[IC] Chapter 1 - Concerning Orcs

As the wolf approaches some of the prisoners back away instinctively. The wolf quickly nuzzles Dennan before opening its sharp teeth and starting to work on the bindings as the group discusses their plans.

Disorganized pockets of orcs gather around the bonfire as a flight of arrows is loosed from the woods. The arrows land haphazardly across the field, killing few from the first volley. One lands near the prisoners and Dennan can see the flocking matches what he has seen from the Stone Tusk orcs.

The wounded prisoner now completely recovered sits up and grabs at Layla for thanks and security.

There is a snap as one of the bonds holding Dennan snaps under the grinding wolf teeth. A twang from the forest let’s loose another volley of arrows. One orc guard turns toward the wolf and raises his spear.

The arrows land with dull thuds as the loose pockets of orcs have at least found shields or bits of wood. The orc guard drops his spear as an arrow pierces his leg with a squeal.

The other guards have left to find comrades and join the fight. Dennans binds finally break free. Orcs are running every direction in the field. The orc guard with the arrow in his leg is attempting to stand. A line of orcs is just exiting the tree line.

Dennan easily kicks the orc guard toward Victoria. He notices that the orc also has a dagger at his hip.

The wolf latches his jaw on Victorias bonds as the orc she is feeding on struggles then goes limp.

The line of Stone Tusk orcs start to advance out of the forest pressing their attack.

As Dennan starts to cut bonds, the man responds to Laylas questions. "I… I’m Cadigan. Th.. they made me…" he tears up as he pushes himself to standing, stumbling once. "I think I can stand, thanks to you." Now fully standing Cadigan, still visibly in shock looks ready to follow Layla.

The melee begins close to the bonfire as Dennan finishes cutting the prisoners bonds. The clatter of sword, spear, and shield force a person to yell to be heard.

Dennan hastily helps Layla free and gather the prisoners. Over the clatter of battle, he asks her, "what items did the orcs take from you that we should retrieve?"

Layla and Dennan make quick work of the rest of the prisoners bindings. From Laylas direction, Silas and the prisoners start scrambling toward the wood.

Pockets of orcish resistance seem to be holding their own against the Stone Tusk line amid the shouting orders of captains.

Cadigan stays with Layla until the last prisoner is freed then joins her in heading toward the treeline. Whereas Veronica and Dennan slip toward the bonfire and the weapons and loot beyond.