Return to the Sorceress's tower.

The Akkadian growled with impatience and frustration. In the past such a show of annoyance from the feared killer was enough to make most men rapidly back away. Now to his own ears he merely sounded petulant, the Orc guards though exchanged worried glances. No doubt having witnessed the Sorceress's arcane powers many times they had a healthy respect of what she was capable of when displeased. The assassin considered the large Orc's advice, to be as he appeared in command of the witch's bodyguard he would have to be a capable fighter and more intelligent than was usually true of his race. His assessment of the strength of the Orc guards under his command was undoubtedly correct.

"Very well." The Akkadian paused, having no idea of the creature's name or even whether the Sorceress would address him by name. "You serve me well in offering such counsel. We shall return to the tower, however I must know the fate of that Akkadian. Send a scout back into Al Areth with enough wits to avoid drawing attention to himself. He shall make subtle enquiries and learn what has become of the assassin."

"Wits...subtle...um." The Orc's brow wrinkles into a frown as he ponders the command, clearly considering whether any of his Orc's could fit such a description. "Perhaps Nottlob the archer could manage such a thing Mistress, half his blood is human and he can pass as one if he is hooded.

"Excellent, instruct him to return to the tower once he has word of the Akkadian's fate." The Akkadian commands.

The Orc bowed low and backed from the tent and the Akkadian immediately after heard him barking orders outside to his troops. Within half an hour the Sorceress's small retinue was prepared for the march back to the tower. Once the assassin emerged from the witch's tent he assessed the **** at his command. His guard numbered barely more than a dozen, as the large Orc had warned it was far too few to face Trimon's considerable company directly. A few of the Orcs were mounted on giant wolves and served as outriders to the party whilst the bulk marched on foot. For the Akkadian himself to ride was a fine desert bred stallion. A pair of pack camels carried the packed up tent and the Sorceress's belongings.

The small party made good time on the march. One advantage of Orc warriors was their ability to move at a run for hours at a time, even weighed down by armour and weapons and in the heat of the desert. The spear armed foot warriors easily kept pace with the Akkadian on horseback and the laden camels. Though they surrounded his horse protectively on the march, none of the Orcish guards attempted to speak to the Akkadian and the larger more intelligent leader ranged ahead of the group on a massive black warg. The Akkadian was left to his own thoughts as they moved at a respectable pace through the desert towards the Sorceress's citadel.