Chapter 56 - 56

Xiao Chen got tired of the snores of the ogre and the next day, he gave them an order to haul and pile up the corpses of their foes that were scattered all over the place. The stench of rotting flesh was so strong.

Keeping a close eye at the enemy, Xiao Chen ordered the riders to be sent out to circle around the enemy campsite to investigate and find out what exactly their enemies are up to. Loud noises could be heard from time to time coming from behind the camp of their enemies, like loud hammering sounds.

Xiao Chen wanted to find out what exactly is going on.

"Chief, I'll accompany my brothers. Blackwind is the fastest warg I know and I can assure you that I will bring back the information, dead or alive."

Sakh'arran volunteered to be part of the scouting party, only he and his brothers of the Arkhan Clan have wargs to be use for scouting and can move around fast.

"May our ancestors watch over you."

Xiao Chen nodded towards the brave riders who are about to be sent out to with a dangerous task. He patted the shoulder of each of the riders, he also want to pet their wargs but only Blackwind allowed him to touch her without baring its fangs at him.

Unsheathing his newly crafted blade made out of thravum ore and iron steel. Presenting it towards Sakh'arran with both hands.

Sakh'arran stared blankly at the magnificent blade presented to him by the chieftain, he was bewildered and didn't know what to do.

"Carry this blade with honor and dignity. I now appoint you as Druu'ghar Vaddash of my horde."

Xiao Chen spoke clearly and loudly for all the warriors of Yohan to hear. His decision of appointing Sakh'arran as his second in command wasn't decided on the spur of the moment but done after long and careful consideration.

Sakh'arran had the strength and wits, he is someone who follows everything to the books. Strict, disciplined and had the initiative. He makes the right decisions and commands despite all the chaos that was happening around him.

Among all his commanders, he is the best learner and also the best leader. Gur'kan might be the best motivator and morale booster of his army but he lacks a little bit of initiative when it comes to leading those under him in tight situations often applying only those that Xiao Chen taught him and not seeking better alternative solutions to the current problem.

"I shall carry it with honor and pride, my chief"

Sakh'arran received the new blade with pride, his hand tightly grip the handle of the new sword and he can't help but admire the beauty of his new blade. He unsheathed his old blade and sheathed the new one.

Sakh'arran then saluted the chieftain and turned around, his old blade held in his right hand.

"Maghazz!"

He shouted and glanced around the orc warriors who were spectating the event.

"Here!"

Maghazz shouted as he made his way to the front, his shield and armor making distinct chinking and thumping sounds as he ran forward.

He can't help but be rattled upon standing in front of all the commaders including the chieftain who gave him a mighty whooping last time when he fought him. Maghazz's eyes kept moving side to side avoiding eye contact with the commanders, and his palms sweated in nervousness while his heartbeat started racing.

"This blade of mine, is now yours. Prove to your peers that you have earned it."

Sakh'arran passed his blade to Maghazz before the young orc could let things sink in within his head. Xiao Chen glanced at Maghazz who was zoning out and still staring at the blade in his hands.

Sakh'arran mounted on Blackwind then ushered his warg to turn around and head towards the gateway, his rider companions also rode their wargs and followed after him.

Xiao Chen approached the zoned out Maghazz and patted him on the shoulder, bringing back his senses.

"Good luck proving that you've earned that sword."

Xiao Chen grinned mischievously then left the bewildered Maghazz.

"What do you mean chief?"

Maghazz shouted but got no response, he tried to seek answers from the commanders in front but they just grinned at him mischievously and followed after the chieftain.

Confused, Maghazz turned around and saw the unfriendly stares of his peers. Sakh'arran's old blade was a hot potato given to him, the jealous gaze of his peers made him think that this was another kind of punishment meted out on him.

*****

Sakh'arran and his companions headed north to cover their real intention. For many hours they hurried north and only resting when really needed.

They change directions when the sun was about to set and headed east, they had to be very careful to cover their tracks or the entire enemy army will be upon them.

Their wargs sprinted with the wind. The task that they were given was very vital that the chieftain emphasized how crucial it was. Darkness had already envelope the surroundings but the riders and their trusty partners kept on moving, eating their meals while on the move.

*****

"Stay low and don't make a sound"

Sakh'arran whispered to his companions as they crept towards the place where sounds of hammering were coming from, they left their wargs a few paces away.

He and his companions crawled on the ground as they approached, making use of the thickets to mask their presence and hide from the patrols that roamed around the place from time to time.

Silently they crawled and were finally close enough to see what their foes were building.

"By our ancestors"

One of the warg riders exclaimed in a low voice as they saw a huge tower made of woods over thirty feet high.

"Shhhh...keep your voice down or you'll expose us"

Sakh'arran whispered towards his companion as he observed closely what was going on. Corrupted creatures were moving around the place, felling the sparse trees around and carrying them towards the wooden structure.

Some of the creatures fell but got quickly replaced by the others, a corrupted ogre came and picked up the motionless bodies and carried it somewhere.. Sakh'arran didn't knew what the ogre was going to do with the bodies, curiously he signalled his clansmen to follow after him as they go after the corrupted ogre.