orcs

The Orc raid had started well; coming down from the hills they had attacked the small hamlet and received little resistance from the farmers. Now the prisoners were bound together in a line, taking the prisoners alive would keep the meat fresher. Then, just as they had begun to set light to the houses and barns, on the crest of the hill a figure on a horseback had appeared. As he was mounted he would be able to easily outdistance the Orcs who were on foot so the Orcs had no real interest in pursuing him. But instead of riding away the figure dismounted and walked towards the Orcs.

The wind tugged at the flames of the campfire, making them dance and cast shifting shadows behind the men sat around it. They were tightly wrapped in their cloaks and their faces hidden under hoods; despite the temperate weather, the unusually chilly wind made it feel like winter was coming. On the outskirts of the illuminated area, in the near darkness, stood horses. They looked around constantly, unnerved by something but maintaining the calm and discipline their masters required of them.