Days 4-5
Right. I have to get this down. It is important that we have a record. Once I get this done, then I can rest.
Yesterday - Powers, it does not feel like it was only yesterday - on Fion’s orders, Blodflaed, Morfryn and I set off to scout the ruined fortress of Naerost, the Orcs' main camp. Oh - on the road we encountered a group of traders, defended by a large group of mercenaries, heading the other way; though they could tell us little we did not already know.
Our task was to scout and learn what we could of the enemy’s strength, but we could discern little from the outside of the ruins - although a large group of mounted orcs left as we were arriving. We decided to attempt to infiltrate it under cover of night; but our attempts at stealth were to no avail. We must have been seen from the walls, for the Orcs were waiting for us, and sprung a trap. Surrounded and outnumbered, Blodflaed ordered us to surrender.
They took everything - all our weapons and provisions - and threw us in a cage. Then they took Morfryn for questioning. I believe that they tortured him, though as usual he puts a brave face on it. Then they forced him to beat Blodflaed into submission for their amusement, promising our freedom in exchange. Their leader - a strange Orc in silver armour - forced me to watch too. When it was all over, he separated me from the other two. It is still hazy, but I believe that he strangled me until I lost consciousness. Then he must have left me lying on the stones.
I cannot have been unconscious for more than a few hours, but when I awoke, the ruins were silent: the Orcs had broken camp, leaving behind all their prisoners. I roused the others, and we also freed Bella, the wife of Dolgo, who was being held there. From the top of the ruins, Blodflaed spied the Orcs in the distance, headed east towards the Trollshaws. She said the band numbered between about five- and ten-score - far more than we had anticipated.
By this time it was mid-morning. There was nothing left in the camp: no supplies, no orders, no weapons. Our gear must have been either taken or destroyed. So we had no choice but to trudge back to the Forsaken Inn, battered and defeated.
We have just got back. The others are discussing our next moves at the other table, but I haven't much to offer. It all sounds pretty hopeless. Anyway I have promised myself this is the last thing I have to do before I can sleep. Maybe in the morning everything will seem a little brighter.
There is some kind of commotion outside now. Some of the others are rushing to see what it is, but... I am not sure I have the will to help.
… No, that isn’t me. Come on, Elmwater. One more job to do. Then you can rest.
