~ PASSAGE 45 ~
MOVEMENTS OF THE HORDE

Torynth watched the cleric bowing his head during the interment of his fellow dwarf.
The monk spoke at the proper moment
" Gulius's rations can be divided amongst us. His gold can reimburse for those supplies that were purchased in Tolx. Was there anything else of use to the group, Oktavianus?" The cleric looked up slowly giving Torynth a small pouch of gold coins, but otherwise turned his attentions to Leah in the discussion of ritual burial.

Splendor and Nerendil fixed their eyes upon the monk as he turned his attention then to the scouts " We seek some answers. It would seem that we followed the same army. They are the ones who slaughtered a spice caravan, including the women and children." He paused with sad expression. " What were your instructions for scouting this horde? Is there a militia awaiting orders to move on them once their base is located? It would be folly to think that even working together we could overcome such a force."

While Marth recovered his discarded staff, Iron Raven answered " We were only to 'scout'... that is all. Airrdale has been troubled by these...orcs...for a time now. We, who were five, were to find their numbers and objectives. We failed to return with what we found."

Leading the team back onto the slope, the lean frame of the half-orc folded in upon itself as he crouched to examine the troll's remains.
  " We found them to number well over 100, and no, we are not enough to kill them in a battle. In many small skirmishes, however, we could reduce them to a less threatening number." Marth nodded in agreement as he studied his friend's behavior.

The monk seemed enlightened " Teflar, since we know the horde headed south, do you think you can pick up the trail?"
The ranger nodded " I'm sure I can gather enough to understand their next destination. You're not intending we follow to engage them do you?"
Torynth shook his head " No, we need to know their direction and perhaps study their movements from afar." Torynth was then distracted by the cleric heading off towards the cave entrance.
" Wait Oktavianus! We'll go with you. If Hebron has gotten himself into trouble, we may need everyone's assistance." Torynth grabbed his spear and paused, looking back at the others for support. Before the rest prepared to follow however, Hebron, Aramil, and Salimen exited the cavern.