Ogre Tales: Chapter 2

   It took three days of travel for the four to return to their home, and on arrival their first act was to take the gear looted from the many gnolls and De'Lamor's stronghold to the smiths. Torg rests the large mound of gear, held together by rope, onto the ground and unties the rope. Turning to the smith, "We tore some up in our fights, but it's worth scrapping."
   "It sure is, it surprises me more and more how much you can carry. Say, that's a nice sword on your back, mind if I look at it?" asked the smith, leaning to one side. Torg grasps the handle, pulling it over and showing the blade to which the smith adds, "Wow, looks even bigger up close, bet you'll be keeping that one."
   "Yes, it has good weight, it's hard to find weapons heavy enough to feel" replies Torg, seemingly saddened by this idea. Finally, Torg turned and walked towards the church of Kord, there he would meet with the rest of the group again. Through the center of town there were many humans walking around, as well as several ogres, many of which extended Torg a greeting when he passed by.
   As Torg entered the church the others could be seen praying at the far end, Jinn lead the prayer and with only a hand gesture he beckoned Torg to take a spot which had been reserved. Together they knelt, with only Jinn speaking over the silence, "...and so we thank you for the strength of body and conviction, that we may find greater strength in the days to come. We shall win our glory through our challenges, and should we fall it will be under a banner of honest combat. Let us go now, following in your footsteps."
   After a short time, the four stood and Jinn spoke, "You should all head home, if one of you could tell my parents that I'm still here in the church I would be grateful. I have more prayers to perform and I wish to meditate more."
   Mak patted him on the shoulder and spoke swiftly, "Yeah yeah, we know the drill, I'll drop in and tell your folks hey like always. You should focus on your home outside the church a little more, live in the moment, spending your life in that little room can't be healthy for you."
   Jinn didn't respond to the quickly spat line of advice, only responding by turning and leaving the group. Torg flicked the back of his brother's head before he and Kuhma made their exit, causing Mak to grasp his head before following behind the two. Once outside they could see that the bustle of activity had calmed, and by noting it was mid morning they realized that the traders and merchants were open for business on the eastern end of town.
   "I hate having to wade through the shops, I envy you three living in the military district," said Kuhma, a look of annoyance on his face. He shook his head and returned to his normal stature, "Still have to do it, can't let a few merchants beat me down. Take care you two, catch you after I get a few drinks in me." With a wave and a smile, he started off and the brothers responded in kind.
   "You've got to stop flicking me Torg, you're gonna crack my skull one of these times," Mak stated in a harsh tone after the two began their walk home.
   Torg let out an exhaled snort and replied slowly, "And you have to stop being an asshole, you don't need to insult Jinn."
   "All I did was give him some advice, I worry about him sometimes. Just think of how many times someone has found him passed out in that closet, he acts like he has to have these visions but I think the visions are trying to tell him to stay out of that room," replied Mak, sounding slightly worked up but losing the angered tone.
   Mak continued, "What will happen when he's there without someone knowing ahead of time, will he be there for hours? Maybe he'll be there for a whole day? He's hard to wake up from those, and he's already a bit frail compared to the rest of us. Tougher than regular folks, of course, but still..." he trailed off, looking at the dirt.
   Torg looked over, he worried as well but felt it was up to Jinn to make these choices. With a sigh he carefully rested a hand on his brother's shoulder, "Talk to him about it later, it's what's fair." Together they walked in silence until finally reaching Jinn's home, and when Mak knocked on the door a loud voice called out.
   "BE THERE IN A MINUTE!" called the voice, and within short time the door swung open. Standing before them was Jinn's mother, Helen, a bulky human woman standing just over six foot tall. Her face brightened up, "Boys! Glad you all made it back, I already know what you're gonna say and I'll run over there soon, my son'll never calm down with that church stuff." She spoke very loud, and hugged the two quite tight, showing impressive strength for a human.
   "Mak, tell your mother that I still need her to show me how to spice up the boar, so scoot! Scoot!" shouted Helen, smacking them both on the rear before running inside, slamming the door and shouting inside, "Gorn! The boys are back! We gotta get that boar ready!!"
   Torg never  understood how a single person could be so excitable, but still it had become old news and no longer surprised him. With that, the two carried on walking silently but with a quickened pace to avoid getting more smacks from Helen for taking too long. Finally they made it home, opening the large door they were surprised to find both their mother Urga and father Eli at home.
   With a hello, their mother stood and scooped them in close with her huge arms, hugging them tight and cooing in her deep voice, "Ohhh, mama is glad to see you. Papa and mama missed you very much."
   Their father simply stood to one side smiling, "We sure did, but we knew you were all off doing Kord's work and we're proud of you doing so."
   Mak spoke out in labored tone, "Why does everyone always assume nothing went wrong?" His face expressed the tightness of their mother's grip moreso than Torg's, but compared to Torg their mother was weak. After the hug ended, they all sat around their large table, sharing whisky while the half ogres relaxed and enjoyed being home.
   Suddenly Mak shot up, "Ah, Mom! I almost forgot, Helen wanted you to help her with a boar. She was shouting at Gorn when we left, they probably need your help right away."
   Urga stared for a second then remembered what she was going to show Helen. She stood up and started walking away, "Mama is going to help , we make tasty meat." The three men waved to her, she waved back and said, "Bye bye mama" as she walked out, closing the door behind her.
   On the eastern end of town, Kuhma was having a difficult time making his way through the many buyers and sellers. He looked through the many stalls and found one of interest, it held a many fine looking furs. Kuhma approached the booth and carefully felt a few, "Quite soft, I haven't seen pelts like these. Where are they from?"
   The vendor smiles, speaking in a cheery tone, "From a nearby mountain pass, used to be a dead trade route but the company I work for revived it. If you want one, you can buy them for five gold per pelt."
   Kuhma accepts and pays the man thirty gold, hauling off the six white pelts in a single arm. Finally, he makes it out of the crowd and down the street leading to his home. On his approach he spots his mother entering their house, her arms are loaded with a few sacks and he begins to rush over to lend a hand.
   "Hey mom! The guys and I got back, how's about I help you with all that?" asks Kuhma, a large grin across his face when he pops into the doorway.
   His mother turns with a big smile in return, "Sure thing sweetie, it's only a few things, but you can put what's in this sack up for me."
   When Kuhma goes to reach out for the sack, he spots the pelts he'd bought earlier and speaks up, "I almost forgot, there were these really good pelts at the market, I saw them on my way here. I bought enough for you and dad to make a really big blanket for your beds, or you could even line a couple coats. It's not winter yet, but I noticed how cold the mornings are getting while we were camping out." He then lays the large white pelts across part of the table and begins to empty the sack his mother asked him to, putting the contents on some shelves that are head high for him.
   After she finished with the goods, she turned around and gasped at the pelts on the table, "Wow! They're so white and clean looking, what are they from?"
   "That's a good question, I didn't think to ask the guy. Apparently they're from some mountain pass village or something, they were five gold but it'll be worth it I think."
   "Five gold? That's a pretty cheap deal for these big pelts, and they're so soft too."
   "Yeah, that's why I wanted to get them for you mom. Anyways, is dad at work already? I thought he was the night shift."
   "No, he actually got called to help out the ogre village. Some moron lit a fire and they're rebuilding before winter," she said with a sigh, showing a bit of sadness. She sat down in a chair at the head of the table, "I'm not sure how we're going to do this winter, he's losing a lot of pay to help them, but he can't just say 'nope, sorry, you have to freeze' to them."
   Kuhma sits nearby and shakes his head, "I know you don't like me paying for stuff, but it's my home too. The guys and I made a lot of money, and while a third of the total went to the church, another is gonna be handed off to the elder so he can spent it fixing up any busted up houses, we all got a decent chunk. I'm splitting my part with you and dad right even." With that he pulls out a sack filled with one hundred and fifty gold coins, and his mother's eyes go wide.
   "Holy smokes, I get half of that? That's way too much, that's your money," she says while looking completely flabbergasted.
   "No, that's half of what I got, so you are getting the whole bag. Don't try to argue me on this, mom, it's my money and I choose where I'm spending it. There is way too much money for me here, and it's only right I spend it where's most important to me."
   Kuhma's mother looked like she was about to cry as she stood up and walked over to him, "I love you so much, you're such a good boy." She couldn't hold it in any more and started crying when she hugged him.
   "I love you too, mom," replied Kuhma, gently putting a hand on her back. After several seconds, he carefully moved her away, "Now that that's done, I have to get a drink in me mom. Seriously, you've got to open one of those for me."
   She sighs and walks away from him, shaking her head as she says, "I swear, you're addicted, I'm gonna have to cut you off before you become an alcoholic." She opens a cabinet, pulling out a bottle, she uncorks it carefully and hands it over to Kuhma.
   "It's your fault for brewing it, love this rum you make, it's really sweet but has that perfect kick." He grabs the bottle from her, taking a nice long drink before setting it down with a sigh of relaxation, "Man, even a week without this is too long."
   His mother laughs, "You can thank your great grandfather for it then, he's the one who started brewing, and he passed it on. Speaking of which, I'll show you how to brew, but you better not start wallowing in the stuff or I'm going to show you some real pain." As she finishes, she shakes a fist at him and squints her eyes.
   Kuhma leans back with his hands up, "I know, I know, but you know I've never gotten drunk. Not for a lack of trying, so I guess you're right. I'll be good about it. Anyways, I gotta get going, won't be long before we head off to talk to the elder and give him the gold, not sure if Mak and Torg'll be joining us but I know Jinn's going to need a hand carrying that stuff over."
   Finally the mother and son parted, and Kuhma was on his way back to the church, bottle in hand. While Torg, Mak, and Kuhma had gone to their homes, Jinn spent a long while in contemplation. He felt no discomfort from Mak's suggestions, but rather he thought that Mak had much more to learn in divine matters.
   Still, Mak may have been onto something, and so he spoke to the heavens in the search of an answer. Questioning for guidance on where he should let his focus lie, in contemplation or with the people? Before dedicating himself to meditation he entered the rear of the church where the other priests were.
   "Jinn, did you need something else from us?" asked an old, powerfully built, man.  Even though the priest was human, his strength was quite astounding, and he would tower over most other humans.
   Jinn nods to him, "I require guidance, Father, in the matters of society."
   With a laugh, Father Jackson replies, "If it were anyone but you, I'd think them silly to ask for help in that way. What can I help you with?"
   "Before my half ogre kinsman left this morning, Mak said something to me. He said that I should spend less time in contemplation, instead focusing on my life away from the church."
   "Mak usually has a hard time trying to explain himself, but you and I know he's of good intent. I highly doubt he meant that you shouldn't be dedicated to the church, but he notices that you frequently hold yourself to your chambers here. Tell me, when was the last time you spent a larger portion of the day at your home than you spent here?"
   Jinn remains silent after the question, attempting to recall but having trouble doing so. Father Jackson continues, "We all have a different purpose in this world, and you are no exception to that rule. I propose to you to meditate specifically on the question, 'where must my time be spent?' and this should give you the truth. Kord wishes for us to enjoy life, and for you the enjoyment comes from being where Kord has directed you. If he directs you to spend time with your family, then you will be doing what is most just in Kord's eyes."
   Jinn nods and walks away, he almost goes towards his chamber but decides that would only bias his mind. Instead he walks to the main shrine, kneeling before it and beginning to let his focus hone in. Soon the world slips away from him, and he begins to ask within his mind, "Where must my time be spent?"
   Not long passes before he feels a cold breeze and snowflakes drift before him. They come from a distance and pass around his body, giving way to the smell of death, but they are connected through a single stinging sensation. The longer he focuses the more intense the sting becomes until it feels like it burns his flesh, his heart races as the pain amplifies. Just when he feels like the agony is too much, the visage of green scaled dragon comes into view and suddenly his trance breaks by the sounds of the church doors.
   Jinn stands and whips around, the robes that are attached to his armor fanning out slightly as he does. Standing in the doorway are two large bodies and a small woman. It takes a second for his attention to come in before he realizes that they are his parents, and the ogress Urga, this leads him to sigh before saying, "My apologies. Hello mother, hello father, hello Urga. I should have been more prepared to greet you all, though I am confused why you are here Urga."
   "Urga help cook boar, but Jinn mama want to see Jinn, so Urga come too," said Urga in her sweet, but broken, manner. Helen nodded in agreement, beaming with a smile.
   Gorn spoke up, "We had to get son first, has to know we cook boar tonight." His speech was incredibly guttural, even by the standards of ogres.
   Jinn walked forward, taking and shaking a hand of all three separately, "Thank you, I'll be home in a short while. I am waiting for Kuhma to return, we have to visit the elder and deliver a gift to him. Once that's done I'll come home immediately, we'll all enjoy the wonderful dinner together."
   "Alright Jinn, you boys make sure to finish up quickly, I want us all to spent plenty of time together tonight." Helen said loudly to Jinn before waving and walking out with the two ogres, who also waved to him. Once they left, Jinn walked to the center of the church and let out a heavy sigh.
   He drifted into thought once again, this time only trying to understand the vision he was gifted with. Jinn wasn't sure how long passed, but he knew it had to be a fair while when Kuhma came and called for him. Jinn turned around, still in the center of the main room, "Yes, I'm ready to leave when you are Kuhma. Let's take the gold that's for the village itself, and make our way."
   Both of them headed for the back room, they paid respect to the priests and gathered half of the gold from the room. Kuhma carried most of it over his shoulder with one arm, allowing him to still enjoy his rum that was running very low now. Jinn carried two much smaller bags in both hands, and once they had gathered up the gold, they set out to visit the elder.
   "It's a good thing we got all this money for the town right now, there are probably a lot of houses needing fixed up for winter," said Kuhma in a delighted manner, "I just hope that this can also get them any needed food to help with the poorer folks."
   "I'm sure it is sufficient, don't forget that the church will be helping where the town cannot provide for its own." Jinn's expression was slightly more serious than normal, which was saying a lot given his usual appearance.
   Kuhma was curious about the face, but he was in too good a mood to try to dig into something that may sour it. He let it slight, and thankfully it wasn't a very long walk to reach the elder's home. The two were greeted in a cheerful manner, and ushered in with great excitement.
   "It's good to see you have come back, it's always a good to see you young warriors. Tell me, what came of your visions, Jinn?" The elder spoke with a slight smile, sitting at the end of a long table.
   "My visions were correct, a sorcerer had been gathering an army of gnolls. We didn't speak with him long enough to learn his reasons, the conversation came to an abrupt end when he was crushed under a..." Jinn paused for a moment, trying to find the way to phrase it, "very heavy projectile, of sorts."
   "I had expected as much from you, your visions are rarely wrong. So what is with all these bags you've brought into my home?"
   Kuhma spoke up this time, "These, are large part of what we brought back from the mission. Torg dropped off all the weapons and armor to the smiths, we tithed to the church, and now we're bringing this here. There's way, way, too much for us to figure out how to distribute it, but we thought what would be good is if you got together and helped fix up peoples houses using this money. This should have plenty enough for you to buy some extra food for the winter, that way poor folks can have more than just rations."
   "My goodness, you are  right, my boys, this will do the trick. I'll bring together a meeting later and we'll be sure to get this stuff moving. Was that all you came here for, or..?"
   Jinn spoke up quickly, "Elder Riley, I must tell you that I've had another vision. I'm going to contemplate more, but I am telling you in advance that I believe that this is highly important. We might have to leave without telling you, and so I choose to tell you in advance."
   Both Kuhma and Riley were surprised at how worked up Jinn seemed, but that only made the urgency of the issue more obvious. Jinn continued before either could speak up, "I wish that I could inform you more about it, but as it stands I cannot. The clues are not clear enough, but the feelings I got while they came to me were far more intense than anything else I've run into.
   Riley cleared his throat, "Well, you all have my blessings. You must do what you feel is right, and I don't want to hold you back from it. Rest assured that I support you, go when you are certain what to do, and let this be your paying respects. I have the utmost confidence in you four."
   "Thank you, Kuhma and I must be off now." Jinn stood and walked off calmly, his expression was still tense, but far less so now that he let that into the open.
   Kuhma stood, bowed, and followed behind Jinn for a few. He spoke in a hushed tone, "Is it really that big of a feeling, Jinn?"
   "Yes, Kuhma, and what I didn't tell him is that I saw a dragon's head."
   "A dragon?" Kuhma questioned worriedly, "You want to go toe-to-toe with a dragon?"
   "No, but I asked Kord to give me a sign where my attention must lie. I was given these visions, and I must strive to understand them better, they are a direct command from Kord himself." The expression on Jinn's face went from strictly serious to a mild fear, and Kuhma couldn't help worrying for Jinn.
   "Look, you go home and we'll all be over later. Maybe one of us can help you understand those things? Eh, either way, you get home. I'm gonna get my mother and we'll meet up at your place, okay Jinn?"
   Jinn merely nodded, accepting the arrangement and starting on his way home. The walk would be filled with thought, for the both of them, necessary thought. This was the first time that Jinn experienced a sensation like this from his visions, and it was the first time in a long time that he could not fully grasp their intended meaning. He knew this meant he needed to become further dedicated to learning the purpose behind all this, and it needed to be done soon.