Chapter 52: Preparation Rituals
## **Chapter 5: The Laws of Conquest**
The courtyard was a battlefield. Arthur’s enhanced soldiers moved through the defenders like wolves among sheep, their supernatural speed and strength making the fight brutally one-sided. But the orcs were brave, fighting with desperate fury even as they fell.
"Enough," Arthur said, and though he didn’t shout, his voice somehow reached every corner of the stronghold.
The fighting stuttered to a halt. All eyes turned to see Arthur standing at the cave entrance, shadows clinging to him like a living cloak. Beside him, Urzara Bloodfang stood tall, her axe resting casually on her shoulder.
"Your Majesty!" Hawklight’s voice cut through the sudden silence. The commander stood near the main gate, Flamestrike still burning in his hand, surrounded by Arthur’s elite forces. They’d formed a perfect perimeter, trapping the remaining defenders. "Is that...?"
"Urzara Bloodfang," Arthur confirmed, stepping forward. The orcs recoiled as his presence washed over them—not the crushing weight he could unleash, but enough to make their instincts scream that they faced an apex predator. "Daughter of Chief Bloodfang, warrior-shaman, and prophet of their oldest legends."
A roar of fury echoed from the ramparts. "SISTER!"
Gorak Bloodfang stood atop the stronghold’s highest tower, Dragonrend glowing with pale fire in his grip. Even from this distance, Arthur could see the young warchief’s rage and betrayal.
"You dare betray our blood?" Gorak’s voice boomed across the courtyard. "You stand with the enemy who defiles our sacred places?"
Urzara stepped forward, addressing not just her brother but all the assembled orcs. She spoke in Common, ensuring Arthur’s forces understood as well. "I betray nothing! I fulfill what was foretold! The Mor’gath has come—the Demon King of prophecy stands before you!"
The reaction was immediate. Some orcs dropped their weapons, eyes wide with recognition. Others gripped them tighter, looking to their warchief for guidance. Grashk, standing among a group of scouts who’d already surrendered, fell to his knees with a cry of vindication.