Adriena backs away from Haratai with her head slightly bowed, but watchful, as he turns his attention to the warriors. She returns to Malis' side and removes her backpack. As she does so, Adriena whispers, "We are to sleep by Haratai, the priest. I'll be right back." Adriena then stands up and takes both her and Malis' backpack with her. Adriena turns and walks to a separate spot of the camp where a single bedroll lies. She makes two beds slightly away from this one. Adriena looks around the camp a moment and then returns to Malis' side. Anything extra they have is placed between their beds and Haratai's. Once she is satisfied that they will be comfortable, Adriena returns to Malis again and wait for her to thaw.

Shortly after Adriena returns to Malis, Malis' body regains flexibility and Malis collapses onto her chest, her arms and fingers throbbing in pain from the pressure that was placed upon them. Haratai glances over briefly when he sees that Malis is mobile again and then gives Adriena a look and a head jerk towards the bedrolls.

Garth keeps his eyes on Haratia, waiting for an opportunity to move to the back of the group, thus positioning the mob of orcs between himself and Haratia. Thinking to himself "Let's just see what you see" he waits for his opportunity to make a break for it. He nearly jumps out of his skin when Haratia yells the second time, but breathes a sigh of relief that the attention is not yet on him. With furtive glances at the rest of the party and at the unruly bunch of orcs, Garth walks around to the other side of the group of orcs and squats as if to rest. He always returns his gaze to Haratia to see if he is being watched. Nervously, he realizes that he must remain natural and assume that Haratia can see him. But, he must also make an attempt to not draw undue attention to himself, from the other orcs. It is a very long walk! Garth keeps thinking, "the plan would have worked had Haratia not messed it up. Get rid of him and things might work still . . . ."

Gregory begins plotting the agonizing death of Red Tusk and begins to head towards the food supplies to start cooking.

Aanparon signals to Ganthanor and Gregory to stay at his side. Gregory stops his movement to the food and waits by Aanparon's side. Ganthanor stays by Aanparon's side as well.

Aanparon responds to Red Tusk in a matter of fact tone taking care not to raise his voice, "We are soldiers, not cooks. Surely you must have some lesser scum around who can do the menial work."

Red Tusk pauses from his amusement holding onto the shapely legs of the female and gives Aanparon an evaluating inspection and then says, "We do have lesser scum. You!! You know what you have to do if you don't like your position. Now move! I'm hungry."

Gregory and Ganthanor look at each other with mild glances of incomprehension. They both wonder what is being said and curse themselves that they never learned the Orcish language. They notice that the orc that Aanparon just addressed seems to be getting angry and they hope that Aanparon doesn't start any fights due to the fact that they are outnumbered four to one.

Ganthanor looks at Aan for some understanding of what is happening. Aanparon looks Red Tusk in the eye and says, in a calm matter-of-fact tone, "Okay, who do we have to fight. You pick."

While Aanparon is talking to the orc something strange comes over Ganthanor. He no longer feels as strong as he did a few moments ago, "Uh-oh," he thinks to himself as the spells that were cast upon him earlier fade away.

Red Tusk's eyes light up with excitement as he says, "The previous cooks of course," and with a motion three orcs move away from the fire, dropping their hand axe and dagger into a pile, and begin sizing up the Aanparon and his two mute companions.

Aanparon's gets Ganthanor and Gregory's attention, and slowly takes his sword and all of his daggers, except for his concealed dagger and sets them in a pile at his feet and then signals for Ganthanor and Gregory to do the same. Aanparon then points to Gregory and Ganthanor then points at the three orcs and pounds his fist into the flat of his hand. Both Gregory and Ganthanor nod their head in comprehension.

The three orcs move apart from each other as the other orcs quickly form circles around each of them, yelling and shouting out bets. The largest of the orcs yells at Ganthanor, "Come here little runt," Ganthanor does not understand the words but understands the tone. The second and a bit smaller orc yells at Gregory, "Let's get in on 'cook-boy'," the final orc, and smallest of the three, yells at Aanparon, "I guess I get to whip you."

Hearing the exchange between Red Tusk and his friends, Garth figures this is his opportunity. With a quick glance at Haratia to see if he is watching, Garth makes his way over to the prisoners. In hopes that he can find a way to release them, Garth uses the tricks of his trade and takes the time to really examine the situation. During his reconnoitering, he whispers in the ear of the prisoner farthest from the orc guards, "Don't be afraid, invisible champions are hear to rescue you! If the chance arises, make a break for it, and fight for your lives."

Garth sees what Aanparon has already seen, the manacles are bent around the human's wrist by brute force and that the manacles are attached to a long chain that runs the length of the prisoner line by brute strength as well. There is no way to release the prisoners except by brute strength and a lot of noise.

Adriena sees Malis drop to the ground. She helps her friend up and leads her to the bedrolls. After looking to be sure they are out of earshot, she says, " Haratai has said we are to aid him in whatever he needs. I'm not sure how far he will take that, but it gives us some protection from the other orcs. I think we should get some rest while we can. I'm thinking that I will ask to be excused to the woods to do 'womanly ' things so I can study my book for spells, later." At the sound of loud voices, Adriena looks up and sees the others pairing off with some rough looking characters. "Looks like our friends have gotten into trouble already." She sits to watch, trying hard to look disinterested.

Garth, Adriena and Malis watch on as Ganthanor, Gregory and Aanparon move into their respective circles. The actions within the circles happen fairly close together so the watchers have to keep their focus shifting in order to catch all of the action.

In the first circle Aanparon moves warily around in a circle keeping the orc away from him. The other orc lunges for Aanparon but he is able to move out of the way. Aanparon tries to trip the orc as he moves by him but the orc easy jumps over Aanparon's outstretched foot. The two turn to face each other again, both looking for signs of weakness in the other.

In the next circle Gregory watches his opponent carefully and then feigns a punch at his head while instead kicking his foot out at the orc's groin. This orc apparently knows this tactic and quickly side-steps to avoid Gregory's deabiliting kick. The orc swings a wide haymaker punch at Gregory but Gregory is able to step back out of range of the orc.

In the third circle Ganthanor eyes the large orc that stands in front of him. Ganthanor readies himself for an attack when the orc quickly swings his fist and connects with the side of Ganthanor's head. Ganthanor's head snaps to the side and his vision blurs for a moment before he is able to shake off the punch. Ganthanor is able to see in time to block a second hammer-strike to his head but his returning punch is deflected by the other orc. The orc pulls back to watch Ganthanor, Ganthanor welcomes the breather in order to get his senses back.

Meanwhile seeing the plight of the prisoners, Garth's hopes sink. Cursing under his breath about his lot in life, he looks around to be sure he is still undetected. Once he is assured he is still unnoticed, Garth begins rubbing his lips and formulating a plan of action.

"Let's see, two fighters, two professional adventurers, a cleric, and a mage, all relatively inexperienced. We have been polymo - something or rather into orcs, which makes using our natural talents even harder. We have been asked by an extremely powerful household, to infiltrate the goblin capitol, save our General, and retrieve an item. We have no idea why they picked us. . . . . This just don't make sense. I am certain they just have it in for us, and are using us as expendable fodder for some trumped up crime I, (I mean), WE didn't commit!!! Now, we are 'infiltrating' a large patrol of orcs led by a very savvy Orc Clerics 'Hair - aint-ya', and a belligerent orc thug 'Red Butt'! The prisoners seem to have only two ways to escape, Do in the orcs, or Take over the orcs. Neither seems very likely considering the skills of the companions I am with. This leaves only one alternative, and a grim one at that!!"

With that, Garth determines that the group should follow along with this orc patrol, biding its time for a good opportunity. He doesn't like the thought of the hardship these prisoners will face, but he dislikes the thought of suffering the same hardship even worse. Besides, now these prisoners have at least some hope. He thinks, "I don't know why we were chosen, but it seems we're damned if we do and damned if we don't, so we might as well do something and stand a chance of coming out of this richer and vindicated." But, inside Garth really just wants to come out of this alive. Having reasoned out his plight doesn't make him feel any better, but he as talked some courage into himself. He thinks "Enough thinking", besides his lips were rubbing raw with worry. And with that, Garth scans the horizon, gives one last look to make sure he isn't noticed, then he skulks off to the best place nearby to hide and observe.

Adriena leans over to Malis and says, "It looks like our boys have bitten off quite a bit of trouble. What do you suppose the fighting is all about? The others seem to be enjoying the fight quite a bit, with all the gambling going on. Perhaps we should place a bet?" Adriena thinks for a moment and gets up. "You should probably stay here. I'll try to be right back." She goes to the edge of the ring with Ganthanor and asks one of the orcs near the back, "What is this fight about? I see bets going around, can I place one? My companion is really tough. I will put up 5 silver to his victory over your man."

The Orc looks at Adriena at her first sentence and a credulous look comes over his face. Once Adriena asks about betting and pulls out her silver the Orc’s face transforms to a mask of greed. The Orc starts begins to say something but then looks over to where Haratai is and a fear becomes his prominent expression. Without a word he quickly backs away from Adriena and moves to a different side of the circle.

Meanwhile, Ganthanor moves to overbear his opponent. Ganthanor’s hands encircle the Orc. Ganthanor smiles and presses his advantage and is caught completely unaware when the Orc’s knee impacts into his groin forcing Ganthanor back.

Gregory moves like before and swings his fist, the Orc quickly steps to the side expecting another feint and gets moves right into Gregory’s fist. The Orc is dazed and can not return an attack.

Aanparon circles looking for an opening and says to his opponent, "Your mother takes a bath everyday, your father was a dwarf, and your sister sleeps with elves. Your wife, on the other hand, will be mine tonight. And she'll like it." Aanparon mentally shudders with the words that he says. The Orc grunts back, “I killed my wife,” and throws a punch launched from the shoulder at Aanparon’s torso. Aanparon is not able to move or deflect it in time and is caught by the punch’s full force. Aanparon staggers back as it feels like his ribs were just crushed into his lungs, after a second he is able to breathe again. Aanparon tries a punch of his own but the Orc blocks it with his arm.

Adriena watches the orc walk away, rather quickly she musses. She returns to Malis and says, " Just as I thought. The lower orcs will not have anything to do with us as long as Haratai is around; within sight anyway. You should have seen that orcs face light up when I showed him five silver pieces, though. Still, it was not enough for him to temp his fate with Haratai. Good." Adriena settles down and tries to get a little comfortable. "They are fighting bare-fisted and dirty. This may take a while, for some of them at least. I'm going to try and get some rest." She turns her back to everyone and hunkers down, but the fighting on the other side of the camp keeps drawing her attention from any sleep.

Ganthanor continues his overbearing tactics on his opponent. He charges forward but the Orc is prepared for him, stepping to the side the Orc launches a punch the hits Ganthanor directly his right kidney. Ganthanor is stunned for a moment, long enough for the Orc to swing a haymaker at Ganthanor's jaw. Ganthanor's head rocks backward and the rest of his body follows his head. Ganthanor falls to the ground quite unconscious. The Orc raises his arms in triumph placing one of his feet on Ganthanor's chest. The Orc then reaches down and relieves Ganthanor of his weighty coin pouch. The circle around the two quickly dissipates as the on-lookers hurry over to the other two circles to make bets and add their voices to the commotion. Two remaining Orcs drag Ganthanor's limp body over to the cook fire and unceremoniously drop him.

Gregory looks straight into the Orc's eyes, pulls back his fist and launches a kick at the Orc's knee. He connects but the Orc is able to shift his weight so that he doesn't fall. The Orc, with his weight on his good leg, swings at Gregory and lands a fist on Gregory's cheek. Gregory doesn't feel a thing but the Orc pulls back holding his hand and screaming in pain. The Orc inadvertently places too much weight on his bad leg and falls to the ground. Gregory quickly follows up and kicks the Orc several times in the head until the Orc stops moving. A loud commotion comes from the onlookers as they cheer. Gregory stands looking around but can not see how Ganthanor or Aanparon fare.

Meanwhile Garth continues to use this opportunity of distraction to sneak away and find a nice vantage point from which he can observe the rest of the action. He keeps a fearful watch upon the tricky and observant evil orc cleric, and also keeps an eye upon the fight. Nervously, he stews about the prospects for a successful end to this adventure, and bides his time waiting for an opportunity.

Haratai watches the conclusions of the fighting with a bored look and occasionally looks directly at the spot that Garth is located at.

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