For these walls have ears and the Alpha's Justice reaches across the world!'
This angered the scrawny Uruk.
'Which Alpha, tell me! The one who seats in the North and waits for his brothers to come to him or the one who's left for Demos?'
The old veteran fell silent.
'Dominion affairs are no business of mine.' he said at last.
'Tell me, do you trade?' the poet turned to the hunter.
'Aye, we trade. Seal skins and whale blubber from our neighbours in the North. The Valhallans have us surrounded but they treat us fair. They even have one of their own married to an Uruk. A princess, daughter of their Jarl.'
Ullon's eyes brightened.
'May we meet this fair flower of the North?'
Frum scratched his unkempt beard.
'Aye, you could. Except she's gone missing. Went hunting, far up north and we lost her trail. Some say she went back to her father. Others say she was kidnapped.'
This time, Ullon turned to his companion.
'You heard the man, Geru! We have to save her! We have to rescue the princess!'
The veteran was having none of it.
'You go.' he growled to the poet. 'I'm going to sleep.'
The Chosen turned and headed towards one of the snow covered cabins lining the road.
'Fine!' Ullon yelled behind him. 'I'll save her myself!'
When the warrior was out of hearing distance, the poet whispered to the hunter:
'Do you have anything to drink?'

*


Demos.
Hour of the Wolf. Midnight.
Tiberius Divinus heard his future killers coming up the stony stairs from a mile away. From the sound of their footsteps, he could tell they were Uruks.
They're here to finish me. At last!
Divinus was grateful. There he was, lying in bed, waiting.
Like a pig for the slaughter.
Armless, broken, defenseless. Divinus looked around the room. The girl had left him nothing that could be used as a weapon.
He had a pot to piss in but no sword.
Fair enough. If she'd left me a dagger, I'd used it on myself.
He still had his eyes and ears but no jaw or tongue to speak of, as if the gods saw fit to punish him. His sword arm was gone and so was his pride.
I'm no longer Uruk, Divinus thought bitterly. Look at me. Worse than an eunuch!
That night, he kept awake to listen to the battle raging outside. He had hoped that the winners might take pity on him and give him a quick end. But no one came.
In the long hours, after the clamor had died, Divinus was left with his thoughts and wounds. He wondered which Uruk would be chosen to finish the job.
Maybe it will be one of his former assailants, members of the Guard. Would it be that Captain whose nose he'd broke?
Or maybe his brothers?
They were his soldiers. But they were Gans so he despised them greatly.
No Uruk can love a Gan. Despite their similarities, the two breeds were ages apart. So he treated the Uruk Gans under his command dreadfully. He treated all Uruks the same way.
Divinus had no friends. Wherever he went, his temper and large stature won him only enemies. They all hated him.
But no, the Gans would not come, he thought to himself. All Alpha Gans must stay with the leader. To protect him.
It was the law.
The High Shaman was the safest human in all of Demos with all those Gans around him.
The cowards...
He remembered each and every face of the Gans who mutilated him. Each and every face.
It's always the close ones that get you. But Divinus hardly had any close contacts. Still, he was caught unaware. And they took his right arm and speech.
I'll strangle the first one who gets close, he decided.
Divinus was still Uruk, despite his injuries. Still breathing, still dangerous. Still capable.
I won't exist in the history scrolls but I'll have a good death. I won't make it easy for them.
When the doors were slammed aside, Tiberius Divinus began to laugh, just as he did the night he was cut down. The Uruk standing there, with an axe-sword in his hand was the last person he had hoped to see.
You miserable bastard...
It was a Son of Toke. Missing his left eye, like all the others, the rebel seemed to recognize Divinus instantly. Yet no blow came.
Of all the Uruks in the world, it had to be a renegade.
Tiberius Divinus cursed his luck, in silence. He had hunted the Sons in the taverns, in the brothels and in the market place. It was his duty, as First Captain of the Guard. He wanted to kill them all. He had to.
And now a rebel was there to take his life.
Come closer, you sniveling cur!
More entered the room. All armed, all bearing the mark of Toke. Truly, the gods were mocking him.
Then, as Divinus was getting ready to pounce, he saw the one thing that brought him peace in those times of great pain.
The girl from Syrianna.
Her eyes lit up when she saw him.
'Good. He's still breathing.' she told the others. 'Quickly, grab his legs!'
The rebels complied with little joy. Divinus did not struggle for he could see the hate in their eyes.
Where are you taking me? his mind howled.
'Grrroarr!' his mouth growled.
'They're not here to harm you.' the girl placed her hand on his broad chest. 'We're taking you to safety.'
This makes no sense! They're still fighting out there!
'Grrr?'
'No, the Priests are gone. They hid in the Palace, with the Great Shaman. The people drove them away.'
It was as before, she was the only one to understand his snarling. None of the rebels commented on this. They were too busy holding him. He was still very heavy. Divinus was grateful for that.
Now's the time to kill one.
Divinus flexed his one remaining fist. Yet something told him it would be the wrong thing to do. She looked at the girl. Her dusky face was filled with joy.
I would place her in jeopardy. She's saved my life. Twice.
They dragged him down the corridor.
'Careful! Careful with him!' the girl whispered to the brutes.
All this trouble just to kill me outside. Perhaps there's a Priest waiting down there. Waiting to burn me.
The Sons were silent. That meant the enemy was close. The battle was not over. Every movement was causing him pain.
This night will never end.
Down and down they went, down on the spiraling staircase. As if they were descending into hell itself.
The girl appeared above him, from time to time, to check if he was still alive. Divinus felt weak and ashamed.
This is not the triumphal march I dreamed of...
He allowed himself to faint.


*

The sea was quiet near the bay. The Sons placed Divinus, on the rocks. The night air turned their breaths into steam.
'Look at him! Sound asleep!' Lugat** observed. 'I should open his throat right here!'
'You'll do no such thing.' another rebel, named Zau***, intervened. 'We need the bastard alive.'
'What's that?!' Lundar****, their comrade pointed towards the sea.
The Sons of Toke all stared into the same direction but they were Uruks and could not see much. The darkness was there, all encompassing but there was something else. There was a pale light, flickering on the horizon.
'Looks like a ship.' said the first Son.
'Ours?' hazarded the second Son.
No one answered.
'There are people in the water!' a third Son noticed.
Gaunt, hollow eyed and half-submerged, they were. Humans, by the looks of it. Barbarians advancing towards the shore, rising from the cold waters of Terror Bay.
'Where did they come from?! Who are they?'
Lugat's questions went unanswered.
Then they heard it. The unmistakable sound of clothing flapping in the wind. It was coming from above.
'Rrrrrrr...'
The mutilated Uruk opened his eyes. The Captain of the Guard was trying to speak but he had no tongue.
'Are you seeing this?!' Lugat asked his brothers.
There were no answers. They all saw them.
Humans, slender and pale, floating above their heads, heading towards the City of Amber.






* Spirit (in Black Speech)
** Vampire (ibid.)
***Black (ibid.)
****Ship (ibid.)

Uruks have harems of six to ten female captives, which they use until death.
-Xenonius the Last Romuli

Never fear Death for she is not a jealous lover.
-Ugo Grim

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Eighty Four




We have come to these lands like locusts. Are we to turn back because of one rumor?
-Sundak Hades, upon hearing of the death of Kaga



The Halfbreed descended the snowy slope, carrying his sword under his arm, like a cane. Behind him traced a shadowy figure, dressed all in black.
The Necromancer, Gotz the Uruk Gan realized. The one we've been fighting all this time.
'Your Snaga is dead.' he told the Half-Uruk.
'He is not my slave.' Strabo replied. 'As for death, I've brought a specialist.'
The hooded man did not unveiled himself. His voice was cracked and low.The whisper of death.
'He's not with us.' said the Necromancer, looking at the man laying on the frozen ground. 'I cannot feel his soul.'
'You heard the man!' the Halfbreed laughed in Gotz's face.
He then addressed the dead man:
'Wake up, Severus!'
A slap was all it took. The human opened his eyes and started to cough.
'Back from the Underworld, eh?' the Dominion General slapped his servant's shoulder. 'How was it, Sev?
Did you meet my ancestors?'
'What about him?' Gotz pointed his broadsword towards the wizard.
'Oh, he was always on our side. We've talked.' The investigator's good cheer displeased the Gan greatly.
He's hiding something.
'I'm sorry, master.'
The weakling was on his feet, apologizing to his chief. 'I don't know what got into me.'
Severus turned to the Uruk Gan.
'You...you saved my life!'
'Touch me once and you join the others...' Gotz snarled.
The dead were all around. Some were still standing.
'The corpses... Why are they holding back now?' the human noticed.
'Very perceptive of you, Severus.' the Halfbreed flicked his fingers. 'Our friend here is keeping them in check.'
The Necromancer stood in silence.
'We're wasting time here.' Gotz growled.
'On the contrary.' Strabo gave a smile. 'Xenos, if you please.'
One of the dead Uruks stepped forward. It was missing half a head. The dark wizard starred at the corpse, intentfully.
It's carrying something, observed Gotz the Slayer.
'Here you go, my boy!'
As if it heard Strabo's words, the corpse extended one arm and revealed the object it was carrying.
'I give you the sword of Slavos Hades, the Rudis of the Dominion!'
The Halfbreed's voice sent daggers into the Gan's big, black heart.
Should've burned the damned thing when I had the chance!
'Sure, it's a little worn from the elements but in general, I'd say it’s in a pretty good condition. Wouldn't you agree, Sev?'
'Aye, my Lord!'
The weakling was watching the slayer now. With the same mistrust as before.
'This changes nothing!' Gotz roared.
'No, my friend.' Strabo smiled again.
'This changes everything.'

*


'Which one of you did it?!'
The Uruk was storming through the corridors of the black ship, roaring his fury. No man could oppose him and none did. The mariners jumped out of his way until he reached his destination. He broke the doors with his bare hands.
'Which one of you bastards took my sword?!!'
The roar was silenced by a shot.
A single, perfect hole formed between the beastman's eyes where the ball of lead entered his skull. All the pirates stood up from their whiskey and cards ridden table. The monster went down.
From the belly of the ship came a figure wearing peacock feathers on his tricorn hat.
Pushing everyone aside, Ulrich the Squid went in to ascertain the damages. He took a look at the dead Uruk.
'What have you done?'
Toby the Trickster stood there, still holding the smoking weapon.
'My apologies.'

*

'Apologies won't be enough, lad.' Ulrich wiped the sweat off his face.
'Not this time.'
The other mariners crowded him. The Squid could see fear on their faces.
'What do we do now?'
'Pray.' the Privateer whispered. 'Pray he didn't hear the shot.'
From the lower levels came a thundering roar. Followed by others, as if they were chanting. A war cry.
Oh, he heard.
'Get ready, lads!' Ulrich yelled to his men. 'Nobody fires unless I say so!'
The pirates took out their pistols. Lining both sides of the corridor, they waited for a clear shot. And the monsters were coming.
'Someone get Blake! Tell him there's been an accident!'
By the time he gets here, we'll be minced meat! Ulrich tried to keep his sword arm steady. Shouldn't show fear to the men.
The Pirate's Creed. But he was drunk, as always. Too drunk.
'You think he's angry?' Toby the Trickster was standing behind him.
They all heard another roar. Closer, this time.
'No worries, lad. We'll settle this like gentlemen.'
The giant leader of all brutes appeared at the end of the passage.
He was surrounded by his Berserkers, all foaming at the mouth, already.
In the silence, Ulrich could hear some of his men pissing themselves.
'Let me through.'
Each word of the Uruk was like a battering ram. Ulrich felt the floor vibrating under his feet.
This cramped space is ideal for them. They'll cut us to pieces!
'Great leader, we...'
'Let me pass, human!'
That one roar made all the humans jump with fear. Ulrich bowed, hoping he would still have a head at the end of the day. He made way for the great beast.
'Stand down, lads! Let him see.'
The Immortal walked past them and entered the room. He stood there, in silence, looking at the dead Uruk.
No one spoke a word.
'Who did this?'
His voice was lower but it still felt like the tide before the storm.
'One of my men.' Ulrich felt how dry his throat was.
'It was an accidental discharge! He meant no harm! The pistol unloaded on its on and...'
'No harm.' the monster repeated. He had his back turned.
I could end him right now, the Squid thought. But his Berserkers are here too...
'Who did this should step forward and take the blame...' the great brute said.
The leader of all Uruks turned towards them.
'... Or we will slaughter each and everyone of you right here, right now.'

*

The world was getting dark.
This is it, thought Ulrich the Squid. This is how I die.
The Uruk's hand was around his neck. It felt like living marble.
'Know this, human.' the Immortal breathed in his face. 'We are not fools. We will end you all for this insolence.'
Ulrich felt light as a feather. Not a bad way to go. I hope I don't soil myself in front of the men.
'What is the meaning of this?!' Ulrich recognized the voice of Eric Blake.
His shout did not lessen the Uruk's iron grip.
'Justice.' the monster snarled. 'One life for a life.'
'That's my Navigator you're strangling there.' Ulrich heard the familiar click of a pistol.
'Unhand him or we all die.'
'Your men killed one of my Uruks! Blood for blood!' the massive beast bellowed.
'He broke into their sleeping quarters. My men reacted. It was self defense.'
Ulrich slipped out of consciousness. Slowly but surely.
'You can't kill me. I am immortal.'
'So I've heard. If you want to live the rest of your immortal life on the bottom of the sea, be my guest.'
The Squid could barely feel anything anymore.
'You're lying.'
'Try me.'
Ulrich could hear his Commander whisper into the beast's ear.
'Remember the plan. You'll never get a ship like this. She's the fastest in the world. With this ship, I've burned the Grand Inquisitor's fleet of the at anchor. With this ship, I'll get you to Hadea and as you get your throne, we'll sink every competition in sight! No Dominion galley can stand in my way! Only our Lady can take you where you want to go. But if you slay this man, we're dead in the water.'
Ulrich almost wished he could smile.
' And if we sink, I will take you down with me.'
A flash of light and the Squid fell to the floor like a bag of bones. He could breathe again His eyes were filled with water. Ulrich coughed and spat and gasped for air.
'Wise choice.' he heard Eric the Black say to the leader of all Uruks.

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Eighty Six








The arrival of the Verstov Queen in Terror Bay surprised everyone, including the High Shaman, since she didn't want the throne.
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy




Noctis could feel the thoughts of the crowd below him.
He knew what each man, woman and child wanted. He saw their memories, thousands of them, at the same time. Like a kaleidoscope of dreams.
Above all voices, above all feelings, there was her. Calm, rational, almost warm. Guiding him through hell.
Now you know what they want from you.
Yes, the High Shaman thought . They want me to die.
He saw himself be killed in a myriad of ways. All the possibilities. The people of Demos were warlike and so were their minds. That was why he feared them.
These people are warriors, said the voice in his mind. Your are not the leader they want.
I never wanted to rule! Noctis defended himself. I just want...
To see the Underworld. I know.
Strangely, Noctis felt at peace. He forgot about the invasion. About the rebellion. About the boy. For the first time, he felt understood.
This isn't your city, he had to remind her.
Nor is it yours.
True. So true.

*

'Look at him!'Aed O'Neill transmitted to the others. 'The Great Druid of Uruks has pissed himself!'
All the other vampires were laughing internally. As one of the First Two, Aed's thoughts could be heard by the entire army.
In the great hall there was silence. The dark priests stood there, watching their leader convulsing on the marble floor. No one spoke a word.
Leave this Palace! the Queen of Verstov shouted into their minds. Leave and never come back!
We can't leave. People out there hate us!the weakest among them replied. They'll kill us.
And whose fault is that?! Aed intervened, uninvited.
One look from his Queen and her brother-vampire backed down.
Besides, you have no power here.
'No power?' the Queen spoke out loud.
Her voice rose in the great, marble hall.
'The O'Briens have the Market District. The O'Connors are at the Docks. The McWraths are next to your Slaughter Shrine. Burkes, McAllisters, Gallaghers, McCains and Campbells are guarding your gates. We control all exits and entrances.'
She approached the priest.
'We own this city.'


*

They're not insects, Noctis realized. They're not.
Indeed, the Queen of Verstov agreed.
What do you want from me?
The walls of his mind were broken. His resistance was gone. Like a lost memory.
I want you to address the people. I want you to tell them that a new leader has been elected.
Her voice made sense, even if her ideas did not.
Who? Who do you want on the throne of Demos?
Noctis would say anything if she could make the thoughts go away. His mind was in pain. He could feel the hate from the mob below. He didn't want to come back to his body with its wants and needs.
Don't let me fall! Oh, please! Don't make me go down there!
The Queen was silent. Her presence was still close but her attention was somewhere else.
What's wrong? What's happening?! Tell me!
See for yourself.
Noctis opened his eyes. His priests were still there but the child...
The child was screaming.


*

Like before, the boy was throwing fire into the world, from his both his eyes.
He had no control over this. His mind was ablaze. The pain was immense. But this time, he wasn't alone.
Let it out, the voice said to him. Let it all out.
I'm sorry, Fulk Hades said to the woman living in his mind. I didn't mean to burn her.
Burn who?
My mother.
Don't worry. You're safe now.
The boy wanted to laugh out loud. The woman didn't know. She had no idea of the forces that were crawling inside his head.
I'm not. You better leave.
Why?
She's coming.

*

To the untrained eye, it looked like magic.
A show of wires and mirrors. But in reality, there were two columns of fire streaming out from the boy's eyes, scorching the ceiling where they met resistance.
The vampires in the room stared at the flames and like before, no one moved a muscle. Except her brother.
Something is wrong. Branwen!
Those were the last thoughts Aed O'Neill send to his sister before the entire hall exploded in pure, bright flame.



It is said that during the conquest of Huang Chu, Vilmos Oneshin never even set foot on the peninsula.
Only his generals did most of the fighting
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Eighty Seven





You may take our land, but you will never have our spirit.
-Bolontiku the last Jaguar




'Why do we fight? Why can't we leave these lands to the savages?'
The Onyx Uruk laid in bed, guarded by his most trusty Bodyguard. The general had sustained heavy wounds in the last battle. What he was saying was paramount to treason.
'Why can't we let the mongrels govern themselves?' Xenos continued. 'Why must we conquer this whole blasted world?'
His physician had recommended rest. That was the entire treatment. Dominion apothecaries relied heavily on Uruk physiology repairing itself.
It's either this or the Alpha's Mercy, Xenos Caligula thought, staring at the roof of the jungle log house.
'I tried to get to him. I tried. But the bastard was quick on his legs. And his men were faster. Soon, I was the only one trying... My army was gone!'
We didn't learn anything from the Romuli, except war. We never should never have allowed their physicians off the mainland.
With them left all sanity.
'Callista's breasts! Must they always make such noise?!'
The blacksmiths were at it again: mending and beating damaged cuirasses back into shape.
Their hammering was driving Xenos mad. That and the lack of company. His brothers-in-arms brought him and left him there, to rot, in the sweltering heat. As usual, Uruks stayed clear of any signs of weakness.
Hospitals were bad luck.
'Why do we need this land? This dung hole of all places...'
His Bodyguard didn't answer. His silence only served to increase his master's verbosity.
'After we conquer everything, what will be left for us to do? Fight among ourselves? Slay all remaining humans?'
Those creatures were not to be trusted, Xenos Caligula knew this much.
Every time you conquer a tribe, ten rise up in revolt.
Much of the Dominion's battles were done behind the lines.
'They'll never surrender.' Xenos addressed the scorching air. 'They'll never submit.'
His neighbor was silent as well. They brought him in last night, even though his wounds were weeks old.
Must've been one hell of a fight, Xenos thought, watching the other Uruk.
The Treasurer never spoke. To anyone, not anymore.
News of his son's desertion had hit him hard. Harder than any Paynali obsidian blade ever did.
Pain is nothing compared to absolution.
His father's words. Yet how can a father absolve the sins of a son?
Cerberus Fulk did not know the answer. So he kept to himself. All the time.
'We should never have left Hadea.' Xenos Caligula said.
'There, we were free. Then, we were warriors.'
His Bodyguard said nothing.
Outside, the hammering continued.

*

The streets of Wolfsburg were filled with cheering crowds.
The Fort itself never looked more magnificent. Thousands flocked the capital, to see the Vanquishers, the proud knights of the Order who, by the force of their arms alone, have triumphed over the ungodly heathens of the north.
'Remember this day' the OrdenMarschall told him 'for there will not be another.'
The knight waved to the commoners from the saddle. His white stallion pranced about on the cobbled street as if it too was proud of his master's deeds.
They were invincible, he knew that. And nothing could stop faith. Not even rumours of undefeated monsters coming from the south. Europa was the land of chivalry and God.
God does not abandon his people.
From the crowd, he saw a familiar face. A young maiden. Tall and blonde and out of place.
Helga, what are you doing here? he thought, ashamed of his weakness, all of a sudden. This is not the place for you!
His Outlander mistress. His most heavily guarded secret. Not even the Order's Chaplain knew about her.
No one knew.
The knight stared at the Valhallan girl, as she stood, beside marching knights, smiling between enemies. He wondered if any of commoners suspected that she was not one of them.
'Leave this place!' he yelled above the crowd. 'Save yourself!'
But Helga did not move. As if she didn't care. As if she was there to spite him.
I'm risking rank and life to keep you safe. What more do you want from me?
He remembered old talks, discussions long forgotten which still felt real. Even after all that time.
You keep me hidden from the world not safe! she would scream.
What do you want from me? he would plead.
But deep down, the knight knew. They both did, in a way. The maiden was not highborn. She was never going to be one of the fair ladies at the court. A knight's wife. And worse of all, she was a pagan.
The sky darkened above the crowds. Crows were cowing up ahead, near the high towers. A storm was brewing and it was scaring the horses.
'I'm cold, Philipp.'
Helga was not smiling anymore. The knight heard her words in his mind.
'You left me out there.'
Blood was dripping from her mouth. Dark and crimson, it fell on her pale breasts.
'You left me to die.'


*


Xenos Caligula tries to reach Bolontiku, but the Uruk army breaks and routs all around him.
The first to flee were the Samnes gladiators, followed by the Hoplites of Demos and the last, were the Mesopec Auxiliaries
Xenos himself barely escaped with his life.
This was the second battle of Peya Peyota.
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Eighty Eight






Naturally, no one took notice of yet another Uruk princeling until he started calling himself Death.
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy




'Tell me. What do you see?'
The Uruk was dying at his feet and the Hadessa prince looked on, with morbid curiosity.
'Is it a field of tall grass? Do you see nymphs running beside you?'
The Bodyguard could not answer. The pain was simply too great, even for an Uruk.
'Is it the Goddess? Do you see her, Varg? Do you see her in all her glory?'
The entire army watched as one single Uruk was being tormented. His agony served as a lesson for others. Heavy chains coiled around his neck, taking away breath and speech. Suddenly, the prisoner's lips moved.
'What is it, Varg?' the prince leaned closer. 'Tell me.'
One word escaped the parched mouth. One word that the prince heard clearly, whispered into his ear. A word that will stay with him forever.
'Coward.'
The Hadessa's thin smile disappeared of his pale face. With a wave of the prince's hand, the Bodyguard was torn to pieces as the oxen were urged onward. The chains were full with blood now.
'Damned Halfbreed.' the siege expert Sigismund Kubeke snorted.
'Looks like old Varg is all torn up.' observed Scipio Zub, holder of the Jaavelin of Vaasco de Sousa and veteran of three campaigns.
'Well, friends. Who do we serve now?' pale Tacitus Ugron intervened.
The generals were all watching the scene from a safe distance, so they could speak freely. None of them was pleased with what they were doing.
'Orders are orders.' growled Noctis Sundak, the dark skinned adopted son of Traianus Hades and the most of the loyal of them all.
'Silence!' ordered Retiarus Tiberius, Holder of the Greystoke Banner and the oldest of all present. 'The Hadessa speaks.'
And sure enough, the prince turned to his troops.
'This... ' he gestured to the body of his former servant ' ...is what happens when you disobey me!'
His voice was the howl of a wolf, not the roar of a lion.
'This is what happens! Old Varg thought he could lead this campaign better than me!'
Silence followed. Even the Ly Kans stopped growling to each other.
'If any of you thinks the same, step forward!'
No one did. This brought another smile to the prince's alabaster face.
'Damned Halfbreed...' the giant Sigismund Kubeke repeated.
'And still the Rebel is out there.' observed Scipio Zub.
He didn't have to give details. They all knew of the Great Rebel in the North, Vergilius Fulcinius, the Uruk General who rebelled at the forefront of an entire legion.
'Our prince wants to go North.' whispered Nero Hades, the youngest and unrelated to the Hadessa clan.
'Another Hadessa who wants to take Ibellica.' said Tacitus Ugron. 'How original!'
'No, he wants to take on the Usurper.' loyal Noctis intervened. 'The one called Sten.'
'Sten is a slippery bastard.' spat old Retiarus. 'He won't come to Demos.'
'You mean the Treasurer?' Nero Hades inquired. 'I thought he was dead.'
'No, I mean Sten. Sten Volchok. The Un-Uruk, son of Alpha Heinz.'
All generals spat on the ground, except the youngling.
'Nar Thos*!' cussed Sigismund Kubeke. 'Such an abomination should not be allowed to live!'
'And yet, he does. That's the reason why we're here.' replied Noctis Sundak.
'Silence!' old Retiarus barked. 'He's watching us!'
And indeed, the prince was watching.
'Sundak Hades is dead!' he shouted to the crowd. 'From this day forward, let me be known as Ash Gurz**.
Remember this well, for Death comes for us all!'
Sundak smiled.
'I am the last Hadessa. And the first.'
His army was silent. So were his generals.


*


Wilelda watched the tower explode from the streets below. And so did many others.
There was a moment of silence in the main square as if thousands of onlookers could not believe their eyes.
'It's over!' the old hoplite cried. 'He's dead! It's finally over!'
His cry was echoed by the crowd.
Wilelda saw Oddus at the forefront. Her husband led the mob who stormed the entrance to the Imperial Palace. There was no one to oppose them.
The High Shaman was dead and so were his Alpha Gans and priests. The ones who survived melted into the shadows as things all around them changed.
Wilelda reflected. Now the people at the top were the exact people the High Shaman and his lackeys had tried so hard to destroy.
Even the Alpha Widow came out of hiding. Vespa of Avalon was out in the open. Wilelda saw her passing by, in a lavish palanquin, carried by Uruks.
She didn't recognize me.
Wilelda saw her own reflection in a bronze mirror, hanging at the entrance of a small shop. She could hardly recognize herself. One eye missing, soot and dirt covering her face, her clothes turned to rags. She looked more like a spirit from the Underworld than a lady. No trace of the noble woman she once was.
'Good.' Wilelda thought as she headed for the harbour.
Time to leave the city of dreams.


*





© Julian Wicik



*No Sack (in Black Speech)
** One Death (in Black Speech)

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Ninety






The Ancients looked into the fire for answers which never came.
Now we know that fire only speaks to the chosen ones.
-Noctis Divinus





To think this creature is a relative of mine.
The Uruk called Sten did not hide his contempt for him. Kubadai Achilleus read him like an open book.
The Fang of the Dragon was silent now, as it always was after a battle so that the vampire lord could concentrate on other matters.
The two generals were meeting under the same roof for the first time. The castle still belonged to the Otterbach rebels. No one knew the Alpha Yar's next move. Sten Volchok did not share his thoughts, not even with his friends.
It made no difference to Kubadai, for a vampire could reach inside his victim's head, at will.
The Usurper's mind was filled with dreams of grandeur, memories of lusty maidens and it was all kept together by a long wall of arrogance.
He loves himself, concluded Kubadai. Far too much.
The Uruk vampire kept his composure, for it was of the highest importance not to give oneself away during a reading.
He did not wish another incident.
The Betrayal on Thetra Island was still fresh in Kubadai's mind.
'There are rumours of Hispanics planning a revolt he told the Usurper out loud. 'Perhaps we need to investigate.'
'Perhaps.' Sten Volchok agreed.
In that moment, an imagine of a giant black throne appeared in his mind.
He's thinking of Demos again, thought Kubadai, careful not to give away a smile. That's all he thinks about lately.
The Usurper raised his hand and flicked his fingers.
'You and I have not been best of friends, general. Allow me to repair that evil.'
Before Kubadai could focus on the other Uruk's thoughts, the doors opened and guests walked in.
Maidens, they were. All fresh and clean and sweet and helpless.
Kubadai's mind went to a halt.
It was hard to concentrate in the face of such abundance.
These young ladies have very loud minds, Kubadai noticed.
'I heard stories about you.' Sten said. 'That you can read people's minds. I want to see it for myself. These girls are my captives. Tell me what they're thinking.'
Kubadai was helpless in front of such unclean thoughts. They were suffocating him in a wave of lust and affection.
They're mine, he realized. They're all mine!
He looked upon their bodies and rejoiced. They were as beautiful as they were diverse. He heard the Usurper's question as if in a dream.
'Are you unwell?'
'My lord, I am unworthy of such beauty!'
The Usurper smiled.
'I think you deserve it, my friend.'
And just like that, the maidens began to undress. Kubadai forgot about the four black Mordred knights watching him from the four corners of the room.
He forgot about the Verstov Queen and how she looked like naked and in chains. He forgot that he could not read, for reasons unknown, certain people in that room.
He was glad, for the first time in months. Glad that the blasted sword was not tempting him to kill anymore. Glad that in their eyes, he wasn't a monster.
The women were surrounding him now. Graceful, they were touching him and caressing his cold skin. He allowed their thoughts to wash over him, like the warm sea washes over the sands on a summer beach.
They were taking off his armor and he didn't care. They were all grateful to be there. Happy. Not a trace of treachery in them.
Their hands were soft, their skin smooth. Kubadai bit one of them, a pale redhead, on the neck, as it was done for millennia and her sigh of relief sent ripples of ecstasy through the room.
Yes, the battle had been long and hard and indeed, he needed rest. Yes, he had always loved women. Yes, he deserved a break. That was his thought when the first blade struck.
It went clean through his heart. Blood gushed out of the wound, like a geyser. It washed over the Mordred knight's pale face, soiling his blond curls.
'Your turn, Skanne!' Adaluin the Fair shouted.
Then came the second sword, through his back, this time. Kubadai wanted to speak but instead of sounds, blood came out his mouth, gurgling down the floor.
A third blade fell, this time, on his neck.
'Blast his eyes!' Vane the Mad cursed. 'My blade's stuck!'
They were trying to decapitate him but he was too strong. He reached out and grabbed one of them. The human slapped his hand away, with ease.
How can this be?! Kubadai's mind was racing. They should be weaker than me!
He noticed someone standing next to the Usurper. The women were all gone now, as if they never existed in the first place. Another knight, dressed all in white. His face covered by a horned helm. Kubadai could not read him.
'Stand back!' he heard another voice.
Gurian the Pale struck true and his sword sent the beast's head rolling on the floor. Kubadai Achilleus could still hear what was happening all around him.
'It is done.' one knight said.
It was the first one, who stabbed him through the heart. He was the fairest of the lot. Then Kubadai heard thunderous explosions coming towards him. They were only footsteps.
'Not yet' another voice said. 'Bring me his sword!'
Kubadai heard the whispers of the Fang of the Dragon as it was passed over him.
'This blade is cursed. It speaks to me.' he heard the Usurper's calm voice.
'It wants blood. Who among you can carry such a burden?'
'I'll take it.'
The same voice, from before.
I know him, thought Kubadai. I know this man!
He felt fingers on his head, lifting him up from the floor.
'I'm used to voices in my head.'
Philipp of Austria saw terror in the beast's eyes and smiled.

*







the Oneshin were the rivals of the Hadessar.
Hailing from the mountains of Huang-Chuan, they were the lords of the Sumari.
Their nomadic blood made them perfectly suitable to rule over the people of the steppes.
The Urdan of the Oneshin held the title of Uliima Rog-votak, Bodyguard of the Throne.
This would prove fatal in the dark days of the Rufan Kista
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Ninety One








I have killed more men in one day than you'll meet in your entire life
-Ugo Grim





The ground was frozen but they were able to dig a hole for Flat Foot, thanks to Geru's monster strength. Their guide was thrown in like a bag of bones.
Geru had nothing to say, as always. So it was left to Ullon to say a few words:
'This is all your fault.' he told the warrior.
'How is this my fault?'
'You wanted to come here. You wanted a guide. Now Flat Foot's dead.'
'You asked for a guide, not me.'
Ullon shouted over the whistling wind:
'It doesn't matter who asked for who!'
They both fell silent and looked down the hole. Their Koitsenko guide was still there, frozen stiff, one arm raised towards the sky, as if he was pointing the way out.
'He fell asleep.' Geru grunted. 'Not my fault.'
'I'm sick of you.' Ullon admitted sharply. The veteran looked up at him.
'You're just mad because you ran out of drink.'
'I'm sick of your face! I'm sick of your sullen silences! I hate everything you represent!'
'Not my fault you can't carry a weapon. Not my fault you can't kill.'
'I'm sick of your scars! I'm sick of that grin! I don't want to see your wretched face ever again!'
'Fine.' Geru said and turned to the wilderness.
'Excellent!' the poet yelled and went after him. 'Exceptional! Extraordinary! Exquisite!'
The warrior stomped the high snow, ignoring him. Ullon was not giving up.
'Do you know any other words, you illiterate brute? All you know is 'fine'. Fine this and Fine that! Nothing is fine, you imbecile! We're in the middle of bloody nowhere! Do you understand tha...'
'HALT!' the veteran pointed a grimmy finger at Ullon's face.
'I may be many things but I am NOT illiterate.'
His shout stopped the poet in his tracks.
'You should look at yourself, before judging others. Take a good look, Ullon! All you care for is getting drunk. You don't even care for those wenches you keep mentioning. All the affection you ever got in your life was bought with coin! You fall at the feet of uninterested maidens and you beg for their time. And now, all you do is talk to that harlot's head. I've seen you talking to her at nights. I won't give you the honor of a good death. You're not worthy.'
'Fine!' Ullon shouted.
They both went their separate ways. Two dots on the white expanse.
After a while, Geru felt guilty.
Not his fault he can't hold a sword. He was born this way.
Perhaps he should go back. Check up on him. He missed the little bastard.
No, it's only going to make things worse. He made his choice.
Geru steeled himself against the cold. The cold wind brought the distinct sound to his ear. A scream.
His poet was screaming for help.
In an instant, Geru was running back.
Maybe he's right. Maybe I am just a dumb brute.
He found Ullon clinging to his life and shouting, trapped inside a crevasse.
'I don't want your help!' was the first thing he said 'I'm fine!'
Geru grinned
'I see that.'
He crouched down.
'What are you doing?!'
'Waiting.' Geru answered.
'For bloody what?!!'
'For you to ask for help.'
'I'll never do that!'
The poet's hands were slipping.
'It's a long way down.' Geru observed.
'To hell with you! I will not beg!'
'Fine.'
Geru looked pleased with himself. Ullon looked down at the abbyss.
Not a bad way to go, this, he thought.
'Here!' he shouted to the veteran. 'Take this!'
A spherical object, like a ball of sorts flew into the northern wind. It landed with a splotch near the veteran. Geru didn't need to look at it to know what it was.
'I'm not taking it. It means nothing to me.'
'You bastard! It's all I got!'
'It's a dead harlot's head. I don't collect such trinkets.'
Ullon lost control of his senses. The black rage was upon him. He forgot about the ice, about Svana. All he wanted to do was kill.
'That's it, poet. Let it go.'
Geru's grin was his target. Ullon climbed the ice wall, his red eyes fixed on his prey, his claws digging deep wounds inside the ice wall. He threw himself at the veteran. Geru didn't move a muscle. He allowed it. The poet's entire weight pushed him into the snow.
Ullon punched and punched and cursed and roared. Every hit made him weaker, somehow. His hate melted into the vastness of space.
There's no one here but us. There's no one coming for me. No one.
After a while, the poet gave up. He was panting. The veteran was still smiling. His face was a bloody mess.
'All this for a head.'
'The head's not the issue here!' Ullon yelled.'You left me out there to die!'
'I just added ten years to your life.' Geru said and spat blood on the snow.
They saw riders on the horizon. Black they were, on dark horses.
'Ysmir men!' Ullon shouted. 'This close to the border? They should be on the other side of the world.'
Geru knew all about Ysmir riders. Mercenaries, slayers of giants.
'What do we do? Shall we fight?'
'Fight?' Geru thought. We're out in the open. We don't have a chance against those throwing axes.
'On your feet, poet. Time to meet Hades.'
'But I can't die now! I've traveled so far!'
Geru offered him a bloody grin.
'You went too far, poet. Too far.'


*



We have an Alpha who refuses to be Alpha, a High Shaman who thinks he's Alpha, a dead Alpha rumored to be alive and an Alpha Yar who's more interested in whores than thrones.
Such is the state of our Dominion.
-Ugo Grim

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Ninety Two







This is a place of war, not trade and worship.
-Spartacus Hades



'Far from civilization, lies the continent of Lenapa.
Its vast expanse makes it suitable for hunting deer and not much else Its people are an illusive lot. They hunt the Bison and Mammuc on horseback; they do little trade for there is almost nothing to trade here and they consider themselves warriors, even when they hit from a far like the extinct Lao Che.
Near the coast, the intrepid explorer may find hamlets and fishing villages, for there is fish to be found here.
Further on, if you go against the wind, you'll reach the place where Spartacus himself first landed in Lenapa, a place he called New Demos.
A hamlet once, the settlement is nothing now like its humble beginnings: there's the marketplace, in the old mesoamerican style where farmers gather to share their produce and then, there's also a true market, not the equal of the capital's sprawling market districts but a market nonetheless.
The local trade consists of mainly fish, furs, timber, dyes, amber and coal from the mountains far away. The locals worship Callista and the Animal Spirits Few still cling to the pagan ways. This thanks to the Slaughter Shrine which the Immortal build here after pacifying the local savages.
The inhabitants have no reason to rebel for there are plenty of distractions here: there is a Racing Track for Hades himself preferred horses; they have a Grand Temple dedicated to Callisto where they can worship and learn of the dark arts; there's even a brothel but I don't recommend it.
Sanitation remains an issue, however, as the roads are filled with residue and all the garbage and filth is collected and deposited in one great dark pit outside the city walls, which the locals name Chultun. Surely, these matters will be addressed soon in the following Gathering for if left unchecked, this could be cause of a great sickness.
Other than that, the roads are paved and in good order and the port functions every day of the week, so you shouldn't have trouble moving about.
Further east, beyond the Fort of Cassius, in slightly less desolate surroundings, you will find the large town of Hadeá, governed by Sergius Genghis, an Uruk of Lao Che blood. Here, Communal Farming has been a success mainly due to the absence of enemy raids. They too have a port, a market and one inn but the locals still worship the old gods and the roads are bad.
Trade is flourishing though as the settlement is a hub for trade routes leading all over the continent. They receive furs, fish, dye, coal and amber from New Demos and even slaves from Vinland. As in anywhere else in Lenapa, the harvest is poor.
Eastwords still, one reaches the city of Vinland.
A minor settlement, they have the biggest slave market on the continent as Vinland is the most advanced point and forward base of the Dominion. From here, all campaigns against the Norse are launched. And here, all prisoners land first.
Half the locals worship the Pagan Gods, half worship the Animal Pantheon. Again, there's little to no reason for revolt here, because they have a Fighting Arena. And they're too involved in the slave trade to even consider such madness.
Beyond this point is the Ice Sea and in between continents lie two islands, known as the Twins, located halfway from civilization, in the middle of nowhere. First one is known as Tønder Island or by her Uruk name of Kamog Ughadol, Fur Island, to be exact.
Here land all the prisoners before being shipped to Lenapa.
The locals worship the Serpent God, like in Mesocala. They have a port, a Fighting Arena and a small Callistan temple but they are always besieged by Draculian heathens from the south. Kubeke Herkules, the local governor and a Noble Spectator of the games, has asked for reinforcements multiple times but so far, no answer has come.
An old warrior, trained in the Agoge, Kubeke has saved his city plenty of times from destruction and he will continue to do so in the future.
The other island has kept its pagan name of Skonder. There is no trade for they have no market. The inhabitants adhere to all religions of Thera, including Islam but most are still pagan.
This may be due to the fact that they have no worries other than a slight religious unrest for they are ruled by a benevolent governor, one that goes by the name of Achilleus the Good.
A bastion of chivalry and a renowned victor, this Uruk doesn't enjoy the slaughter of battle for having seen far too many of his friends die, he has acquired a sense of loss. Little will be built here, for Skonder is nothing more than a forward base.
We won't venture further east, for there lie the Uncharted Territories, home of the bear, the ice giant and the pagan savage. Suffice to say that Uruks here have been fighting the good fight and will do so, for centuries to come.
Back on Lenapa, the furthest you go north, you will encounter the castle of Uruk's Gate, formerly known as Odin's Gate.
'Let them know we're here.' Spartacus the Immortal is rumoured to have said.
They also say that reanimated corpses of fallen enemies have been used to ram the castle gates and that Ragnvald Bluetooth, the King's own son, was burned in the castle's square. The castle is dependent on the goods it receives from Vinland but also exports furs provided by the local wildlife.
Heretics abound here, for 'This is a place of war, not trade and worship.' in the words of the great Spartacus.
Further west, you shall find the town of Nowhere, controlled by Drussus Lopo. Trade flows freely for they have a Grain Exchange. The name was given when some Koitsenko were captured and when asked where they came from, they answered: nowhere.
The roads are kept intentionally bad to discourage raiders. Most of the locals worship the old gods and religious unrest is quite high. Drussus Lopo himself is actively disloyal and it is known among Uruk generals that being sent to Nowhere is worse than being punished with death.
Westwards, you will find the town of Flavia, named after its governor, Flavius Perseus, a young and disloyal Uruk, who still tries to be a good servant. The roads are still in poor condition but the land trade functions nonetheless, with goods being sent as far as World's Edge.
Locals are pagans but Toke Argo, the local Shaman vows that he has been making progress in convincing one in ten people to worship Callista. Hoplites are being trained here to defend the border and they have a pretty good brothel.
Winters are exceptionally harsh here.
Southwest of Flavia, close to the Great Lake or Small Sea, the graceful traveler finds the city of Apach Etá, once home to the powerful Apachians. All the locals worship Callista here, thanks to the Grand Temple where priests and shamans gather to worship. There is a Shipwright as well where galleys are being assembled every day.
A Merchant's Wharf makes for faster shipping and unloading of trade goods.
Its stone walls are Mesoamerican style and so is the Great Eagle Pyramid, an enormous platform, from which the Sycorax would push their captives to fly so that the Kwahu would catch them A truly ridiculous and barbaric method, as opposed to the cleaner, more civilised Uruk version of an axe-sword to the back of the neck.
Odysseus Jason, the city's governor is an accomplished rider, quite unusual for an Uruk and he has been known to enter the local races more than once.
Between Nowhere and Hadeá lie the Dread Mountains, with an outpost upon their highest peak: Haakon's Lament, where a pirate lord is said to have wept over fallen comrades.
Shun Zunn Mund, literally Twelve Strong, its name comes from the twelve starving Wolf's Braves that were found in the city by Dominion forces. Their chief, Nokosi, was killed by Spartacus himself.
Furthest point in Lenapa was Urá Tálocan which became Skagda or World's Edge. It is said that the Uruk commander leading the expedition here went mad, when he realized that there was no place left to go. Further still, across sea, you'll find an island where slaves look for gold and violent prisoners are sent to die.
None have sailed beyond End's Peak and none dare, for it is truly the end of the world.'

-Travels of Ullon the Unworthy





Uruks paint their faces not to terrify enemies but to signify rank.
The hand imprint is a prevalent symbol of authority, found even on the flag of the Dominion.
Only their captains and high officials may wear it.
-Xenonius the last Romuli

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Eighty Three




Even if we ignore the numerous civil wars, there were occasions when the supposedly invincible Uruks met with unexpected defeats.
But these instances are often forgotten in the chronicles, as the arrival of a more powerful force would turn the tables for the Dominion.
-Xenonius the Last Romuli



The garden was on fire. The birch trees and the wild roses melted away, like the aspirations of noble women.
Vespa of Avalon did not care. She was safe in her underground cellar.
The Alpha Widow presided over a flock of terrified slaves and handmaidens. Their whimpering kept her company.
'Zoranna Hades is dead.' announced the hooded figure kneeling beside her. 'Her sons are with the Shaman.'
'Take off that cloak! You look ridiculous.'
Her command was ignored. The Widow gave a sigh.
'No one knows you here. Anyone of importance is either dead or missing.'
The stranger remained hidden. They stood there, listening to the wood cracking outside. Vespa of Avalon took another sip of dark wine. It was the dark priests that burned her garden.
Her slaves managed to bring everyone to safety. Well, almost everyone, Vespa thought.
'Who's left?' she asked the hooded stranger.
'A princeling in the south. He left Demos before the uprising.'
'A halfbreed of no importance. Inexperienced in the ways of war.'
Vespa knew all about Sundak Hades. Her spies were everywhere.
'Draganos still lives. He's in Ibellica, fighting Faustians.'
The stranger's voice was lowered to a whisper.
'Last of the Purebloods. His generals will end him, eventually.'
All the pieces are coming together, the Alpha Widow thought.
'Which leaves only Sten.'
'Yes.' the stranger approved. 'How are things down here?'
'We still haven't found Bertrada.'
Vespa could feel the other one tensing up. There still beats a heart underneath those robes.
'She's probably safe. If the High Shaman has her, he will send demands.'
'Probably.'
The stranger did not seemed convinced.
'It was Noctis who burned your garden down.'
'Hah!' the Widow scoffed. 'Just his way of showing me gratitude.'
After all, it was I who elevated him not the Great Council.
Someone was screaming outside. A young girl. Lowborn, by the sound of her voice.
'I hear Wilelda's pups are growing fast.' the Widow remembered. 'We should send our regards.'
'We shall.'
Just like a spirit, Fay Hades bowed and left the Widow's side. Vespa took another glimpse at the fires raging outside her window.
Oh, Noctis, you poor boy! You must be really lonely.


*

The High Shaman was standing in the Main Hall. With him were his Gans, his Priests and the boy.
The sire of Draganos. My gateway to Paradise!
The Shaman's eyes were glowing in the dark.
'How do you feel?' he asked the boy.
Fulk could hardly speak. His face was charred from the flames.
'The people are at the gates.' the tall Uruk Gan Captain announced.
'I know, Thauk. I can hear them.'
'They are asking for you.'
The crowd's roar reached them, even there, through the thick, marble walls of the Palace. Insects, the High Shaman thought.
Nothing but insects.
'Keep them at bay.'
He could feel his Alpha Gans getting restless. They were outnumbered and hated by all.
If they pull their swords on me, my priests will burn them.
'I'm no One-Day Alpha, Thauk.' he grinned towards the Uruk Gan. 'You won't get away with it. I know what you're thinking: one blade to save the people of Demos. But they don't matter. We don't matter, captain.'
The High Shaman turned to his prize.
'All that matters is this boy right here. He's the key, the answer to all our questions.'
The Gan did not understand. It was plain to see. The High Shaman smiled.
'It's alright, Thauk. Your limited intellect cannot comprehend the possibilities. I can. This is why I'm risking everything.'
The priests of Callisto stood around them, in a wide circle.
'Even if they break in the Palace and tear us limb from limb, it will be worth it.'
'One blade for the Dominion.' said Thauk and reached down for his sword.
Then glass rained over them. Not fire, not hail, but glass.
'What in Callisto's name?!' the High Shaman cursed.
Shards of multicolored glass, fell from the ceiling along with dark figures which landed inside the circle, right next to the Shaman. He could see his priests raising their hands, ready to burn them all.
'Halt your fire!' Noctis yelled. 'You'll hit the boy!'
The Priests complied with no apparent joy.
Well done.
A voice echoed in his head. Not his conscience, no, something strange, something cold.
'Who are you?'
Noctis stared at the strangers. Clad in bear furs, they were, like the ancient savages of Hadea.
They can fly, the Shaman realized.
We can do so much more.
Again, that voice. Intimate, yet foreign at the same time. Noctis felt exposed. Eyes stared at him, from woad painted faces.
'Who are you?!'
From their ranks, came a woman. Tall, she was and her hair was the color of fire.
'Are you the Alpha?' was all that she asked.
'No.' Noctis answered, feeling the eyes of the Alpha Gans upon him. 'I am the High Shaman.'
'Your people want you dead.' she gave him a cold smile.
'I know.' the High Shaman was sweating. 'It does not matter.'
You care for this boy.
She touched the lad with her pale hand. Long fingers traced the burning marks made by Callisto's fire on the boy's face. Fulk gave a sigh of relief.
'Leave him!' Noctis yelled, despite himself. 'Tell me what you want!'
Branwen O'Neill gave another smile.
'We want the head of Kubadai Achilleus.'






When he first boasted to the Lao Che that he was Emperor of Huang Chuang, Vilmos Oneshin had yet to take Kyota, the first wooden castle of the Huang Nobles.
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Eighty Five




The Uruks are fighters, good ones at that.
But they're not nearly as strong or as good as Gans and they know it. For this reason, the number of elites is kept low.
With every means necessary.
-Xenonius the last Romuli





'Our lines are overstretched.' Xenos Caligula told the others.'You said you wanted to see for yourselves.
This is what it looks like. Welcome to the frontier!'
A thunder roared above their heads. Before them, in the jungle, stood thousands of warriors. Ready for battle.
'Just when you think you have him cornered, the Jaguar gets reinforcements...'
Lightning lit up the night sky. The Onyx Uruk spat on the ground. He was staring at an army twice the size of his own.
I am not dying for the Dominion. Not today. Not like this.
'Pull back, brothers!'
His order went down the ranks like thunder from the sky. He looked back at the huge Paynali host, standing there, defiant.
We are not ready for this. Not by a long shot.

*

Tezozonoc the Bastard relieves Bolontiku the Great Paynal.
Under the cover of night, Xenos Caligula retreats.
Thus ended the first battle of Peya Peyota.
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy


*

'Even if we die here today, they'll make statues of us back home! Take pride in that!' Ovidius the Bastard yelled, on the eve of battle
The Treasurer kept his mouth shut. No one liked the pale freak, but he was a son of Thesseus the Merciless and so
We must follow, thought Cerberus Fulk.
Athawolf Kono, a big, dark brute, face painted white, led the attack. As always the Paynals outnumbered them.
And as always, they were more than happy to die for their Sun God
Fulk found himself strangely distracted, in the midst of the battle. He kept thinking of that night he almost died.
Who was it? Who planted the fire? Was it the High Shaman?
A Paynali warrior came close to him, screaming as he went. His maquahuitl club searched for Fulk's neck. He missed but the Treasurer didn't and pushed the bleeding man aside, as if he were a fly.
Nobody knew the insides of my airship. Except Veonardo. And my son
He thought about Cerberus. What he went through, when he heard the news of his father's death.
For his sake, I had to be dead
Another Paynali, closer this time. This one didn't miss and hit the Treasurer in his hip. The Uruk grunted, feeling the obsidian fangs digging deep in his side. He grabbed the warrior and strangled him with one hand.
You must've known I had enemies. Cerb. my boy. I'm sorry
The Treasurer carried the warrior across the battlefield. The Paynali were everywhere. Brave, zealous and vast in numbers, they were.
And foolish, thought Fulk. You must be a fool to go against an Uruk hai.
His Uruks looked like ink blots melting in a sea of orange and bright yellow. Ten warriors jumped him, at the same time, all wearing jaguar skins. Fulk used the strangled Paynali as a shield. His axe-sword was lost, embedded in a warrior's body. The Treasurer used his hands, to grab, to strike or to strangleMore maquahuitl blades found his fingers, sometimes his face
Fulk fought eagles and jaguars, all very human underneath
His back was bleeding from dozens of places
At least it's a good death, Fulk thought. I die standing, like my forefathers!
The bright colors of Paynal were all around him. Then, in a flash, they were gone. Replaced by scarlet red. A crimson horseman stared down at Cerberus Fulk, from behind his Menpō face-mask. His katana was bloody and shining in the sun.
'Are you well, my lord?'
The Treasurer came to his senss. It took a while for him to realize that the horsemen were on his side. Masterless knights, from the former lands of the Lao Che
The Matzo Rōnins were slashing savages, creating a circle of safety around him.
'I am.' Fulk gasped for air 'Go see to the others!'
The riders left, just in time for Cerberus Fulk to see the Alpha Yar fall. Jade giants from the island of Aztlān were trampling him.
No one intervened. Ovidius the Bastard died, just like his father before him
Isolated and abandoned by his troops.
Athawolf Kono fell as well, overwhelmed by Jaguar warriors. The Treasurer saw Elephant Rocketeers rushing to rescue their lord. But it was too late. Bleeding from his wounds and out of breath, Fulk waited for his own end.
It came in the form of eagles.
The Paynali loved to dress their warriors as animals. They worshiped the eagle and the jaguar. Fulk found that the jaguar's bite was deeper than an eagle's claw. He had no strength left in him.
They're too many. Cerb, my boy. I hope you're better in Avalon
He wondered how many Uruks died in Mesocala, thinking of their families. This wretched continent will not be the end of their Dominion. Their sons will fight on and their sons after that!
If only I'd live to see it!
The last Paynali city, burning to the ground. Their riches and women, gone in Uruk hands Oh, what a sight that would be!
The Treasurer grabbed the first Eagle warrior who got too close. He could feel the Paynali striking his legs with their obsidian clubs, trying to bring him down, as one does to a tree
Out of nowhere, a black Uruk appeared, followed by another. And another They were his Bodyguards. And they were killing the eagles
Cerb, if you could see me now!
Fulk was down on one knee, ankle deep in Paynali corpses. His Gans helped him up. He looked across the battlefield
It was a sunny day. Birds were chirping as if to mock the screams of the dying. As if nature herself did not care.
The dead were all around
His Uruks looked like ink blots melting into a sea of orange and bright yellow. Matzo Rōnins were riding down the routing Paynali
There are more humans alive on this battlefield, than Uruks
Later, he would hear that the Qin Rōnin Infantry saved the day, with a final, general charge. Cuitlauac, the Paynali captain, was captured by Reptarri Swords
A Gan came to him, in the end:
'My lord, your son'
'What is it? Dead? Taken captive?'
Fulk wiped the sweat and blood from his eyes
'No'
The Bodyguard looked ashamed
'He deserted'





Seven hundred and ten Paynali were dead on the field. Four hundred were executed later.
Except for Athawolf Kono and Alpha Yar Ovidius the Bastard, no Uruk commanders died that day.
The place was Teju Jagua.
-Lives of the Alphas
Ulon the Unworthy

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Eighty Nine








We are the masters of Thera. Why else would the gods see fit to place us next to such cruel nations if we were not meant to rule them?
-Sulla Hades




One night, the head spoke to him.
A snow storm was raging outside and Ullon was well into his cups, when he heard the whisper.
I must be dreaming, he told himself, but I could swore I've seen those lips move.
He got up and staggered to the wooden table upon which he deposited Tessa's head. The Giantess looked as if she was sleeping.
Worms haven't ravaged her beauty yet. Must be all this cold that preserves her.
He raised a clawed finger towards those serene features. She looked at peace. Maybe she is, Ullon thought.
Maybe she's more happy now than she ever was with Spartacus.
The head opened its eyes.
'Kill him.' was all she said.
Ullon screeched like a hapless maiden. The poet fell backwards, banging his head on the tiles of the floor. But he was Uruk and it didn't matter.
'Why would I do that?' he asked, rising to his senses.
'Kill him! Kill him! KILL HIM!' the head repeated. Wrath changed her face.
She never looked more angry in life as she does now, Ullon observed.
In the silence of his hut, he began to do what he always did. Must be hallucinations from all this wine but I'll take the bait.
'He's a veteran, you know.' the poet explained to the wenches head. 'Thousands of battles under his belt and all. Won't be easy to slay such a beast.'
'No matter!' she replied.' You must end him.'
'But why? We've come such a long way, him and I.'
There was no reason for it. But then again, he WAS talking to the head of a dead wench. Reason has nothing to do with it.
'Slay him!'
'Why?' Ullon frowned.'Will it save thousands of men if I do? Will it bring me my princess?'
Svana of Valhalla was all he thought of, as of late. Try as he might to figure her out, she was still a mystery to him.
'KILL HIM!' the Giantess screamed.
'Oh, what the hells do you know?!' Ullon reproached the trophy.
'You're just a head. A very pretty one but a head nonetheless!'
Here I am, reasoning with you.
He wondered about the Valhallan princess. How she looked like and why did the she left camp the way she did. Was it a lusty governor? Or was it the voice of her people, calling for...
The door slammed opened and in with the blizzard came the massive form of an Uruk warrior.
'Let's go, poet!' Geru the Chosen roared above the storm. 'We're leaving!'
Ullon felt ice particles hitting his face. The frozen winds screamed of icy death.
'W-why?'
The veteran bared his fangs. It was a grin.
'Time to find that princess. Isn't this what you always wanted?'
Ullon looked back at the table. The head looked dead. And silent.
'Why now?'
Geru's face grew hard.
'I've killed a man.'
'Was he important? What was his job?'
They sat there for a while, letting snow invade the insides of the cabin. Then the veteran said one word.
'Governor.'
From her spot back on the table, the Giantess stared at Ullon with accusing eyes.

*

[Lord of the Drunk Penguin]

Chapter Ninety Three



I am the last Hadessa. And the first.
-Sundak Hades



'Why did he looked so surprised?' Adaluin the Fair asked his brothers.
They were gathered outside, under the clear night sky. The Usurper's host was far too big for any castle to handle. After the fall of Otterbach, the many knights, men-at-arms and mercenaries under Sten's rule camped all around the castle.
'He did not know we have the gift.' Vane said, not using his mouth.
The Mordreds watched the camp fires glowing across the field. Like that night, when they saw the Teuton throw the beast's head into a brazier and watched it burn.
'Where do you think he'll go now?'
'Back home, to Europa.' Vane answered. 'But he'll find no warm welcome there.'
'Why not?' Adaluin's question was left unanswered.
'Are we immortal now?' the handsome knight tried once more.
'As long as you don't stare into the sun too long.' Skanne the Scarred japed.
'We're cursed.' Gurian the Pale said. 'Now and forever.'
'I never liked sunbathing anyway.' Vane the Mad replied.
'We are monsters now.' he addressed the night sky. 'No one can touch us.'
'And no one ever will.' said Gurian.
'Well, at least, there are no pretty maidens waiting for us. It's always comforting to know we won't be missed.'
Skanne's joke did not sit well with Gurian. Their leader grunted and left.
'What's with him?'
Skanne scratched his scarred chin.
'Don't mind him. He always sees the worse in every situation.'

*

'You've done me a great service and for that I am grateful.'
Philipp of Austria didn't need to peek inside Sten Volchok's mind to know he was telling the truth.
The knight's role in the slaying of Kubadai was instrumental. The vampire lord could not read their intentions until it was too late.
'Where will you go now?' the Uruk leader asked.
'My people need me.' the knight answered.
They both knew that the Dominion had arrived on Europa.
'Battles are being fought there even as we speak.' he continued.
'They may not like me in my current state but they will welcome my sword.'
'Make my people bleed.' Sten said. 'The longer you keep them busy, the sooner I will have my throne.'
'And afterwards?'
The Uruk commander did not blink at all.
'All human hostages shall be released. Regardless of rank. There will be no slaves in my Dominion.
Just like Slavos wanted.'
The Teuton grasped the Uruk's hand.
'Just like God wanted.'

*


It was the hour of the ghosts when the Great Council assembled. The gathering took place in the High Shaman's private chambers.
'Oddus will need an heir.' Vespa of Avalon addressed the issue of the biggest absentee in the room. 'We must provide him one.'
'The people demand a Hadessa.' Kargun, the Cleft Cloak, intervened. He was the leader of the last surviving Uruk Gans inside the city.
A growl came as a response. Divinus, the former Captain of the Guard was too mutilated to speak clearly. Aysha, his servant girl, translated her master's words.
'The Captain wishes to know who is worthy.'
This brought silence over the assembly. The guests exchanged looks among themselves.
'There is no worthy candidate.' the Alpha Widow concluded. 'We must do with what we have.'
'We have Draganos Hades. He survived the purge. ' the chronicler Xenonius, proposed.
'He's too far away.' said Kargun.
'How about the sons of Oddus?' offered Virgo Noctis, sister of the late Shaman. 'They have Hadessa blood in their veins.'
'They're too young.' the Widow said. 'We need someone older.'
'A Pureblood!' Kargun demanded. 'I'm sick of these halfbreeds...'
Xenonius would later write about that particular moment:

We all stared at the Alpha Widow for her son was a known halfbreed, perhaps the most famous of them all.
But the Matriarch took no notice of the Gan's harsh words.

Another growl came.
'The Captain says that at this pace, he will take the throne.'
This brought laughter into the room. The Widow watched the ruined Uruk. Perhaps it wasn't his intention to amuse but the First Captain was right, a choice had to be done.
'Give me a candidate.' she demanded.
Of all the people gathered there, it was the ravaged warrior who spoke again, with the voice of a slave girl:
'The Captain says that there is a survivor closer to the Throne.'
All present knew who he meant. It was the Princeling, the last of the purebloods. The son of Gennadius Hades.
Once more, all eyes turned to the Alpha Widow. 'So be it.' Vespa of Avalon gave a sigh. 'Inform Oddus of our decision.' The one-eyed Uruk guarding the assembly bowed and left the room. There was no noise coming from outside. This should please them for now.
'Send word to Sundak Hades. He should return to the Capital at once.'
The Alpha Widow announced:
'We have our Alpha.'

*









The slaying of Kubadai Achilleus did not stop the pestilence from spreading. With their leader now gone, the afflicted rampaged throughout the land.
Wherever they went, the Crimson Uruks left nothing behind but death and ruin.
-Lives of the Alphas
Ullon the Unworthy