Orc Wars 2 : Lazarus

Chapter 106 - Witch

The group of human Heroes, a snowy white wolf and a fierce grey orc warrior stood facing a slim black clad figure. They had ported to the location given by Thalasis, the Holy Seer. The elusive Witch had agreed to meet them only if they came to her place of choosing.

The Witch stood at the edge of a rocky cliff. The sheer drop and what horrors were waiting below left much to the imagination. Nothing could be seen from where they stood, everything was obscured by thick swirling grey mists. The solid grey mists also hung behind the Witch just a few feet away from the edge, emphasising her dark gothic appearance. A practitioner of dark witchcraft indeed.

The grey mists again! Was this part of the unfinished map behind her?

Valentine looked nervously at Constantine and then to Lazarus. Now what?

Kalthu stood silent. It was the humans' meeting, he was along for the guaranteed fights and fun, oh and also as backup and protector of the humans. He had orders to protect the humans, ensure the success of their mission and to bring back whatever they found to the Stronghold should they fail to make it.

Kasakh had been left at the Stronghold. She and Thalasis were working on Sharak's notes hoping to discover further what his mysterious concoction was for and its link to the Bello's anazzosh. Jarrakg, his trusted second in command was left in charge of defences. He would take his orders directly from the Overlord until he returned, if he did.

Anya growled softly.

"Shhh, Anya." Lazarus reached down to pat his familiar reassuringly.

The dark figure finally moved. She threw back her hood to reveal a beautiful scaly face, much like Thalasis' but with darker greenish shading. She blinked at Anya unafraid before focusing on the human who had spoken, the one with the wolf. Ahhh, he must be the dark one Thalasis had told her about. She could clearly see his life force diminishing. The poison's darkness was smothering it. His lips were practically blue from the nauk dzi vras. The Witch's thin lips pressed together. He did not have long.

"Humanssss," she said softly. "Why do you seek me?"

The handsome dying Assassin stepped forward. "Lady, we seek the Bello. It has something we need and understand only you can lead us to it."

"You are missstaken, dark one. I can only open the Path for you but you and your friendsss will have to walk it yoursselvess. I may only guide not lead."

"Then would you show us the way?"

"Why ssshould I do that?" she asked simply.

Valentine cleared his throat getting her attention. "We can make it worth your while."

"How?"

The Thief grimaced. This was not going well. If they couldn't even convince her, they would never get to the first challenge. He started and stared at her, sudden understanding dawning on him. The Field of Corpses was not the first challenge, convincing the Witch to open the Path and allow them in was. Oh wow, did they miscalculate the challenges awaiting them? He glanced anxiously at his friends.

"Is there anything you want?"

"Want?" she asked.

"Yes, like ... freedom?" The Thief's bright blue eyes caught her reptilian dark green ones.

"Go on."

"Pardon me but the Holy Seer mentioned that you were cast out for practicing the forbidden arts and ..." he stopped when she hissed agitatedly.

"Aiyaiyaii! Val! You are supposed to convince her to help us not make her angry," Constantine whispered urgently.

"Forbidden isss a relative word," the Witch countered unblinking.