The Worst Kobold Chapter 20: Chapter 15 - Orcish Cartographers

Read chapter 20 of The Worst Kobold by Thalaas on NovelPedia.

The goblin and kobold weren’t the only two so-called guests in the Champion’s Vineyard. There were eight orcs being held here, and they had been for some time. Ever since they first brought the Wishing Stone here well over a year ago. They were all men here, as the women of their tribe would normally stay to guard the young and infirm. Their skins ranged from a dark shade of yellow to a rust-colored orange. The smallest of them was at least six feet in height. The group of orcs were engaged in the stereotypical muscle training right now. Some were lifting large logs over their heads in repetitive motions. Others were holding decent sized rocks to their chest, and performing deep squats. The largest with skin a dull-mustard color, was holding one of the cross beams in his hands. The muscular orc was shirtless as he did one chin up after another flawlessly. He lowered himself down, and his eyes focused on the prince. “Finally!” the largest orc who was doing chin ups dropped down and landed with a heavy thud on the ground. “I was wondering if they were ever going to discuss my findings,” he said in a soft but cultured voice. He grabbed a towel to wipe his face. “Forgive my appearance, had I known of your arrival, I would have done my best to appear presentable.” “Sir Thal’or,” Prince Alexander looked at the mountain of a man over. He had a good three inches of height on him. He was mostly bald, with locks of hair braided with gold jewelry dangling from the back. His left front tusk was broken and it gave his bottom lip a sort of lopsided dumb look. But, if you looked into his eyes you could see a calculating mind behind them. “I apologize for keeping you here for so long against your will. As you were told you will be well compensated. As requested, we’ve been sending tribute to your tribe regularly to make up for this inconvenience.” “It’s truly unfortunate,” The orc waved a thick callous hand dismissively. “Though I understand the desire for secrecy, you may understand how we will be disincentivized to bring our discoveries to you later.” That was a risk. Some kingdoms would seize prizes from treasure hunters, or even kill them. Under the guise of secrecy, need, want, or a dozen other excuses. Word always got around fast in the community, and people learned fast which kingdoms to avoid, and which paid well. Prince Alexander cautioned his father that this would damage Ashen’s reputation, but he had been dismissed. “Understandable. I just hope the extra payment, plus the eventual…” “Yes, yes, but as you know, I’ve been alerted to some of your findings that greatly concern me,” Thal’or looked behind him. “Gentlemen? Take a rest for now. We shall resume our physical regime after.” he said as he motioned for Alexander to follow him. “Your people are quite tight-lipped over the project, but a week ago, I’ve overhead something that troubled me.” They moved to a large wooden table in one corner, filled with maps, books, and assorted cartography instruments. Thal’or was the leader not because of his strength, but because of his intellect and knowledge. He led and planned all the expeditions, which had brought his tribe great wealth. “I shall be honest with you, and I hope you will reciprocate. I fear that something involving the Wishing Stone could endanger us.” That made Prince Alexander’s blood chill a little. He always had a few misgivings. And now, forcing dragons to serve them, Griffon’s words… “It’s a state.. No, you’re right, Thal’or. Forgive me. I shall be honest with you, if you truly believe there is a threat.” “I’m far from certain, and I hope to the All-Mother I’m mistaken. But, yes,” Thal’or said as he brought a map of the Eastern Coast line. “You’ve gotten to the final defense of the Wishing Stone, correct?” Alexander nodded in the affirmative. “One of your guards, I shan’t mention who as I do not wish him ill, mentioned off-handedly that the Wishing Stone had some sort of magic around it that disintegrates any items in it