[Ransom]

Arrows began to skitter into the guardroom, forcing the three former convicts to take cover. Ransom flinched slightly as arrow grazed his shoulder and dove behind an upturned table. His companions declined to share his cover. After all, neither woman desired to be impaled upon his armor.

The frequency of the shots became quicker, and the pounding of boots came closer. The first orc burst through the door and stopped, apparently thinking that the guard post was abandoned. Said orc’s world burst into pain as the table skittered across the floor and knocked the legs from under him. The last thing he saw was Ransom as he pushed a blade through the unlucky orc’s throat.

Two more orcs charged through the entrance, only to be eviscerated in a single swing by Ancalagon’s Claw. Ransom hastily retreated from another volley of shots, most of which bounced of his new armor. Elwyn and Elanor took up positions near the door as they waited for another wave of enemies.

They did not have to wait long. A dozen large orcs burst into the room, pressing the defenders backwards. Ransom parried a sword before he brought his pole arm crashing down on the orc’s head. This was going to be nasty.