Nalathisor: Conversations with an Orc

The five of us left NewKeep, and headed towards the Northwest of the lands. After about half a day's journey we came across a man sitting on the side of the road next to a wagon. No sooner had the old man finished telling us that he was attacked by orcs who had taken his wife, than Jackle fired an arrow off into the trees. Apparently he had seen a foot dangling from the trees. His proficiency with the bow helped him land a fatal blow as after he fired his arrow, and orc dropped dead to the ground.

However, in true Jackle fashion, he didn't bother to see the exact layout of the situation, as 3 more orcs jumped out. Poor Thelonius was surrounded with an orc on either side of him. In front of the monk was what seemed like the leader of the orcs. He was holding a dagger to the throat of a woman, we could only assume was the man's wife. Soon all our weapons were drawn.

The orc began muttering something, and being versed in the language of the Orcs was able to translate. He told us to put our weapons down or the woman dies. I attempted to strike up a conversation but he kept insisting on us putting our weapons down. I attempted to get my compatriots to lower their weapons, as the current situation was not good for the woman being held hostage.

Jackle was resistant to put his bow down, but in the common tongue I told him not to worry, that he was the fastest draw among any of us. Apparently I was too loud, as the orc than muttered, in common, "I speak common". I really should stick to using Elven or Draconic between Jackle and I.

I continued a conversation with the orc leader trying to keep him distracted. Thelonius and I seemed to be on the same page though, as while I was conversing with the leader, the monk quickly was able to sneak up and disarm the leader, freeing the old lady. Jackle immediately fired his bow, and watched as his arrow found it's final resting place, embedded deep through the throat of the main orc.

The other orcs were finished in short order, although the monk did suffer some wounds. It appears that he was early in his training, as he tends to throw his punches rather wildly. Sometimes doing nothing more than cooling his enemy off with a slight breeze.

We took care of the old man, Thomas, and his wife. That night during camp, some of the remarks Llan and Jackle made, caused me to think they know more now than they did before. I decided to get Llan alone and find out what he knew. During our conversation Llan, told me about the steps he took to track down his father. How he sent a letter to him, so they could meet in NewKeep and he could confront him. I offically welcomed him to the family. Truthfully he's always felt like family to me, ever since he was young. Llan truly seemed interested in getting to know his father. I figured I'd not ruin his happiness now with the sad news of his mother.

Jackle on the other hand, wasn't taking this whole father thing serious. But then again what would I expect. After all he wasn't there while he grew up. He just sired the boy and left.

We camped for the night, before continuing the 10 day journey to GladeKeep.