Orc tribe

(Marjorie POV)

"He's a crazy rich guy, but he seems quite powerful!" I can't help but exclaim, watching the rich kid take on the orcs single-handedly.

Gordon nods, impressed despite himself. "I gotta admit, he is very skilled."

"Yeah... I even felt a spooky aura around him," Charles adds. "He must be using a high-quality dark spell. That stuff doesn't come cheap!"

Gordon scoffs, a hint of bitterness in his voice. "Well, I guess it's to be expected that he's powerful. His family probably spoon-fed him quality potions and hired tutors to teach him those fancy spells. I'm so fucking jealous."

As I watch the fight unfold, I have to agree. For a rich kid, being powerful isn't exactly a challenge. But there's something off about his movements. He's skilled, sure, but there's a rawness to his fighting style. It's like he's still getting used to his own power.

***

(Arthur POV)

Damn, these orcs are tougher than I expected. I'm doing my best to parry their attacks without killing them. After all, I need them alive for casting.

I dodge a punch, then deliver an uppercut that sends an orc crumpling to the ground. Ten minutes of intense fighting later, I'm surrounded by unconscious orcs sporting various bruises and black eyes.

Panting slightly, I call out to my hired help. "Hey, come here. We need to tie them up and look for more orcs."

As the adventurers emerge from the bushes and start binding the orcs, Gordon pipes up. "Why didn't you just kill these orcs anyway?"

I fix him with a stern look. "I need them alive. That's all you need to know. Don't ask too many questions."

As we work, I can't help but feel a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. One step closer to my orc army, but at what cost? My muscles ache, and I'm pretty sure I'll be feeling this fight for days. The things I do for cinema...

***

Hours after capturing the orcs, I'm still trying to communicate with them. They just stare at me blankly, and I'm starting to feel like an idiot.

Marjorie, ever helpful, chimes in. "They can't speak common tongue, you should know that."

I roll my eyes. "Of course I know. I'm just trying."

Gordon starts to explain, "They're not high-level orcs. Maybe only the orc chief—"

Suddenly, one of the tied-up orcs interrupts, "We understand common tongue, you fools."

The silence that follows is deafening. We all exchange shocked glances before I burst into giggles, pointing at the vocal orc. "So you can talk, huh?"

The orc nods, looking slightly annoyed.

Gordon, clearly feeling insulted, snaps, "So you guys could talk all along and pretended not to?"

Another orc pipes up, "We're used to our own language. But we've been learning common tongue for years. It's the only way our tribe can stay ahead of the others."

Now my curiosity is piqued. "Ahead of other tribes? How so?"

The orcs nod, and a third one explains, "It gives us an edge. We can understand what demons and other races are saying about us. Makes trading easier, too. Sometimes we overhear useful information about unguarded caravans or weaknesses in town defenses. And when adventurers come looking for a fight, we know their plans before they even reach our territory."

I can't help but be impressed. These orcs are smarter than I gave them credit for. This could change everything - not just for my film, but for how I approach this whole situation.

"Well," I say, a grin spreading across my face, "looks like we have a lot to talk about."

The orcs eye me warily, a mix of fear and curiosity in their gazes. Can't blame them, really. I did just hand them their green behinds.

The burly one, clearly the leader, speaks up. "What do you want with us? Why capture us alive? There must be a reason."

I can't help but chuckle. "Take me to your tribe. I want to have a chat with them."

A shorter orc bristles, anger overriding his fear. "We'll not lead you to our tribe! We don't know what you're planning!"

"Poku! Shut it," the leader snaps before turning back to me. "What do you want with our tribe? To capture them too?"

I laugh, understanding their distress. They've seen what I can do. They know their whole tribe wouldn't stand a chance.

"Don't worry. I'm not here to hurt anyone," I reassure them. "I just have a request. And you'll be rewarded for it."

The leader's interest is piqued, but Poku isn't having it. He spits out something in Orcish that I'm pretty sure translates to "Don't believe this cunning demon's lies! He's deceitful!"

The leader ignores him, focusing on me. "What request?"

Here goes nothing. I launch into my pitch about the film, explaining concepts they've clearly never heard of. Their confused expressions would be comical if I weren't so nervous about their response.

As I talk, I notice my hired adventurers gaping at me. They look utterly baffled, probably thinking I've lost my mind for inviting orcs to be in a film.

The burly orc scratches his head. "This... film. It's like a story? But one people can see?"

I nod eagerly. "Correct. And I want your tribe to be part of it. You'll be paid, fed, and treated well. Plus, you'll be famous!"

The orcs exchange glances, a mix of confusion and intrigue on their faces. It's not every day a demon offers orcs a job in show business, after all.

The leader seems to be mulling it over. "And you swear no harm will come to our tribe?"

"On my honor," I say solemnly, hoping they can't see the crossed fingers behind my back. Hey, a little white lie never hurt anyone, right?

The orc leader eyes me for a long moment before nodding. "Alright. I'll lead you to our tribe."

"Great," I say, unable to hide my grin.

The other orcs start grumbling, clearly not on board with this plan. Their leader barks something in Orcish, and they fall silent immediately.

"Now that I'm taking you to our tribe," the leader says, turning back to me, "may we know who you are?"

Oops. I'd forgotten I was still masked. I pull it off and extend my hand. "I'm Arthur Morningstar, by the way."

The reaction is immediate. Eyes widen all around - orcs and adventurers alike.

"You're a Morningstar?!" the orc leader gasps, fear creeping into his voice.

Marjorie and the others look equally shocked. "He's the infamous prince!"

I try to diffuse the tension with a chuckle. "Hey, now. Let's not get too excited. And you are?" I ask the orc leader, trying to steer the conversation back on track.

Still visibly shaken, he responds, "I am Oguga. Son of the chief of our tribe."

"Perfect," I nod. "That makes things easier. You can talk to your dad about my project, get your tribesmen on board."

Oguga falls silent, clearly reconsidering now that he knows my identity.

Marjorie, meanwhile, can barely contain her excitement. "You're including orcs in your next project, Your Highness? I just watched "The Demonfather". It was amazing!"

Gordon and Charles chime in, equally starstruck. I have to calm them down before turning back to Oguga.

"You don't have to worry, Oguga. I'm a legit filmmaker," I assure him.

Oguga eyes me warily before exchanging glances with his fellow orcs. "Alright," he finally says. "Let's hope you don't go back on your word, demon."

I can't help but chuckle. "Don't worry. I'm a demon of my word."

With that, I untie the orcs. Oguga and his companions, still hesitant, lead me and my adventurers towards their village.

As we approach, I can see the tribe in the distance. They're on edge, eyeing us suspiciously. Oguga steps forward, speaking to them in rapid Orcish. After a tense moment, they let us in.

The village is like stepping back in time. It's primitive, almost stone age in its setup. My eyes are drawn to a group of chained elephants. A pang of pity hits me - maybe I can do something about that once I've talked to the chief.

Speaking of which, the chief appears, an elephant by his side. He's an imposing figure, all muscle and authority. "What's a group of demons doing in my village?" he demands, his voice a low growl.

I straighten up, putting on my best diplomatic face. This is it - time to sell my crazy idea to an orc chief.

"Chief," I begin, hoping my voice sounds steadier than I feel, "I have a proposition for you and your tribe. One that could change everything."