Chapter 119 Calm before the storm 2 (1/2)

The bodies of the dead Orc chiefs and commanders had been removed from the command tent and buried while the command tent of the Horde had been cleaned and returned to its prior orderly state. The only difference was that now Grobak and his confidantes were in command and inhabiting the tent. There were also some new faces, these were tribal leaders who had not been killed by Nelay and had taken this opportunity to draw closer to Grobak.

Although they were taking a risk by doing this, they were willing to do this in order to seek future benefits. Building a close relationship with such a young and powerful chief who was clearly on the rise, could either be a blessing or a curse. Grobak's confidence, strength, and charisma had won them over and they had taken the opportunity to express their good will to him.

This might anger the Harkul and their chief, but with their combined strength, they didn't necessarily need to fear the Harkul any longer. Any future conflict between them would instead be in the shadows rather than out in the open. If they could survive and grow stronger, they had much to gain.

”Grobak, there are voices of discontent in the camp. It has been several hours since order has been returned to the Horde but not only have we not attacked the city, we have even pulled back our forces. Initially we thought this was out of caution to ensure no further losses to the Horde, but now there are many who question why we haven't yet returned to the siege. You even had the other camps return to the main camp. Is this a ploy of some kind? We just want to understand what you plan to do.” asked a chieftain of a medium sized tribe who had developed a relatively good relationship with Grobak.

This was the reason why he had the confidence to bring up this thorny issue. Others would not be willing to do so, but this particular chieftain had been one of the first to express support for Grobak to take temporary control of the Horde.

Grobak wasn't angered by the question and gave a playful smile.

”Not to worry, I do have a plan as a matter of fact. I promise, that within a few hours from now, the Human settlement will have been completely and utterly destroyed!” Grobak replied with confidence that shocked many of those gathered within the command tent.

Only Grobak's own subordinates showed no reaction to his statement. They were all loyal followers of Grobak's master already and knew of his frightening strength.

”I see, so there is some grand plan! I didn't realize you already had everything in the palm of your hand, but how exactly will you accomplish this?” asked a questioning voice from outside the tent.

A powerful and sinister looking Orc entered the command tent with several subordinates in tow. This was one of the Harkul's remaining powerful commanders who had been overseeing the eastern siege camp and had only recently returned to the main camp after receiving the order to reassemble.

He had questioned the order initially, but still complied because he wasn't fully aware of the situation. By the time he had returned to the main camp, things had been settled and Grobak had already assumed temporary control. Although this angered him, he had yet to make any moves because he too had confidence in the return of the Harkul chief.

If this fool Grobak wanted to step out with his neck on the line, he wouldn't stop him. Especially since Grobak was of equal strength with him and had a powerful army of elites behind him. However, he had been one of the loudest voices of discontent once things hadn't progressed to his liking. While he would bide his time, he didn't mind making things slightly difficult for Grobak.

Grobak was aware of all this, but he didn't care. Soon, it would all be over and there was nothing this Orc could do about it. He didn't mind letting him strut around for a while like a fool. Once his master made his move, they would all submit. They had no other choice if they wished to live. Their chief was already dead, as were their ancestors. What did their petty strength amount to?

Grobak smiled once more at the entrance of these few barbarians of various races. His smile was both playful and wicked.