We considered resting before pushing onward, but even after that near-death experience, all of us felt more alive than ever—our blood burning with new adrenaline.
Maybe that was the wake-up call we needed.
Either way, the Orc King was going to fall today.
I was relieved that this path led inside the castle—so we didn't have to charge through the front doors, gung-ho.
The narrow stairway twisted between tall, worn stone. At the top, a tunnel stretched ahead—its curved ceiling cracked and crumbling.
Fading fire-lit torches lined either side, keeping us warm enough, casting dim light over a rough, uneven staircase that climbed upward.
It made me wonder if these passages were even used and how old this castle really was. We made sure not to let our guard down, not knowing what could lie behind each corner.
The tunnel eventually opened into a vast stone chamber. Crumbling staircases and narrow bridgeways twisted and overlapped, leading into archways that formed a dizzying maze of corridors and platforms. The rock surfaces were cracked and weathered.
If we hadn't seen the orcs here earlier, I would've just assumed this was an ancient ruin.
Interestingly enough, the design reminded me of the brief glimpse we'd had of the goblins' society.
We picked the nearest archway and walked through a long hallway.
"How could it even get like this?" Alva asked, disgusted, carefully watching our surroundings.
"Neglect," I said.
"I mean, how could someone even live here?" he continued.
"Don't tell me you don't wanna spend the night here either," Talos joked.
"I would!" Uri chimed in.
That made me think. There had been so many orc knights fighting battles in other kingdoms—and plenty retreating, too.
If this place was so empty, and we hadn't seen many along the way…then where were they?
At the end of the hallway stood a large boulder, clearly placed there on purpose to block the way.
We were about to turn back when Talos dropped his weapons.
"No. I got it," he said.
We turned, confused, as he pressed both hands against the rock and began to push, grunting with effort.
I quickly cast a Greater Strength enhancement, and he continued pushing.
The boulder skidded forward, scraping across the stone floor—slowly revealing the dark room ahead.
"Nicely done," I said as we stepped through the opening he'd made.
I lit a torch, and our eyes widened in surprise.
Inside was a vast, ancient library—dusty shelves towering several stories high, packed with books that stretched beyond sight. Thick spiderwebs draped over balconies that wrapped around the upper levels, connected by narrow staircases.
Below, rows of tables and chairs sat covered in dust that looked hundreds of years old.
This was the most books I'd ever seen in my life.
The orcs were really secret geniuses.
We all stood frozen, speechless—taking in the sight with awe.
"He has to be around here somewhere. Uri, let us know if you hear anything." he said as he began moving.
At the far end of the chamber stood another boulder—larger than the first.
The library was sealed shut.
But why?
Talos moved the second boulder, struggling a bit more this time but still managing to push it aside.
Another dark hallway stretched before us, the stone walls noticeably smoother and far less crumbly than what we'd seen prior.
At the end of the hallway was a switchback staircase.
There were just so many stairs in this kingdom. I could see why the orcs were so strong.
After climbing several levels, we reached the top and found a barred wooden door.
I'd never been so relieved to see wood in my life.
"We must be getting closer," I said.
We took a breath, braced ourselves for whatever might be waiting, and broke the door open.
But there was no fight on the other side.
Just a vast stone dining hall, glowing with the light of hanging chandeliers.
Long wooden tables and benches filled the room. The smell of meat lingered in the air.
But still no orcs in sight.
"Maybe one night wouldn't hurt," Alva said softly, admiring the room.
As we made our way deeper inside, he asked,
"So when we find him… what are we gonna do? Like, what's the plan?"
"Good question," I said. "Let's sit over there and go over it."
We sat around one of the long tables, still keeping an eye on the room as we talked.
"He's probably gonna have his own version of Kingsguard, right?" Talos said.
"Yes. We saw them in the courtyard," Uri replied.
"Then we just handle them first and then him next?" Alva asked.
"Yeah, but he's gonna be ridiculously strong. He is the king, after all."
"I know I'm quicker than him," Uri said. "And I think I'll finally be able to use my technique, too."
"Don't forget the creatures they might have," I added.
Thankfully, we did thwart their plans enough to save a few, but even with the ones they still managed to take, we needed to stay careful.
I stood up from the table and cast a red barrier, testing it just in case I needed it later. To my surprise, it worked on the first try. It was the strongest one in the barrier book Verci had given me.
I still regretted not using it earlier—but thanks to Alva, I'd get another chance.
"Hopefully," Talos muttered, "we'll actually be able to see them this time. Unlike the last few."
"Yes, then I'll finally be able to use hexes again," I said.
"If not, that won't be a problem," Alva said confidently, hugging his bow.
We finalized our plan, then stood up from the table.
After scrounging around the massive room for a minute, we came across a large set of wooden double doors. Beyond them stretched yet another hallway, this one enormous and made of stone and wood, with giant red banners hanging from the high ceiling.
This was definitely the way.
Doors lined both sides, staircases and balconies stacking across multiple levels overhead. This had to be where the orc knights lived—though still, not a single one in sight.
Maybe they were hiding.
We pressed on until we reached an enormous engraved stone double door—towering, menacing, and unmistakably the entrance to the throne room.
We exchanged one last nod, and Talos stepped forward. I offered to give the others Greater Strength as well to help, but he refused, insisting he could handle it.
So we watched as he pushed and strained against the door until, finally, it began to give—groaning open with a deep rumble.
We all stared in awe.
Those workouts were definitely working.
"You…"
A deep, guttural rumble rolled through the room, shaking the walls and making the very air vibrate around us.
The throne room was dimly lit—rough stone pillars vanishing into darkness.
At the center sat a colossal orc on a massive stone throne, a small crown perched on top of his head.
Without a doubt, we were staring at the Orc King himself.
We got into position, hearts pounding, ready for the most important fight of our lives.