HighOrc: The Guardian (Unfinished)

>Be Paladin Anon.
>Or rather: ‘’were’’ Paladin.
>You first picked up a sword to protect the weak and defend the innocents, such were your reasons for studying until late into the night and training so hard your hands bled.
>You did not bear Illias’ Emblem to burn down villages and tear families apart.
>The man who stood trembling before you was a farmer and son of farmers, behind him were his wife and daughter.
>All three of them were crying, his tears were filled with hatred, the mother was putting her bravest front, but in the face of hopelessness, facing you, she was breaking down, while her daughter clung to her, bawling her eyes out, her screams forever etched in your heart.
>One last step forward and you would have become one of the very monsters you swore to defeat.
>All of this, because a man fell in love with a woman beloved by the fairies.
>So, you turned your back on your shield-brothers and became a traitor.
>Perhaps, you never were meant to be a Paladin, you never were very religious to begin with. It would make sense that Illias would test your faith so early and that you should fail so spectacularly.
>As you left your armour of azure and silver and the Theocracy behind, you were neither afraid nor sad.
>The family fled safely to the WitchWoods, your former comrades would heal and you would find Death in the Grey Peaks.
>Except…
>Death did not meet you so close to the clouds.
>Instead, you found a curious world in those remote regions, so close to the Theocracy, yet, so different.
>The Tribes of the Peaks taught you their ways.
>A girl with scaled wings sang poems about the Stars above, describing them as houses for lesser gods, choosing men and women according to their fancy and granting those secret gifts, such as a heart pumping dragon blood in human veins.
>A blindfolded man whispered you strange tricks to breathe better and fight the crushing exhaustion so high above the seas.
>Eventually, you found yourself gazing down towards the foggy base of the mountains, a winding, narrow path, snaking its way towards unknown territories, seemed to beckon to you.
>Fellow travellers of the Peaks had told you stories about these lands below: the Steppes were calling, and you did not find reason to not go.
>After what seemed like days spent walking through the mist, you heard chimes and voices, and finally, reds, yellows, blues and colours you had almost forgotten pierced the milky wisps to clash against the emerald grass and the inky black rocks.
>You had reached your destination, built upon a plateau, right in the middle of the mountains, not even a village, barely a camp, yet, one of the largest settlements of the Steppes and the Peaks: in their tongue it is Lan-Wei, in yours, it is Reunion.
>The Steppes were home to many tribes, scattered across these vast plains pierced with sharp stones and broken by steep cliffs, travelling alongside massive herbivorous creatures and stalked by ravenous carrions-eaters and patient predators.
>Few tribes had chosen sedentary life, those who had, built reinforced encampments with trenches and walls to keep the large beasts at bay, and the raiders outside.
>Reunion was perhaps the largest of such barricaded town, unique to Lan-Wei, was its market, surely, between its active trade and size, one brought the other, as to which was first, no one seemed to remember.
>This made the Lan-Wei Tribe a precious ally, many nomads both from above and below halted near its gates to exchange goods, before resuming their eternal wanders, each leaving a unique ribbon of bright fabric floating proudly in the wind, tied to long ropes which bound each house together, the cord representing the peace uniting Reunion’s inhabitants, the minuscule flags, tokens of thanks from all who benefitted from the Lan-Weis’ hospitality.
>You were quite surprised to recognize the Zipangu Crest as well as the “New” ‘’(fallen)’’ Lescatiél blazon, dancing proudly, and fairly close to one another, amidst the collection.

>Eventually, your wide-eyed exploration was put on hold, as a group of men and women, humans and monsters, all bearing the Lan-Wei sash, came to greet you, politely, but with clumsily hidden worry.
>You were escorted to the marketplace, were a dozen tribe members were sitting in a circle, clearly waiting for you, once you had joined them on a small mat prepared for you, the eldest man, sitting in front of you on a wooden stool (either as a sign of importance, or to ease the strain on his aged knees), lifted a kettle from the fire, to pour himself a cup of what you supposed was tea.
>“Traveller, Lan-Wei welcomes you, I am Lan-Bo’Khan, current chief of the Tribe. Would you like some tea?”
>In a show of trust, the old man blew a little on the hot beverage, before taking a sip.
“If I may abuse of your kindness, yes please.”
>With a pleased smile at your knowledge of their customs, the Khan poured you a cup and handed it to you.
>“Our village expects mostly traders, rarely warriors, as such, our children have many questions concerning a stranger carrying a sword in our midst and we have few answers, would you trade your stay in one of our tents in exchange for alleviating our worries?”
>The tea was quite bitter, but had the pleasant taste of a red flower you had smelled the perfume for the first time today during your exploration of town.
“It is true, I am a warrior, I come from beyond the Peaks, I walk alone and bring little, aside from the clothes on my back, my sword, my knowledge and my strength.”
>“Where will you go?”
“I know not, the Steppes are vast and beautiful, I wish to see more of them, once I will have my fill, perhaps I’ll venture towards the warmer lands in the South.”
>“So, a humble man from beyond the Peaks?”
“I believe it to be true.”
>A young woman with tufted triangular ears sitting next to the elder clasped her clenched right fist in her left, a gesture to ask permission to intrude on the dialogue.
>A nod from your interlocutor granted her that right.
>”The world is vast and in need of many hearts, why did yours become that of a warrior?”
>Despite knowing the answer to her question since that fateful night at the burning farm, she still caught you by surprise. Perhaps those ears heard things from your very mind instead of listening to your voice.
“I learned the warriors’ ways to protect my clan.”
>”Then, why are you so far from your clan?”
>Her golden eyes shone with untold wisdom.
“I listened to the wrong voices: our Oracles saw sharp claws and bloodied fangs in the darkness, but when I sought them out, I only found frightened and forsaken hearts, no menace in the shadows. So the Oracles cast me aside, shouting I was another danger lurking in the night.”
>A man around the same age as the beast woman gestured for the right to speak, which he received.
>”The land beyond the Peaks must be quite bleak, that they toss away warriors like they grow among the grass.”
>You wanted to answer the young man’s worry, however, it proved unneeded, as the circle of Lan-Weis shared a short and polite laugh, clueing you that the comment was Steppe humour and found its audience.
>The jokester signed to the elder that he was finished with his mischief, letting the Khan resume the discussion.
>“Very well, the night will soon be upon us, so let us be brief. Are there still questions our guest must answer?”
>There were only murmurs of agreement.
>“Has everyone reached a decision?”
>More positive droning.
“Shall I leave you to vote or discuss the outcome?”
>“Why should you, warrior? Must you go somewhere?”
“No, no. It’s just, where I’m from we rarely debate about someone present… (only exception I know being called ‘’Inquisition’’).”
>“We believe you may warn us if we repeat your words incorrectly. Everyone agrees to shelter this warrior like we would shelter any other traveller?”
>Everyone bowed their heads, some smiling, including the lynx woman.
>“Wonderful. Now, before I let all of you to return to your families, I would like to propose another vote.”
>Pause, to let the whispers of surprise resolve themselves.
>”Warrior, would you make a trade with me: you shall be welcome within our walls as one of our own, with your own tent and the right to seat with us in the council, borrowing the Wei name, even. In exchange, become our warrior, one who would fight to defend the Lan-Wei peace, a Protector.”
>This time, everyone talked, without asking for the right to speak. Yet, as quickly as the chaos rose, it quieted down just as fast.
>”Warrior, the Steppes are restless, these last few moons, a raiders’ clan has grown bold, they attack tribes without warriors, challenging them to duel, knowing full well they shall triumph. We fear they might come here soon, it is but a matter of time.”
>The council stayed silent, pondering.
>Before the beast-woman signed to earn voice.
>”The warrior was honest with us, I want to believe in his heart.”
>The young man next to her mimicked the gesture.
>“My decision joins that of the Khan and my wife. Warrior, will you defend us, and teach us how to protect our homes?”
>One after the other, each said in a few words that they would trust you, some with more reserve than others, eventually, all eyes were on you.
>“What is your decision, Warrior?”
“… With your guidance, I will be your wall and if need be, your sword.”
>“Thank you warrior, my son-in-law will show you to your tent, then you may join us if you wish to help the preparation of the evening meal.”
>The Khan bowed first and was followed by everyone present, to which you did the same in a show of humility.
>As promised the jokester lead you to a small circular tent, already furnished with the most basic of necessities in these remote lands, a warm looking sleeping bag, a couple of goatskin flasks, a few sitting mats and a low table.
>“If you need anything else, we shall try and find it together tomorrow, yes warrior?”
“I am most thankful.”
>“We are glad to have you with us, there is much to do during the day in Lan-Wei, another strong heart is a gift of the Spirits. I shall return to the Circle to help my wife with the meal, come meet the tribe when you are ready.”
>You only grabbed one of the containers and followed the young man outside.
>As the sun began to set, disappearing behind the jagged edge of The Grey Peaks, the people of Reunion seemed possessed with renewed vigour, you saw shepherds bringing their animals to their stables, hunters and gatherers returning with game, fruits, vegetables and plants in large basket upon their backs and being welcomed by their family, most of the inhabitants busied themselves around the market, packing their things and closing shops, those bearing colours of different tribes loading their goods on unfamiliar steeds similar to taller elks.
>Clearly, the news of your arrival and the role you were tasked to play had already well circulated, many offering you a brief but warm nod as greeting.
>Eventually, you stumbled upon a young merchant, no older than a teenager, struggling with the curtains and the wooden skeleton of his stand, to which you couldn’t help but offer your help.
>The two of you easily folded the small stall and securely strapped it and two large sacks of sweet smelling nuts.
>As he headed to the gates, the teen gave you a small pouch filled with a sample of his wares, inviting you to visit his tribe one day.
>When the last trader had left, the gates were closed and the meal of tonight was well underway.
>With what seemed like the entire tribe lending their help, you found yourself without much to do, walking from one point to another and getting involved with trivial tasks such as keeping an eye on the fire or fetching a little more water, yet, it gave you time to greet most of your neighbours, exchanging a few words and learning titbits about their life.
>…
>The Lynx woman and daughter of the Khan, Lan-Yu, handed you a bowl filled with an oily red broth in which drifted a few pieces of salted meat. She sat down next to you and broke a piece of bread that she handed towards the opposite side of her, to her husband.
>”The tribe says you are as helpful as a child, and equally willing to help us.”
“My apologies, most of your habits are new to me.”
>“You have the desire to learn, this is an important first step. Keep on sharing those moments with us, soon you’ll be worthy of the Wei Name, a true member of the tribe.”
“So, am I Anon Wei, now?”
>“Perhaps, what does Anon mean?”
>A pause.
“Nameless.”
>“Not having a name is of ill omen in the Steppes… Only malevolent spirits are bereft of names.”
“Such is the fate of those too poor to earn a real name in the Holy Empire.”
>“You deserve a true name, you are our protector now, we cannot keep calling you ‘’warrior’’.”
>“My wife,” called the jokester on her opposite side, Jin-Daza, “need I remind you that you are not Khan yet, the right to bestow names still belongs to your father. We should leave our protector time to grow familiar with our way of life, so that he might chose a name that fits and pleases him.”
>”Still.” conceded the lynx woman, begrudgingly.
>The meal was light, but tasty and convivial, the topic of finding you a better name came up again a little later and almost everyone in the tribe shared an idea with you, after that, the topics ranged from tomorrow’s tasks to various anecdotes involving some of the Lan-Weis’ proudest and most embarrassing moments.
>Once everyone had finished eating and cleaned their dishes, each family slowly retired to their homes, most of them taking the time to say a few words or simply a “good night”.
>You and the Khan family were among the last to stand, chatting and nibbling on the sugary nuts you received earlier.
>Eventually, despite wanting to begin your duties by joining the watchmen for the night, Lan-Yu and her husband managed to talk you out of it, in exchange for your cooperation, Jin-Daza would assist you tomorrow with training a first group of volunteers.
>So, you went to bed… But didn’t get that much sleep, the day’s excitement, the promises tomorrow held and the unfamiliar bedding working in concert to keep you far from the land of dreams…

>Along with the first rays of the Sun, you joined the men of the tribe in what you knew was called a hot spring. During your travels in the Peaks, a merchant explained to you that such places were fairly common around these parts.
>You silently thanked the knowledgeable trader for teaching you the proper way to bathe according to the people of the Steppes.
>You took a moment to appreciate the creativity of the Lan-Weis who built a wall to divide the bath for men and women and around the spring to avoid the cold wind, yet pierced a few holes to watch the rising sun illuminate the Steppes below.
>Once you had soaked enough, you complied with the local bathing etiquette and regretfully poured a bucket of cold water on you.
>Fully dressed, you headed to the center house for breakfast, wherein the Khan announced that you would select a few volunteers to be trained in the Warrior’s arts right outside Reunion, politely requesting that you leave a few tribesmen for the other tasks of the day. Those who wouldn’t be selected today would have a second chance tomorrow.
>”Those of you who show promise and are willing to work hard to defend Lan-Wei will spend more time with our Warrior, the others, remember that all knowledge brings its own wealth, and that our tribe will always reward those who make our town prosper. That is all for today, may the Stars watch over all of you.”

>True to his word, the Khan’s son-in-law stayed by your side for the day, despite his carefree and joking attitude, you notice that he applies your instructions to the letter, bringing enough sticks for everyone’s practice and keeping a watchful eye on your “students”, often joining them in repeating the motions or correcting faulty stances.
>Truth being told, you cannot say that you are very confident in being a teacher, but with everyone starting from scratch, you believe everyone, including yourself, can only improve.
>As mid-day rolls around, your “warrior class” puts the wooden swords away to join the others busy with cooking the meal.
>However, the arrival of the young nut-seller from yesterday pushes your group of Protectors trainees to the side of the path, not slowing the gallop of his steed despite almost trampling one of you in his hurry.
>Moments later, a very nervous Lan-Yu rushes to meet you.
>“Jin-Daza! Warrior! Come! There is no time to waste!”
>While you run with the lynx-woman and her husband back the way you came, a bell rings from the center of Lan-Wei and the village becomes abuzz with frenzied activity, all around town, men and women dart left and right, shepherds hurrying their flocks back in the camp, merchants and farmers bringing children and elderly inside the common house, while hunters get their bows and their lances.
>Once back outside, you immediately notice the cause for worry: a group in the distance, clearly, not a trade caravan, as these newcomers ride large wolf-like beasts instead of the more peaceful hairy cows.
>As they stride closer, you are reassured to see that they are merely half a dozen riders. However, you quickly realize their nature: monsters.
>You recognize this specie, back in the Holy Empire, you had to learn about them: Orcs, one thing that stood out of the ordinary about them was their peculiar sub-species, the grimoires of the abbey had told you that the pink pig-like orcs and their green tusked cousins never mingled. Clearly, this statement was wrong in the Steppes.
>The one leading this odd group gestures to her companions to stop, before dismounting in voice range of the Lan-Wei trio.
<“Hail, people of Lan’Wei.” begins the monster woman, her rich chocolate skin almost shining under the zenith and her mane of silver hair bouncing and flowing as she pushes it to the side, briefly showing the leather patch hiding her left eye, while her right golden coloured one zeroes onto the Khan’s daughter. “I am Ra-Xa, Khan of Ra-Qi Tribe… But I suppose Lan-Wei knows us already…”
>“The raiders.” spat Jin-Daza with disgust.
<“Truly, the knowledge of your tribe only equals your wealth… which is why I stand here before you. Lynx-girl, are you Khan? Did the venerable Lan-Bo finally go to the Land of the Spirits to be reunited with his wife?”
>“My father still walks among us, I am his blood and his voice, I am Lan-Yu, the next Khan!”
<“Good! For the sake of Lan-Wei, I hope you inherited his wisdom. I only want some grain and some meat, to make the coming winter a little warmer… That is all, a simple show of generosity from you, powerful Lan-Wei.”
>“The winter will not be kinder to us, people of the Peaks, why should we show kindness to those who didn’t work to earn their meal?”
<“Are you saying the Ra-Qi are lazy? How wounded I am as their Khan! What possibly could have brought such unpleasant rumours about my clan? Tell me, future Khan… Would you like to see what my clan has been working on during harvest season?”
>As her hand slowly travels to the handle of her battleaxe, you realize this is not a question.
“Stay your hand, Khan, I am the Protector of Lan-Wei and you will not threaten my home without consequences!”
<“Threaten? Oh I wouldn’t dare! The Steppes and the Peaks have no use for spilled blood. That said… Would you like to play with me, Protector?”
“I am not one for games.”
<“Now now, please, I merely ask for a moment of attention… It has been a long time since I had the pleasure of a good fight, of a fair fight, and I smell on you the blessings of the Warrior’s Star, a most rare gift on the Steppes… Would you be so kind as to spoil me?”
“I do not crave battles, Khan, what is there for me in such trade?”
<“Mmh… A trade then? How about a wager?”
>You turn towards Lan-Yu, her ears twitch towards the back of her skull in anxiety, yet, she nods.
>“We’re listening.”
>An unnerving smile graces the monster-woman’s lips.
<“A duel: if you win, you keep your bag of grain, and you’ll never suffer our presence as such, perhaps one day you’ll welcome some of us as merchants… If you lose, one bag of grain… and your protector will spend two weeks at my side.”
“What?”
>“We refuse.”
<“Now now, future Khan, take your time, think about it… This does not concern you. It concerns your tribe and your Protector. What say you, Warrior?”
>A pause, the lynx-woman and her husband are staring at you, their gazes spell out clearly what they think.
“If I do come with you, what will happen to me?”
>”Warrior!”
<“I am sorry, I must keep this a secret… However, fear not, you shall be freed and be returned to Lan-Wei safely and unhurt. I sincerely believe blood has more worth running in one’s veins, than spilled on the ground.”
>You really would need more time to think about this, but this foreign Khan does not give you the feeling that she’ll just wait outside patiently…
>She leans to the side, hugging the head of her colossal wolf with affection while staring at you.
“Very well, if it is a fight you seek, then you shall have it!”
>The shocked gasps of your friends go unheard as the orc chieftain jumps in unrestrained glee at your call.
<“Wonderful! Hahaha! Wonderful you are! Let’s do this! Here and now! The rules are simple, be kind to me, I’ll be kind to you, fight with me until one of us yields or steps outside the ring.”
>At her Khan’s command, one of the riders quickly traces a circle between your two groups, you judge it to be around 15 paces in diameter, more than enough room for those wielding large weapons like your greatsword or her axe.
>As the raid leader steps into the ring, she tosses to her companion the woollen coat on her shoulders, leaving her dressed in nothing but beasts’ fur, revealing more than enough of her muscled frame and her almost black skin.
>You hesitate a while before mimicking her, fighting without your leather cuirass might be dangerous and cold, but the extra weight will only disadvantage you, large axes like hers mean she will want to overpower you, your experience tells you that being more mobile than her will without a doubt bring you victory.
<“My, my. How generous of you to show me this much… Or perhaps you are trying to distract me?”
“Keep your pleasantries to yourself.”
<“You are too tense, Warrior, let’s enjoy ourselves… Oh, before I forget… You there, you’re the son of Khan Jin, right?”
>“I am, my name is Jin-Daza.”
<“It is an honour to meet you, they say you are perhaps the greatest archer of the Peaks, is that true?”
>”Only the Spirits know the answer to this question.”
<“Would you be so generous as to bless this duel with one of your arrows? Shoot it as high as you can, to attract the eyes of the Stars.”
>There was a silent exchange between husband and wife, before Jin-Daza unslung his bow from his shoulders.
>He seemed to consider his next move, before nocking an arrow and aiming at the skies.
<“Warrior, we will start once the arrow is let loose…”
>You nod.
>Your friend takes a deep breath.
>You take your stance.
>The bow is drawn.
>Ra-Xa swings her axe to warm her muscles up.
<“Before this arrow lands, you’ll be mine.”
“In your dreams.”
>The sound of the bow snapping back to its original shape echoes in the plateau.
>The High Orc is already upon you, her heavy weapon high above her head, falling towards you like a guillotine.
>Diving to her left to roll on your shoulders, the large blade crashes in the dirt with frightening strength, upturning the ground around the impact, leaving a small crater, the shockwave pushing you further than expected, your feet not finding purchase soon enough to stand back up and attempt to strike her from her blind spot.
>When you’re once more on your feet, her weapon is already swinging at you, this time, she opts for a much higher grip on the handle, making the arc much shorter, but better controlled.
>A hop backwards puts you to safety from her assault, but she does not relent, inversing her hands on the battleaxe, she swings again, closing the distance in a large step, forcing you to block the attack with your broadsword.
>Steel meets steel, despite her awkward movement and short angle, the hit is impossibly strong, you feel her power through your bones as you’re pushed backwards.
>Not leaving you time to react, she twirls the weapon around and tries to strike you with the handle, aiming for your shoulder.
>At the last moment, you twist your upper body, shifting and dodging the assault as you try to punch her in the gut.
>Your uppercut connects against her abdomen, yet, she barely seems to have felt it. She merely gasped, before smiling even broader as she grabs you by the wrist. With a grunt of effort, she spins her entire body, throwing you off balance with by doing a full rotation, before letting go of you.
>Despite the brief dizziness, you manage to dig your blade in the ground to stop yourself from sliding out of the circle.
>Unsurprisingly she is rushing at you, freeing your sword from the ground, you parry the first swing going for your chest, letting the shock push you one step back, and answering with your own attack.
>Both weapons once more meet in the air, sending sparks flying around the fighters from the power of both swings.
>Again, her strength travels from the length of steel through your arms, shaking you to the shoulders.
>Ra-Xa takes her time, readying her next move, almost warning you of what’s to come.
>Taunting you.
>You know what to do.
>You’ll duck under that high swing, and from that low stance, you’ll shoulder tackle her.
>You just have to bring your sword behind your back, trick her into thinking that you want to meet her strike.
>Here it comes.
>But you’re stopped dead in your tracks.
>You were too focused on her axe.
>Her kick caught you unexpectedly in the gut. Stopping you mid inhalation.
>Before you can recover your breath, her leg swipe your ankles from below you, sending you to the ground on your back.
>The next instant, she’s straddling your midriff, the familiar bite of steel on your throat.
>She’s breathing heavily, smile still present.
>The words are ashes in your mouth.
“I yield.”
<”Thank you very much, Warrior.” she grins, standing up and offering you an open hand.
>You attempt to slap it away, only to get caught and forcefully pulled to your feet.
<“Get dressed, we’re leaving, and I don’t want you catching death.”
>You look at Lan-Yu and Jin-Daza, their eyes are filled with concern for you.
“My apologies, I couldn’t protect our clan.”
<“You’re too harsh on yourself, Protector, your selflessness will protect Lan-Wei in its own way… By the way, future Khan, you may keep your grain.”
>There was an exclamation of surprise from everyone present.
<”I could not hold my promise.” she announced, pointing an arrow stuck in the earth a little further. “I suppose I’ll have to make the most of our spoils of war, come on, Warrior, say your goodbyes, you’ll see them in two weeks after all.”
>“Wait! Ra-Xa Khan! Two bags of grains and one of dry meat, for our warrior.”
<“Mmh, tempting, but no… On the other hand, I wouldn’t mind letting him go after only one week, in exchange of one bag of grains.”
>“But… You’ll get much more food with my trade than…”
<“That is my one and only offer, future Khan.”
>You could read the confusion on the orcs’ faces.
>But they clearly weren’t willing to challenge their chief about any of this.
>”Very well.” the lynx-woman turned towards Reunion to shout. “Bring me a sack of grains! Hurry!”
>After a brief moment, a villager appeared with the item. Which was promptly strapped upon one of the wolves’ back while the Boar woman bound your arms together with a leather cord.
>”You will hold your end of the bargain, Ra-Xa Khan?”
<“The Spirits as my witness.”
>You want to say something to your friends, but find no words for them.
>They watched you go as long as they could, standing solemnly in front of the gates, as the High Orc’s mount carried you away from Reunion.

>Once far enough from Lan-Wei, your captors slowed to a walk as the High-Orc spun on her saddle to face you.
<”How do you like your first ride on an Izuna’s back, warrior? Your country has horses, am I right?”
“Few kidnappers expect their captives to casually chat together…”
<”Now, now, you are hardly a captive, just a guest… although, this discussion reminds me: I should blindfold you.”
>The slow gait of the gigantic canine allows her rider to cup your cheek with care, steadying your head while her fingers bring a strip of black cloth to your eyes.
>How can a warrior with such strength and mastery of her weapon have palms so soft, fingers so delicate and unbroken nails?
>Clearly, resisting would only make you fall from the saddle, and those beasts were born hunters, you could not outrun them.
>So, you let her obscure your sight.
>Once the strip of fabric is securely tied around your head, Ra-Xa barks an order spurring her party to pick up the pace.
>You feel the monstrous wolf leap, transitioning quickly from a softly rocking walk to a thunderous gallop.
>You feel the cold air from altitude brushing quickly past your ears and messing your hair while the Khan’s ivory mane whips your face.
>You hear her joyous laughter as she taunts her raiders to try and catch her, from the sound of the nearest “Izuna” (aside from yours), you are gaining ground on them.
>Despite your predicament, you feel envy. You wonder how the Steppes and the Peaks look like, rushing all around you.
>Your stomach drops once or twice as you’re roughly carried across the mountains, without warning jumping down small rocky cliffs or climbing short grassy hills, you can merely imagine and try to guess, helped only by the sounds your mount’s claws make.
>Suddenly, your blindfold comes undone, Ra-Xa grinning at you, the black cloth in her hand, before returning her gaze forward to steer her beast along some invisible path towards the mountaintops.
>After climbing a large outcropping of black stone, the “Izuna” stops, panting, but clearly happy with itself.
<”I welcome you to Ra-Qi territory, Warrior.”
>For a moment, you worried that your captor might be seeing things, before noticing, almost invisible among the dark spikes, a few silhouettes below, a village, dug in the mountainside, hollowed out fangs of stones instead of huts.
>Reunion wasn’t big by any stretch of the imagination, but Ra-Qi is minuscule in comparison, there’s hardly more than 30 inhabitants, their large majority being Orcs of all subspecies, pink, green and dark like their Khan.
>The return of their chief is celebrated with, what you’ll later learn is, ‘’measured’’ ruckus. Despite their much more humble dimension, Ra-Qi is a lot louder.
>”Ra-Xa Khan! You won! Against Lan-Wei!”
<“I told you, didn’t I? Lan-Wei might be the largest clan of the Steppes and the Peaks, but we are the strongest!”
>The village answered the High Orc’s boast with prideful roars.
>”Our Khan, tell our clan how you bested the foreign Protector!”
>“His skin is awfully white, is he sick?”
>“No, he is from beyond the Peaks, their humans are usually pale.”
>”He looks quite muscular and his eyes are much rounder than other men.”
>Seems like the entire village wants to have a look at you.
>While Reunion was just as curious, they were a lot more discreet than Ra-Qi, you’re not used to being the centre of attention of so many people, even less so when they’re almost exclusively monsters.
>It is quite oppressive.
>But their touch is never painful.
>They brush patches of your exposed skin with the tips of their fingers, almost reverently or afraid to scratch or dirty you.
>The more daring ones of the crowd caress your face with the back of their hands, or test the softness of your hair.
<”Now, now, sisters, leave our guest some room to breathe. I know you’re all eager to meet him, but I’m Khan and he’s still my prize.”
>Slowly, the monsters back away from you, letting Ra-Xa jump off her wolf and “helping” you down in the same movement by grabbing you by the collar with a grip that broke no argument.
>You’re dragged with little ceremony to the centre of the village, the tiny crowd following close after.
>Lead by the scruff of your neck to a large common house, a couple Ra-Qis hurry to light a few torches, while others distribute sitting mats and two more throw a few pelts on the large banquet table in the middle of the almost empty room.
>Ra-Xa finally lets go of you, only for her tribe-sisters to lay you on the improvised bed of beast furs, facing up, before tying your still bound wrists above your head.
>Craning your neck to check on your shackles, you see the Khan taking her place on a simple throne of stone, bones and animal hides, satisfaction plain as day on her face as she takes in your helplessness while another orc takes her woollen cape from Ra-Xa’s shoulders, crossing her long shapely legs before her.
<”Afraid, Warrior?”
“I believe you gave your words to the Spirits that I would be returned unharmed.”
>Honestly, you don’t remember ever being in such a hopeless-looking situation, the flickering shadows cast by the torches on the walls only reinforcing the eeriness of the cavern.
>The High-Orc didn’t bother hiding her chuckle.
<”Well, then, let us proceed. I’d like to have a little celebration for our victory over Lan-Wei.”
>The announcement was answered with another wave of cheers by the monsters.
<”So? Tell me my sisters, isn’t he lovely? Quite exotic too, have you seen his eyes? I can also vouch for his strength, in fact, I’d wager he’ll give one of you strong children… And keep you quite satisfied, if he shows the same passion in bed as he did in the arena.”
>The 20 or so monsters in the small room all began shouting and whistling loudly all around you.
>Are you being appraised by orcs?
“Ra-Xa! What’s the meaning of this?!”
<”Come now, Warrior, I’m sure you understand. Ra-Qi is a small tribe, we lack men and children.”
“You promised I would stay only for a week!”
<“Six nights are more than enough to plant a seed in your wife…”
“Only to leave her with child?”
<“Oh? What a noble thought! … But fear not, you “”will”” return to us. Every man wed to a Ra-Qi has returned to be united with his family, such is the blessing the Spirits bestowed upon us.”
“You cannot be serious…”
<”This concerns the survival of my tribe, my family, the Khan cannot joke with such matters. Now then, sisters, which one of you is brave enough to tame this man from a faraway land? Mmh?”
>Ra-Xa waited expectantly, listening attentively to the murmurs of her fellows.
>However, her gleeful expression slowly vanished, replaced with slight irritation by the absence of volunteers.
<”Come now! All of you can ride an Izuna! You are Ra-Qis!”
>Despite the outburst, no monster-girl dare raise their voice. In fact, the whispers only became quieter.
>This only made the chief angrier her teeth making a frightening grinding noise.
<”… Where is Min-Hua?! Where is our shaman!”
>“I’m here, my Khan.” answered a voice near Ra-Xa’s throne, a thin green Orc with tired eyes and clad in many layers of clothing adorned with small bones, feathers, pearls and gems.
>The dark-skinned orc visibly relaxed thanks to the newcomer’s presence.
<”Min-Hua, it would seem my trophy is a little too impressive to my sisters… Ask the Spirits for their guidance, find his wife-to-be.”
>Without a word, the advisor rose a skeletal hand, before a small ball of fire appeared in her palm. Fishing in the many pouches of her robes, she produced a pinch of colourful powder which she threw in the flames.
>A strange purple smoke began to spill from the magic between her fingers, it ran along the ground like a wave of snakes, weaving and darting around everyone present in the house.
>Once the tendrils had spread everywhere, the torches sputtered out, plunging the cavern in darkness.
>Silence.
>Aside from the beating of your heart and the breathing of the tribe.
>Then, a smell, the red flower, the one you found in the tea of your first day in Reunion.
>”… Hmm, unusual…”
<“So? What do you see, Shaman?”
>With a clap of her hands, light returned to the centre house, all the torches lit once more, not even a wisp of purple smoke drifting towards the entrance.
>”His wife is not ready yet.”
<”Not ready?”
>”Indeed my Khan.”
<“But… But… Six nights! Min-Hua! Six nights is a short time! Time we can’t waste on the Spirits’ little games!”
>Ra-Xa’s fury was such that she stood up from her seat, looking down on the frail orc.
>“Then you’ll have to keep an eye on him… He will guide your gaze to find her…”
>With a resigned sigh, the Khan fell back on her throne.
<”Once more, the Spirits make us work for their blessings… So be it! Free him, let’s prepare the meal, tomorrow we’ll-“
>“My Khan, if I may.”
<“Speak, Min-Hua.”
>“Do not untie him just yet. There is still a tradition we should honour.”
<“What’s the point of a ‘’first harvest’’, Shaman? His wife isn’t here, “”yet””.”
>“Still, it is important for our youngest sisters to learn.”
<“There will be other harvests!”
>“Would you take the risk of leaving one of us ignorant of such things when her needs awake, my Khan?”
>Clearly, Ra-Xa was doubting.
>”Would you leave a daughter of Ra-Qi alone in her time of need?”
<“Thank you for your wisdom, Min-Hua. Very well! My sisters! It is true that tonight, one of us will have the honour of showing our newest raiders: Sa-Fal and Gu-Dao, the first harvest! It is an important step of any young wife, and it would please me greatly to see one of you challenge herself in front of us! Don’t be afraid! Rise and show this foreigner our ‘’hospitality.”
>Ra-Xa’s grin was back in all of its sinister glory.
>And once more, only muffled words echoed in the cavern.
<”Really? Really?! He’s just another man! Lu-Dao! You’ve seen every single first harvest since I became Khan! Why aren’t you standing up?!”
>“M-my Khan, I apologize, but… I feel little for this Warrior, he is certainly attractive, but… that is all.”
<“Wh- But it’s merely a harvest! I can’t wed you for a harvest!”
>“Still… I do not ‘’feel’’ the need.”
>“My Khan?”
<“Min-Hua? Oh! Yes! I knew I could count on you! Go on.”
>“My apologies, but I don’t want to harvest him.”
<“Spirits protect me…”
>“I wanted to ask you, perhaps “”you”” could show us how only a Khan can harvest?”
>Ra-Xa’s single visible eye grew the size of a small plate.
<”Me? But, I’m the Khan.”
>”Precisely. The Khan must lead the tribe, show us the example. Yet, you’ve never shown us the first harvest. I believe our newest riders would be honoured to see our glorious Khan demonstrate.”
>The dark-skinned orc was clearly hesitating.
>Her gold pupil darting from you to her shaman, then to the young looking orcs in the crowd near your table.
<“So be it! You should be thankful, warrior, I, Ra-Xa Khan, will harvest you!”
>Her boast is obviously more to psych herself than to scare you, but the crowd gobble it up anyway, cheering the boar-woman onwards.
>As Ra-Xa rises from her seat, a slow rhythm of drum begins. Your captor’s fingers brush your scalp as she walks past you, dragging her hand along your forehead, then leaving only her index to run along the bridge of your nose, before dipping to your lips, tracing your chin and down your throat.
>Before she can touch your cuirass, it is swiftly taken away from you by other monsters, allowing Ra-Xa open your shirt, revealing your chest to the crowd which quietly voiced their appreciation.
>The Khan’s caress, snakes its way down your body, doing a brief detour to circle one of your nipples and tickling your belly button.
>The next step was your belt, which went undone in the blink of an eye, taking your pants with it down your legs, leaving you only in your underwear.
>A wave of pleased “Ooh” rose from the Ra-Qi’s, all gaze on the bulge hidden beneath your last piece of clothing.
<”You seem to be enjoying yourself, warrior.”
>The tip of her nails danced upon your still covered balls.
>You didn’t know if it was arousal or anxiety, but she was definitely having some effects on you.
<“Now then, for the real fun~.”
>Her dainty fingers curled around the sides of your briefs.
>”My Khan?”
<”What is it, Min-Hua? Having second thoughts?”
>“No my Khan, I wanted to warn you that you were forgetting the traditional colouring.”
<“Really, Shaman? Get on with it.”
>The slim orc rushed to her chief’s side, an odd looking brush and a minuscule jar in her hands.
>Quickly, she applied a small coating of some colourful product of the High-Orc’s lips, it made the plush flesh glistening brightly, a passionate red mingling with a rich yellow.
>”The colours of Ra-Qi, to mark him as one of your belonging, for six nights.” explained the Shaman, to who, you weren’t sure.
>Ra-Xa made an experimental smack of her colourful lips in the air, while her assistant produced more jars and brushes from her thick coat.
<”Min-Hua, I’m not being wed. Put those away.”
>“But you’re so pretty wearing those colours.”
<“I’ll let you paint me all you want for my wedding. Not tonight.”
>”As you desire, my Khan… I consider this a promise.”
>The chief made a grimace at that comment, before returning her gaze to you.
>Slowly, with deliberate predatory grace, Ra-Xa climbed on the makeshift bed, despite being already tied down, you felt even more trapped with her crawling above you, her body low enough for her generous breast to caress your skin during her entire ascension, sending goose bumps all over you.
>Eventually, her face was level with you, her grin quite softened, but still obviously satisfied and seemingly even more shining.
>Her mane of silver hair falling everywhere around you, hiding large patches of the crowd, which you were barely paying attention to anyway.
>A beat, you can only feel the warmth exuding from her almost naked body, from her soft chest resting upon yours, to your manhood, gently trapped under that warmer spot below her navel.
>Silently, she grasps your head between her hands.
<”You are mine.”
>Soft, the texture of her lips upon yours is odd, that colourful ointment upon them feels weird, half wet, half dry and a little oily.
>Her fingers tangle in your hair while her head moves away, before diving downwards, aiming for your throat, she exhales warm and wet on your jugular, before the strange touch of her lips close upon your vulnerable neck, she suckles upon the skin, chafing it, the next instant, you feel the terrifying caress of her teeth, but it ends quickly, replaced by a brief lick on the reddening spot.
>Following the path traced by her hand before, she peppers your body with colourful kiss marks.
>Sometimes, it is but a brief peck, barely enough to stain your skin, sometimes, she suckles gently, leaving a hickey, other times, she viciously pinches you between her teeth, each and every time, it sends a pulse fire through your core.
>After what felt like an eternity under her torturous caress, her nose nudges your still cotton-clad ballsack, teasingly following the curve of your now very hard manhood.
<”What a nice shape… Let’s give everyone a good look at it.”
>Taking the waistband of your briefs between her teeth, she slides your last item of clothing down your legs, letting your hard cock bounce free, a clear bead of fluid already at the tip.
>The whole room lets out a new wave of amazed exclamations.
<”My, lucky me. I almost lost my other eye.”
>The crowd chuckles at their chief’s playful jab.
>Gently, she nuzzles your member against her face, her tongue tickling the base of your testicles.
>”My Khan… The Skin from the Sap.”
>The Shaman managed to croak these few words, her eyes struggling to stay on the High-Orc’s face and to not drift towards your pillar of hard flesh.
>In her hands, she held an odd translucent item, shaped like a sock, slimy-looking, flimsy and flexible.
>Ra-Xa grabbed it swiftly, annoyed at the interruption. She brought the strange thing to her mouth, sucking most of it inside, before bringing her lips to you sensitive flesh.
>The strange texture of the “skin” sliding down your dick, accompanied by the warmth of her mouth, caused you to involuntarily buck your hips upwards, your glans hitting the entrance to her throat.
>The Khan had a short gag, before she quickly released your member from her maw with a wet pop. Your manhood now covered by the translucent sock, the base sporting a coloured stain of red and yellow.
<”Now now, stay put, warrior. I can assure you, you’re gonna love it.”
>Her hands pushed strongly against your waist, before she gave a wet kiss upon your balls, trying to suck an orb inside her mouth.
>After having juggled your testes long enough, she began to pepper your length with more ravenous kisses, caressing your sensitive flesh with her teeth and enjoying your reactions.
>Once satisfied with the amount of lips imprints, Ra-Xa began to lick you, starting from as low as she could under your balls from the summit of your pole, the tip of her tongue poking at your slit and circling the head.
>Without warning, her head bobbed down, taking the majority of your dick inside, her dexterous tongue not stopping for a moment, continuing to slather your member with drool.
>After nudging the depths of her mouth with your sensitive tip, she shifted her hold on you, one hand still pinning you down into the furs under your body, the other gripping the base of your cock, almost painfully so.
>While she kept on sucking noisily, oftentimes humming to send pleasurable vibrations through your pole, her eye never broke away from you.
>She kept on observing your expressions, you could ‘’feel’’ her smile around your member when you difficultly stifled a moan.
>You had to scrunch your eyes shut when she almost let go of you, only to pump your length with her hand and suck even harder on your glans while her tongue swirled with renewed vigour around your head.
>An excited gasp escaped your lips and your whole body jerked.
>You would not last long.
>A brief chuckle from the dark-skinned orc let you know that she had guessed as much.
>Doubling down on her efforts, she took you as deep as she could, her nose pressed hard against your abdomen, she managed to hold still for a good 10 seconds before she heaved.
>You expected her to let your member free like earlier, but instead, she bobbed down once more, quickly, thoroughly fucking her throat with your dick, gagging and coughing around the hard mast choking her.
>The convulsion around your flesh were making quick work of your last barriers.
>You bucked into her warmth depth twice, which she met with pleased moans, pushing you over the edge.
>Ropes after ropes of thick cum were sprayed down her gullet, her breath tickling your pubes as she held you as deep as possible while guzzling down your orgasm, the wet muscle inside her mouth wringing everything out of you.
>Truth being told you were quite backed up, not taking time to relieve these urges during your trip through the Peaks.
>Still, you were shocked at how long she kept you like this, and almost worried at the sheer amount she forced herself to drink.
>Eventually, you stopped twitching, her tongue finally stopped her stimulation and she began to ease your cock out of her.
>Obscene wet sounds echoed in the room while your softening dick was let free, but the transluscent skin was still secured down to your base and Ra-Xa had no choice but to noisily retch the fully stretched material out of her throat.
>Finally, with a final heave, she rose with a flourish, her skin glistening with sweat, while the strange “sock” fell limply on your belly, filled with your still warm seed.
<”Ahh~ And this… *cough* is how a Khan harvests a male.”
>The Ra-Qis exploded in cheers, the obscene display clearly seen as a show of dominance.
>The final touch was when the High-Orc grabbed your discarded shirt to wipe away the copious amount of drool that plastered her face. Leaving on the expensive fabric another stain of red and yellow.
<”Alright! Now go prepare that feast! I am famished! Just no sausages, I’ve had my fill of those for the month!”
>The crowd once more roared in laughter as the monster-women left one by one, hurrying away to prepare the meal, leaving you still naked and bound under the heavily breathing Ra-Xa.
>Her long delicate fingers once more took hold of your now flaccid member, your heightened sensitivity causing you to flinch at her touch.
<”’’This’’, I’ll keep for later… Thank you for your generosity, Warrior.”
>With a flick of the wrist, she removed to nicely-filled translucent skin from you, before tying it shut with a simple knot and latching it to her belt.
<”Min-Hua, lead him to my home. I’d like to take a bath before eating.”
>Suddenly, a wave of exhaustion fell upon you.
>Struggling to keep your eyes open, you soon lost consciousness.