Laruhk looked out over the field, peering from the long grass that hid his position. "They appear to be taking the bait."
"So they are," agreed Durgash. He held up his warbow. "Are you sure Kargen said we could not use these?"
"Yes, he was very clear on the matter. He does not want to injure any of the enemy. It will only make them madder."
"I can not imagine they will be pleased to find we have led them astray."
"Agreed," said Laruhk, "but we must do our part. Our job is to delay them long enough for the others to escape."
"An easy enough task. I see no hunters amongst them."
"You would not know a hunter if one sat on you."
His companion let out a snort, stifling it quickly lest they be heard. "A good one, my friend."
"Go," said Laruhk, "and remember to use the common tongue."
Durgash grinned, showing his teeth, and then speaking Human. "I will!"
Laruhk watched as the Human soldiers reached the firepits. The flames had long since burned out, now releasing only wisps of smoke into the early morning air. They milled about, unsure of what to do, while other men, their junior leaders, barked out orders.
A group of horsemen appeared, trotting past the Orc's position. He was sure they would spot him, one even going so far as to splash him as it rode past, but the rider's eyes were focused on something in the distance. Laruhk remained hidden.
"Over here," someone yelled. "We've found tracks."
The horsemen spurred on their mounts, disappearing from sight. Not much later, another cry echoed out over the field. "I found something!"
"They are this way," came another voice. Laruhk chuckled to himself, pleased with the ruse. Kargen had planned the diversion, but it was Laruhk who had thought to turn the Human's own language against them. Athgar would be proud.
He waited as the horsemen rode past yet again, seeking out this new voice, then rose to a crouch, putting hand to mouth.
"There they are!" he called out. "To the south!" He dropped back down to his stomach and held his breath. Sure enough, hoofbeats drew closer, and he felt the ground rumble as they rode by.
The game continued, but then the Humans grew tired of the chase. They began to ignore the calls, concentrating instead on moving westward in a methodical manner, looking for a trail to follow. By noon, they were well past Laruhk's position, and he began to grow concerned. He wondered how he might confuse them further, and then a thought struck him.
The Orc crawled forward on his belly, seeking his prey. He soon found a group of horses standing nearby while their riders rested. Remembering the trampling that had so wounded him during the attack on Ord-Kurgad, he flinched but then shrugged. He had survived the injuries, thanks to the efforts of his sister. Obviously, it was not yet time for him to join the Ancestors.
He rose from the ground, moving forward slowly. The riders were all chatting away, deep in conversation. Laruhk drew closer, watching them from the corner of his eye as he approached their horses. His plan was simple enough. Snatch the horses, or release them, and then make his escape.
All that changed when one of the soldiers turned towards the horses. Laruhk froze, but as their eyes met, he knew he had been discovered. He let out a yell as he rushed towards the horses, intending to scare them into running, but the riders had tethered them to a fallen trunk. The Orc was soon amongst them, casting his eyes about, trying to figure out how to untie them.
The warriors called out as they drew their weapons. Laruhk, out of desperation, pulled his knife and began sawing away at a leather lead. Leaping onto the back of a horse, he was ready to speed away to safety, but the beast merely stood there, perhaps frozen with fear.
He tried talking to the animal and then cursed himself for speaking Orc. Next, he tried common, but the stubborn creature was having none of it. Finally, his heart pounding in fear, he slapped the horse's rump, sending it careening off across the field. Laruhk held on for dear life, grasping the mane to steady himself. He felt the wind in his hair, the pulse of the great beast beneath him, and then his head struck a branch as the horse rushed into some trees. One moment he was sitting on the beast's back, the next, he was lying on the ground.
Laruhk shook his throbbing head, trying to stop the world from spinning. His eyes finally came into focus only to stare up into the drawn swords of three soldiers. He smiled, throwing out his arms to his front in supplication. "I am your prisoner," he said, using the common tongue, and then everything went black.
He awoke to a slap. Before him knelt the Human leader, the man who had called himself Commander Harmon.
"Speak, you imbecile," the man was ranting. "I know you understand our language."
Laruhk stared back, unsure of the man's meaning. He tried to speak, but his tongue was swollen, his throat parched.
Harmon looked at his companion. "Is there nothing you can do?"
"He is an Orc, Commander. I doubt torture will loosen his tongue."
Harmon leaned in closer. Laruhk wanted to hit him, but he realized his hands were tied behind his back. He thought back on Kargen's words, then took a deep breath.
"Water," he said, his voice cracking.
"Get him some water," said Harmon. "Maybe that will loosen his tongue."
"Are you sure, sir?"
"Do as I say, man!"
"Yes, sir." His companion held up a cup, tipping the contents down Laruhk's throat.
"Thank you," said the Orc.
"Now speak, you vile creature," said Harmon. "Where have they gone?"
"Back to Ord-Kurgad," said
