A rescue attempt

"Unhand her knave!"

The orcs and Lauren all turned to see Sir Marlis charging from the woods, his sword drawn. Beside him was Berran and Vaniss, weapons in hand.

The orcs were startled, but reacted quickly. The one holding Lauren upside down by the leg moved his huge axe at her, placing it's wicked looking curved blade right by her throat. Lauren's eyes shot wide in fear as she froze in place, her thrashing ceasing.

"Stop right there!" The orc bellowed. "Or the Sacred Child looses her head!"

All three of Lauren's would be heroes stopped short. They couldn't risk Lauren's life like that!

"Drop your weapons!" The orc commanded.

Marlis, Berran and Vaniss all looked to each other. Then, reluctantly, they threw down their sword, bow and daggers on the ground before them...