[IC] Into the Unknown

[chefTENGU]

"I'll be placing a ward on the campsite tonight, so don't worry about the watch. Everyone, get as much rest as you are able, we've been through a lot today, and there's no telling what tomorrow may bring."

With the camp set up and the meal concluded, Sargeass works a spell upon the site and bids everyone to turn in early.

——————

Noise disturbs the relative quiet of the night, some hours later. Outside, Sargeass watches into the distance, with his hand on his sword.

A large body of people is moving across the plain, past the campsite, and the sound is carrying through the night. The snarls of orcs and animals carries into the air. It is too dark for anyone to get an accurate idea of how many may be traveling, but they seem to be coming from the north and heading south.

[Seegtease]

Roused by the noise, Khal watches as well. He speaks to Sargeass while watching.

"Should we follow them?"

[chefTENGU]

Sargeass continually pats the pommel of his sheathed sword as he continues watching.

"I don't think so. There's too many for us to take on if we are spotted. They're also headed back the way we came... we should be pressing onward." He draws his mouth into a tight frown.

"I'll send a message to the commander in the morning and tell her to expect company. Then we'll investigate their camp and see if we can find someone willing to part with information."

[Killer_Man_]

Krushak did wake up to the loud noise but he knew what it was. The Orc war machine was churning. It seems that they might have some greater problems then minor attack raids and lions that could eat a man whole. Krushak rolled onto his side and waited for someone to sound an alarm. In due time he dozed off.

[chefTENGU]

The sun rises upon the camp, nestled among the boulders. Sargeass, already up, though still in his undergarments, starts a fire.

"I hope you rested well, everyone, because there is much to be done today. Eat, we'll break camp as soon as you're all done."

He kneels off to the side and begins to pray silently.

[chefTENGU]

Once finished with his prayers, and after breakfast is concluded, Sargeass gets Aneiren's help in donning his armor before ordering the camp broken, and everyone to set out east, toward a thin wisp of smoke off in the distance.

"Waxbeard, Coamenel: once we have found a suitable stopping point, I want you two to go on ahead and see if you can find any signs of life. Capture anyone who can speak, and bring him back to us for questioning."

[Seegtease]

Khal grins.

"My pleasure."

[chefTENGU]

Sargeass calls a halt upon a small hill overlooking what appears to be a small settlement.

"Those look like tents... or something... down below. Waxbeard, Coamenel, get in quietly and be back quickly. I don't want to alert anyone of our presence, if possible. Use whatever means necessary to secure a captive, but make sure they get back here alive and capable of speaking.

"We're close enough that your horses can stay behind. You'll make less noise on foot, less likely to attract attention. Good luck."

[Seegtease]

"As if I need the horse at all," Khal mentions, then quickly heads off towards his destination.

[Killer_Man_]

As he watches the two walk off into the distance, "So Sargeass, what are we really looking for?" he asked, rather curious if they were on a 'need to know basis' for information, "Especially since the picked us, assuming we're the best, to just to do scouting?" he said to him rather curiously.

[chefTENGU]

"I've already told you what I know. Hopefully our goal is something that will be well-known to the natives; it's just a matter of persuading them to share that knowledge with us.

"If not, I can try appealing to a higher authority. But if it comes to that, we'll only get one chance to get some serious answers."

[deathofcheese]

"I just hope there's some civilized life here beyond these detestable orcs. We might even find a culture that's amenable to outsiders, though I can't imagine it'll be entirely peaceful once they learn what we're here in this land to do."

Aneiren sighs and lays down on the hillock, to watch for signs of movement from the camp below.

[chefTENGU]

Sargeass rubs his chin thoughtfully.

"I'm hoping we won't have to be fighting every last thing on this island to attain our goal. I trust that the commander wouldn't give us an impossible task, but we've got precious little to go on.

"I wonder if this is the way the Emperor and his Lawgiver have always given out missions. It must be working well enough, for Aldor to have as much success as it's had."

[Killer_Man_]

Krushak smirks as he stood there, "Yes, but that is why your commander sent me. Who else gets a thrill at blood flying?" he said to him, though he paused, "Who is Aldor?"

[chefTENGU]

Sargeass looks at Krushak, unable to suppress an expression of incredulity.

"You're joking, right?"

[Killer_Man_]

He shrugs, "I do know we fight for the military and for the will of the Lord who runs it. Perhaps some higher power but I do not pay attention to such details." he said with a scoff remark, "I only do one thing and that is kill the enemy. Mostly because it's the only thing that I am good at and the only thing I am respected for. After all, what god would let such fates upon my Mother and I?" he said to him, "I leave it up to fates. If the gods want me to die this day, then I will, if not then I live to fight anther day."

[chefTENGU]

"It just hadn't occurred to me that someone could join the legions without knowing the name of the Empire they serve.

"If all you get out of it is the 'satisfaction of a job well done,' then I suppose it doesn't matter much. I'm here to serve the commander, she's here to win glory for herself."

[Killer_Man_]

He smirks, "Someone has to do the 'dirty work'," he paused slightly, "BEsides, you try living a normal life as me and see how long you last," he soon turned his back and walked away slightly, not too far, "Military, most people don't see you as a half orc but a solider." he said, "Especially after my mother died due to unknown causes but I feel she had a broken heart because of all the troubles I was having, especially since when I got older I found out what really happened to her that made her have someone like me."

[chefTENGU]

"I thought that might be the case. You're not like most orcs I've seen in my time. Human lineage does little to diminish the... fighting spirit of Gruumsh's children."

Sargeass tries to sound polite and sensitive, but speaks very carefully, trying to keep a stilted tone out of his voice. He seats himself on the grass next to Aneiren, gazing into the distance.

[Killer_Man_]

He nods, "Hence why, if you saw what I did to the few orcs that were around. They asked me, why are you doing this brother? You are one of us." he paused, "I told them, I am not one of you. Spat in his face and lopped his head off." he shook his head, "At least I am not some savage who goes plundering and raping women." he said, "That and I made a vow as long as I draw breath, I will do my best to not have anther woman have the same problems as my Mother." As he looked to the sky, "That and fighting is all I've known all my life, I figured if I used my talents for 'something good' then I'll find what I was put on this place for."

He shook his head as he paused, "Regardless, I think a change of subject is in order."

[chefTENGU]

Sargeass looks up with interest.

"Is that what he said to you? I couldn't understand him, myself. I don't speak the language. This is good news, I was afraid I might have to resort to magic to be able to speak to the people here."

[Killer_Man_]

He canted his head, "Yes, he did. Why? Was there something you were concerned about?" he asked rather curiously.

[chefTENGU]

"If I spend my power on being able to speak the language, it's power that's not spent on treating our injuries or killing our foes. I wasn't expecting that these orcs would speak the same tongue as your ancestors, but it is most fortunate that they do."

[chefTENGU]

"Will you look at that..."

Seargeass points down toward the encampment. Fenris is leading the way, with Valandil and Khal following behind. They are carrying someone with them.

"Holt, check the packs for some rope. We're about to get some answers."

[Seegtease]

As Khal approaches Sargeass, he speaks.

"So, where do ye want her? And ah, let me know if you need any help with... interrogation."