Orc Wars 2 : Lazarus

Chapter 148 - Celebration

The chamber burst into pandemonium. Loud cheers, shouts and wild stomping erupted from everyone.

Just like that, the potential crisis of war between the fearsome Bello Boss, the powerful Ghost Lords and the blood thirsty orc horde was averted.

The jaav ukon was healed and healthy again.

The lava hounds were defeated.

The evil conniving Mallarg was gone.

And they had not one but three new powerful allies, the legendary Ghost Lords.

Now they could celebrate with food and drink. They could put down their weapons for the night, rest and be with loved ones. It was time to recount their victories and boast of heroic deeds (real, embellished and imagined). And for some, it was time to heal. Fearsome wounds would heal into horrendous scars, the bigger and uglier the scars the better. They would be the proof for future drinking boasts.

"A toast to the Ghost Lords!!" roared the Overlord. "CHEERS!!"

Drunken orcs obligingly banged on tables, walls and any hard surfaces within reach.

Everyone who was not in the Infirmary or on duty were there celebrating. Flanking the Overlord were his two mighty sons, his heir the jaav ukon on his right and his trusted Warlord, Kalthu on his left.

On the honoured raised tables just below the Overlord's own esteemed one were the three Ghost Lords, Thalasis, the Witch, Jarrakg and Kasakh (the Banished One's sole spawn). The survivors of the dangerous mission to accompany the Ghost Lords in obtaining the precious Lifestone and subduing the Bello were also being honoured. Nark sat proudly next to Captain Vorrok. Hannak, his mate smiled at him from the lower tables. She had been promoted to Commander. She now officially reported to Jarrakg, the Second-in Command. He was so proud of his mate.

She made a crude insinuating motion at him. Don't get too drunk, we have our own celebration later. Captain Vorrok blushed furiously making her laugh raucously. He grinned and lifted his mug at her. If she wanted to affirm her love for him in public, so be it! Gods! What a mate! Silently he gave thanks to the Ghost Lord Isis again. Honours to your House human Priestess. Thank you for saving Hannak.

The Bello fussed at the end of the long table next to Lazarus who had chosen to sit at the edge for her. He was feeding her choice greens, nuts and strange shaped succulent fruits. They were not as tasty as Kivhs but still edible.

"CHEERS!! Rwar! Rwar!!"

"Cheers!" yelled Constantine, faking a sip from his cup. "Don't worry, I changed the ale into harmless bubbly water for us," whispered the Red Warlock. "We won't get drunk."

"I can't drink anymore," groaned Valentine. "I need to go to the bathroom again."

"This drink isn't real. How could it affect your bladder?" asked Constantine curiously.

Lazarus smiled. "Psychological effect."

"Shut up. You are not helping," said poor Valentine. "Let's get this over with and make our escape back home. Then we can logout."

"I think you've got to hold it," grinned Constantine evilly. "The Overlord wants to say something."

"Aarrrggghhhh, not again," groaned the Thief. "These long sessions with you guys are killing me."

The Overlord stood up raising his heavy war hammer high. Immediately the large hall full of a variety of creatures hushed.

"We are ... thankful to the human Ghost Lords for their help in exposing and ridding our lands from Mallarg," began the Overlord. "But more than that, I am grateful for their help in saving the jaav ukon, my beloved son and heir!"