Brok was conflicted. He had a job to do, an somewhat important, and certainly well-paying job, but his senses told him there was danger about. He knew he had to continue, to press on and reach the edge of the forest, but he longed for a fight.
The orc carried with him a small metal chest, the sole cause of his conundrum. It sat securely in his pack, and whatever it was, it was obviously very personal. Given what he knew of his employer, it was valuable and intended to woo a noble woman of some description. Said employer couldn't go himself of course, the gift was better delivered if he couldn't be seen. Brok put it down to the trip simply being too dangerous and too long of a walk for one as rich as he. Getting it through the big bad forest, and into the hands of Lady Wetherin was Brok's job. Yet, there in lied the desire and the question. This
was
goblin territory, deep goblin territory, but he had yet to find even one of the angry little ankle biters.
Where was the danger?
He wondered, he was promised danger and gods be damned if he wasn't going to kill something before sundown!
He was off, the delivery could wait. Instincts led him, as he broke away from the path and ran through the thick green mess of shrubbery and trees. The scent of danger clung to the forest air. The orc was completely enticed by it and set upon finding its source. His now frantic searching was rewarded by the sound of clanging metal.
"Take her alive, boys, she'll only sell if she's breathing!" Were the first words he caught as he found his way through the thicket of trees.
"Oh, I'll take her alright!"
"Never!" cried a smaller voice in retaliation
Brok's bloodlust was delayed by hesitation and confusion. From his vantage point, he could see what looked to be a small group of humans attacking an overturned goblin caravan of some kind. He almost chuckled at the sight of it, any other day and the roles would have been reversed. From what he could make out, they weren't after anything inside the caravan, rather they seemed to be trying to get hold of the goblin who was clinging desperately to a panicking horse. The warrior wanted to continue to watch how the battle would play out, but his desire to stab something overruled his curiosity. Bursting into a run, he launched his attack.
With a hearty battle cry, he drew his sword. His shouting gained him no attention, however, and the battle continued. Determined to battle, Brok announced himself by driving his sword through the chest of a battle-locked human. The flimsy leather armour doing nothing to stop the blade from penetrating his torso. Tearing the blade from the body, blood spewing forth as it slumped to the ground continuing to erupt crimson, he made for a threatening display. Now he was the centre of attention. In an instant, two more foes were upon him, one human, one half-elf. The human swung first, the blade merely liking Brok's cheek. Unfazed, the orc stepped into the opening and shattered his jaw with a quick punch.
Quick to react, the half-elf flung a minuscule ball of fire at his orc opponent. Brief but effective, the heat of the flames burnt away most of his trouser leg and left a nasty singe, but he made no show of it. A clumsy dagger flew towards him, hitting him hilt first and falling harmlessly to the ground. It was a poor attempt at an attack and with little effort, the half-breed was skewered on Brok's blade. Blood gurgled from his mouth and the orc found his desire to kill mostly sated.
Looking beyond the body impales upon his weapon, his intense gaze acted as enough of a warning to scare off the remaining bandits. Few were brave enough to face an orc and all but one fled for their lives. He that remained had just finished gutting the last goblin guard. Wasting no time, he reached for what Brok could now see was a rather buxom young creature atop a horse far too big for one of her kind.
Her jewellery, among other things, bounced about her as she tried to repel him with a flurry of kicks. The quality of her apparel gave reason to believe that she was someone important, which also explained the guards. Finally, grabbing hold of her shin, the bandit leader pulled her to the ground and gave a call for his fellows only to be met with a very alarming silence. He turned to Brok and the grin on his face was soon replaced with a one of fear then gritted determination.
"So, they all ran off, did they? Fine. I'll deal with you myself."
The man released his grip on his captive and charged forward, his greatsword slowing him down none. This man was significantly larger than the three faced before, most likely their leader, and judging by the method of attack, actually knew how to fight.
"I'll kill you," he cried, hacking violently at the orc, "I'll kill you and take your
babe's
teeth as proof!"
Brok assumed he referred to his tusks, to which all orcs took great pride in, and only fuelled his desire to make the man as dead as possible. Though that was proving to be difficult. He was stuck on the defensive, leaving him no choice but to bide his time ducking, weaving, and parrying his enemy's blade.
The determination in the bandit was beginning to wear thin with each swing, while Brok's only continued to fester. The snide remark to tusks still buzzing in the forefront of his mind. With a quick consideration to his foe's exhaustion, he gave decided to risk moving in for the kill. Using the momentum of his lunge, he aimed for the stomach, only managing to strike at his armour, and manoeuvred behind him. Allowing no time to retaliate, the orc planted a mighty kick into his back knocking him to the ground. Brok plunged his sword through his chest and the man cried his last as the life bled out of him. Silently revelling in his victory, Brok's adrenaline held long enough for him to nearly sliced the she-goblin as she approached him; too fascinated by her saviour to think better of the idea.
"Woah." Was all she could bring herself to say.
Brok was hesitated to lower his weapon. The gobliness realised that she was being considered first as a possible threat, then as the victim. He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, returning his bloodied sword to its sheath. His piercing gaze was replaced now by a look less murderous. She let out a sigh of relief and forced herself to return to her demeanour of calmness. Clearing his throat, he spoke as unthreateningly as a blood sodden orc knew how.
"Are you alright?" he coughed
"I am, thanks." Her own voice wavering a little before her bravado returned, "Though that's more than I can say for my guards."
"Apologies, I would have saved them had I been here sooner."
"Don't fuss over it too much. They died protecting me, their names shall go down in honour and all that other noise. What intrigues me more, is that you
saved
me. Why?"
"Oh, well, um... You looked as if you needed saving?"