{"id":2704,"date":"2020-06-25T09:51:15","date_gmt":"2020-06-25T13:51:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/?p=2704"},"modified":"2020-08-03T15:49:31","modified_gmt":"2020-08-03T19:49:31","slug":"3-realms-2-24","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/3-realms-2-24\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Realms 2-24"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\u201cYour fortunes are restored?!\u201d cheered Denstra once everyone returned to the Endeavor<\/em> and explained what happened.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAnd the Barmeks are part of a Clan now?!\u201d asked Endea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYes to both,\u201d answered Bashoon. \u201cNow we\u2019ve got a safety net if we\u2019re ever in financial trouble again!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCould you explain why the Clans are so important?\u201d asked Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGladly,\u201d replied Bashoon. \u201cWhile a family can do great things on its own, when its part of a Clan, it can do so much more. It demonstrates that we\u2019re willing to put aside differences to pursue the betterment of the Imperium and the best way for us to do that is to seek profit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, I\u2019m happy you have your fortunes back and can rest easy knowing you have other people willing to help your family out,\u201d declared Arsha. \u201c…Er, does this mean…?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m not leaving Realmfleet!\u201d yelped Bashoon. \u201cI plan to serve Realmfleet until retirement!\u201d Arsha released a breath.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was worried for a minute there,\u201d she chuckled. \u201cWe would have lost a fine Officer.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s gonna happen to Torsko?\u201d asked Denstra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf I know my future father-in-law\u2019s tolerance level for traitors,\u201d muttered Arsha, \u201cnothing good.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

There was a celebration in Dwelga that lasted a few days over the return of the Scale-sword of Yunshul. It was quite the cause for celebration and, with Goblins being Goblins, it was the biggest chance for profit. Food, drink, fancy items, all were being sold at all prices. This was a true Goblin party. After the celebration, golden busts of Bashoon and her parents were set into a wall with other busts. This was the Wall of Heroes, set with the busts of famous Goblins who changed the course of the Imperium\u2019s history and sought new ways to make profit. Once that was done, Chancellor Penshek gave a speech of praise towards the Barmeks, thanking them for their service to the Imperium, despite the wrongs they had suffered. After the speech, Bashoon and her parents returned to the Endeavor<\/em> and went back to work with a new view on life. \u201cWell, I can only see things getting better from here,\u201d sighed Bashoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAin\u2019t that the truth!\u201d replied Mr. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNew heroes talking about the future?\u201d called Arsha\u2019s voice. She stepped into the restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWanna join in the conversation?\u201d asked Bashoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cMuch as I\u2019d want to,\u201d sighed Arsha, \u201cI\u2019m afraid I have an assignment for you. We need a new internal communications system set up and I need you to help Malak and Dalengor.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUnderstood, Captain,\u201d confirmed Bashoon as she headed off to give Dalengor and Malak a hand. Arsha chuckled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou know, I may write a Letter of Promotion Recommendation for her very soon,\u201d she mused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou think she\u2019s served long enough?\u201d asked Mr. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShe\u2019s certainly brave enough and her record\u2019s impeccable,\u201d answered Arsha. \u201cI don\u2019t see any reason to…\u201d the intercom interrupted her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cShalvey to Arsha,\u201d called Shalvey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt never fails,\u201d Arsha sighed to herself. She headed to the restaurant\u2019s communications terminal. \u201cGo ahead.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRokalla and Orbak have an Alpha Priority transmission for you,\u201d relayed Shalvey. \u201cThey have reason to believe a Wraith is now involved in Dr. Borg\u2019s affairs.\u201d Arsha\u2019s eyes went wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cRoute the call to my Ready Room,\u201d directed Arsha. \u201cI\u2019ll take it there.\u201d She left the restaurant and headed to her Ready Room, unpinning her hairpiece, and fastening it to her waist. Once inside, she opened a channel. \u201cPlease tell me I heard Shalvey wrong,\u201d she begged Orbak and Rokalla\u2019s holograms. \u201cPlease tell me you DIDN\u2019T tell her about a Wraith.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI wish we didn\u2019t,\u201d sighed Orbak. \u201cThe Wraith freed Torsko as I was about to behead him and they escaped with Dr. Borg and her cronies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour Majesty, I need the full story,\u201d sighed Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou WON\u2019T like it,\u201d warned Rokalla. \u201cI sure didn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Torsko was restrained by his neck and wrists, awaiting the guillotine blade to drop. He was alone in the center of a circular, closed-off courtyard. Many people, dressed in dark robes, observed in silence as drums rang out, reverberating deep into the very fiber of Torsko\u2019s being. The only one who wasn\u2019t robed was Orbak. The drums silenced as a robed man unfurled a scroll. \u201cHear ye, all in attendance!\u201d called the man. \u201cLet it be known that on this 1300th<\/sup> day of Irtum in the 4006300079th<\/sup> year of the Three Realms\u2019 Third Age of Unity, Former Goblin Chancellor Torsko Canerba is found guilty of the following charges: deception of the Goblin Imperium to secure ill profits, silencing innocent voices, keeping the Imperium in a state of stagnation, aiding and abetting the terrorist Dr. Borg, and engaging in treason against the Under-realm! Let it be known that the judges have deemed he is too dangerous to be kept alive! Let it be known that Orbak Emboramii, the King of the Under-realm, is recommended to behead Torsko so the Realms may rest easier! Let it be known that none in attendance are to discuss what happens here unless at the King\u2019s discretion! Your Majesty, will you follow the judges\u2019 recommendation?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI shall!\u201d snarled Orbak. \u201cI request a few words with the Condemned as I carry out the execution!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour request is granted!\u201d replied the man. Orbak stood up and strode towards the guillotine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor 36,000 years of your life,\u201d growled Orbak to Torsko, \u201cyou\u2019ve evaded scrutiny! Broke the backs of the poor! Sucked dry the bounty of the Goblins! Consorted with evil! Today, you will pay your debt as your thieving hands and treasonous head are removed!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cKill me, Orbak,\u201d hissed Torsko, \u201cand you lose profit!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou mistake me for my first ancestor, Intrag the Conqueror!\u201d snarled Orbak as he took the rope attached to the guillotine\u2019s blade. \u201cI do not inflict bandits upon the poor! I do not consider the rulers of the other Realms my inferiors! I do not…!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s what makes you weak!\u201d interrupted Torsko. \u201cIntrag would have approved of my methods! His word was once law before you watered it down!\u201d Orbak pulled the rope down, causing the blade to go up and undo its restraints on its own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI did not merely water Intrag\u2019s word down,\u201d he hissed in a low whisper, \u201cI removed it! Intrag is dead and so is his twisted view of law! Never again will the Under-realm suffer his corruption!\u201d His grip on the rope started to lessen…then a wind blew around the execution yard. The wind picked up until something caused the guillotine to be reduced to splinters, freeing Torsko. The wind then concentrated in one area before dark mist swirled, obscuring the shape of a man until the man inside swung his arms out, banishing the mist, and revealing a bare-chested man in only pants and shoes with the same crown as Orbak. Black mist constantly flowed around him and he strutted with a swagger reserved for confident warlords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYour king has returned,\u201d chuckled the man. \u201cYou may bow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIntrag?!\u201d breathed Orbak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cManners, boy,\u201d chided the man, Intrag. \u201cUse my honorifics. Say, what\u2019s your name, anyways?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am Orbak Emboramii, the current Under-king!\u201d introduced Orbak. Intrag flinched.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou are a descendant of mine?\u201d asked Intrag. \u201cHow do you claim the throne?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt became your son\u2019s by right and deed!\u201d declared Orbak. \u201cYou were killed long ago, as was your repugnant wife!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you ARE my descendant,\u201d growled Intrag, \u201cthen her blood is in your veins. Do not insult her.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI am the one who gives the commands!\u201d shouted Orbak. \u201cNow, if you will excuse me, I have an execution to carry out! Once that\u2019s done, I will deal with you and your needs as a refugee!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201c…What did you call me?!\u201d whispered Intrag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cCurrent Under-realm law clearly states that all refugees be offered assistance,\u201d replied Orbak as he turned his gaze to Torsko. \u201cI offer it to you, Intrag Emboramii…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI AM NO REFUGEE!\u201d roared Intrag as he forcibly turned Orbak to face him. \u201cI AM THE ONLY KING OF THE UNDER-REALM! I was going to be nice and ask you, but now I am ORDERING you! Vacate my throne or I will soak this yard in your blood!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI won\u2019t cede the Under-realm\u2019s throne!\u201d declared Orbak as he converted his scepter to sword mode.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt isn\u2019t yours to give!\u201d challenged Intrag as he rushed at Orbak. He summoned a large blade and the two swords clashed. \u201cImpossible!\u201d breathed Intrag. \u201cOyed himself made me a Wraith!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSo you DID make a deal with the Titan!\u201d snarled Orbak as he swung his sword again. As the Wraith and King fought, Torsko tried getting away, but the people in attendance weren\u2019t giving him the chance. He had to continue dodging the blows to stay alive. Things weren\u2019t looking too good for either side as both were evenly matched. That is, until the Scorpion <\/em>arrived. It fired a few shots to scare everyone back as Dr. Borg was transported down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIntrag! Torsko! To me!\u201d she called. The two took the opportunity and joined her, allowing them to be carried up to the ship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSHOOT IT DOWN!\u201d ordered Orbak. The audience tried, but it did no good. The Scorpion <\/em>vanished and fled the scene. Orbak unleashed a flurry of curses in the Under-realm\u2019s language that I shall not translate here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

\u201cGreat, so Oyed\u2019s got something more planned!\u201d growled Arsha once the story was finished.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf Intrag\u2019s Wraith is involved, you bet,\u201d remarked Orbak.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow bad is Intrag, Your Majesty?\u201d asked Rokalla.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLet\u2019s just say,\u201d replied Orbak, \u201che never believed the Divine Ones\u2019 message of unity for all Realms. He publicly called it a hoax, even in their presence, and tried to slay them when they said it wasn\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m surprised his soul wasn\u2019t obliterated on the spot!\u201d gulped Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFamily legend…or rather, historical fact now,\u201d explained Orbak, \u201csaid that Oyed saved his soul in exchange for serving the Titan.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWell, we can\u2019t let him go through with this,\u201d growled Rokalla. \u201cArsha, there have been reports dark energies being discovered on an island off the eastern beach of the Gamfinar Jungle. The Endeavor<\/em> is to lead a small fleet there and investigate what\u2019s going on. The fleet\u2019s already assembled at the Rooka Forest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cUnderstood, Admiral,\u201d confirmed Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cGood luck, Captain,\u201d bid Rokalla. His part of the call ended. Orbak sighed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cArsha, if the fleet needs help…\u201d he began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou and your wife will be the first I call,\u201d replied Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cJust be careful,\u201d advised Orbak. \u201cIntrag\u2019s not one to be underestimated, especially now that he\u2019s a Wraith. Orbak out.\u201d The call ended and Arsha changed into her duty uniform. While she changed, she didn\u2019t notice that her rose was giving the faintest of glows.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

\u201cYour fortunes are restored?!\u201d cheered Denstra once everyone returned to the Endeavor and explained what happened. \u201cAnd the Barmeks are part of a Clan now?!\u201d asked Endea. \u201cYes to both,\u201d answered Bashoon. \u201cNow we\u2019ve got a safety net if we\u2019re ever in financial trouble again!\u201d \u201cCould you explain why the Clans are so important?\u201d asked […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1873,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[97,95],"tags":[482],"class_list":["post-2704","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-three-realms","category-the-three-realms-book-2-the-rise-of-living-metal","tag-fantasy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2704","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2704"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2704\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2840,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2704\/revisions\/2840"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2704"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2704"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2704"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}