Sanctuary: Safe Haven

It was as if Canna had spent his entire life within the confines of the dungeon, untouched by the outside world.

For Kael, this conversation was a revelation. He began to see Canna not just as a dungeon dweller but as someone with a thirst for knowledge about the world beyond. As they talked, Kael found himself explaining the intricacies of Sepra's seasons, describing the exotic creatures that roamed its lands, and sharing stories of the diverse culinary delights enjoyed by its people.

In turn, Canna's fascination grew with each revelation. He listened intently, absorbing every word as if committing them to memory. This exchange of information bridged the gap between their worlds, forging an unexpected bond between them.

As the hours stretched on, their conversation evolved beyond mere questions and answers. It became a sharing of experiences, a mutual exploration of their respective worlds. Amidst the dimly lit chamber of the dungeon's lowest floor, Canna and Kael found a connection that transcended their differences.

"Let's pause our conversation for now; it's time for Tonitrum to summon my daily dose of monsters," Canna said as he rose to his feet and picked up the scythe beside him. Talking about something unrelated to death or battle had been refreshing.

"Monsters? Tonitrum?" Kael's face twisted in confusion.

"Remember the eye you saw watching you before you passed out? That's him," Canna pointed to the farthest corner of the dungeon. "He may appear asleep, but he's the boss around here and my sort-of master, he's making me stronger after all."

Kael's heart sank. That monstrous being was a dragon? He had seen dragons depicted in kingdom paintings, but encountering a live one was a first. Instinct urged him to flee at the sight of the dragon.

"You know your place, insect. Remember it well, or I will end your pathetic life," Tonitrum's telepathic message to Kael made him nod vigorously.

Canna was already preparing for the upcoming fight when Vorgrim spoke up. "Master, the orc is awake and seems eager to fight me judging by his gaze. May I have permission?" It was the first time Vorgrim had asked such a thing, prompting Canna to swiftly grant approval. He too was curious to witness the black orc's prowess in person, but first, he needed to talk with Tonitrum.

After a brief conversation with Tonitrum, Canna approached the orc. "Let's talk later. My subordinate tells me you're itching for a fight. Are you sure you're up for it, just after being healed?" Canna observed the orc, its presence as menacing as ever.

The orc nodded. Unlike Kael, who had awoken with a barrage of questions, the black orc needed only a glance to understand the gravity of his situation—the looming dragon's massive head in the dungeon's depths. One glance is all it took for him to realize that the dragon wasn't an ordinary one.

Shaking off his thoughts, the black orc looked at Canna again and nodded. He stood up and made his way to the center of the floor where Vorgrim was waiting for him. He picked up a two-handed axe with his left hand and a mace with his right, wielding both effortlessly despite their intended two-handed use, thanks to his brute strength.

Vorgrim, on the other hand, held a sword in his left hand and a spear in his right, with a halberd strapped to his back and daggers at his legs. It appeared Vorgrim was ready to go all out too

Canna stood in the center between the combatants and spoke, "Vorgrim, this is an order. Kill him."

Kael's eyes widened in shock. There was no need to kill the orc! He had planned on using the orc as his guard when he returned to the kingdom. He wanted to plead with Canna to reconsider but feared that the dragon might kill him if he spoke out.

Vorgrim looked at his master intently and bowed. "As you wish, my liege."

Canna then turned to the orc. "You heard it. This won't be a spar; it will be a fight for your life. If you want to live, kill my subordinate. No one will intervene, so do whatever you must."

The orc nodded again and tightened his grip on his weapons. He hadn't expected it to come to this, but now that it had, he was ready to face the challenge.

"Grimruk, my name is Grimruk," the orc declared.

"Vorgrim, second subordinate of Canna Yakane," came the calm response.

No more words were exchanged. As soon as Canna gave the signal, a sonic boom echoed through the dungeon as Grimruk's weapon clashed with Vorgrim's.

______________________

Canna used a spell to blink right next to Kael. "Kael, wanna bet?, who do you think will win?"

Kael was startled by Canna's sudden appearance but quickly gathered himself. "The black orc, of course! It took our strongest general and twelve other warriors to capture him, and they all died in the process except for our commander! That orc is insanely strong! I really think you should reconsider!"

Canna smirked, "Well, obviously I'm siding with my subordinate. What do you want to wager?"

"I don't have anything on me right now except for my clothes and myself, but do you really have to initiate a fight to the death?" Kael asked worriedly.

"Remember this, Kael," Canna began, his tone turning serious. "The path of a warrior is a bloody one."

Kael glanced at the black orc, Grimruk, who was in the heat of battle, and then at Vorgrim, both menacing warriors. The tension in the air was palpable.

"A true warrior's strength isn't just measured by their power or skill," Canna continued. "It's about their resolve, their ability to face death head-on and fight for survival. Vorgrim and Grimruk understand this. They live by it."

Kael's mind raced. He had grown up in the safety of his kingdom, hearing tales of valiant knights and epic battles, but witnessing this raw, primal clash was something entirely different.