DORULL SAGA - SWAMP OF DEATH
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Bagtur climbed fast up the
steep stairs of the tall tower, rising above Issurk fort. All the way to the
top. To the councilor’s Falkner chambers. The view from up there was
incredible to say the least. It stretched from the Laorn mountains to the north, to the wild forests of
Amn-oaz in the southwest and great Kabial lake in south. Out of the high
lookout, Eilonna could see for miles in every direction, as if it was right
there on the palm of her hand. Nothing could escape her all-seeing eyes. And
the councilor used that well, in her fast rise to power.
But all of her efforts could come
toppling down, because of one vulgar half-orc, degrading her on two occasions.
Eilonna couldn’t afford showing even the slightest sign of weakness. Everything
she did in the past years was to strengthen her position and image. She crushed
every obstacle. She fought or removed everyone daring to question her abilities
and stand in her way. So why was she now feeling more vulnerable than ever
before? Soon, councilor Falkner’s plan was to become reality. Entire Tanmar
could soon be underneath her foot. But at this moment, she felt like an
ordinary, weak woman. And out of place for that matter. Loud knocking on the
door startled Eilonna for a bit. The long awaited opportunity to even with the
half-orc, finally arrived.
“Come in.” she said.
Bagtur marched in the room. But
once realizing how different the councilor’s private chambers looked and
felt from the rest of this fort, half-orc stopped in his tracks,
involuntarily showing his discomfort. Eilonna noticed that. She now knew how to
break this brash, insolent man.
“Please sit.” she showed him to the
leather chairs adjacent to the white brick fireplace “Do you want something to
drink?”
Bagtur shook his head, denying it.
He was unsuccessfully trying to make himself comfortable in the chair. But he
failed to do so, which was a mystery on its own. The soft leather of the chair
he was sitting on was quite pleasant. It was perhaps the surroundings that
bothered him. Light, bright room on the top of the tower, decorated with
colorful, swaying, silk fabric, did not match with the grayness and gloom of
Tanmar.
Bagtur was accustomed to the stone,
wood and iron. He seemed out of place in this cozy room. He liked the common
things, the simplicity and functionality without excess. There was no place for
luxury in this swamp. Collecting the riches, and surrounding themselves with
it, was just an attempt to escape and hide from reality.
“Why am I here?” Bagtur wanted to
leave as soon as possible.
“We both know why.” Councilor
Falkner said “Your insolence and lack of respect left me with no choice.”
“Lack of respect?” half-orc jeered
“I don’t have time for your blathering, woman. With everything…”
“And there it goes again.” Eilonna
interrupted him “I am the councilor of Issurk. I deserve respect, especially
from the likes of common soldiers.”
She had chosen her words carefully,
wanting to insult the half-orc. Wanting to hurt him with every means possible.
“If the councilor issues an order,
it’s up to the soldier to obey.” Eilonna stood up from her chair “Your
behavior and actions back in Thirel, were serious infringements. Now, as that
unfortunate issue with goblins is behind us, I’m contemplating taking certain
legal actions against you. I think it’s only fair to inform you, before it
happens.”
“Is that all?” Bagtur was
indifferent. “Do as you please, you know where to find me.”
“Unbelievable, you still don’t get
it boy.” Eilonna scowled.
Half-orc had crossed the line yet
again.
“This is not a joke, I’ll send you
to the court martial.” Eilonna threatened him.
She could not stand his rudeness,
his obnoxious, male views and reasoning. She hated his masculinity, his
strength and his smug face. She wanted to punch him across that mouth. To beat
him, to make his life miserable. But before she could, Bagtur just stood up and
walked away. Eilonna could not believe it, he absolutely did not care. Or
perhaps did not take her seriously.
A couple of moments later, a rather
tall, brawny soldier entered the councilor’s room. His dark brown, bushy hair
reached halfway to his back. From behind his left shoulder protruded thick,
beautifully crafted grip of a large broad headed maul. He was wearing heavy
leather armor, reinforced with chains, differentiating him from every other
soldier in Issurk. And he was no ordinary soldier. He was Eilonna’s personal
guard.
“You saw the half-orc?” she asked
quickly.
“Yes.” her bodyguard answered.
“Find a way to provoke a brawl, but
don’t throw any punches.” Eilonna ordered.
“None whatsoever?” soldier was
genuinely disappointed.
“You’ll never change, Breatis.” the
councilor smiled gently “Okay, you may. But only a few. But only in self
defense.”
“With pleasure, my lady.”
Soon enough, Eilonna was alone
again. Although she wasn’t planning on venturing this particular way, half-orc
gave her no options. Bagtur had a chance to apologize, but he decided not to.
Ultimately, he was the one deciding it for her. He will learn his lesson, and
at the same time serve as an example for the rest of them. With the bunch of
infringements she tends to pin on him, he will never stand a chance in trial.
Councilor knew that well. Sending Breatis, her guard, and the strongest fighter
in Issurk, against the half-orc, was just a bonus.
The day was nearing its end. Eilonna glanced eastwards, towards Vallsynk. Vards will soon begin with their mission, and if it turns out to be a success, it would mean a great deal to her. She struggled to remain patient, awaiting to hear the positive news. But she wasn’t worried at all. No one could prove her involvement, even if vards fail. Eilonna poured herself some vine, laying down on her soft bed. In the next few forthcoming hours, her destiny would become much much clearer. After a very long time of doing all the biddings by herself, she was now dependent on the work of others. Something she’ll have to get accustomed to, and fast.
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