A Pyre in the Desert

[the 1 bow 1112]

Kahn sat on his throne in his tent on the hill overlooking the slums of Gundz'koth. It was the calm before the storm, the Rex thought as Orcs went about their business in the city bellow. 

 

"Kahn, you'll want to come and see this." The Rex's younger brother, Ghazkoth called out from outside the large fortified tent. Kahn sat up with a grunt emerging from his dull-lit blarg and stepping onto the sand with a thud, he large form only just fitting through the door way. Ghazkoth stood, flanked by Kahn's youngest brother Drax. A body, larger than most of its age was held in Ghazkoth's grasp. It had Kahn's deep green skin, and his original shade of blue eyes. They were however glassed over, and blood poured from a head wound. 

 

It was Kahn's son, Baine. The Rex looked at the body, letting out a long painful sigh. Ghazkoth slowly handed the corpse to his brother, who without a word retreated into his blarg. 

 

"You are making the right choice, Kahn. See the children live, strong such as you"

 

The sun was just beginning to appear on the desert's horizon as dawn swept over the sands. Kahn had returned to his place of solitude, atop one of the great stone pillars of Gundz'koth. He had not slept the entire night, plagued by memories. Orcs were renown as hard creatures, yet they were not unable to feel, albeit they were talented at masking this. The Rex's close friend and soldier within his Keshig, Azel appeared at the top of the ladder beside the throat of the stone pillar.

 

"Rex, they're ready for you." The Rex nodded, to which Azel returned the gesture before climbing back down the ladder. 

 

Kahn stood infront of the wooden stretcher that carried his son, who lay on it, lifeless and pale with his axe clasped loosely in both hands. Numerous Braduks held the stretcher, and on Kahn's mark, hoisted it up high, walking from the gates of Gundz'kothz to the pyre that had been erected in the centre of the great city. The Rex led the procession, void of expression. Orcs had lined up beside the group and as they passed, began to follow. Baine's body was placed on top of the large pyre. The entirety of the Iron Uzg has gathered to pay their respects to the Rex's son, and their fallen brother. 

 

The Goj, Thurak clutched a torch, handing it to Kahn before calling out loudly,

"A brother passes to the Stargush'stroh, may he ride eternal." Upon hearing his cousin's words, Kahn stabbed the torch into the wood as it quickly caught a lite. Orcs began to chant, thumping drums and banging their chests, yet the Rex stood quiet. The pyre soon turned to ash, piling on the sand.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phE8HifoQ-8

 

The Orcs began to take their leave as the ceremony was over. Kahn remained, looking at the ashes that once was his son. Ghazkoth walked over to him, patting his brother on the shoulder.

 

"You alright?" He asked. The Rex simply nodded, and Ghazkoth left Kahn to be by himself. With the rest of the Orc's having left the sight, Kahn eased himself onto the sand, still looking at the ashes.

 

"I know that you are with Krug now, son. But I will sit here a while, and if you want to come and talk, come and talk. And I will teach you how to be a man, once again." Dawn turned to dusk as the Rex remained sat beside the pile of ash, a tear falling onto the sand.

 

Edited September 27, 2015 by the 1 bow

[James 425]

Moved to the Archive. It shall be sorted into the appropriate category shortly.