Chapter 91

"So this is their home? How lovely" said Kane in an amused tone.

Ten figures stood in front of a large cave opening. Kane, the two battle masters, Kellog, the kobold chief, and five lightly armored orcs. Kane hoped this was all they needed to recruit Skeg and his High Claw Horde.

"We must be careful. As soon as we enter the cave they will know we are there. They won't. confront us until we reach their city" said Kellog.

"Wait city?" Kane was shocked. He thought they lived in the caves as bears would or maybe in small huts like goblins.

"Well more like a town. The main area of the cave is a large opening with tall stone structures where they live. They look like towers but are not very well built nor maintained. Some also live in burrows on the walls of the cave. The area also has wooden bridges all over the place to make travel easier. The entire place is rough and damp but it's pretty large. So is the population."

"You think you can convince this Skeg fellow?" asked Kane.

Kellog nodded his head but his eyes flickered with uncertainty. "I do have good relations with the ratfolk but they can be pretty self-absorbed, sly, greedy, and overall hard to deal with. I worry it may not be easy to get them to join your empire. I will do my very best though" responded Kellog.

Kane smiled at the orc. He was in confident in Kellog's ability after all this orc was far more clever than any he has met before. In fact, he found it pretty funny how well-spoken Kellog was compared to the rest.

"Well let's go meet them shall we?" Kane walked towards the cave while the rest followed.

Dark, musty, moist, and cold, the cave seemed deserted and desolate. The group kept trekking onward. Soon Kane saw a dim light down the passage. When he finally got to it he noticed it was a torch. Looking past it he saw the opening Kellog mentioned. He marveled at the old structures that stood before him. They looked like large barbaric obelisks with openings in them. Kane felt the stares of many on him and swear he saw hundreds of ruby-red eyes in the shadows.

A group of dark grey figures walked towards the group. They wore thin, slightly torn black cloaks and unkempt leather armor. They were armed with crossbows, daggers, and what looked to be a mix of falchions and cutlasses.

"Kellog is that you? Why are you here with these pink skins?" asked a rat with a gold ring in his ear and an eyepatch covering up one of his eyes. His fur was pale white, unlike the other rats who were grey. Scars adorned his face and body and he had metal spikes decorating his armor.

"Hello, Skeg! It has been a while. Let me introduce my new chief, the indomitable and fearless King Kane Hoth of the Deus Belli Empire! We are here to offer you an opportunity that as a friend I must ask that you consider. I know your people used to be infamous pirates who ruled the seas, I know you are demons in the night when it comes to your assassination skills, and your crossbows rain fury upon anyone foolishly trying to challenge you. My lord seeks to give you the chance to join him in conquering kingdoms and continents. Any discussion or questions may be brought to me. I promise you won't regret this as it may bring you new fortunes and bring back glory to your people."

All eyes in the cave seemed fixated on Kellog's words. The group of rats in front of Kane and the rest seemed to be discussing and advising in Skeg's ear. Their faces kept darting back and forth between Kane, Kellog, and Skeg.

"I have not seen you in many moons and you come here with humans to ask me to give up my kingdom and serve a stranger? We may not have our former glory but are skills in the dark can help us decimate your small and feeble bodies. You are in my territory now" said Skeg.

Othes and Galter being battle masters were able to release their battle energy to immediately put pressure on the ratfolk in the room. The other soldiers lifted their weapons ready for a fight. Kane's battle energy and blood aura engulfed the area and seemed to make Skeg falter.

"Battle masters!" "Ah!" "What is that pressure!?" Murming and surprise could be heard echoing throughout the cave.

"Hmm, it seems you brought battle masters with you. I must admit this is surprising that you have three and your uhh lord is one" said Skeg.

"We do not wish to fight but we are not helpless and before any of your soldiers even reach where I am standing you would already have been beheaded," said Kellog sternly.

Skeg snarled and bared his teeth. Kane thinking a fight was about to start prepared his weapon but surprisingly Skeg started to laugh.

"If we do choose to point our daggers tips toward your chief's enemies what fortunes will we reap?"

"OUR chief and you will be able to reap a bright future where not only do you have treasures and comfort something you may lack now you can one day take to the sea to reclaim it just for a different lord than what you are used to. You will be feared once again."

"Hmm, a tempting offer. We do seek a better life and it is about time we show the world what we are made of. What do you require of us?"

"We need numbers! Our soldiers still lack numbers. We are in charge of the Iron Rose Kingdom which has an unscaleable wall. Your crossbows will be useful for defending it. Also, Othes here is an experienced assassin. With your help, we can start a new assassin network. One day we will head to the sea and your people's history will help us kill and plunder" said Kellog.

"Will we need to move to your kingdom?" asked a different rat. "This is our home?"

Skeg glared at the rat who retreated into the background.

"It's alright I know your people have questions Skeg. I also know your people have adapted to the dark and work better in it now. You may continue to raise your young here and teach them your ways. This is where Othes will start setting up his assassins and we wish to build here with your help. We also need your best crossbowmen to come with us. Any others who wish to live outside may come too. It would be wise to start raising some of your people in the light so they may be prepared to fight in it as well as prepare for not always being in the shadows."

"Kellog you have brought us a wonderful, wonderful chance. I do dare say we would be happy to join you" said Skeg with a smile.

Kane walked up to the leader of the ratfolk.

"Welcome Skeg I am please to have you and your people with me," said Kane.

"Mayem and money await us Chief," said Skeg with an exaggerated bow.