In my incoming daze i noticed Cassas' ears started twitching and i lazily smiled at the sight. "Stay quiet. Stay here," she whispered to me then slowly took the dagger from its scabbard on my right leg. All i could do was gently nod to her. I put my hands behind my head in the tall grass and closed my eyes. Cassa silently disappeared as did Morlin. I was totally relaxed by this point and i could feel a strange energy flowing around me. I couldnt tell if it was in my head or i was floating inside the energy, all i knew was it felt sort of 'natural'? I remembered the spell tome that i opened and the blinding light. I didn't realize my hands were starting to glow as i thought about the name of the spell and the hazy cloudiness in my head became clearer. My scenes sharpened as well and i could smell things that i wouldn't normally be able to.
'metallic smell? Iron?' i though as that was the freshest scent then my eyes popped open the second i figured it out, "Blood!" i said and the moment my eyes focused on a gnarly looking sword that was raised over the head of a large figure. I instinctively pulled my knees up to my chest quickly and forced my self to roll backwards then i heard a whoosh sound as the blade embedded in the dirt through the grass. Rolling backwards i stayed crouched as i got my feet squared under me then launched myself at the figure, my fist extended towards what i though was its head. I heard a sickening crunch as my fist connected and the figure fell to the side as my body glanced off its immense frame. I immediately ran for Morlins cart and found my bow. I grabbed the few arrows i had left and gripped them in the hand i held the bow body. I knocked an arrow and drew the bow looking back to the camp site. i crouched down and stalked into the grass. I first saw a large figure held something that gone limp in its hand and i aimed for what i thought was its neck. My beathing slowed almost to a hold and i narrowed my eyes then slowly let the string slip from my fingers.
The figure dropped the thing that it held at its side then fell backwards. I knew my shot was true so i didnt even wait for the arrow to hit before i readied another arrow. "Ered! Help!" I heard a high pitched squealing voice call for me and i ran closer. I saw Cassa was on the shoulders of another of the large figures and took aim again. I hurried my shot this time at seeing her ear clenched in a massive fist. I loosed my arrow and it caught the figure in the gut. Cassa jumped off its shoulders when it released its grip and wrenched at its stomach. I quickly loosed another well aimed arrow and this time the thing fell over and didn't move anymore.
"Ered! Goblette! Over 'er!" we both ran to Morlin and i could see him sitting on the chest of a large man shaped figure laying in the grass. He had his dagger pressed tight against its throat. I drew another arrow and pointed it directly at the beings' eye and Cassa jumped on its stomach and planted the tip of my iron dagger against the things flesh.
The figure started speaking a low toned, guttural language that neither of us could understand and i felt my mothers necklace start glowing under my shirt. "Keep it talking i shouted and Cassa pressed the dagger tip harder. The figure spoke louder and faster and my eyes closed as the understanding filled my mind. A few moments passed then i opened my eyes and untied the neck and handed it to Cassa. She knew to hold it while it glowed and i spoke to the creature that was pinned to the ground, "Why did you attack us?" Its eyes went wide when i spoke its own language. I was surprised at how deep my voice sounded when i spoke this new language. I hadnt really thought about it before but how was i diferentiating between Goblish and common speak and now what ever this language is? I pondered this for a few moments before the thing on ground spoke to me directly. "Kill me now! I am bested." Morlin leaned closer putting more weight on his dagger but i grabbed his shoulder, "Wait." he looked at me with a bewildered expression, "I killed the other two. I dont want to see more death tonight," and the merchant removed his dagger and stepped off the things chest area. I had an idea about these things but i was totally sure then an idea formed, 'worth a try i guess'.
I leaned down to the figure and spoke very slowly, "I claim victory. You belong to me now as my reward." Three sets of eyes went wide at my declaration and the thing on the ground just grunted, "Fine. I will yield. Master." I picked up Cassa and held her as i walked towards Morlin, "I had a hunch they were Orcs just from the size of there silhouettes but i wasnt sure until i spoke the last time." Cassa squirmed out of my embrace and Morlin scratched his head in disbelief, "That was bold, my boy." Morlin looked back towards the Orc and Cassa punched me in the stomach, "Very stupid Ered. Orc kill you dead." The Orc slowly got to its feet and tenderly rubbed its jaw. I didnt even think about my hand until i saw this then an immense pain throbbed in three of my fingers. "I think i broke my hand when i punched that thing."
Cassa simply could not believe that as she just stood there staring at this human. She had never heard of anyone besting an orc by shear strength alone, but this, stupid and stinky, human has done just that. She couldn't help but be in awe of Ered. She started breathing a little heavy as she thought that's what a mate should be for her.