They moved forward, Natalia leading. The group of Orc hunters returned to their fire, no longer on the alert.
"The army is moving"—she shifted to a spot in front of the flames—"and is no more than two or three days behind us."
"Was Kargen successful?" asked Athgar.
"I do not know," said Kragor. "I, and my hunters, have been out here for the last three days. When we left Ord-Ghadrak, he and Shaluhk had not yet returned." He watched as Athgar lowered himself to the ground. "You are injured. We must get you to Laghul."
"No," said Athgar. "We need to return to Runewald first. I have to convince King Eadred to stand and fight."
"That will be difficult to do from what I have heard."
"Why?"
"He has gathered the fyrd," replied the Orc.
"Surely that means he intends to fight?"
"I think not, my friend. He means only to guard the way eastward, crossing into Orc lands."
"Then we shall have to convince him otherwise."
"How do we do that?" asked Natalia. "He already tried to kill us once. Who's to say he won't try again?"
"He tried to kill you?" asked Kragor.
"Yes, did Kargen not tell you? He sent his men to murder us in our sleep, but we got wind of it and set up our own ambush."
"Then perhaps it is best if we accompany you back to Runewald. Your words will have more sway with the power of the tribes behind you."
"I can't ask that of you. This is my fight."
"No," said Kragor. "You and Nat-Alia are part of the Red Hand. A fight for one is a fight for all. Let us stand beside you in your time of need."
"It couldn't hurt," offered Natalia.
"I suppose you're right," said Athgar. "Very well, we shall strike out for Runewald at first light."
"A good decision," said the Orc, "and one which I know Kargen would approve of."
"What of your responsibilities here?" asked Natalia. "Didn't you say you were sent to watch for the army?"
"I did, but I did not mention there are others like us in the area. Both our tribe and the Black Axe are watching for the enemy. Do not fear. I shall inform them of our imminent departure, and they will cover this stretch of ground in our absence. In the meantime, you should get some rest. Have you eaten?"
"Only turnips," said Natalia.
Kragor laughed in the low rumble of his people. "Then you shall have meat. I can not have you travel to Runewald on an empty stomach. Now, what of your wound, Athgar? Does it pain you?"
"It does," the Therengian replied. "And my armpit is sore from using this crutch."
The Orc moved closer, examining the bandages. "Is the wound clean?"
"Yes, according to Brother Rickard," said Athgar.
"A name I am not familiar with. Is he a shaman?"
"He has no magic, if that's what you mean, but he knows how to treat a wound."
"Then it is best we do not disturb it. Once we return, Shaluhk can take care of it."
"If she's back," reminded Natalia.
"You should have more faith in the Ancestors, Nat-Alia. Kargen and Shaluhk will return to us. I am certain of it."
The Reckoning
Autumn 1104 SR
Athgar peered through the trees. "It appears King Eadred has raised the fyrd and brought them all here, to Runewald."
"How many?" asked Natalia.
"Several hundred, by the look of it."
"Does that mean your king means to stand and fight?" asked Kragor.
"I doubt it," said Athgar. "More likely he's going to push eastward. I think he means to fight the Orc tribes."
"We must stop him," insisted Kragor.
"My thoughts exactly."
"How do you want to proceed?" asked Natalia.
"We'll head directly towards the great hall," said Athgar, "and confront Eadred."
"Are you sure that is wise, Athgar?" said the Orc. "He may not take kindly to your return."
"We haven't time to waste. The army is likely marching, even as we speak."
"Then I, and my hunters, will accompany you."
"Very well," said Athgar. He stood, brushing the leaves from his tunic. The village lay only a short distance away, and so he stepped from the cover of the trees, moving slowly so as not to trip up his crutch. Natalia took her place at his side, Kragor and his half-dozen Orcs following along behind.
As Athgar drew closer, he noticed several wagons gathered before the king's hall. A small group of chainmail-clad warriors loaded wooden chests, heavy ones by the look of them, into the back of one such wagon.
A number of warriors to Athgar's left hailed him. He turned, seeing Raleth and his brother, Harwath, leading a collection of familiar-looking faces, local villagers all.
"How did things go in Ebenstadt?" asked Raleth.
"Not as well as I would have liked," said Athgar. "But you have to excuse me, I must see the king on a matter of great urgency." He pushed on, his target in sight. The members of the fyrd, led by Raleth, began to follow, ignoring the presence of the Orcs in their rush to see what would transpire.
"What's going on here?" Athgar called out as they drew nearer the great hall.
One of the warriors turned, noting the approach of the new arrivals. "The king has ordered the evacuation of the village," the man said. "We are marching eastward."
"But that will take you into Orc lands," said Athgar.
The warrior shrugged. "Better to fight the greenskins than match arms against the skrollings." He was about to say more, but then his vision fell upon Kragor. "What is this?" he said, reaching for his sword.
"Stay your hand," said Athgar. "He is an ally."
"An ally?"
"Yes," said Kragor. "We have come to stand with you in your time of need."
The warrior paused, the words sinking in. "That is good news, but I'm afraid it's too late. King Eadred has commanded us to move eastward, and we must obey."
The Orc was about to protest, but Natalia stilled his voice by placing her hand on his arm. She turned to face the warrior. "I think this is
