Eadred placed his hand to his temple, looking down in disappointment. "I feared as much."
Those in the room remained silent, allowing him time to absorb the news. When he raised his head, he looked once more at Raleth. "Tell me all you have seen."
"Their army is large," the hunter replied. "Easily twice our number. Many mercenaries have joined them, swelling their ranks. Even as we speak, their army has expanded past the confines of the town."
"And what is the nature of these mercenaries?"
"Mostly foot, my king, though archers were in evidence, along with more knights."
"Temple Knights?"
"No, they remain within the confines of their fortress. These are men of the Petty Kingdoms."
"They are likely not mercenaries," interjected Natalia, "but rather nobles of the land, coming to make a name for themselves."
King Eadred stared daggers at her. "And what would you know of such things?"
"I am a battle mage."
"So you have said in the past, but of what use is that to us now? Are you saying you can defeat their army with your magic?"
"No, but I know their tactics. We can defeat them, Lord King, but we must show courage."
"Courage? Do not speak to me of courage, skrolling! You know nothing of our suffering at the hands of these people, YOUR people."
"They are not my people," countered Natalia. "This is my home now, and I will do everything in my power to protect it."
"Then you are a fool! We cannot withstand the might of the Church. We must withdraw eastward once more."
"We cannot," said Athgar. "That would move us into the Orcs' lands."
"Better to fight the Orcs than this army that so overwhelms us," said the king.
"We can use the terrain to our advantage," insisted Natalia, "and attack their supply wagons."
"No, it is too dangerous. We must withdraw eastward. My decision is final."
Raleth nodded. "Of course, my king."
"Now be gone," Eadred commanded. "I have much to consider before the evacuation begins."
Raleth led Athgar and Natalia from the hut.
"So is that it?" asked Athgar. "We're to run at the first sign of trouble?"
"What else can we do? You heard the king. The enemy outnumbers us. We have little choice."
"You DO have a choice," said Natalia. "You can stand and fight. Retreating now will only delay the inevitable. If you don't stand up to them, they shall return."
"And if we do fight?" said Raleth. "A loss could mean the death of us all."
"Better to die fighting than live a constant life of flight," said Athgar.
"I understand how you feel, Raleth," said Natalia, "but running is not the answer. Trust me, I know. I've spent the best part of a year running from my past, but it keeps catching up to me. The only way out of this mess is to make a stand. Defeat them once and for all, and they will think twice about returning."
"I saw the size of their army, and they were still gathering more."
"Their size works against them," Natalia continued. "Nobles are loathe to follow the commands of others. True, the Temple Knights are a threat, but without a coordinated army behind them, they are useless." She swept her arms out in a grand gesture. "Look at these woods. Do you really think their knights could charge in such terrain?"
"You make a good argument," said Raleth, "but the king has made his decision."
"Then maybe it's time for a new king."
The hunter laughed. "You cannot make a new king. It is hereditary."
"Nonsense," said Natalia. "If a king cannot serve his people, he does not deserve his throne."
"What you speak of is treason."
"No, what we speak of is survival. Which will it be, Raleth? Scurry away whenever danger threatens, or stand and fight?"
"You have given me much to think on."
"Go back to your hut," said Athgar, "and discuss this with your family. Then maybe you will see the wisdom in our words."
"I shall do as you suggest," the young hunter responded.
They walked the rest of the way in silence. Raleth bade them a good day as they arrived at their hut, then ran off seeking his brother.
"Do you really think King Eadred deserves to be removed?" asked Athgar.
"It is now apparent that he only cares for himself, not his people."
"Still, to replace him feels like a big step."
"Do the Orcs not replace a chieftain who cannot lead?"
"I suppose they do, but these are not Orcs. They are Humans, and as such, are used to doing things their own way."
"And what has it brought them?" Natalia asked. "Only misery and death." She leaned in close, placing her hand upon his arm. "I mean no disrespect to your people, Athgar, but look around you. All they want is to live out their lives free from the heartache of war. They deserve more than flight. They need a reason to live, and you can give it to them."
Athgar's eyes went wide. "Me? I don't want to be king!"
"It's that very thing that would make you a good leader."
"But I'm only a bowyer."
"No," said Natalia, "you are much more than that. You are a master of flame, and just like Artoch, you know, deep in your heart, that you have the best interests of your people in mind. We've only been here a short time, my love, but already you have gained the trust and respect of all."
"I doubt the king feels so," said Athgar.
"And that is his folly. You know how to listen to others, and most of all, how to inspire them."
"Since when have I been a leader?" he asked.
"Since Ord-Kurgad. The Orcs of the Red Hand saw you as one of their own, much as the villagers in Runewald do."
"Perhaps you're right."
She smiled. "I know I am."
Welcome
Autumn 1104 SR
(In the tongue of the Orcs)
Laruhk halted, raising his hand to signal Durgash to do likewise. "I sense someone ahead," he said.
"Humans?" asked his companion.
"No, more Orcs."
"Ah," said Durgash, "the Orcs of the Black Axe, as
