Back into town

Alex motioned for the huntress to follow him, "This way, we'll go get something to eat. We can talk a little and you can go back to your shaman with more answers to help her think about what to do next."

The huntress nodded and followed. She might have been condescending toward him a few hours ago, but being in the room for the preliminary negotiations with the fort commander left her more receptive to his presence. No doubt his knowledge gained from previous dealings with orcs had something to do with that. But he also presented a friendly opportunity for her to learn about the culture they were currently dealing with.

Before they got to the gate and bridge Alex was blocked by the figure of a man in shining metal plate, "Not so fast friend," the man said loud enough to draw attention to himself, "You simply must rethink your choice of companions. I wouldn't want to see you fall into evil by being tainted by these wild sinners."

His companion didn't have time to process the insult, Alex grabbed the lout by the collar of his unused, ornamental, gaudy chest plate and threw him against the wall hard enough to ring like a bell. "A sheltered, self-righteous boy like you has no idea what evil truly is. You don't even know what a real fight looks like, you make a pretty heroic picture, but you're just a glory hound like so many before you."

Alex caught a halberd that was thrust in his direction and snapped the head off with one hand. Looking over his shoulder at the squire who was now looking very terrified Alex spoke in a low growl. "Your footwork needs improvement, you're too loud."

The noble lad jumped indignantly to his feet, "I come from a long line of Paladins in the service of Terruch! You are making a terrible enemy right now!"

Alex put a tired hand to his face, "A hero is born every minute, huh Demon." He shook his head and walked past the young man and said with actual pity, "You're naive boy, go see the world. And then come talk to me about the favor of the gods."

The pity hurt more than insults ever would, "Just you wait! I'll be the greatest hero ever! I'll be as great as a hero as Alexander Lionheart!"

(Awww, how cute.) Demon looked at the youth as they walked past, (You have a fan! Aren't you going to tell him?)

(And shatter all his delusions about how perfect his world is? Not worth my time.)

(You could save him a lot of pain.)

(I can't save anyone, I can't even save myself. But I can fight, and I'll fight until the day I grow too weak to lift a sword.)

(You know master,) Demon nuzzled his helmet, (Sometimes you aren't boring.)

Alex didn't reply, but instead walked strait for the tavern. The orc huntress followed in bewilderment.

Taking a seat at one of the tables in the back Alex motioned her to sit down, and waved for a waitress.

"What can I get for you?" She eyed the orc curiously but without negative suspicion or discomfort.

"Dinner for one and two mugs of water."

The waitress looked confused but nodded, coming back with two mugs filled with water and promising that the food would be done soon.

"Thank you," Alex said, "Oh. And in case you were wondering Orcs are intolerant to ****, it makes them sick but never drunk. I might order something later, but we have business to talk about first so once our dinner is brought I'll wave for you if we need anything else."

The waitress nodded and smiled sweetly, "Of course, sir. Just ask if you need anything."

After she left, the orc leaned close, "Why you know so much about Orcs?"

Alex pulled out a dagger that was sheathed on his chest. The hilt had been re-wrapped, but the blade was plainly Orc. Alex handed it to her hilt first and her eyes grew wide as she read the inscription.

"You made pact with Herri'kuk clan? They are strong and famous." She handed him back the dagger quickly.

"Don't tell anyone," Alex said softly, "Maybe your shaman, but no one else. I helped the Herri'kuk clan during their last war twenty years ago, the only human they ever made a pact with. But they think I am dead and that is better that they do not know I'm alive. I keep the dagger because it is important, but I cannot use it because I broke clan law."

The orc looked conflicted, "You broke pact? You should die."

"Yes," Alex sighed, "I was foolish, and now I live with my shame."

The huntress sat very thoughtfully in silence. When the meal was brought Alex slid it to her, "You are my guest here, you eat first."

"You are...unclean. Why honor clan ways?"

"I am unclean because I am cursed. I was foolish and received a curse that broke my pact. Unless I can remove the curse I cannot show my face to clan Herri'kuk. But you are still blooded, this is respect for you."

"You show me honor, I show you trust. I will ask you advice."