Chapter 80 - council of orc tribes

"the Chief of the green skins greets the other chiefs. Ogurk," Grotug announced, stepping into a spacious tent occupied by three formidable orc leaders. Despite their similar physical stature, each possessed distinct characteristics such as varying tusks and skin colors.

"Gumzakk of the red skins greets the green skins chief. Guruk," responded another orc, his skin reddened and adorned with different tattoos.

"Hownkua of the yellow skins greets the green skins chief. Ooguruk" spoke a yellow-skinned orc draped in a regal cape made of snakeskin.

"Shar of the black skins greets the green skins chief. Uruk," declared a scar-covered orc, his obsidian complexion contrasting sharply with his scars.

"May the blessing of Mazlios grace your muscles and this meeting. Ogurk," Grotug greeted as he settled into his seat at the round table. The other orc chiefs echoed, "May she bless." (Mazlios - goddess of nature and strength, the deity that the orcs worship.)

As a brief red light bathed the room, Gumzakk asserted, "We should commence now. Guruk." Shar, visibly agitated, interjected, "What purpose does this meeting serve, Grotug? Uruk," directing an intense gaze at Grotug.

"Why else would I gather you, idiots, in my tribe and spare your lives if not to strategize? Ogurk," Grotug retorted sharply, his voice carrying the weight of authority.

"And what is there to strategize, you green-skinned imbecile? We charge head-on and crush them with our brute strength. Uruk," Shar responded with equal force.

"Enough of this bickering! Do you really think we should be fighting amongst ourselves when the enemy looms at our gates? Guruk!" Gumzakk slammed his hand onto the table, effectively redirecting their attention.

"Grotug has a point, you know. The demon bastards have already penetrated Glenariff Forest. Soon, they will engage us. Their numbers are comparable, and even if we triumph, it won't come without great sacrifice. Ooguruk," Hownkua interjected, tapping the table with his massive fingers.

"And what do you propose, then? Uruk," Shar coughed, attentively listening to Hownkua's words.

"I suggest leveraging the element of surprise to our advantage. With our numbers, we can decimate a significant portion of the enemy army. Ogurk," Grotug suggested, his tone now more composed.

"Orcs do not engage in stealth attacks. Even if I perish, I prefer to die honorably in battle. If we sneak attack, we forsake Gor'zakar. Uruk," Shar responded, his anger unabated. (Gor'zakar - basically the Valhalla of orks)

"Does it truly matter if we bypass Gor'zakar? Our descendants will live, at the very least. Or do you want them all to perish? Ooguruk," Hownkua retorted, his agitation evident in his piercing glare at Shar.

"A solitary surprise attack won't solve our predicament. The scouts have likely encountered only a vanguard. The main force of the demon army is likely still waiting. Guruk," Gumzakk interjected, shaking his head.

"What shall we do, then? Ogurk?" Grotug inquired of Gumzakk, his expression marked by confusion.

"I am uncertain. Guruk. Grotug, do you still possess the emperor's communication crystal? Guruk," Gumzakk inquired, prompting everyone's attention to focus on Grotug.

"Yes, I carry it with me always. Ogurk. But how do you intend to use it? Ogurk," Grotug queried, extracting a "small" red communication crystal from his belt.

"We will contact the emperor and request his aid. We need a sound strategy. No orc possesses the skill for mass battle tactics since Elder Dujok's passing. My limited ideas are of no use against these cunning demons. Guruk," Gumzakk explained, accepting the crystal from Grotug.

"But what if the Demon King has already convinced the emperor not to interfere? Will he truly help us? Ooguruk," Hownkua asked, his face a mask of confusion.

"I am certain the emperor comprehends our predicament. We cannot anticipate physical assistance from the Imperial Dominion, but we can seek their aid in formulating a strategy. The emperor is astute and will discern how to support us while safeguarding himself from the demons. Guruk," Gumzakk reasoned, channeling his savagor—the orc's form of mana—into the red communication crystal.

*Ring ring ring*

"Hmm, the words of the red-skinned chief ring true. Let us place our trust in him. The red-skinned chief is wise. Uruk," Shar declared, nodding in agreement.

*Ring ring ring*

"The red-skinned chief is wise, indeed," the other two chiefs soon chimed in, their voices echoing in harmony.

*KAXAK*

"Grotug, my old friend, it has been some time since your last call... Is this regarding the demons?" Emperor Eric's voice resonated from the crystal, a deep concern lacing his words.

"Gumzakk of the red-skinned orcs greets the esteemed emperor. Guruk," Gumzakk spoke into the crystal, bowing his head slightly. The other chiefs followed suit.

"Grotug of the green-skinned orcs greets the esteemed emperor. Ogurk."

"Hwonkua of the yellow-skinned orcs greets the esteemed emperor. Ooguruk."

"Shar of the black-skinned orcs greets the esteemed emperor. Uruk."

"I see that the council has assembled. Excellent. I was about to contact you myself. Tell me, how may I assist you?" Eric's deep voice resonated.

Gumzakk started to speak slowly, "Your Highness, we require your assistance in this war…Guruk"