Prologue

Life is full of ‘characters’ who reluctantly accept and follow all the established standards and rules without questioning anything, while others come across as ‘misfits’ to most people.

The author of this book, a teacher specialised in therapeutic pedagogy -a profession that we share, which made us cross paths over a decade ago, shows a special interest in this second group. -

This story, set in the same universe as Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, of which Gabriel is an unconditional follower, tells the adventures of Leirbag, a special orc. In a world where only hatred, struggle for survival, blind obedience and lack of reasoning can be found, the author creates a revolting main character from whom one can extract totally opposite values.

The surprising thing about this book full of battles is that, amidst all the maelstrom of violent and rough actions which are common in fantasy settings, one can glimpse salvation after falling into the darkness by relying on the most primal survival instincts. This is made clear in the following paragraph:

With the passage of the lunar cycles, I have learnt that awful beings, no matter the race, can argue, shout for no reason, and think that they hold the absolute truth. The opposite of that would be a creature that thinks before talking and reflects on it before saying anything.

[…]

Withdrawing in time will allow you to fight again. Being brave and stupid will kill you sooner than later.

The story keeps you on the edge of your seat, as if you were experiencing each combat and running the risk of feeling the blows, axes, and arrow wounds in your own flesh. But at the same time, you also run the risk, or are lucky enough, to get to know and love the characters for their loyalty, their faithfulness to their nature and, in Leirbag’s case, for their ability to question the fine line between good and evil.

Finally, I would like to thank Gabriel for giving me the chance to write these lines about a brave and sincere story about those who seem invisible in the eyes of society yet have a lot to offer.

Ariadna Aurell

        PART ONE

        Leirbag’s gaze

I am an old sorcerer who has lived for too long and has been seduced by the darkness for a long time. I found the light in the words. Now I hide like a rat.

During the ancient ages, I lived to see the time when philosophy and art were the cornerstone of the world.

The high elves wanted to understand nature, and they held councils with the rest of the races in order to have an earthly view of Dagburz. But someone subtly sowed the seed of ambition, a delicate germ, creating schemes in the shadows such as not trading with the dwarves or not stopping some rebellion to overthrow a certain reign and put a despot on the throne.

Meanwhile, the elves ignored what was happening around them, and they started getting away from the world of the mortals, taking refuge in oases which were transformed into munificent metropolises, where imperfections were not allowed.

In the golden ages, the dwarves carved into the stone and turned it into art. They created magnificent buildings such as the now disappeared Millennium City , an architectural jewel which could be entered through a narrow gorge. Chiselled into the stone, its façade recreated a forge, right above a hammer and a battle axe, all surrounded by the crests of the different houses and topped with an inscription carved into the frieze which proclaimed: ‘The language of the mountain is imperishable, yet we are but mere guests’

This settlement was deleted from the face of the Earth, and, with the passing of the ages, the dwarves ended up being controlled by their greed for precious metals, and thus stopped being the mountains’ mere guests to become its usurpers.

Since the beginning of time, humans collaborated with the forest guardians, the leshi, looking for a balance between the development of their societies and the conservation of the natural habitats. But the essence of humanity turned into selfishness. Power slowly took over the rulers, and thus wars started. The conquest of territories became the main objective, with the purpose of amassing riches that were only enjoyed by a minority.

This whole scenario was slowly unfolding, and the dark power kept the tempo of events by positioning its pieces on the board.

If we consider that during the first ages the philosophers and the erudite were the leading figures, this involution turned the warriors into the backbones which held the different kingdoms together.

Dagburz exchanged knowledge for the sword, and, as a result, ended up bringing the decadence of the current society in which the books are considered a negative reminder of the culture.

Nowadays we are in the Third Age, the time where the self is the only important thing. Each race has taken their own path: the elves, who are a symbol of immortality, are apparently idolised. The truth is that almost everyone is afraid of them, hate them or envy their immortality. The fact that they were so far away from reality has contributed to that.

The tentacles of evil, which have been established over the centuries, are starting to spread, with no prospects of being cut off. This continent is leaning into the abyss and, once inside, it will be devoured by darkness.

It is interesting that these lines do not, tell the story of a hero who saves lineages from the chaos through incredible deeds. This story describes a being who is both despicable and brilliant.

You all know tales of great warriors who fought with honour and bravery in epic battles in which they accomplished glorious feats that will be remembered forever. These men have become legendary heroes, and their exploits are still alive through the minstrels or ancient chronicles.

There are also wizards sorcerers or warlocks, who were able to defeat hellish creatures with their powers. Thanks to their knowledge, they were able to create weapons and magical objects which delighted the world and were coveted by all.

The elves, who possessed the gift of immortality, were the most admired and envied, because their elegance, sobriety and wisdom made them judge and jury in everything that happened throughout the ages.

We cannot forget about the dwarves, who were arrogant and stubborn, with their terrible axes and war hammers forged in magnificent cities inside the mountains. These mythical weapons were passed from generation to generation, as well as the passion for precious metals, even when that greed had caused their downfall.

A mere coincidence caused a race such as the halflings to become a key piece in all of this, thanks to their willpower, their perseverance, and, over all else, their extraordinary loyalty.

According to the stories, destiny put an apparently insignificant object in their hands , which would get them involved in a one-of-a-kind adventure that would later be immortalised in history.

Naturally, when it comes to such events, such events, only the heroes who made the triumph of good over evil possible are remembered. Other stories are forgotten along the way, because their protagonists did not have admirable qualities, their exploits were not as remarkable, or simply because nobody even saw them there.

Some time ago, I found a text which made me reflect on many things, and has inspired me to start writing this book. It started as such:

My name is Leirbag. I have fought alongside great sorcerers, warriors, and elves but nobody ever tells a story about me. I suppose that this is because of my race, as we are considered savage, murderers, deformed and a huge list of other unkind adjectives. But I am also a part of the great stories that became legends. If you have not found out who I am yet, I will tell you that I am an atrocious orc with a thirst for revenge.

Chapter 1

My path begins in the darkness

The truth is that I do not know how I was born. Maybe some horrifying orc which tricked a human with love spells to obtain a night of lust. I am aware that she probably was not perfect, she may have been a heartless killer who did not have any