[Cimmerian]

Ozracles was stunned, but more so by the unexpectedness of the blow than the blow itself. The slight blood that trickled out of an old injury bothered him little. The fact that now a mere boy, that too a pretty one, had had the gall to strike at him raised his hackles. Driving his right fist into the boy’s midriff, the huge barbarian slammed his left fist downward as Carathon doubled up in pain.

As the boy crumpled down in a whimpering heap and lay crouched on the muddy ground, Ozracles raised his large boot to crush down on his head. Thorondruin yelled but still held on to his profusely bleeding nose. As the killing boot came down on the frightened boy’s head, Ozracles found himself being lifted up into the air. Turning his bloodied face in confusion, he looked into Himelilek’s dark eyes and maniacal smile.