Orcs of the Red Blade

Milling freshly picked herbs near the cauldron, Gnash hears his imp’s voice loud over the boiling and shuddering water, perhaps because it is louder, or because he’s become especially attuned to its constant whining and nagging tone. “Look, why don’t you at least hear him out? Perhaps he’s got a sweat deal for you! I bet he will,” Jakmat said whilst keeping his gaze cautiously fixated on the young warlock.

“I know your friend and his deals,” Gnash boomed “and if you keep on trying to persuade me, I’ll start using this inventively!” He raised the pestle threateningly at the imp, who immediately flinched and started to screech in despair.

“Okay-okay, I’ll keep quiet! Don’t hit me!”

“You should know better by now.”

Gnash started to swing wildly at the little mongrel. Jakmat lurched backwards and banged against a rock. He covered his head with his hands to escape the flurry of hits. Stunned, he dropped to the ground and knelt on all four.

Unfazed, Gnash took the opportunity to dump the crushed herbs into the cauldron. He whiffed the fumes that were rising from the concoction. “Hrmm â€" more gall,” he exclaimed as he walked over to the cupboard and started to scour the shelves for a bottle.

“There was no need for that! You’re a shitty master. You always hurt me for no reason. The former master was a lot more friendly than you, shit-face!”

“And where is he now?”

“Well, I killed hiâ€"waaait, that’s not the point: you ought to treat me better. I always try to serve you well!”

“Then serve me by shutting that grom-damn hole of yours for a change.”

The orc’s stoic determination worried Jakmat. It made him jumpy and nervous â€" or rather, it enhanced these traits of the imp. It would be hard to break this orc, he thought. Quite hard. But they all break… eventually.

It's likely only a matter of time before someone start setting cloaks on fire. Nice, little tidbit!

Oooooo! Am I detecting the hint of a nasty little plot line? ;)

Wonderfully written as always, Gnash. I always do so enjoy the 'behind the scenes' stuff =D