AFTERWORD

Chapter 43

Chapter 33

Overview

Carl and Donut ride out on Simoom the rhinoceros to parlay with King Rust before the impending battle. Victory establishes a parlay shield that will allow Carl and Rust to speak safely while their armies prepare positions. As they approach, Carl notices King Rust appears weakened and possibly injured, mounted on a massive swamp yak.

Summary

Kibben, the former high elf stablemaster, helps prepare Donut to ride Simoom, Ferdinand's albino rhinoceros, while Mongo and Rend remain at the castle. Donut complains throughout the ride about the smell and visibility from the howdah. Carl reviews their defensive positions as they move down the hill—fortified bunkers with captured guns and earthworks teams positioned to delay the enemy advance. Florin reports via warlord chat that they've captured two pieces of armor from the Operatic Collective and warns that the enemy's "Weepers" (advanced military tanks) are formidable threats, though one regiment has been stopped. Florin is positioning the 105th regiment to keep escape routes open to Shanty Town. As Carl and Donut approach King Rust's position, Victory manifests and activates a parlay shield—a protective bubble allowing safe conversation between Carl and Rust while preventing physical or magical harm. Victory introduces herself as Judge Deng Bao, an experienced adjutant and old judge from the galactic courts who studied with Victory in law school. The conversation turns to Huanxin Jinx, revealing she has no living relatives except a child clone, and that Huanxin currently drives the goddess Eileithyia on the twelfth floor—the same goddess whose decision will determine Katia's fate regarding the orchid in her inventory. As the parlay begins, Donut notices King Rust appears to be crying.

Characters

  • KibbenFormer high elf stablemaster who helps prepare and advise on riding Simoom the rhinoceros; keeps Mongo and Rend occupied during the parlay
  • DonutRides in the howdah on Simoom to face King Rust; participates in the parlay strategy to anger the orc leader
  • SimoomAlbino rhinoceros mount that carries the howdah containing Donut toward King Rust's position
  • MongoCreature distressed about Donut riding a different mount; kept occupied by Kibben during the parlay
  • RendPet creature that whines when Donut leaves; distracted by Kibben with treats
  • FerdinandOwner of Simoom and the howdah, mentioned as having previously ridden the rhinoceros
  • TinaLives in the castle stables; has bonded with Simoom after initial conflict
  • FlorinCommunicates via warlord chat; leads forces in battle preparations and reports capture of armor pieces and enemy tank capabilities
  • KatiaMentioned as present with Florin and Bautista in the 105th regiment flanking position
  • BautistaPositioned with Katia and Florin to keep western corridor open for retreat
  • LouisWarned by Florin to avoid the enemy Weepers tanks
  • King RustOrc warlord mounted on a swamp yak; appears weakened and possibly crying as he prepares to parlay with Carl
  • Judge Deng BaoGrixist adjutant who appears alongside King Rust; enforces parlay shield rules and ensures fair negotiations
  • VictoryEstablishes the parlay shield between Carl and King Rust; discusses Judge Deng Bao and Huanxin Jinx with Carl
  • Huanxin JinxMentioned as heiress on the twelfth floor driving the goddess Eileithyia; currently has no living relatives except a child clone
  • EileithyiaGoddess being driven by Huanxin Jinx; will determine Katia's fate regarding the orchid
  • Colonel TipidSends an incomplete message via warlord chat before being cut off
  • The MaestroKing Rust's younger son, mentioned in description of Rust's physique
  • QuasarCarl's lawyer, mentioned in conversation with Victory and Donut