The tribe rose, drifting off to different parts of the camp. A number of Orcs came forth giving Kargen words of encouragement and support, but his mind was elsewhere. He finally sat, staring at his son as the youngling played with his wooden axe.
"What are you thinking, bondmate?" asked Shaluhk.
"I am wondering what kind of future Agar will have."
"The tribe will prosper," she said, "and one day, he will be a chieftain, like his father."
"How can you be so sure that things will end so well?"
"I have faith," she replied.
"You believe the Ancestors will save us?"
"No, I have faith in you."
The tribe resumed their march with little fanfare. Hunters had already scoured the area, confirming that game was virtually non-existent. Still, at least the travel was easy, for the land was relatively flat and devoid of any major obstacles aside from the massive trees. Several times Kargen sent hunters up into the boughs, their objective to ascertain how far they could see, but the green canopy appeared to stretch on endlessly.
For days they travelled, determined to find a new home. After a ten-day, they found the first signs of game, and Laruhk managed to bring down a deer. It was not enough, once split amongst the tribe, but the forest floor promised much more. The undergrowth veritably exploded, providing a source of nuts and berries along with a myriad of plants that could augment their diet.
They grew stronger each day, lifting their spirits immeasurably. Occasionally the forest would open onto a field, allowing the warmth of the sun to make itself felt. At these times, the tribe would halt, sending out hunters to seek food while they rested.
On one such occasion, many days into their march, Kargen felt confident enough to announce a feast, for deer had become much more plentiful, and smaller game, such as hares and birds, were also found in abundance. A large fire was built to roast the deer while others set out to clear away room to sit. For the elderly, they rigged a shelter from the sun while others worked at preparing the skins of their newly fallen prey.
By late afternoon, Durgash pronounced the food ready to be eaten, and the celebration began. The atmosphere was festive, and it looked like the Ancestors had finally guided them to their new home, where food was plentiful and enemies scarce.
All that changed in an instant as Shaluhk sat, crafting the milk of life, grinding her ingredients before adding them to water. Agar, close by, was using his wooden axe to try and cut down a branch. The first sign of trouble was a distant snort. Shaluhk froze, her mother's instincts immediately on the alert. Abandoning her work, she rushed towards her son just as a large creature burst from the woods.
It was easily the biggest living being she had ever seen, putting even the horses of the Human knights to shame. Within its massive muzzle, long and tapered like that of a horse, it bore sharp, pointed teeth that looked quite able to tear flesh with ease. Even more strange was its flattened, bony head, giving it the appearance of a boar. It ran on stubby legs, shorter than that of a horse, but stronger, likely built for endurance rather than speed. All of this was covered by coarse hair that tufted along the beast's back.
It raced towards Agar, letting out a terrifying roar. The tiny Orc wheeled about, facing the threat with his axe held ready, screaming out a cry of defiance.
Shaluhk crossed the distance in a flash, scooping him up into her arms just before she threw herself behind a tree. The creature roared past, the ground thundering as it rushed by.
The camp exploded into chaos as others became aware of the danger. The creature, having finished its burst of speed, halted, turning its attention to the firepit. An Orc hunter named Urglan stood his ground, spear held at the ready, yelling at others to get out of the way. The beast turned on him and launched into a gallop, its cloven hooves closing the distance rapidly. The Orc stabbed out with the spear, striking the creature's side, but it merely glanced off the tough skin.
With a shout of warning, Urglan dived to the side, but it was too late. The creature opened its mouth wide, exposing its sharp teeth as the powerful jaws clamped down on Urglan's leg, snapping it like kindling. A tug of its head sent the Orc's body flying, the leg still held tightly in its mouth.
An arrow flew across the fire, sinking deep into its shoulder. Kragor nocked another and let fly, but the shot went wild. The giant boar, if that's what it was, turned in the blink of an eye and raced off, heading towards another group of Orcs.
Kargen rushed into the clearing, calling for other hunters to assist. The beast bowled into a group of three, sending them flying in all directions. Dulok was the next to fall. He stood, spear in hand, calmly planting the end in the ground as those behind him dashed for cover. The creature, however, didn't pause, merely turned quickly and continued its run, striking the spear squarely. The blade scraped along its forehead, leaving a crimson cut, but it ignored the pain, opening its massive mouth to bring its teeth chomping down onto the old Orc. Dulok's head and torso disappeared into the creature's maw as it lifted him, snapping him in two and sending black blood flying everywhere.
Kargen bellowed a challenge but was ignored. Kragor let loose once more, sending an arrow
