Kargala and her Many Slaves

Kargala and Her Many Slaves is a short work by an unknown author.

Long ago, when bands of orcs still roamed the countryside, there lived a wise and powerful shamaness by the name of Kargala. Kargala, a fearsome warrior, destroyed every opponent in her path with her mighty magic. The mere mention of Kargala’s name caused nearby pinkskins to scatter. Rumor had it that she cut out the eyes of all her victims and used them in spells. Humans told their children tales of Kargala, warning them never to venture too far from home or else Kargala would snare them with her spells. All throughout Aegis, men whispered stories of Kargala and her strength and cunning. Among the orcs, she was highly revered and many desired her as a mate.

Kargala plundered many villages and took many slaves. She had several of each race. Her favorites, however, were Berach the Dwarf, Brais the Elf, and Baldwin the Human.

Berach the Dwarf was foolish and greedy. He stole food and ale from Kargala’s stores and guzzled it in secret. Even the sting of Kargala’s whip would not change his ways. Fat and slothful, Berach waddled more than walked. Sometimes, if he were particularly lazy, he would simply roll along like a boulder. Boastful too, Berach would brag of his past deeds, making bold claims in his drunken stupor. “I fought Iblees m’self!” He would brag, swilling down pint after pint of ale, “The only reason Kargala caught me was because I was…ZzzzZzzz…” He would always fall over asleep before he could finish. However, Berach had a nose for gems, so Kargala kept him.

Brais the Elf was even worse. Long legged and proud, he dared to stride beside Kargala as an equal. As punishment, Kargala broke both his legs. Even hobbling on crutches, Brais was ever proud and haughty. With a long, beak-like nose and pouting lips, Brais looked down on everyone he met. “Malin himself praised me,” Brais would brag, “I was a Prince once!” But Kargala, ever wise, saw through his lies. Though proud, Brais would squeak and cower at the sight of a single zombie. He would whine, shake, and drool like an animal. However, Brais, with his great age, knew the many lands of Aegis well, so Kargala kept him.

Finally, there was Baldwin the Human. Baldwin, cursed by the laziness of his companions, labored hard under Kargala’s whip. Even so, he complained and complained. “Oh! I am getting so old! Why must I bear this burden alone?” Night and day, he struggled with Kargala’s treasures on his back. He strained so hard that his hair turned grey. With every treasure added, Baldwin would complain. “Oh! Tis too heavy! I am but an old man!” Baldwin’s every breath was a groan of complaint. Even under the threat of Kargala’s lash, he moaned and moaned. Even so, his back was steady and he never dropped a single treasure, so Kargala kept him.

Kargala’s slaves followed her from town to town, lolling in their uselessness. The other orcs saw Kargala’s slaves and were mystified. Why would Kargala, in her great wisdom, keep haughty and complaining slaves? But the wise orcs saw Kargala’s useless slaves and smiled. Next to the stupid, proud, and cowardly slaves, Kargala looked especially strong, clever, and bold. Men would look upon the slaves and their master and know, immediately, that the children of Krug were the strongest and cleverest. Though the slaves caused trouble wherever they went, Kargala solved each problem with her quick wit and sharp sword. “The foolish slaves may cause problems,” The other orcs observed, “but Kargala is too clever and powerful to let their foolishness wound her!”

Kargala traveled across Aegis with her slaves, proving in each place the strength and wit of Krug’s children.