Anduin knew he shouldn't have ventured into the marsh alone. He knew it's dark secrets, the furtive whispers of what lived there. But as with all men, his pride shielded him against all dangers-even humility. But as he lay struggling against his bonds, surrounded on all sides by the laughter of orcs, he realized that perhaps he should have second guessed himself. Even for a moment.
The orcs-giant, immeasurably strong, pig-faced things-weren't known for being silent. Yet these ones had trailed him with a quiet calculation that belied how crafty orcs truly were. It was an all-female raiding party, their sex and modesty strangers to one another. They laughed every time he cursed and kicked, their massive breasts rising high on their toned bodies. Yet one-pale in complexion, with massive tusks-stood at the edge of the group, watching his every move. Anduin shouted and thrashed, spitting at them, and calling them every name he knew. He thought of the gods, and prayed to any that were listening. But the gods didn't answer-and he was alone, subject to the cacophony that broke through the dismal light of the swamp.
Anduin panted, and went slack against his bonds. So this is how it ends then, he thought to himself. He raised his head slowly, and grit his jaw. He looked at the circle, encroaching every few moments in a fit of giggles and snorts, and spoke.
"Well then? Do it, you foul wenches. Kill me! Get it over with, you lazy sods!" he hissed. The orcs erupted into more laughter, pointing at him and muttering in their own tongue, squeals and grunts piercing the night air. The pale orc stepped forward, and the crowd parted for her. She dropped to one knee, and her eyes trailed over Anduin. She smirked, and came closer. Anduin flinched and shuffled, trying to pull from her touch, but her claws caressed his face. The tips trailed over an old scar that cut across his jaw, and stopped.
"You've seen battle." Muttered the pale orc in a gutteral tone. Anduin looked towards her, and were she not so close, he would have spat in her face. He would have struggled against the ropes, were his breath not already racing.
Instead, he gave her a slight nod, which the pale one returned.
"Are you a soldier? A warrior?" she asked.
Anduin sat for a moment, and then said "A soldier. The king's first battalion."
He thought the words would strike fear into the orcs. Hearing the name of their foremost enemy should have done that. Instead, the circle sat, their eyes darting between the pale one and he. The pale orc gave a nod, and chuckled.