An orc!

You awake suddenly. At first, you don’t know why, but then you hear the sound of something moving in the cave. You open your eyes a crack, and it’s all you can do not to cry out. An orc stands in the cave, his bulk seeming to fill it. His stench almost chokes you. He wears armour of black steel, and has a sharp sword in his hand. He would have killed you already, but it seems he was distracted – his piggy red eyes are fixed on Tri’lanna’s nude, sleeping form.

It’s the opening you need. You reach out quickly, grabbing your axe. You’re up and swinging before the orc has noticed you’re awake, and your simple weapon’s blade cuts deep into his shoulder through a gap in his armour.

He roars in pain and fury. Tri’lanna snaps awake, her eyes widening in fear as she sees what’s happening.

You dodge a swing of the orc’s sword – barely. It’s close enough to rip your sleeve, and leave a red line on your arm, but no serious wound.

You strike back, your axe blade slamming into his thigh. He cries out again, and falls to one knee. Your axe swings round a third time, lopping of his head.

There’s a pause. You lean on your axe, trying to catch your breath as adrenalin pounds through your body. Then, the silence is broken by a slow clap.

You look up, and to your horror you see another orc standing in the cave mouth. He’s taller than the one you just killed, and looks a bit less ugly and a lot more intimidating. He wears gilded black armour, and carries himself with the air of a king. Behind him, you see more orcs, at least a dozen.

“Vash-gul was a mighty warrior,” he says, speaking your tongue with a slight grunting accent. “To be killed by an unarmoured human peasant with a woodcutter’s axe is great shame to him – and a great honour to you!”

He laughs, a great, booming sound.

“I am Warlord Tsurvurash! Vash-gul was one of my huskarls,” he continues. “He had planned to slay you and take that elf as a ****. I could do the same…” Your grip tightens on your axe. “…but it would be a waste. I think you have an orcish soul, human. And with the oncoming Dark Hordes, the Black Steel Orcs can use every warrior they can muster. I’d like to offer you Vash-gul’s place in our tribe.”

You consider his offer. On the one hand, you have heard horrific stories about the ways of orcs. On the other hand, if you refuse his offer you doubt you’ll escape alive.