Editor's note: this story contains scenes of non-consensual or reluctant sex.
*****
"Great, just great," Conryn grumbled to himself as he marched along. "Well they'll be sorry when I come back with treasure, and take the bounty for clearing the cave."
Conryn was a young man fresh out of the University of Arcane learning, and was dead set on living his dream as an adventurer. The carefree life of exploration and travel always appealed to him, and after becoming a fairly competent mage, he was determined to make a name for himself after forming a party called "The Triple Threat" with two of his friends. Both were mages as well, but more versed in combat and weaponry than Conryn was.
After earning his degree, spending his savings on gear, and successfully obtaining a Bounty Hunter license, he was ready for his first quest. He was not deterred by his university counselor recommending a safer line of work, nor by the office of Bounty Enforcement nearly laughing him out of the building. Conryn did not appear as your average battle hungry adventurer.
For starters, he hardly ever wore armor of any kind. He never liked the way it made him feel heavy and slow, even lighter leather armors. He instead opted for enchanted robes and memorizing a protection spell should he ever need it.
He was clean-shaven with short blonde hair always parted neatly on the side, and his skin was pale and soft, obviously indicating he had never done much physical labor.
Finally, he was only about 5'4", though a human, and slender with not much defined musculature. His hips were on the wider side, and his face was soft and androgynous. The clerk at the office of Bounty Enforcement remarked he was more likely to be seen for rent in a fancy brothel.
Nevertheless, Conryn was determined to prove his doubters wrong. Unfortunately, he would need to add the other two members of the Triple Threat to that list, as they had given him notice this morning that they would not be joining him on his first Bounty.
Citing excuses such as "lack of experience" and "just want to go home and see my family," Conryn's friends had left this morning to their respective hometowns, leaving the recently graduated mage alone. Many heated words were exchanged, and Conryn decided to stay on his path, his stubbornness superseding the voice in the back of his head that suggested that perhaps a solo venture was not the safest route for his first quest.
And so Conryn found himself trudging through the snow outside of Icehill, making his way to the northern mountain range that hid within its caverns a hideout belonging to a few Orcs. HIs back was heavy and weighed down with an overabundance of rations and tools and gadgets, far more than was practical but he hoped to help compensate for the lack of manpower he was bringing to the caves. A small group of bandit Orcs may have not been too much for a small group of adventurers to handle, but on his own Conryn knew he would need every advantage he could find.
It was already early afternoon by the time Conryn reached the entrance to a large cave, one that had enough slightly obscured foot traffic to indicate that it likely had some inhabitants. It was about this time his reservations were beginning to make themselves somewhat louder. He stopped his hiking and took a moment to catch his breath; by now he was fairly winded. Snow had dampened the hem of his robes and his cheeks were flush.
Conryn breathed deep, puffing out his chest. He was running different scenarios through his head on how best to tackle the situation. If what he had heard was true, a small handful of Orcs waited inside the cavern with a makeshift camp. They raided local villages and robbed travelers on the road, supposedly growing a collection of valuables ripe for the taking. A few adventurers had taken the bounty but not returned, which was not completely unexpected. Bounties had plenty of no shows either from cold feet or failed attempts. This did not concern him, it was likely that whoever did attempt to claim the bounty was chased off or simply had second thoughts. Conryn would return victorious, claiming the stolen goods and a bounty for himself.
His boots crunched in the snow as he continued his approach, mulling over his attack plan while he walked. As he was only one, perhaps intimidation was not the best tactic. He would present himself a competent adventurer, explain that the Orcs must clear camp or face citizen's arrest, and then give a demonstration of his arcane power. Yes, that would work.
The cave was cold and the air was still, and only a flickering light off in the distance gave any indication that there was life here. Conryn adjusted his bag and shook some of the moisture off his shining new staff. He cleared his throat and walked further, the sounds of low grumble speech now reaching his ears over the echoes of his steps. The cave itself was empty and dark and the firelight was coming from a tunnel off to the side. The Obsidian Mountains were known to house an extensive cavern network.
"I hear there's a politician coming through next," a gravelly voice said. "Nothing likely to cause too much a stir, but a noble or something like that."
"Likely to have food," another responded, "and nobles got themselves plenty of fodder we can send to Terrus, should keep him off our back for a while."
There was a pause, and Conryn pressed himself against the cold stone wall, peaking an eye around the corner.
Around a blazing fire sat five brutish Orcs. The fire appeared to be keeping them very warm as they were clad in only leather pants. Their dark green skin glistened in the firelight, skin stretched tightly over rippling muscles, faces rough and worn. The shortest one was easily over 6'6". Conryn felt his heart skip a beat at the sight of them, the small voice of doubt growing louder.
The largest of the group leaned back against the wall of the cavern. "As long as it isn't someone too important. Draw too much attention and the towns are gonna finally get serious about clearing out the caves." The others nodded in agreement. "We raid the caravan, prioritize food and wine, grab valuables, and swipe a couple guards if we can."
One of the others spoke up, "I can start scouting in the mornings so we get a heads up." He reached down and unbuttoned his pants. "I think we should keep a guard for ourselves. Or a maid if they've got one."
Conryn breathed slowly, his pulse beginning to race. He adjusted his balance, leaning against the stone. Under his boot, a small stone cracked against the ground. In an instant, the gathering of Orcs turned to face the tunnel entrance. Conryn stood upright and out of view, now very aware of how terrified he was beginning to feel.
"Someone out there?" Barked one of them.
"Gotta be another Bounty Hunter," replied another.
Conryn smoothed out his robes and cleared his throat. He stepped into the tunnel and tapped the ground with his staff. "Yes, I am Conryn of-"
