Trapped

...but before the iron could give way, a heavy metallic CLANG echoed through the corridor. The heavy iron portcullis slammed into the stone floor with a deafening, metallic crash, sealing off the only exit. Within seconds, five massive mutineers filled the corridor outside, their crude iron axes and spears glinting in the dim torchlight.

Uthul glanced at the iron bars, then down at the crowbar in her hand, and finally at the five hulking orcs grinning back at her. With a heavy, dramatic sigh, she casually tossed the crowbar onto the dirt and raised her broad green hands into the air.

“Alright, alright,” she drawled, her voice dripping with dry sarcasm. “Don’t get your loincloths in a twist. We surrender.”

I didn’t need to be told twice. I immediately threw my hands up alongside hers, backing slowly away from the bars.

From the floor, Korant let out a low, miserable groan, burying his face directly in his hands. “By the Light... captured twice in two days... And in such questionable company!”

The lead grunt stepped right up to the iron grates, his yellowed tusks bared in a wide, mocking sneer as he looked the three of us over.

“Well, well,” he rumbled, chuckling as his crew barked with laughter behind him. “Look at what dropped into our lap! The disgraced chief, her pretty human pet, and the sore-assed knight all bundled up together! Saves us the trouble of hunting you down in the dark.”

“You’re welcome,” Uthul smirked back, completely unfazed as she leaned against the stone wall and crossed her arms. “Though if you think you’re keeping us all in this cramped little hole, you’d better order more grog. The knight here hasn’t stopped complaining about his backside for the last ten minutes.”
“I have not!” Korant sputtered, his head snapping up with a furious, crimson blush. “My lord, tell her to cease this instant!”
“Quiet, cattle!” the lead grunt barked, rattling his spear against the iron bars...