----- Raven wipes the sweat from his brow and then takes a slow look around the area. Raven gives a quick short whistle and then yells, "Here Dog!" Raven keeps scanning the horizon looking for any movement. Everything seems very still other than the sound of birds building nests among the eaves of some of the buildings.
-----Arliss pulls his mail coif up so it covers his head again. "This foul orcish stench has sickened me long enough," he says looking at Rand and Raven. "Is there anymore to be learned from these wretches?" The paladin rests his hand on his sheathed broadsword.
-----Raven looks back and shakes his head no. Raven heads back towards the orcs. Raven puts his left hand on the hilt of one his swords. Raven looks at the rest of the group to hear what they have to say.
-----Thalog is now mounted and has the other horses with him. "You could ask where they got the silver and the multi-colored gemstones. You could also find out more about the west and the north. . . a description of what is going on, perhaps. Since these orc have traveled farther than us, you could also ask what they have seen of a curse upon the land."
-----Raven says to Thalog, "I've already asked about the gems and silver. The orc said that some humans gave them the silver and gems to go on raids. I'll ask about what we will find to the west and north." Raven goes over and talks to the orc. The orc replies back.
-----Raven walks back to Thalog, "No luck. The orc can't tell me anything more that we don't already know. Sharp as a bubble these orcs are..."
-----Raven trails off and then looks at Arliss. "We need to get going, this evil must be stopped."
Raven starts to walk behind one of the orcs. Raven looks over to see if Arliss is getting into position to execute the other orc. Raven's face shows not rage, but instead almost sadness. Raven mutters, "Orc or not, this is the worst way to die...on your knees."
-----Thalog says, "I found that answer unsatisfactory, but as you wish."
-----"What do you want so the answer is satisfactory? I'm just repeating what these devil spawned creatures told me. Do you have different questions you want to ask them?" Raven stays his killing the orc until Thalog replies.
-----"Perhaps some names and why. If they persist in not cooperating, then dispense 'Justice' to all but the little one. If that does not scare it out of him, then we can always take him back to Hearthorn and have them do it."
-----Raven thinks for a moment. "Good idea. I'll ask him for some names and see if he knows what's going on with the curse." Raven puts his sword away and then talks to the orc.
-----Arliss finally stands and straightens his posture. A thoughtful look crosses his face. "Perhaps Thalog is right," he slowly says, looking at the other three. "Those who do not cooperate should face the Justice of Joren here. I can lead the small one back to Hearthorn . . . alone."
-----Arliss raises his hand, his palm open. "My friends, let me have my say. My strength is greatly weakened. I know not if I possess the strength to carry out justice on these foul ones."
-----"The village of Tru lies about two miles from here. I can take the trail road to Hearthorn from there. Once I reach the Temple, I can confer with my superiors, recover my strength and perhaps rejoin you in the next day or two."
-----"There lies to the west another set of ruins that possibly hide humans who are as guilty as these orcs. If, for no other reason than to spy conditions, it would be best for the three of you to venture there. I do not ask that you put yourselves in danger, but to hesitate may be unwise. We do not know the time and direction evil moves in. If you feel you must, you can venture on to the north. As I said in a day or two, I can meet you in Hearthorn or at Broactor's dwelling. What say you, my noble friends?"
-----"Meeting at Broactor's dwelling in two days seems logical. That way the three of us have enough time to check out the west."
-----Raven simply nods and says, "It would be good to talk with Broacter and see if he has any new information."
-----The smallest orc did not know any names of the humans the orcs met and the other two humanoids were too surly to cooperate. So it was that after a short time, two of the orcs were beheaded and the skinny orc was placed in Arliss's custody. The paladin used his rope to tie the humanoid to his mount's saddle.
-----Raven gathered the remaining pouches from the orcs. The skinny orc with the big lips carried four gold pieces. From the body of one of the dead orcs, he found five gold pieces. He also found that the one-eyed orc carried a single small black stone.
-----Arliss turned and faced the party extending his arm toward each man in a customary warrior handshake. "Take care, my friends," he solemnly offered, "May the shield of Joren guard and protect you. In two days, we meet at the House of Broactor. Until then, take no extreme chances. I vow, a stronger Arliss Vanderbrook you then will meet!"
-----With that, the paladin mounted his steed and slowly rode to the southwest. The orc walked along quietly beside him.