-Short-

I told the wraith we'd be back shortly and left his collapsed home behind, me and my little follower got back to the rest of my party.

I had Ilya disarmed as she got in with the rest.

She was given odd looks from the other elves, their faces all filled with differing emotions, without being cuffed she was allowed to keep her dignity.

It must've been a waking call for the others, that earning trust and being of use might rid the shackles of ones body.

This would lead to more being willing to do my bidding, turning those opposed to my ways to fall in line and follow my command.

I spoke to Elba about the King and instantly garnered her attention.

"Is he alone?" She asked me curiously.

"Seems like it, the man sounded rather lonesome."

Not soon after I'd matched the party to our new campsite.

Entering the outer gates as we made camp inside of one the walls, they were hollow and allowed us shelter from the climates cold air.

With the day nearing it's end I returned to the keeps main hall, greeting the shadow with a soft smile, following closely behind me was Elba.

"... I noticed your friends," his voice glum, "are you staying temporary, or?"

"We will leave tomorrow morning, won't stick around for long."

"Oh, oh... I see-" Almost as if blue he sat down, his head lurched as he peered at dust covered floor, at that moment I felt a light tug on my loincloth. "Qira. . . !"

"Yes?" I answered coldly.

Elba presented her hand, holding her fingers in the air as if an invisible orb was in her grip. "I sense something dark, a magic spell keeping him here, the old king won't ever leave unless..."

"Unless? Can you undo it?"

She gave me a shrug and swayed her hips left to right as she pondered on my ask. "I think so..."

"Orc... What is your name?" I veered my from Elba and raised my body, proudly standing as my muscles flexed. "Qira. That's my name-" He let out a soft cough and nodded. "I like that name, Qira... You're strong! If I may ask for some of that strength, would you do me a task?"

"As long as it's not time consuming, I'm running a little low on that."

"Ah, well! I can at least ask and see what you think on the matter," the shadow stood and moved over, his steps making no sounds.

"I'm all alone here, my champions were taken from me and are being held at garteth, a castle beyond the passage... It too was within my possession, before-" His words seemed heavy, as if he hadn't spoken about this matter with anyone til now.

"Who owns garteth?"

"Elves, they finally do something after hundreds of years in stagnation, out of all things possible they attack me, enslave my champions and curse my soul to live out my life in this, miserable, isolated castle... Dividing my former lands, carved out between nobles, ah-ha... How I yearn for revenge..."

"I don't much care for your story, as I don't pity you." I shrugged and peered at Elba. "But if we can come to an agreement, I'll help you free those who've been taken, and you'll do something for me."

"You would do that?" The man exclaimed vigorously.

Elba's words were still fresh on my mind. "I'll leave everyone here to rest, you've seen my party, we have a few elves captives."

He nodded and seemed elated on having figured out my plan "Yes, yes I have! Will you ransom them, in turn for my people?"

"No." His smile went away whilst curiosity remained in his eyes.

"I know of one that is weaker than the rest, more susceptible when it comes to accepting a threat, if she makes it inside the walls of Garteth. We'll simply use her as a mole, open the gates and I'll do my thing, free your champions and I'll move along."

The man gave me an agreeable nod and smiled.

"All in all, that won't take more than a day I hope, though I need you to do something for me."

"Anything, if you succeed, Qira! I'll do anything in my power."

"Good, then we have a deal. I'll be leaving my shaman to try her magic at breaking the curse, she said it didn't seem that impressive-" I gingerly smiled. "No offense to you, but she might be able to let you loose."

"That too would suffice, will you still try your plan at freeing them?"

"I will."

"... Then, let me help you with something-" I nodded and followed the man guiding me. "These swords and armor are what the elves in Garteth will don, have that elf or yours wear a set, it's better than coming up with a lie, a prisoner might break when pressured."

I nodded at his suggestion and grabbed a set out of the many laid out over the floor, this must've been where he had his last stand.

Or to the very least, where he'd fought to kill those who pressed inside his fortress.

I pondered on his backstory but had no chance of asking, Elba had been quick to want to help moved him to the throne-room, a quick glance before leaving the hall was met with an eager smile, as the man waved confidently towards me, both his dim eyes were assured of my success.