The Hag of Kharn

Evelyn Penn

The Brewing Pot at 4th Block W, sect. 2

Lomisc, Westlijam

Ojtejk La’Dhroo ab Baernis 2996

Dearest mother,

First and foremost I am alive and well! Can’t say it’s by my own wits that this manages to be, but alas, luck was on my side with this adventure I’m to tell. I’m sure you’ve heard of Kharn, but if you haven’t it is an Orc town that about a month ago reopened its borders. It’s kind of quaint if you enjoy swamps. Alas I was set on heading that way because I was curious to meet with the brutish race.

Hmm, not sure I can quite call them that any more. They are warm and inviting as many of the toughest looking men I’ve come across. Looks can be quite deceiving as you’ve told me time and time again, and right you are, as always.

Anyways mother, I have been wanting better sport for arm wrestling and thought the Orc kind might be a better challenge. And so I made way, hiring onto a caravan with a few fellows who expressed similar interest of wanting to explore Kharn.

Oh my, one of them is a half Orc, named Blacmeg, who is more proper than most humans! He kept calling me ‘Mademoiselle.’ I don’t remember being so formally addressed since the Knight Balls in Lomisc when I was part of the guard! But he was of good company, as was the silver Dragonborn, Balasar.

I wish I could say the travels to Kharn were rather uneventful, but alas on the second day, some idiot suggested a short cut through the swamp. I had the right of mind to reprimand him of such a stupid idea, but alas I was convinced after seeing that there was a good sized clearing to cross over.

Sure enough, we came to a very dense bit of over growth. But Balasar blasted Christmas (ya know that human holiday those Eathains talk about), all over it and Blacmeg began making quick work of the petrified foliage.

Then the buzzing began. Three or four  sturge nests were disrupted! I had the quick of mind to whip my torches out and utilize them for killing the swarms. Oh! Do you recall the fire eaters around Lomisc’s fountain? I totally did a move like that! I was able to readily get a flask of ale and managed to blow fire on a handful of sturges! It was quite exhilarating. I may look into specializing in fire eating from now on.

We all walked away mostly unscathed. One had got my shoulder, but you know me. Tough as nails and managed just fine against the little blighter. And though the ‘short cut’ wasn’t as simple to get through, it did prove to quicken our travels. We shaved a whole day off and by early afternoon, we arrived in Kharn.

I said my farewells to my boss and got paid for the work provided. And did I mention that I hired myself out for chicken shit? I keep doing that. I’m use to betting silver on my arm, but forget when I’m about my actual trade I’m worth my weight in gold! But alas, ten silver is better than none.

Blacmeg and Balasar both went their way, the half Orc wanting to look into his culture more. I, however, set my eyes to finding a tavern.

The first batch of Orcs I saw was a grouping of three who were clearly headed somewhere. With evening around the corner, I suspected they’d be heading to a tavern themselves. I warmly called out to them asking if they knew where I could get a drink and make some sport with my arm. You should have seen the look on their faces mom! The tallest of the bunch, and that’s saying something considering these three Orcs were comparable to the Goliaths, gave me such a sour look and dismissed me with a good spit on the ground. So I continued to follow. That only pissed the guy off more. About a hundred paces further and he turned around on me so fast, reminding me that it was rude to follow. I couldn’t help but smile and simply reminded him that I was looking for the tavern and to have a little sport.

“If I arm wrestle you, and win, you must leave this town!” he barked. I accepted his challenge, unable to keep my smile from brightening. I mean, there were serious butterflies I was so excited. I will confess that I was mildly hesitant once I squared off with him. My hand barely came halfway up his arm! He literally was nothing but muscle and sinew! I guess it was probably the closest feeling to fear as you’ve described it. But I did not let my head talk me out of it. I had come to try my arm among the Orcs and here was one taking me on.

My he wrenched my arm good, but the initial surprise wore off fast and I spared my hand from hitting the box we were using. I then twisted his thumb just so and fought to bring him back. I might as well been pushing a blind donkey how strong and stubborn his arm was. BUT! I could feel it giving in ever so slightly! That kept me going and slowly I pushed his arm up. Though the whole ordeal was merely twenty to thirty seconds, it was more effort than I could hold out on and had just thought about giving up when the Orc let go and stated, “Pah! You’re not worth my time!” He stood up so fast that I was left in shock momentarily. Had he given up? Was he really not going to let me try? Did I still have to leave town?

One of his companions approached me and quietly stated, “That’s about as close as you’ll get to Oric saying you bested him. The tavern is just over there. Tell the barkeep Oric owes you a drink.” The Orc then went and caught up with the other two.

Oh the pride I took in that win mother! I’d say it was comparable to the day I came home with the promotion to Lieutenant. I managed to wait until the three Orcs were well out of sight before letting myself relish in my victory. Quickly I directed my steps to the tavern and right away requested my drink.

Now this tavern was quite damper. For mid day, there was only two other patrons; one large Orc and another that looked to be mixed race. I decided I’d try and liven the place up and took my drink over to the large guy.

He too was in a sour mood. After offering him a chance to try my arm, he pouted and called me a liar! Said Oric never loses (he having heard me tell the barkeep who owed me the drink) and surely a puny she Human couldn’t manage such a feat. So I told him he ought to have a go at my arm and see if I was lying. Thankfully I won that round easy enough.

The Orc then introduced himself as Gunter. I asked about the low down on the seemingly empty town. He mentioned that since opening the borders their shaman and children have gone missing. The children have trickled away, more and more as the month went on. I mentioned that I was mighty sorry to hear of such misfortune, but that I’d certainly offer a hand if I could. He shrugged and suggested if I wanted work I ought to check with their leader, Dirk the Tidebreaker.

Knowing me, I’m sure you could guess what I did next. The leader’s hut was decently sized and guarded out front. I recognized some gear as I came closer and knew I’d have to forfeit my own weapons before joining Balasar and Blacmeg.

I joined the two guys as they were discussing the state of the town. The shaman had urged that they keep the borders closed, but Dirk was earnest that by opening trade up with the rest of the world their simple town would boom. Instead it happened to backfired.

So we were hired on to investigate, though thoroughly warned of the likeliness that we may not return. We first examined the shaman’s hut, but to be honest, there wasn’t much to glean from it other than the fact stuff was piled up in the middle. Like maybe she was gonna make a makeshift bonfire... but that seemed ridiculous and therefore I kept my words to myself. I did suggest having an Orc come check it out, but Balasar informed me that none of the Orcs dared come near the hut. It seemed counter productive. I hadn’t a clue what would be out of place for their town. For all I could say  the shaman was clutter-headed and disorganized.

I was able to convince them that we ought to at least have an Orc accompany us just to make sure we started the search in the correct section of the swamp. With that, we headed back to the tavern (initially to recruit Gunter) and had a merry time. I was about to take Blacmeg on in an arm wrestling match when I noticed Oric’s return with one of his companions. I wanted to give him another chance at besting me, but he promptly declined and that was when I noticed the missing Orc and Oric’s own grim face.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, snapping from my overtly merry self.

“We lost Nor to the swamp,” he informed me. I sincerely don’t understand why I pitied the guy, but I’m sure it had everything to do with the fact I had bruised his pride earlier that day, so it just seemed unfair that he lost a friend too. I asked if he would help me and my companions to find Nor in the morning, for we were hoping to explore the swamp for the cause of Kharn’s misfortune. Oric agreed and all of us together drank to Nor’s name, I firmly optimistic that we’d find the guy alive.

I then had my wrestling match with Blacmeg. Sadly I had one too many drinks. I remember grabbing on to his hand firmly but suddenly I was looking at my own pressed to the table. The Orcs standing about, lead by Oric, jeered at me, earning myself the nickname ‘Limp Wrist Lin!’ ‘Twas a humbling moment to say the least.

The next morning dawned brighter than usual, Blacmeg next to me, and my head pounding. I pushed the rascle half Orc away and got some water. I then greeted Balasar with a hug and I must say, if you ever come across a silver Dragonborn, DON’T HUG THEM! Bloody cold they are! But the hangover was cured right quick.

After dressing and knotting my hair up, I returned to find Blacmeg whetting my swords. We had betted if I won that he’d be stuck prepping my armor and weapons for a week. He confessed to having tried my arm at an unfair advantage and so wanted to make up for it. I must say, he’s certainly more honorable than past company I’ve fallen among, but I shan't mention them. I’m sure I’ve worried you plenty as it is.

Oric was waiting outside for us and was quick in directing us toward the swamp. I tell you we had only been gone an hour or two when the Orc went missing! It was insane! I had half hoped that they were just unobservant about the going ons around them, but there we were, being very keen to our surroundings and voila! Oric was gone!

We called for him for a minute when our cries were answered by these small amphibious like creatures! They had some seriously sharp teeth. And to make matters worse, some ape like monstrosity came lumbering over. Thankfully my swords were fresh and with the help of Balasar’s halberd and Blacmeg’s rage we made quick work of the vermin. But here’s the creepy part mother; the creatures we killed looked suspiciously like the Orc’s that had gone missing. It then began to sink in that the shaman might be the culprit! My determination to solve the mystery heightened and I urged my companions along.

It took roughly another thirty minutes to find a hut. We walked inside and discovered the witch, or what we thought was the shaman, sitting in a chair. Lordy how she taunted us! “I’ve been with you the whole time!” “Your efforts are futile!” “The Orcs brought this upon themselves when they opened the border!” “Stupid race!” “They will pay!” and, “You won’t win!”

I was right mother! I was right! The shaman was behind all of it! We tried to attack her, but that was when we realized she was nothing but an illusion! We rushed out of the hut, listening to her cackles echo across the swamp. Another hour passed and we come across another building. This time I was more wary about the structure. I touched everything just to make sure it was real.

With a thorough search of the hut, we discovered a trap door. I was highly suspicious of it for it revealed a basement that from the outside you wouldn’t have suspected. I used a rope as a tether to the upstairs. In the basement was many cells and in the cells were various stages of transformed Orcs. Indeed I was right. The small amphibious looking ones were the Orc children and the adults were the ape like creatures.

It was in the basement that I uncovered a side of me I didn’t know I had. Blacmeg began to proceed with executing the partially morphed Orcs. I grabbed his arm to stop the great ax he wielded, expressing to him that the ‘abominations’ would likely revert back to their original form if we found the hag and killed her. Balasar however backed the half Orc up. I watched as the first child was decapitated.

I stormed back up the stairs, following the rope I held to, and knocked the small table that was in the room over. Papers, books, pens, and various jars clattered to the floor, but it did little to dampen the fire that itched at the corner of my eyes. I should have stopped them mother! I should have! But part of me suspected that they might be right... yet I couldn’t bring myself to side with them. For if I was correct, it would mean the lost villagers would be on their hands, not mine! I had sworn to help Oric and his village and by killing the Kharn Orcs in their mutated state seemed counterintuitive.

Outside the hut I cursed at the witch using language I typically reserve for the beastly of men. The anger that coursed through me was so raw and pure that I lost it. A hot tear escaped my eye as the hag answered my call with a sharp knife to my back. “I’ve been here the whole time,” she cackled in my ear.

Quickly I whirled around to find myself alone. A hand to the wound revealed that I indeed was stabbed, but I had to act quick. The laughs faded back into the hut and through the basement. I ran back down as Balasar and Blacmeg finished the last prisoner. I bolted past them and searched the dungeon. The idea of lighting the hut on fire danced across my mind, but I ignored it.

In the very back of the damned place I spotted a black, shimmery patch of wall. Without a second thought or hesitation that I was about to walk through an illusion, I made my way through the obsidian film. A sickly cold encased my body for the briefest of moments, but as I opened my eyes I found I was in a larger room. It was here I could see just how many villagers had been taken hostage! Dozens of children and adults were in cages. However my eyes fixated upon the two crosses before me. Oric and his companion, Nor, who informed me I had bested the Orc, hung from them.

I broke into a sprint as I saw the hag stand between them, doll in hand and a dagger in the other. As I made my way, the vilest of grins etched across the green skin of the witch. She drove the dagger into Nor’s chest and cut out his heart! I swear I lost apart of myself in that moment. I felt hollowed, like my stomach had been removed. I had failed! I questioned if I should bother for a half a second, but my vendetta cried for the hag’s blood! I pumped my legs all the harder, whipping my swords from their sheathes, and closed in on the witch.

The hag used her magics, and Nor’s blood, to unleash the children, who promptly swarmed me and my companion (they having followed swiftly after me). With her spell in action, the witch attacked me with her razor like claws. I would have thought she’d continued to eviscerating me as two of the children clung to my arms, but she backed away. Likely she was preparing another spell.

I then heard Oric take a staggered breath. My eyes locked with his and my heart ached. I don’t know why mother, but somehow I bonded with that Orc and seeing him in such pain, and knowing I failed his friend, it hurt. And don’t say it was love. I doubt I’ll ever be capable of such a thing.

Oric looked at me and begged for me to make it quick. To end the hell he and his town were in. With vigor renewed, I shook the children off of me, flinging one ten feet away. Immediately I charged the witch. I sunk both of my swords in deep, disrupting whatever she was attempting to conjure.

Yet she breathed and it was here I thought my end was nigh mother. I looked into her cold eyes and could feel every fiber of my being scream it’s mortality. The blood was hot, the sweat sticky, and my heart raced with it’s strange emotions.

As the hag hung from my swords, some kind of spectral hands formed and wrapped around my neck. But she did not succeed in killing me, if you couldn’t tell. Blacmeg suddenly was by my side in full raging glory and ended the terror! Normally I would have sent my sword in for the last hit, but with the half Orc raging over the corpse, I turned my attention to Oric.

I sprinted to the crucified Orc, pulled out a health potion, and gave it to him. I know I’m not suppose to do that when they are still impaled, but I wasn’t sure if he’d survive the ordeal of getting off the cross. Keeping him alive was what mattered.

Once Oric was freed from his bounds, I gave him a hearty hug. Again I was surprised by the emotion I was overcome with and had to work to regain my composure. In fact, as we all sat there catching our breaths, healing what we could, Balasar blessed the place. It was one of the more profound things and likely because my emotions were high. But the good thing is the hag can never come back. No spirit, no nothing can corrupt that place again.

We mourned the loss of Nor, then we went about returning the children and other villagers to their home. Once more my intuition prevailed. The Orcs who had been partially morphed had reverted to their true selves. No ill will was held against my two companions, but I’m still thankful their blood isn’t on my hands.

So here it is, a couple days later... maybe more. Everything is kind of blurring together with all the merriment that’s been made. One thing I’m sure of is Oric and I will likely be long time friends, as well as Balasar and Blacmeg.

Oh, something interesting too about the silver Dragonborn. His scales are now platinum! I believe he’s a follower of Bahamut and I must say, he received quite an honor. Alas, Balasar has continued on his way. I wished him well in his travels and here’s wondering if our paths will ever cross again.

Blacmeg however is stuck with me for at least three more days. I bested him fair and square the night of our victory and now he’s my squire for the week! You’d think I’d have harbored ill feelings toward him and what happened in the hag’s dungeon, but alas the half Orc was doing what he thought was right and I can’t condemn a guy for that. He did try to apologize, but I wouldn’t have it. There’s nothing that can be done about it anyways.

Alright mother, I hope all is well with you and the shop. I do miss you and hope to return one of these days. It has been too long, but perhaps this ghastly long letter will pass the time a little quicker until we meet again.

Forever and always,

Lin Hydeen