Cataclysm by Paul J Bennett

Author:Paul J Bennett [Bennett, Paul J]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Paul J Bennett

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As the journey continued, the Orcs of Ard-Gurslag quickened their pace, becoming more animated, talking amongst themselves about loved ones and favourite pastimes.

They stopped on a treeless hill that gave them a commanding view of the countryside, a rare thing with the preponderance of trees nearby. Despite claims they were close, there were no sightings of the Orc city, roads, or any other signs of civilization.

Athgar suspected they would camp here for the night, then continue on to Ard-Gurslag in the morning, but to his surprise, they halted only long enough for Garag to form his warriors into a proper column. The First Glaive then took the lead, heading back into the forest with the rest of his detachment following in pairs. Kargen and Shaluhk came next, with Athgar and Natalia bringing up the rear.

“This is confusing,” said Athgar. “Where’s the city? Could it be underground?”

“Doubtful,” replied Kargen. “If these Orcs are anything like the Red Hand, they’ll enjoy the sun on their skin. I suspect it will be more a case of hiding the city in plain sight.”

“It is true,” added Shaluhk. “According to Garag, they use an enchantment to mask the city from its enemies.”

“How does one mask an entire city?” asked Athgar. He turned to Natalia. “You’re the expert. What do you think?”

“There’s an enchantment that allows people to blend into their surroundings, but I’ve never heard of it being used on such a massive scale.”

“How does that work? Do they paint the walls of the city green to make it look like trees?”

“No,” replied Natalia. “Blend is an interesting spell. As an outsider, you would see the blended object as belonging amongst its surroundings, thus drawing no further interest. I know it’s a tough concept to get your head around, but I assure you, it works.”

“That would be useful in a battle.”

“It would, but only for a short duration. Any acts of aggression nullify its effects, including casting spells. We learned all about it at the Volstrum as part of our training as battle mages.”

“Yet,” said Athgar, “the students there were Water Mages.”

“True, but blend could be used to infiltrate a camp with the intent to murder one of our own; thus, we learned techniques to counter it.”

“Which are?”

“A detection of magic does the trick.”

“How would that work?”

“If observing a blended individual, to my eyes, they would glow with a pale light, assuming I cast a spell of detection.”

“But no one else would notice?”

“No,” replied Natalia. “Hence the danger. Thankfully, Enchanters are rare, so it’s seldom a possibility.”

“If you cast your spell of detection now, would you be able to tell if the city was blended?”

“Most likely, but it would be risky. Our hosts are already mistrustful of Humans. If they see me casting, they might react with violence.”

“Best not try, then,” said Athgar.

“On that, we are in complete agreement.”

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