Chapter 208: Will It Blow Up
As they approached the camp, the familiar sight of the camp's surroundings came into view. Ezukar moved slower than usual, his movements stiff, and his hand occasionally brushed against the still-tender wound on his side. The poison may have been neutralized, but the toll it had taken on his body was evident. Naguk stayed close ready for any sign of hostility. Ler walked a step ahead leading them through the camp.
When they finally reached the commander's tent, Ler paused outside, taking a deep breath before lifting the flap. "Commander," he said cautiously, stepping in with Ezukar and Naguk trailing behind him.
The commander looked up from his table, where a map of the surrounding area was spread out. His eyes narrowed as they fell on the orcs. "You're earlier than I expected," he remarked. His gaze lingered on Ezukar, noting the stiffness in his posture. "Did your leader agree to the meeting?"
Ezukar straightened as much as he could and replied, "Yes, sir. He agreed to meet you in a place where combat would be difficult for both sides, a location where neither us nor you would have any advantage."
The commander leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as his eyes flicked to the map. He murmured thoughtfully, "A place where no one has the advantage... That's rare in these lands."
Ezukar stepped closer and placed a small folded piece of paper on the table. "That's why we're here, sir. My leader wants to connect with you directly. This rune diagram will establish a link so that you can discuss terms without risk."
The commander's eyebrows shot up. "A rune diagram?" His tone was skeptical. "Explain what you mean by 'connect.'"
Ezukar nodded, unfurling the paper to show the intricate design. "When I draw this rune and activate it by spilling a drop of blood, it will link to the same diagram drawn by my leader. You will be able to communicate directly through it. No need for messengers or unnecessary risks."
The commander's expression remained dubious. "A magical connection... With orcs." He leaned back, folding his arms. "And how, exactly, do I know this isn't some trick? Who's to say that spilling this powder won't blow a hole in my tent?"
Ezukar opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, there was a sudden flash of steel. One of the soldiers standing nearby swung his blade toward Ezukar, his voice ringing out. "This is madness! They're trying to trick us!"
Ezukar barely had time to flinch, but the commander's voice boomed across the tent. "Wait! Stand down!"
The soldier hesitated mid-swing, his blade stopping inches from Ezukar's neck. Naguk's hand was already on his axe, and his glare was deadly. The soldier stepped back grumbling under his breath.
The commander turned his sharp gaze to Ezukar. "You can't just act without explaining yourself fully. You don't get to spill that powder inside my camp without my explicit permission. Do you understand?"
Ezukar, shaken but determined, nodded. "I wouldn't harm myself or Naguk, sir. This isn't a trick."
The commander held up a hand, cutting him off. "Perhaps not. But are you certain your leader wouldn't use you as a pawn to infiltrate our camp? I've seen far more elaborate schemes in my time."
Ezukar faltered. The truth was, he had no way of knowing whether his leader might have ulterior motives. His silence stretched on as he mulled over the commander's skepticism.
The commander's voice softened slightly but remained firm. "If you want to draw this rune diagram, you'll do it outside the camp. Somewhere where, if it goes wrong, it won't harm anyone here."
Naguk, who had remained silent, stepped closer to Ezukar and placed a steadying hand on his shoulder. Ezukar finally replied, his voice subdued. "Yes... sir."
The commander turned his attention to Ler. "You will go with them. Once this connection is established and you verify it works, return and inform me. Only then will I consider moving forward."
Ler nodded crisply. "Yes, sir."
The commander's eyes lingered on the two orcs. "Don't disappoint me. I'm taking a risk even allowing this."
With that, the trio turned and exited the tent. Ler walked in silence for a while before finally speaking, his voice quiet. "I'll help you as much as I can. Let's make sure this works."
Ezukar managed a small, grateful nod as they headed to the edge of the camp.
As the trio reached a clearing far enough from the human camp to avoid any harm if things goes wrong, Ezukar slowed his steps and stared at the small jar of powder in his hand. His expression was a mixture of conflict and determination. Naguk, noticing his hesitation, stepped closer and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You don't have to do this," Naguk said gently. "If you're not sure, no one will blame you. Honestly, we don't even know if this thing works. It's the first time we've heard of it too."
Ezukar's lips tightened. After a moment, he exhaled sharply and shook his head. "No, Naguk. I have to do this. We've already risked our lives by coming here. Cowering now won't help us achieve peace. Besides," he looked up, "what kind of example would I set if I backed down now?"
Naguk nodded solemnly but added, "Then at least let me stand with you. If this thing blows up, we both face the consequences."
Ezukar frowned. "No. You've already risked enough for me. By coming here, you've put your life on the line many times. This is my idea, my risk."
Naguk crossed his arms and smirked slightly. "You're not going to convince me otherwise. We've been sticking together since I can remember, Ezukar. If you think I'm letting you do this alone, you don't know me as well as you think."
Ezukar's hardened expression softened as he met Naguk's steady gaze. He sighed deeply. "Fine," he said. "Let's just hope this thing doesn't kill us both."
Ler, who had been standing nearby, cautiously took a few steps back. He raised a hand nervously. "I'll stay out of range, just in case. If this thing blows up, I'd rather not be part of the aftermath."
Ezukar gave a small, humorless chuckle as he knelt on the ground. He uncorked the jar and carefully poured the red, sand-like powder onto the dirt. His hands shook slightly as he began tracing the intricate rune diagram their chief had given him. Naguk crouched beside him, silently watching the lines take shape.
"There," Ezukar murmured, wiping his brow. "It's done."
He hesitated for a moment, staring at the completed diagram. Then, with a deep breath, he unsheathed a small dagger and cut his palm. Blood welled up immediately, and he let a single drop fall onto the center of the rune. For a moment, nothing happened. The three stood in tense silence and watched the rune diagram.
Suddenly, the rune ignited with fire. The flames shot upward, forcing Ezukar and Naguk to take a step back, shielding their faces with their arms. Ler, who had been watching from a distance, gasped audibly. The flames roared for a moment, and then, impossibly, they began to take shape.
The fire condensed into the form of their chief commander. His imposing figure stood tall, his eyes scanning the surroundings before settling on Ezukar and Naguk.
"Well done, you two," the projection said. "You've taken a great risk, but it seems it has paid off."
Ezukar and Naguk exchanged a quick glance, both still processing what they were seeing. Naguk finally spoke. "Thank you, sir. But, uh, the human commander isn't here yet. They made us draw the rune outside their camp, worried it might be a trap."
The chief commander folded his fiery arms and nodded thoughtfully. "Understandable. If I were in their position, I would've done the same. No wonder they don't trust us."
His gaze softened slightly as he continued. "Still, you two went through with this, knowing full well it could've been a trap. I don't know whether to call it naivety or resolve, but either way, you've taken a step closer to peace."
Naguk and Ezukar stood straighter under the chief's praise. Ler, meanwhile, bolted back toward the camp to inform his commander about the success.
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