Orthanc was enveloped in an unprecedented atmosphere of tension. Outside, the advancing horde of Orcs resembled a tide of darkness, while inside the tower, the heated standoff felt like a volcano on the verge of eruption. Everyone weighed their position and the next step to take.
"This is bad," Lorne muttered through clenched teeth, gripping his sword tightly as he stared at the enemy forces outside.
Elyssa swiftly returned to the center of the hall, her sharp gaze slicing across Saruman and Doctor Strange. "What now? Are you going to keep arguing? If those Orcs break in, none of us are leaving here alive."
Doctor Strange's eyes flickered as he turned to Saruman. "Saruman, are these Orcs sent by Sauron, or are they under your control?"
Saruman's expression remained calm as he replied coolly, "If they are Sauron's troops, they've arrived far earlier than I anticipated. However… I did not summon such inferior creatures."
