Gareth rode out of the castle and into the forest. He had a lot of work to do, and he knew that he didn't have much time. Malkor's army was getting closer, and Gareth needed to prepare his men for battle.
Gareth rode for several hours, until he came to a clearing. In the middle of the clearing was a small village. Gareth dismounted his horse and walked towards the village.
As he got closer, Gareth could see that the village was in ruins. The houses were burned down, and the streets were littered with debris. Gareth could hear the cries of the villagers, and he knew that they had been attacked.
Gareth ran into the village, and he saw that the villagers were being attacked by a group of orcs. The orcs were large and powerful, and they were easily overpowering the villagers.
Gareth drew his sword and charged into the fray. He fought bravely, and he quickly dispatched several orcs. The other villagers were inspired by Gareth's courage, and they joined the fight.
Together, Gareth and the villagers were able to defeat the orcs. The villagers were grateful to Gareth for saving them, and they begged him to stay and lead them.
Gareth knew that he couldn't stay. He had to go and prepare his men for battle. But he promised the villagers that he would return, and that he would save them from Malkor.
Gareth mounted his horse and rode away from the village. He knew that he had a long journey ahead of him, but he was determined to succeed. He had to save the kingdom.