Grumpy Old Orc

The golden light of the late autumn morning at last burned off the lingering mist. It was just in time to reveal the valley that had opened before him. Dense, dark woods climbed the steep valley sides. A small chapel stood in a wide clearing on the valley floor dwarfed by the menacing forest that grew up around it.

Kurt nudged his horse on. He was stiff after four days in the saddle; he was not a great horseman. The chapel represented his destination and it was as disappointing as he feared it would be.

He was young, fresh from his induction into the mysteries of Sigmar. He had performed well in his studies; his masters had high hopes for him. He had high hopes for himself. Then the powers that be had consigned him to this dismal little chapel in the back of beyond!

The small graveyard attached to the chapel looked unkempt. The only order was to be found around the reasonably fresh mound of earth raised over the grave of Kurt’s predecessor. In a fit of melancholy Kurt wondered how many years it would be before he too lay under a mound of earth in this forgotten dump!

The Chapel itself was in fairly good repair; very good repair for one in such an isolated spot, Kurt corrected himself. As he reached out his hand to try the door handle he heard the lock click open. Kurt had to admit he was taken aback and somewhat impressed. An enchantment upon the door? That was quite an extravagance.

Once inside that chapel turned out to be exactly as Kurt had expected except for the light upon the altar and the book upon the lectern. Kurt recognised the everlasting light enchantment upon the candle and the antiquity of the book upon the lectern, he began to read it. It told of the history of the chapel and its reason for being.

Noon came and went and the light coming through the windows was beginning fade before Kurt stopped reading. He was surprised at how late it was. He looked around the small chapel taking in a deep breath. His lungs filled with dusty air and a huge sense of pride and purpose. He knew why he had been sent here, he had a great work to do.