[Farael]

Sythric left the camp early and made his way down towards the burned village. Osmod had noticed the old man was thinking more than what he was saying, but could not figure out what it was. Surely he was not eager to go into that village, no-one would. Yet the village was on their way and so Osmod packed his things up and lead the group downhill. Sythric had given them plenty of time to get there and so they would have time to go around the burned houses and the dead orcs. ”Why? I have seen them once, and that is once too many times. Those wretched creatures deserve no better than to become food for any stray animal that will want to stomach them. If any ever do. He looked up to where Fion was riding and waited until the man looked at him before speaking ”I won’t be staying in the village today. We must not forget our mission and someone has to scout ahead. I know I did the same thing yesterday, but if you want to stay in the village and wait for Sythric I’ll just get ahead by myself. Let me warn you, it is not a pretty sight”

The group rode on, mostly in silence. The horses picked their way down the slope carefully, each of them feeling restless as they smelt the decayed bodies and torched houses. Not to mention burnt flesh. The riders also grew restless, their most primitive instincts blaring warnings their minds tried to put to rest. In Osmod’s case, it was to no avail.

At last, they reached the outskirts of the town. A big orc awaited them, with a defiant look on his face. He was leaning against what seemed to be the only wall left standing of what had been a small cottage, his sword was lying on the ground within easy reach of his hand. Osmod’s hand flew to the hilt of his sword before he realized that it would not be necessary. The orc was dead, an arrow lodged on his neck. Shuddering with disgust, Osmod wheeled around and looked at the rest of the group. ”I’ve made up my mind. Things look very different under the sun light, but not any better. I will ride through the town and out on the south side and get ahead while at least some of us wait for Sythric. I don’t want to ride alone, not now that these beasts may be are nearby. Would any of you like to join me?” He looked at their stern faces. They were all brave, there was no doubt about it. Osmod hoped he would not fail them, as he felt they would never fail him.