[b]The Coast of Aeolus[/b]

[i]The orcs have gathered together in the center of camp, awaiting their chief's words.  The rain continues to pour down, drenching the ground and quickly turning it to mud.  Cahlou walks to a wooden litter, soon as he step onto it skeletal soldiers grab onto the iron rods and hold the litter aloft.  The procession carries Cahlou to the center of the camp and allows him to look upon all of his subjects.  Out of the corner of his eye he sees the orc scouts already suited up and are starting to move out into the surrounding forest.  Cahlou's gazes turns back to his tribe, they all look up at him.  Some smile, some are steeling themselves for the coming battles and a couple even look somewhat fearful of what may come.  Cahlou knew he must put these fears to rest.  

The crowd murmurs.[/i]

"...-is land is rife with humans, we are alon-..."

"... It seems that the rain never ends, could this place truly become our new hom-..."

"...-ee it's like I said!  This place is bountiful!  We can easy slaught-..."

"...-eah!  I see it too!  You were right, the chief does have two shad-..."

"...  Killing these humans will be easy, they are fat and slow..."

"...ere he is.  Hush young one, you must show the chief respect!..."

[i]The undertone grew quiet as the skeleton ceased their march.  Cahlou cleared his throat before addressing his tribe.  

They all watched expectantly.[/i]

"My people!"  [i]Standing upon the raised litter Cahlou's voice carried over the crowd.[/i]  "We have fought long and hard to sail to this new land!  We have all made sacrifices!  Lost family!  Lost those who are close to you!  We left our barren home of Karanos in search of a better one!  So that we, the Tribe of the Deathless may grow and expand!  Until all land falls under orc kind!"

[i]There is a rousing cheer from the crowd.  Cahlou waits a moment before raising his hands for silence.[/i]

"But for now we must practice patients, stockpile on food and materials.  The eternal guard will craft the ladders we'll need, for now settle in and steel yourselves for the battle to come.  But remain vigilant!  The humans are fat and lazy!  Do not let yourselves become just as complacent!  Make no fires nor lights!  Our concealment is our greatest ally now."

[i]Cahlou pauses to allow his words to sink it.[/i]

"Many of you should still have rations for yourselves.  Those of you who don't, ask an eternal and food will be provided.  Rest for now my tribe!  And do not despair!  For we will revel in the houses and castles of enemies!"

[i]The crowd cheers and with a nod from Cahlou the eternal guard turn the litter and proceed back to his tent.  The living disperse, both emboldened and tempered.

Soon Cahlou is resting upon his chair once more.[/i]

"The pieces are in motion Cahlou," [i]says Yuri, visible once more.[/i] "All we must do is await the scouts return."

"If this attack fails, I will lead my tribe to ruin.  All I have done will be for naught."

"Cahlou."

[i]Yuri's voice is sharp, as he unfurls to his full height.  The white orbs of his eyes flare brightly. [/i]

"I have taught you all I know, your power is unparalleled among orcs, let alone wizards!  As we speak your minions, who number in the [b]thousands[/b] are performing the complex task of creating ladders!  Yes you will make mistakes!  But you will learn as you always have!
Now..."

[i]Shrinking back down Yuri softens his tone.[/i]

"I can still sense your power growing, you could perhaps summon another handful more of undead since yesterday.  Just listen to the same words you told your people, they are wise."

"I... thank you Yuri.  I will."

"There, you will be fine."

[i]Yuri's gaze fell upon a cage in the corner of the tent, a couple of song birds quietly sleep inside.[/i]

"Umm... you don't mind if..?"

"I had them caught specifically for you."

[i]With a nod Yuri glides forwards towards cage.  A bird wakes and screeches frantically, the others are stirred and do the same.  They take flight and claw frantically at the bars with their feet.  Yuri leans down, the birds' attempts at escape intensifies.

And then... nothing.

The birds freeze, go limp and then fall to the bottom of the cage.  Yuri withdraws from the cage.[/i]

"Thank you Cahlou."

"I was nothing Yuri, now... I must get some sleep..."

[i]Cahlou's brow furrows as he frowns.  He places a hand to his face, sighing heavily.[/i]

"Don't worry Cahlou, I will be here.  I always am."