Chapter 316: Kneel!

As the ebony double doors slowly creaked open, an incredible sight revealed in front of them.

In front of the large tower, the orc's sacred sanctum, an endless sea of orcs could be seen lined up, looking at the creaking entrance with fixed, stern gazes. They were all armed, and ready, wearing similar, simplistic mail or steel armor. They were the foot soldiers at the forefront, holding a mixture of weapons. Axes, Maces, Pikes and Lances… even some swords could be spotted every now and then amongst their thick rows. 

There was no structure other than them being the front liners, the lowest of the military hierarchy, there was no tactic, no strategy involved. 

Immediately behind them, probably at the same rank, or at the most, one rank higher judging by the similarly cheap-looking leather armor they were wearing was the ranged regiment. Crossbows, Long and Short Bows even the comical-looking slingshot made its appearance. A quiver, full of bolts, arrows, or a side bag full of chiseled, round pebbles; they were all armed and ready to clash on a battlefield.

Finally behind them, serving as the third, and most important line after the battalion leaders, were the recognizable group of elites warriors. Steel full body armors covering them from head to toe, similar in design to those Aiden and his group have already met at the top of the tower and also guarding the slaves. They had uniformed weapons, a large pike similar to the one that Gob and Galina were holding in their hands. Their yellowish eyes could be seen reflecting the morning sun behind the visors of their helmets.

Finally, behind them, a single row of officers could be seen, acting high and mighty. Confidence, or maybe arrogance could be seen dominating their gazes as they looked at the appearing small group of enemies in front of them. 

Although they were at the back, the safest spot far away from the battlefield, they were also wearing similar steel panoplies, armor sets just like the elites. The difference being were their weapons. Most were holding large crude-looking battle axes, whilst others had huge two-handed swords… The occasional bone shatterers, the war mauls could also be made out.

All in all, quite a fearsome force has gathered to greet the invading party and give them a run for their money. AS soon as the small group emerged from their sacred sanctum, the hollowed grounds, snorts, growls and sniggers could be heard. A thick aura of hostility was lingering in the air. 

Clearly, these primitive creatures had no intention of letting them go.

Even being ambushed and facing such an overwhelming opposition none of the four servants of Aiden showed any emotion on their faces. Gob, Glohn, and Roas even had smiles slowly curving their faces as they reinforced their grips on their respective weapons.

They didn't falter before such a threat, instead, they saw it as an opportunity, a chance to shine and show their Young Master the height of their devotion. Each one of the males wanted to prove that they were the best of them, the one that was worth the highest of the praises.

On the other hand, Galina didn't share the same crazed battle-hungry gazes as her brethren. Although she would do her best to provide support, she wasn't crazy, she wasn't thirsty for battle. She was actually quite content at the moment. She could stand next to the master, and even receive praises. Her target of adoration was just at arm's reach. 

"Young Master! Let us clear a path through their bodies!" Roas roared with clear excitement, breaking the intense silence that surrounded the makeshift, soon-to-be battlefield.

"Yes, we will show them what is the punishment for standing against the Young Master! We will paint the ground with their blood!" Not wanting to fall behind, Glohn was fast to react as well, raising his battle axe in the sky.

Gob didn't speak but the focused, stern look on his face as he eyes the elites behind the first two lines were a clear indication of his eagerness to prove his own worth.

Aiden smiled at the trio. He was happy to know to receive their reverence. 

His eyes wandered to the side where the once-again unconscious body of Drake could be seen tossed aside, he sighed.

There was enough bloodshed already. Why would they need to slaughter hundreds upon hundreds of these creatures who were only following their now-deceased leaders' orders? No, this wasn't right.

"Stand aside guys." He spoke with a calm tone addressing his battle-hungry servants. At the same time, he stepped forward, putting his hands on Roas and Glohn's shoulders. "We have spilled enough of your comrade's blood. Let this be enough for now."

"B-but Young Master! They came to…" Roas was quick to object but was put down quickly with Aiden's raised palm.

"No. They are, in a sense, your old brethren. The people of your old tribe. Despite what they did, are you really okay with killing them all? Wasn't your biggest wish to avenge them?"

His question visibly shook the proud, evolved orc. Thinking back, he knew that the Young Master's words were true. The target of his hatred was never his people. On the contrary, he cared deeply about them. They were his people, their corruption was a result of his own failure. He led them astray, he was the one that gave in to the dark whispers. That demon or demons were the targets, not these in front of him. Could they be really saved? Was there really a chance?

He looked at the Young Master with watery eyes, not sure what to say. In the end, he simply nodded, taking a step to the right, towards the human's fainted body. He would follow his Young Master's orders and will place his trust and faith in him.

At the same time, Glohn's mind was clouded with the memories of his people's woes and desperate cries. He stood by and had to watch helplessly as the innocents were tortured, killed, eaten, or even worse… 

Still, he knew that they were merely acting on orders, the true culprit was already dealt with. He trusted the Young Master and would never have thoughts of going against his wishes. With a sigh, he also stepped aside, giving way to him, lowering his head in shame. Shame that he even had the sliver of doubt, the wish to go against the Young Master's orders.

"[Goblin] I apologize, Young Master. I have been disrespectful." He whispered, keeping his gaze plastered towards the ground.

Aiden smiled, listening to his servant, he placed his hand atop his head, gently rubbing it.

"[Goblin] Don't worry Glohn, I can understand you. What they did to you is beyond what a simple apology could offer. However, I ask you to trust me. Let's end this conflict and bring you all together. Let's build a better, brighter future for us all, together."  He spoke in a warm tone.

Finished, his eyes wandered to Gob, who turned to face him as well while keeping his grip on his Pike, ready to jump into the heat of the action in an instant if needed. He wasn't relaxed, but he would never go against his Master. 

Aiden's eyes wandered back on the still bowing Glohn. With the same gentle, caring tone as before he phrased a question to all four of them.

"[Goblin] Will you all put your hatred and issues behind and place your trust in me? Will you still stand with me?" He asked, glancing over all of them. 

Their response just as expected was instantaneous; all four of them, even Galina who stood behind them all knelt on one knee and lowered her gaze just like the other three. In a uniform manner, they all reverently shouted the same response.

"[Goblin] Yes, we do! We will follow the Young Master until the end of our lives!"

"[Orc] Yes, we do! We will follow the Young Master until the end of our lives!"

Aiden nodded with a contented smile, he was happy about once again receiving their trust. Taking another breath of the cold, fresh morning air, he walked past by his group, stepping in front of the army of orcs with a calm, collected expression.

His attire was torn and ragged; a result of the arduous journey and many battles behind him already on this very long night, his glowing golden eyes scanned the many heads of the battalions of soldiers lined up against him. 

He slowly raised his hands up in the air. As his lips slowly parted, they gave way to a booming, thunderous voice, carrying an ancient power. At the same time, the full power of his aura unfolded, descending on the battlefield, immediately putting an invisible pressure on everyone present not under his fold.

"[Orc] Let's end this pointless resistance. Your leaders have already been taken care of! This… this, what you are doing now, is commendable but ultimately futile. There is no point in fighting any longer. Instead, I will give you all a chance. A chance to cleanse yourself and atone for your mistakes whilst also walking towards a better future, a better life!"

Giving only a momentary pause, he exclaimed the next set of words, shaking all the gathered hearts. 

His command was simple and direct.

"[Orc] KNEEL!"