SWATH OF DESTRUCTION
Teflar whistled his low warning alarm as Starpoint Raven watched the oncoming threat. Gesturing low and emphatically, the ranger motioned for the team to abandon the trail and follow him south into what cover could be found in the foggy mist. The bard pointed up toward the brackish building " We should take a look up there. They are probably townspeople needing help."
Oktavianus, Leah, and Torynth agreed as the early morning shadows of men gathered at the roof railing upon the small tower.
Teflar fingered his swordhilts and his dark eyes flared " I hate orcs. I'd take after them right now if we weren't so depleted." He swiveled his head around staring at a burning windmill with anger " To the guardtower then and let us see how these folk fare. We should still go into Airrdale and see how much damage the town has taken thereafter. I doubt we will find the beds and aid we sought now, but we should look nonetheless."
Aramil, casting an icy stare at the blazing crops, replied " I must find some time to study my spell books. I feel a bit useless and we may need all the strength we can muster."
The fellowship quickly made their way from the path into a row of manicured hedges. Nearby, a woodshed lay open; door busted and farming tools scattered everywhere.
With bowstring taut, Teflar made sure his crew was bent low in concealment.
Out ahead, the orcs were coming; not marching in any ordered fashion, but a spread of rambunchious humanoids given to a joyous romp in the fields as they torched everything within reach.
The guardtower was silent as the marauders, numbering four score, stomped on through. Tahga orcs barked harsh orders while the fellowship remained hidden safely in the shadows. They were never seen, perhaps unlooked for, and within minutes, the invaders passed to the outer fields leaving every building either destroyed or burning.
Voices were again heard from the guardtower when the last of the orcs passed from view.
Teflar nodded slowly " Right. Someone will need to stay behind with Aramil. If we become unfortunately divided, we must meet back at the road's edge where we emerged onto the farmlands. We meet there at dawn following any separation." Oktavianus and Gailwind volunteered to stay beyond because their need for meditaition and book studies seemed urgent.
The trio stayed under the cover of the toolshed while the quad crossed north of the path making their way towards the tower sanctuary.