When Noah awoke the sun was just peaking over the horizon, illuminating the expansive forest in a blue-white glow. He made a quick meal of his travel rations and stopped by the stream to lap up some water. Then he was off, eager to reunite with Ta’Ku and learn of the orc’s wellbeing. He saw various monsters as he traveled but they seemed to recognize that he wasn’t on the menu and let him be. He sprinted continuously, stopping only to sleep after the sun had fully set each night. On the fourth day of traveling the orc village finally came into sight.

  The sentries noticed him and began to wave, calling out to orcs behind the wall. The gate began to swing open before he even arrived and he was able to walk through immediately. Several familiar faces called out greetings and welcomed him back to the village. One particularly helpful orc went off to fetch Ta’Ku, assuming that Noah would be expecting his Dan’Kar’s presence. The custom was different than what he was used to but he was overjoyed to see Ta’Ku nonetheless.

  “Noah, you’re back so soon! I hope that means things are well?” Ta’Ku greeted him as they exchanged a warrior's embrace.

  “Mostly well.” Noah reported. “They were suffering from a similar plight to what we witnessed when I was last here. It has been resolved though.” Ta’Ku’s eyes lit up.

  “How long ago was it resolved?” He responded. Noah considered it.

  “Five or six days ago now. Why do you ask?”

  “That’s exactly when things changed here as well. It was like a fog was lifted and everyone was furious when they came to. Ro’Kar especially, he seemed to be in an even deeper haze than everyone else.” Ta’Ku explained.

  “That’s interesting… In the settlement, the two Irons were unaffected. Perhaps they knew that the chief would need to be charmed in order to truly affect the village.” Noah started before having another thought. “If the village was released on the same day, then it should stand to reason that the same person charmed both groups. But that wouldn’t make sense given what the dryad told me.” Noah mused.

  “The dryad?” Ta’Ku questioned. Noah nodded.

  “We spoke with the dryad that claimed responsibility for charming the settlement. It explained that the people were trespassing in its territory and mistreating the forest. That has nothing to do with you though.” Noah thought aloud.

  “Interesting. Could it have been someone else then?” Ta’Ku asked. Noah frowned.

  “I am starting to think that it would have to be. And if its the suspects I have in mind it would be quite concerning.” Noah responded.

  “Who are you thinking?”

  “The elves.” Noah sighed. “Did you see the name ‘Balkendar’ on the rankings?” Ta’Ku nodded. “I met him just a few days after we arrived here. He claimed that there was an elven village nearby and that all the elves had a way to locate it. He also tried to kill my companions for XP before he learned that they were connected to me.”

  “What should we do?” Ta’Ku asked.

  “Right now, nothing. If his intentions were to kill all of the people living in the two villages, then I believe he could have done that already. Instead it seems like he’s trying to slow down their advancement.” Noah mused. “Actually, that gives me a thought. Is the chief around?” Ta’Ku nodded and led him to the one restaurant in the settlement. Ro’Kar was seated as his usual table in the corner, and motioned them over when he noticed their entrance.

  “No’Ah! It’s good to see you. I’m afraid I have to apologize for how I acted last time you were here. I wasn’t in my right mind.” Ro’Kar explained.

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  “It is good to see you as well, Ro’Kar. All is forgiven, from what I found you weren’t in your right mind at all.” Noah replied. He proceeded to catch the chief up on their recent discoveries.

  “So you believe it was the elves?” Ro’Kar asked.

  “I do.” Noah responded. Ro’Kar grunted.

  “Why would they target us? What have we done to them?” He questioned.

  “About that. Have you received a quest from the System?” Noah inquired.

  “I have, yes. I am to gather a large number of loyal tribesman. But how did you know that?” Noah nodded, putting the pieces together.

  “I think the elves are aiming to finish their quest, perhaps intending to take your village and that of the humans as vassals to increase their numbers.” Noah explained.

  “Why would they weaken us–” Ta’Ku started to ask before realization dawned on his face. “They want us to come to them for protection once we are unable to hold back the monster swarms.” He finished. Noah nodded and Ro’Kar’s mouth hung ajar.

  “On the last trading caravan from the human settlement one of the elven members approached me, and shared about the adept military force that the elves have established. At the time I thought he was just proud of his people’s accomplishments. Before you and Ta’Ku arrived I was considering new options to defend our people, and I likely would have turned to them if the humans couldn’t help.” Ro’Kar shared.

  “If they can just manipulate our thoughts, what’s to keep them from doing the same thing once you two depart?” He asked. Noah pulled at his beard as he considered the options.

  “Based on what I saw at the human village, I believe it takes considerably more effort to affect Irons than it does to affect Dusts. If we can help more orcs reach Iron, that should be a significant deterrent to further attack. Since every orc is exposed to regular battle, levels shouldn’t be an issue, which only leaves gate advancement.” Noah responded.

  “I have already helped two warriors reach Iron in the time I’ve been here. Given enough time, I believe that a majority of the tribe will advance. I have also instructed them to start putting aside XP for their grade.” Ta’Ku explained. Noah grinned, excited to hear of the quick development of their plans.

  “I will issue an order for all the tribesman to attend daily training. This will be the top priority. We need to be ready if the elves decide to become aggressive. Thankfully this will also work to help us in our fight against the swarms.” Ro’Kar said. “Their frequency of attack has increased, now coming every five days, almost entirely reptilian. I am beginning to wonder if they are part of a greater swarm that is slowly approaching." Several nearby orcs shifted in discomfort as they heard the chief’s words. That was fast. At this pace they will have daily assaults within a month.

  “No’Ah. Would you be willing to stay until the swarm is dealt with?” Ro’Kar asked. Ta’Ku looked to Noah, and the whole room went quiet as they waited for his response. There was never a doubt in his mind though as he considered the fate of his companions.

  “We will stay. I have conditions though.” Noah replied. The chief nodded and the tension in the room dissipated.

  “Of course, whatever you need.” Ro’Kar responded. “What are your conditions?”

  “I expect every orc to reach Iron in the next month. If Ta’Ku and I have to fight solo to make that possible, we will. I also want everyone to prioritize reaching E grade as soon as they hit level 50.” Noah stated. Ta’Ku grinned at Noah’s demands.

  “I will see to it.” The chief answered, rising from his seat. He turned to the room, half filled at this point. “Gather the tribe in the town square! I have new orders to give.” He commanded. The present departed immediately, each having heard their conversation.

  “Thank you, No’Ah. This will be a lasting benefit for our people.” Ro’Kar said sincerely.

  “You’re welcome, my friend. We will do our best to share our knowledge with the village.” Noah replied. With that the chief left, making his way to the gathering place.

  “You didn’t have to do that.” Ta’Ku said. Noah shrugged.

  “You would do the same.”

  “That’s different, I am your Dan’Kar, your battles are mine.” Ta’Ku responded.

  “To me it goes both ways. Besides, helping your people advance will serve as a buffer for mine. At the very least, they will have somewhere to retreat to if the elves turn to violence.” Noah explained. “Let’s go catch the announcement.” Ta’Ku grunted in understanding and the two made their way to the square. It didn’t take long for the entire tribe to gather, spurred on by the urgency of the runners.

  “Warriors! I have gathered you for a tribal edict!” There were several gasps at Ro’Kar’s words and Noah raised a questioning brow. Ta’Ku leaned over and explained.

  “A tribal edict is an orc custom. If anyone fails to obey it they will be thrown out of the tribe.” Noah frowned. What have I done?

  “The edict is as follows! Every member of the tribe has one month to advance their caste. If you are level 50, you must immediately cease leveling until you have reached E grade. To facilitate this, Noah and Ta’Ku have offered their full support.” Ro’Kar finished. He raised his hand in a fist and a mighty roar erupted from the gathered orcs, and Ta’Ku joined in beside him.

  “The edict is sealed. May every warrior prevail!”