Above a tent camp, in a broad clearing, he paused. Strong, fat, half-naked creatures, at least five steps tall, armed with clubs from which long metal spikes protruded, performed clumsy dance movements to the dull, thunderous drumbeats that sounded across the plain. When the drumbeats stopped, a loud grunt followed, making Vrenli's blood run cold. A five-step-tall ogre stepped out of one of the tents and greeted Ornux, who had come to have a crucial conversation with Gromak Ironskin, the mighty leader of the ogres. The air vibrated with the raw energy that the ogres released in their rituals and dances, a harbinger of the power Ornux sought to tame.
Vrenli had to listen very carefully through the noise of the drum to understand what was being said:
"Gromak Ironskin, in the name of Shadow Lord Erwight of Entorbis, I demand to speak!" Ornux's voice firmly and piercingly rang out, even against the wild grunts of the ogres and the crackling of the hearth.
Gromak, his mighty stature silhouetted against the blazing flames, slowly turned around. "Ornux the Shadow seldom walks without purpose. What does Erwight of Entorbis want from the ogre warriors?"
"Renewal, Gromak. Renewal of the alliance that will lead Fallgar into a new era. Erwight of Entorbis offers more than promises, he offers the power to take control of your destinies in your own hands," Ornux replied as he raised his hands and softly whispered the words of an ancient, forgotten language.
The shadows around him began to dance, forming images of the future, visions of ogre armies marching invincibly through the lands, led by the dark power that Erwight promised.
"See, Gromak Ironskin, what you and your people can achieve. Unimagined power, strength that will shake the foundations of Wetherid."
Gromak observed the shadow images closely. "And what does Erwight want in return? Our freedom? Our will?" he challenged, visibly thoughtful.
Ornux made the shadows disappear again and took a step closer. "No, Gromak. Erwight of Entorbis demands unity, a common endeavor. The freedom of the ogres will be preserved, strengthened by the alliances we forge."
"Words, Ornux, are like the wind, fleeting and often cold. How can we, the ogres of Wahmuter, be sure that this future will come true?" Gromak spoke, his tone now less challenging and more inquisitive.
"Faith, Gromak Ironskin. Faith and the will to take fate into your own hands. Erwight of Entorbis has powerful enemies, but also powerful allies. Under his leadership, not only will Wetherid fall, but a new world order will emerge."