Rise of the Horde

A month had passed without much problem on the side of Khao'khen and the horde. The lands that they have conquered were incorporated unto their influence. The presence of orcs, trolls, goblins, kobolds, ogres and minotaurs became a regular occurrence to the Ereians who were residing in the lands that they have conquered.

The kobolds ad goblins were sent to the lands to the south. On the gateway between the lands of Ereia and the known empire of the south. They were in-charge of digging out the minerals and fortune that was within the mines that were in their sphere of influence.

From the Fortress of Vir, a new paved road was built. The new road aided in easing up the journey from the southern lands of the orcish territory and the newly merged land of the Ereians. Caravans from the north were able to easily reach the city of Alsenna without much trouble thanks to the newly built road.

Supplies and reinforcements came trickling down from the north.

Although they were wary of them in the beginning, the Ereians began to be accustomed to the presence of the creatures that they categorized as brutal monsters at first die to their lack of knowledge and engagement with them.

The orcs and trolls became frequent customers of taverns. They were stronger supporters of such establishments as they far consume more alcohol than an average Ereian could. Although there was a lack of proper monetary system among the horde, they were considered wealthy due to the number of spoils that they had in their possession.

The loot that they have plundered from their foes that they have defeated and the possessions that they had were valued greatly by the Ereians.

From the fortress of Vir till the lands of Baron Ragab, the Ereians became accustomed to the creatures that they weren't used to before. Although some disputes arose, it was all minor. And due to the strict discipline that the military members of the horde were acclimatized to, there wasn't much trouble between the two sides.

*****

The baron who suffered grievous injuries finally regained his consciousness and was on his way to make a full recovery. At first he was alarmed by the presence of orcs when he regained his consciousness but after having a conversation with Khao'khen, he calmed down.

Although they were of different species, the baron had the same goal as the leader of the orcs which was to take down the current monarch of the kingdom. The fact that the house of Darkhariss would be the one to replace the current royalty eased up his worries. He didn't have any problem with the orcs but them being the rulers of a kingdom was unheard of.

The baron heard tales of orcs being allied with humans or being in the service of humans but never have heard of them being the ones in control of such territories. There was one thing that was dominant about them where many would agree to, they were powerful warriors on the battlefield.

The Warghen Cavalry were being overwhelmed by the number of scouts being sent and the frequency of their appearance that both the Rhakaddon Cavalry and the Verakhs were deployed to aid them. Khao'khen was just waiting for Adhalia and her army to rendezvous with them at the territory of the baron before they would march towards the capital.

The discovery of an enemy camp not so far away from the camp a few days ago surprised Khao'khen. According to the scouts that they have sent out from their side, the opposing army was of a significant number, greater than twenty thousand in numbers.

He wasn't certain if this was the last hurrah of the current king of the kingdom but he has great trust in the capability of his warriors.

*****

Four days after the discovery of the enemy camp, the alarm was sounded from the northern walls of the town. The enemy army was making their move. It was still dark and the cold morning wind was still present making anyone who lacked warm covers to shiver.

"Chief, the enemy are forming up their battle lines. It looks like they are fielding their entire army for the upcoming battle," a rider was quick to make his report to Khao'khen.

"Any news from the other riders who were on the lookout?" he questioned. The cavalry that he had led away from the previous battle that they have won which weren't able to participate in the previous struggle was still missing. He was still wary of them. There capability in battle was still a mystery to him as he was not given a chance to gauge their strength.

"There was no sight of them chief. The Verakhs had already extended their search, way beyond the lines of the enemy camp but were still yet to find their presence. It is safe to say that they won't be participating in the upcoming battle," the rider was confident with his words.

Khao'khen dismissed the rider then headed out. In front of him was the full might of his horde. They had no plans of staying by the walls of the town to defend. When offered a fight, the orcs would gladly take it. As far as he was aware, the orcs lack the affinity to true defense. According to his observation with the way of the orcs, the best defense for them was a strong offense.

Overwhelm their foes with their assault so that they would be the one who would be defending and not them.

In front of the walls of the town, the might First Horde formed up their battle lines. The few Drakhars who were with them were divided equally on both flanks. The Yurakks anchoring the center and the Rakshas being held at the rear as reserves.

The Warghen and Rhakaddon Cavalry were right behind the Rakshas and were just waiting for the orders for their deployment. Their foes were of greater number but that was not a problem for the horde. The more enemies they have, the more enemies that they can kill.