The Counsel Of Harrog

Chapter 7-The Counsel of Hurrog

As the rain slowly began to let up, and the sun tried to peak it's golden face through the gray clouds, Turushkna and Wargen made their way deeper into the forest. All around them leaves and twigs were drenched with the rain, and the branches rustled in the wind. Wargen looked around, an uneasy look on his face, and his hand hovering over the dagger on his belt. Turushkna noticed this and lowered Wargen's hand with his own.

"Wargen, what are you so worried about? There is nothing but trees in this place,"Turushkna said looking around him.

"There is much more than that..."Wargen's voice trailed off.

"Alright then, trees and dirt, nothing more. Calm down,"Turushkna laughed.

Wargen lowered his hand away from his dagger, but still in the vicinity of his sheath. Turushkna smiled down at Wargen and then looked forward through the thick trees, then a glimmer of light dancing on the flat plain on the other side of the forest caught his eye. The edge had to be around 12 leagues away, Wargen would be pleased.

"Wargen look, the edge of the forest, just through this clump of trees, we are close to the plains that surround the tower,"Turushkna said pointing forward.

"Then get out of my way!"Wargen yelled as he pushed Turushkna aside and charged towards the plains.

Suddenly a noose wrapped around his ankle and pulled him up into the air, it was a trap no doubt. Turushkna ran to his aide and cut the rope with his sword, then from the trees behind Turushkna an arrow flew and knicked his shoulder, causing him to drop his sword and grip his shoulder in pain.

A young boy came running out from the shrubs and high grass from where the arrow came. He could be not much older than 11 or 12. He held his bow tight, ready to fire.

"Who are you!?"the boy demanded.

"I am Turushkna, this is Wargen. We seek the scroll of tigre. I have traveled far from the kingdom I call my own, that is the kingdom of Orshire,"Turushkna replied standing to his full height, towering over the boy,"but my friend Wargen here, is from the kingdom of Keeldor, just up the path on the south side of the woods, surely your people have traded and spoken before."

The boy looked towards Wargen and the drwarf scowled.

"No...never,"the boy answered,"forgive me for my attack, I was ordered to kill all intruders. I am Anthony, one of the watchman of the army of Hurrog. He spoke of two kings wandering about, and now I know his words are true. You must meet with General Hurrog at once!"

"Nay, the scroll comes first, let's go Turushkna,"Wargen said as he tugged at Turushkna's sleeve.

"No Wargen, I think it would be in our best interest to follow Anthony....the scroll can wait. Tahl has no knowledge of it, he is probably well on his was to Graznor by now."

Anthony led the two kings through the shrubs from which he came and through the remainder of the forest. They came to a short grassy plain. The three crossed it and came to a small hill. As they neared the top they say a military outpost. Anthony trotted down the hill first and went into the first tent. After a few moments a fairly tall, chubby man came walking out. He shielded his eyes from the sun and saw Turushkna and Wargen standing atop the ridge.

"Please, join me, I have been waiting for you two!"Hurrog's deep voice bellowed.

Turushkna and Wargen walked toward the tent and slipped inside. The three of them sat around a large round wooden table. Hurrog spoke first.

"So boys, what brings you here?"

"We are looking for the scroll of Tigre,"Wargen was quick to answer.

Hurrog sat back in his chair and sighed,"Ah a mighty powerful thing, that scroll. Many a man have died trying to get their hands on it, some even perished trying to get a glimpse....you must have a mighty important reason for going to the tower."

Wargen began to speak but Turushkna cut him off with a question,"And Hurrog, how do you know of the importance of this scroll? There is no written record of it, and surely legend hasn't supplied you with all the information."

"Turushkna...if I told you all I knew about that scroll you would be amazed. If I told you of all the bloodshed, the sickness, the death that has been ignited by that piece of paper and everything in that tower, you would turn back now,"Hurrog's voice was not much more than a whisper,"but I see something in you two, determination that makes a good soldier, it would be a shame to know that I was the one that forced you to quit your quest.

"But I still much desire to know your reasons for even bothering to go."

"You have heard of the Black Wizard Tahl, have you not?"Turushka asked.

"I have,"Hurrog answered,"do not tell me that foul excuse for a man has something to do with this."

"He does,"Turushkna replied,"he stole the Blade of Tigre from my possesion in the caves of Orshire. He is on his way to Graznor to recover the seventh jewel of the arch."

Hurrog's face went pale, and he had a dissapointed look in his eyes. He sighed deeply and leaned further back in his chair.

"This is bad news you bring,"Hurrog said softly,"if he is on his way to Graznor then he must not know of the consequences one should face without the scroll."

Wargen laughed,"Of course he doesn't, the old fool."

"That is why we must act fast,"Turushkna said as he started to stand.

"Where are you going?"Hurrog asked.

"To the tower or Tigre...."Turushkna answered heading away from the table.

"With just 2 men? You shall surely fail, please let me and a few of my best men accompany you....for the good of Raldicon."

Turushkna turned around and thought for a moment. He unsheathed his sword and waved it towards Hurrog.

"You have had combat experience with one of these I expect?"

"That I do,"Hurrog laughed,"We should rest here, and leave at sunset, the path to the tower is more dangerous than you would expect."

"Very well....we shall be ready,"Wargen said softly as he rose from his chair.

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