“You…Shall…Die…” Boomed the gigantic creature. Noah’s mouth hung open. Did it speak? He turned to Ta’Ku and found him similarly stunned. Noah caught a whiff of sulfur before a jet of bright orange bathed the clearing in searing heat. The orcs shouted in terror as they scrambled behind the walls. Several were caught in the fire and desperately rolled on the ground in a vain attempt to save themselves. Noah and Ta’Ku took a different approach, opting to sprint toward the beast instead. Dragon, it’s a dragon. They narrowly escaped the direct lick of the flames and plowed into the immobile wall of beasts. The dragon growled in annoyance and swiped at Noah with an outstretched talon. Noah swung his sword to intercept the talon and was thrown back several feet. Uh oh. He got back to his feet and scanned the mass of bodies for Ta’Ku. Before he could find him, the dragon hissed out a reptilian command causing the swarm to spring back into action.

  “Ta’Ku!” Noah screamed. “Retreat!” He began sprinting back toward the wall, thankful for his superhuman speed. With great relief he stepped through the closing gate to find Ta’Ku and Ro’Kar on the other side.

  “Noah, what is that monster?” Ro’Kar demanded.

  “I believe it's a dragon.” He replied gravely. “And judging by my initial clash with it, I fear we may have to run.” Ro’Kar looked at him in shock.

  “Are you sure?” He asked. Noah nodded.

  “Perhaps we could kill it if we all worked together, but there are too many other monsters to attempt it. Many of us will die if we stay.” Noah stated. The chief took a deep breath before shouting a command.

  “Retreat! Get to the ladders! Move!” Ro’Kar bellowed. At once the surrounding orcs were in motion, spurred on by the scraping and hammering against the gate. The three leaders followed the rest of the warriors from the back, ready to slow down any monsters that broke through the gate. Another jet of fire filled the sky as the orcs began to scramble up the ladders. Others chose to climb the cliff face, not willing to wait for the ladders to clear. There was a mighty crunch and a boom from the wall followed by unnerving screeches of reptilian glee. They’re coming. They picked up the pace, arriving at the ladders just ahead of the first wave of monsters.

  “Get up the cliff!” Noah yelled to his companions as he swung his hammer at the nearest beast. He had long since switched out his weapons, no longer willing to play with his sword. He made a final stand as the lizard creatures crowded around him. He took them out in droves, causing scales to fly like sand as he cracked bones with every blow.

  “No’Ah! It’s time!” Ta’Ku yelled from the cliff above. Noah immediately jumped over beasts near the wall and scrambled up the cliff. He just rolled over the edge before a wave of heat blasted over them. Noah chanced a glance at the beasts below and saw the mighty beast glaring up at him. He grinned as he noticed the lack of wings on the creatures back. Not a dragon. He sighed in relief, joining the orcs as they began their run up the mountain. They ran for over an hour before settling around a large outcropping. They had yet to notice any pursuers but remained vigilant nonetheless. Ro’Kar gestured to Noah and they met at the south side of the camp.

  “That was far worse than I had expected.” Ro’Kar began, his voice solemn. Noah let out a long breath, still tense after the non-stop engagement.

  “I have fought powerful monsters, but that—” Noah trailed off, not liking the conclusions his mind was jumping to. “If I had known we were facing that kind of threat, I would have suggested a retreat much sooner.” Ro’Kar grunted in what Noah took to be agreement.

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  “We did not know. There is little use in dwelling on that now.” Ro’Kar commented. “Considering the circumstances, we were fortunate. Only four orcs met their final rest in the great battle. This would not have been true without your presence.” He said, looking to Noah and then Ta’Ku. They shared a moment of silence, each processing the race of activities that they had just experienced. Ta’Ku was the first to break the silence.

  “What will we do now?” He asked. Noah hummed in consideration, and Ro’Kar turned to look at him.

  “No’Ah, Ta’Ku. It wasn’t your responsibility to protect the tribe, but you did not hesitate to do so. For that I thank you both. I must discuss some important matters with the others, but I will fill you in soon.” Ro’Kar announced before leaving them alone. Noah frowned at the sudden departure.

  “Do you know what he is talking about?” Noah asked. Ta’Ku shrugged.

  “I couldn’t say.” He replied, not quite meeting Noah’s eyes. Noah squinted at him.

  “What do you know?” He questioned.

  “It’s not my place to share. I am sure that Ro’Kar will inform you as he sees fit. There’s nothing to be concerned about though.” Ta’Ku admitted. Sure there’s not. Noah thought as he accepted that he wasn’t learning more.

  “So what do you want to do next?” Noah asked, changing the subject. “I know that we planned to leave after a month, but now your people are without a home.”

  “Frankly, I am not sure. As much as I want to be here for the tribe, I know our mission is even more critical. That being said, I don’t know what direction is best for our plans either. If we are looking for XP, then what we’re doing now is accomplishing that.” Ta’Ku answered. Noah nodded, having thought much the same.

  “It seems that we have a choice to seek out beasts or let them come to us. I suppose it would be nice to establish a home base. We would gain XP and have the opportunity to explore other pursuits. Having other people around wouldn't hurt either.” Noah mused. The pair rejoined the others, commiserating and sharing their victories from the last month. For being driven from their homes, the orcs were in high spirits, and Noah learned that they were accustomed to such a lifestyle from their homeworld. Many of the warriors had bonded deeply as they pursued advancement and tested their mettle against the invaders and bouts of laughter could be heard throughout the camp. As they joined a group huddled around a fire, Noah learned yet another orc custom. The Warrior’s Rest. The orcs took turns sharing tales of the fallen comrades’ feats and aspirations. Even those that did not know them well took part in crafting the legend of the fallen warrior. Some spoke their tale in dramatic tones and others joined together to sing epic choruses. Noah was caught up in the passion of his companions and bellowed out his own ode to the deceased. The day turned to night and soon the tradition was finished, and a settledness descended upon the camp.

  Ro’Kar placed his hand on Noah’s shoulder, pulling him from his reverie. He looked up at the chief, finding eyes filled with determination. Ro’Kar opened his mouth and spoke loud enough for all to hear.

  “No’Ah, I challenge you to the chieftain’s rite!” Only the crackle of the fires could be heard as every eye fell on Noah. His brow furrowed and he looked to Ta’Ku for an explanation, receiving only a nod.

  “Ro’Kar, I do not know what the chieftain’s rite is, how can I accept it?” Noah replied. Ro’Kar frowned but acquiesced.

  “I suppose I am already breaking tradition by inviting a non-orc.” He grunted. “The rite is our ceremony to determine who leads the tribe. I had already considered it, but after tonight I am certain. You would be the superior tribal leader.” Ro’Kar explained. Noah paused at his words, caught off guard by the suggestion. Do I want to lead? He considered the past month with the orcs, and found that he had felt at home with the warriors. If he was honest with himself, he could see it.

  “If I accept, will I be able to run things as I see fit?” He questioned. Ro’Kar let out a hearty laugh.

  “If you win, then yes you may do as you wish!” He answered with a grin. Noah tilted his head at Ro’Kar’s choice of words. As he thought about it, he somehow knew that it was the right next step for him. So he accepted.

  “I agree to the chieftain’s rite.” Noah announced. Ro’Kar smiled and raised Noah’s hand into the sky, which was met by a thundering roar from the orcs. Ro’Kar waited for the shout to end before speaking again.

  “Then we fight!”

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