(Claudius Ker’Rak & Carver Pentaghast, Outside Fort Gloria, Outskirts of Praelium)

[color=0054a6]"Here they come, Tyrannus." [/color]Claudius said, readying his spear. Although he wished that the orcs truly wanted allegiance, he doubted they did. Why would they want peace now? When Praelium could potentially be under attack from all sides? Maybe this was an elaborate set up, where the Red Claw would infiltrate and destroy Praelium from the inside. As the orcs made their way over the horizon, Claudius could count four. He knew the power of one Orc, but with the guards and siege equipment they had set up, he was confident they could handle such a force.

[color=0054a6][i]Besides, an Orc is no much fiercer than a Dragonborn.[/i][/color]


The massive orc dismounted from his warhorse. He towered over Carver, who wasn't a small man to begin with. His mere presence was intimidating, but it did not shake Carver. He had killed many a Orc in his day. They key was to outwit them, not to overpower them. They were generally easy to provoke into an avoidable attack, to which he could follow up with a deadly blow. Decapitation was among his favorite methods.

The orcs crossed his arms and stared at Carver. For awhile, there was silence, as if he was awaiting for the Tyrannus to speak. Then, the orc spoke, his voice as deep as his Orcish accent was strong.

[color=007236]"We have come. You know what we request."[/color]

Again, there was a brief pause. The air was still, the soldiers of Praelium eager to hear how their Tyrannus would react. He essentially became a Tyrannus due to his slaughter of a great proportion to the northern desert tribes. Now he was face to face with a leader, who asked for peace?

[color=00aeef]"Carver Pentaghast,"[/color] Carver said, smiling and holding out his hand. [color=00aeef]"Lord Tyrannus of Praelium, and one hell of a general, as I assume most desert tribes know."[/color]

Claudius looked over to Carver like he was a madman. Now of all times was not the time to be lighthearted.

[color=00aeef]"I know of your demands. A small supply of weapons and free passage into Praelium, in exchange for allegiance. [i]Tch.[/i] You could have asked for a lot more."[/color] Carver winked at the Orc, and Claudius foamed at the mouth. He was going to kill Carve after this, if he made it out alive.

[color=00aeef]"You offer a lot to Praelium. To be rid of the desert tribes would be a great relief to Praelium. So instead, I offer you this."[/color] Carver took a deep breath as if he was preparing for something big. Then, his smile returned. [color=00aeef]"All the supplies you need. Rations, weapons, hell, even siege equipment. And, half the forces of Fort Gloria fight with you, to make the northern desert the sovereign state of the Red Claw."
[/color]

[color=0054a6][i]This man is mad![/i] [/color]Claudius yelled in his head. [color=0054a6][i]You're opening up too much of Praelium to them! We don't even know if these Orcs have honor![/i][/color]