Previous: The Days of Kruk-Ma-Kali Part 4

Kruk-Ma-Kali concocted a plot to discredit Lork-Bran-Dron with the soldiers. He planted the idea of a frontal assault in the king’s mind. Kruk-Ma-Kali was conservative with his men during the attack, saving many of their lives while others died in droves. The failed attack and useless death angered the soldiers. At that point, Kruk-Ma-Kali suggested a night attack not on either of the dual cities, but on the Cableway. The ferry was abandoned at night, making landing easy. From there Kruk-Ma-Kali’s force climbed along the cable into both cities. As dawn rose they opened the cities’ gates, letting in Lork-Bran-Dron’s army. North and South Tomak’nax were swiftly taken.

As Lork-Bran-Dron entered the city to proclaim his victory, Kruk-Ma-Kali interrupted him. The young hobgoblin raised Kharad-khor over his head and challenged Lork-Bran-Dron to single combat. The king was weak and led many soldiers to their deaths, while Kruk-Ma-Kali’s plan had succeeded with minimal loss of life. Kruk-Ma-Kali insisted that he would be the better king. Lork-Bran-Dron accepted the challenge and lost. Kruk-Ma-Kali’s black sword struck Lork-Bran-Dron’s head from his body and then he placed the fallen crown upon his head. Kruk-Ma-Kali was king now.

Kharad-khor fueled Kruk-Ma-Kali’s ambitions beyond anything he’d ever dreamed of as an outcast child. King of Lork-Bran-Dron’s little country was not enough. Kruk-Ma-Kali rallied his army as well as the people fighting for Tomak’nax. His psionic suggestions brought even his former enemies into his ranks. With Trung Town as his operations center, Kruk-Ma-Kali conquered the whole of the Hobgoblin Lands in a mere two years. Some people joined him willingly. Others required a slight push from Kruk-Ma-Kali’s brain. Others folded after a show of force. A few required the application of Kruk-Ma-Kali’s boots as he crushed them before the massive war machine he had created.

With Kruk-Ma-Kali’s army assembled there was only one choice. He aimed his people at the rest of Cimmeria with the goal of world conquest.

Next: The Days of Kruk-Ma-Kali Part 6