As if things could get any worse Daniel had just finish running in fear from his friends. It all started when they went to the shopkeeper’s home to get supplies. What they found was the shopkeeper sprawled across the floor either dead or drunk.

The band of would be heroes entered his shop to check on him. When it was determined that he was passed out drunk. Daniel started to take items he thought he needed for the journey ahead. This lead to a disagreement and before Daniel knew what hit him he was running in terror for his life.

After the initial fear wore off Daniel watch the shopkeepers shop and went back to retrieve the items he took. He then waited for the others to meet him on the edge of town. Daniel and his childhood friends would continue on with their journey to the next town.

There was no mention of the shopkeeper incident, for all intents it was in the past. They ate hard tact once again until chase caught a rabbit. Daniel cooked the rabbits and created a stew. Though Daniel did not want to cook David kept reminding him that it was his turn. The stew was edible and a somewhat welcome changed from the rations.

On the second night on the trail Daniel and the others were awoken by a startling shriek. Daniel and Bill emerged from their tents to see what the others saw, orcs. The foul creatures must have been drawn to the campsite because of the campfire. A battle followed with the childhood friends emerging victorious. Chase however pressed the attack and ran after one of the retreating orcs.

The others secured the campfire and it was then that everyone realized Chase was missing. Daniel tries as he might attempt to intimidate the orc leader, only for him to laugh at him. Neldar, their Elvin guardian was able to translate the orc’s response to Daniel. With time running out for Chase, Daniel asked David to injury the orc’s leg and then he would let it go and they would follow the wounded orc back to it’s lair.

David was a little too good with the dagger and causes the orc excruciating pain. The orc then shouted in common that he would talk. He told Daniel and the others that his raiding party would meet on the ridge when the moon became high. Daniel tied the orc to a tree and told him if his information is true when he returned he would be free. Then came the warning that if it was false he would die by Daniel’s hand.

Muddling through the dark trail they managed to find the entrance to the orc’s lair. It was decided that David would blend into the shadows and neutralize the two guards. David took out the first guard like a thief in the night. Something went wrong with the second guard however, as he was about to make the killing blow he was blocked by the guard. Daniel rushed to aid David. Swinging the heavy flail Daniel knocked David out on accident. With David on the ground and out of the way, Daniel slew the last guard.

They quickly removed the bodies from the base of the cave then slowly trek down into the cave. What they saw next would be a sight they would never forget for the remainder of their years. Orcs were truly barbarians; they were having their way with Chase. He was screaming in pain as each orc took his turn.

Within seconds the friends came up with a plan to rescue chase. David would go forward to sneak and hide waiting for the perfect time to free chase. Neldar would shoot at the orcs from up above. Daniel would engage the orcs who tried to attack Neldar. Bill would pick off the orcs attacking Daniel.

It was a sound plan only that David tripped and fell falling unconscious. Daniel fought the orcs that charged up the spiral trail. Neldar manage to kill the orc shaman. The childhood friends fought admirably and manage to scare most of the orcs. Chase was close to being free, but then the fates played a cruel hand. A returning orc party entered the cave and a new battle followed. Neldar and Daniel intimidate them and a truce was in place.

Daniel use this time to attempt to free Chase. The orc women thought differently and wanted Daniel to stop. One woman went so far as to scratch Daniel. Seeing his friend violated Daniel punched the woman in the stomach and deprived her of air.

Daniel last action was to muster all his strength and break the shackles that held Chase. With that he fell backwards and died. Bill seeing his brother freed also succumbed to his wounds as well.

Neldar continued to bluff his was out of the situation. Neldar, Chase, and David left the cave together. Chase wanted to give his brother and friend a proper burial but he knew that would not be possible.

When they return to the campsite Chase killed the orc prisoner. The three continued on with their journey. Each saddens by their lost, knowing things will never be the same.