Rise of the Horde

Out of all the thousands of people that flocked towards the city for safety, there numbers were more than halved by the rampant disease and starvation. The previously boisterous city had dead bodies scattered in everywhere with no one to tend to them.

Commander Lars rode out of the city along with an escort of fifty riders to begin the negotiation with their foes. He was weakened greatly but he still choose to personally be the one to negotiate with their enemies and left his remaining student at the city to assume command of his remaining soldiers. “Isn’t that the banner of the House of Darkhariss…” one of his escorts pointed a finger at the banner that was dancing with the wind. The garrison commander wanted to confirm the words of his escort and directed his gaze at the banner that was fluttering in the distance.

Confusion gripped the mind of the sick commander since he knew of the demise of the House of Darkhariss and no one was certain if their was still someone surviving who belonged to it. After giving it some thoughts, he can’t still figure out any member of the house who could still be alive after they were hunted down.

Upon seeing the one who is leading the negotiating party of their opponents, shock and surprise was written all over the face of Commander Lars as he couldn’t believe his eyes that it was the cousin of Faynah and the supposed heir of the House of Darkhariss who was standing in front of him. He was amazed that despite being specifically targeted by the furious prince, she still managed to survive the ordeal.

“It’s been a long time… Uncle Lars…” Adhalia smiled as she greeted the commander who was not in good state and is clearly sick basing on how frail he looks right now. “Why did you not inform me in the very beginning that this army belongs to you?” Commander Lars was a bit emotional after he learned that the army that laid siege upon the city that he was defending was led by Adhalia, “And what are you doing allying with these barbarous creatures?” he continued, his voice says it all that he was furious since he thought that his students would have still continued to be alive if Adhalia just made her identity known to them since the beginning.

“I would advise you not to badmouth the orcs right in front of their leader…” Adhalia turned his gaze towards Khao’khen who was standing right beside her in silence, “And also…would you have believed me if I came with an army of orcs behind me while claiming to be of my house.” She continued then stared at the commander who had no rebuttal for her words.

“It looks like you are suffering dysentery… And I guess many of you inside the city have already fallen due to the same illness.” Khao’khen butted in as he noticed the condition that the enemy commander was in. “You know of this disease?” Commander Lars was quick to respond but then he realized that the orc just spoke their tongue and he stared at him with disbelieving gaze.

.....

Khao’khen nodded his response to the query of the enemy commander. “You don’t also happen to know a way to cure it, right?” the sick commander had his hopes high after getting over the fact that the leader of the orcs can speak and understand their tongue. “Sure, I know a way to cure it and most importantly I know of a way to prevent it from spreading to more people.” Khao’khen spoke unhurriedly while observing the facial expressions of the enemy commander in response to his words.

“I agree to surrender the city with the following terms, first you must help cure and prevent this disease from spreading, second I want you to ensure that no further unnecessary violence would happen after you take control of the city and lastly I ask for the safety of me and my subordinates.” Commander Lars laid down his terms which were of no problems to the opposing party.

Khao’khen turned his head towards Adhalia who nodded her head in agreement despite her reluctance to agree to the terms offered because she wasn’t able to display her negotiating skills since their foe offered terms that were so agreeable that she can’t do anything about it but accept since the quicker they take control of the city, the faster she can have her revenge against that bastard.

“We find your terms agreeable… Stand down your soldiers and open the gates of the city.” Khao’khen confirmed the terms offered by the opposition for their surrender. He had accepted their surrender but he had no plans in letting his army enter the city just yet, not until he deemed the place safe enough and free from the illnesses that is held within its walls.

A sigh of relief escaped the lips of Commander Lars as he slid down his mount but was luckily caught by one of his escorts who was prepared and prevented him from crashing to the ground. Khao’khen went forward which alarmed the escorts of the enemy commander as they almost unsheathed their weapons, “Relax! I just want to check on his condition.” Khao’khen stopped an arm’s length away from Commander Lars who was being supported by one of his escorts.