The large orc holds the symbol in both hands as he bows his head.

          The battle between the man with two swords and the orc drags on. Both are moving much slower and both are frustrated at the fact that neither can score a solid blow upon the other.

          The man with the axe and the sword manages to slash the arm of the orc he was fighting and parry the orcs answering attack. He quickly follows up with a jab with his weapon at the orcs sword arm and spears it. The orc pulls back opening the wound even further and within seconds he is dead from the blood loss. His satisfaction is cut short as he feels a sharp pain in his side and looks down to see a dagger partially buried in him. Turning in a quick double slash maneuver, he swings his sword at his attacker. The orc easily blocks the clumsy first sword swing, but he is unprepared for the axe that followed the sword and it cleaves off the top of his head.

          The orc rolling in the floor has stopped moving, he isn’t screaming any more.

          The cook, noticing the large orc, releases his cloak and in the blink of an eye moves back to his original location a few seconds before! He then recites a quick rune and a dull green glow appears between his hands. The glow forms into two arrows. He gestures toward the orc and the green arrows streak toward him and hit it. The first directly in the face, the second strikes the symbol he was holding. The orc cries out at the first hit. The second causes a pillar of flame to shoot out from the medallion toward the cook. The cook dodges the pillar as it slams into the dazed orc behind him, instantly turning the orc to ash. The flame vanishes leaving no other trace of its existence. The cook collects himself and runs toward the rear of the bar while searching for something.

          Magnus pauses and reads the runes from the scroll in his hands and momentarily the scroll glows with a strange multicolored light.

          The new group of heavily armed orcs charge the defenders, pikes leveled.

          From the scroll in Magnus hand, light streams out in an arcing rainbow. The rainbow slams into the charging pikemen. Some stumble, others stop cold and look around. One is even knocked back a few paces, but one keeps on going like nothing happened. This one charges the two drunk men who are in the process of outwitting another opponent. He catches one by surprise and neatly spears him through the side. He is still too late to save the orc as the other formerly drunk man slices clean through the orc he was attacking.

          Magnus shouts, "The pike men are stunned! Kill them now!", and he moves back toward the priest. After holding a quick consultation with the priest he pulls out another scroll.

          Filled with rage the pikeorc, drops his pike and pulls out a short sword.

          He attacks the man with a fury. His blows are easily parried, but when the man seeks to go on the offensive, he finds that his opponent is at least as good as he is at parrying.

          The ogre has gotten to his elbows and started a quick retreat toward the back of the room.

          Mordred and his companion, finally manage to get the upper hand on their attackers. The orc with the mace swings at the companion only to get a sword stuck in his side by Mordred. His companion, ignoring that one orc protects Mordred’s open side from another orc, but earns a slash from the third orc as he leaves himself open. Now only facing one orc each, Mordred starts up a series of cuts that quickly overwhelm the orc whose defenses are getting wilder and wilder. Finally, Mordred sees an opening and thrusts his sword into the chest of the orc. His companion, however, can only get minor cuts on his opponent and is surprised when he stops moving and falls over dead. The orc slides off the blade of the leader of the trio (now a duo) of humans. The human gives a quick smile and charges off toward the pikemen.

          The man with two swords pulls both swords back from contact with the orcs weapon. The orc anticipating a block overswings and is overextended. He lets out a grunt as the two swords shoot back in to spear him. The man removes his swords and attacks one of the stunned pikeorc. The first pikeorc looks at him coming, but does nothing to avoid the blow that severs his head. Another orc also falls in this way. But the third has recovered and is ready for the attack. He is joined by two others. The man is forced to retreat after taking a few hits.

          The burning orc has stopped screaming his body is still burning slowly and the room is being filled with the sickening smell of burning orc flesh.

          The old man again starts to chant, and the pale warriors move to either side to get out of his way.

          From the doorway, more heat flows in and the red glow filters in.

          Suddenly bursting through the door is a large fireball with legs. It runs straight for the battle lines screaming and plows right into one of the stunned pikemen. Both of them fall on the ground aflame. The original fireball stops kicking.

          Mordred and his companion, stop their forward movement as the cook shoots passed them. Both men still fight what seems to be a never-ending stream of orcs.

          The large orc recovers from the blow and is joined by the heavily armored orc. After a hurried consultation, they turn back to the front door. The heavily armored orc charges through. There is a great flare up from the door then the light dies. A cheer is heard from outside.

          The lone wake orc by the door moves over and kicks his two sleeping companions. Carefully keeping his shield between him and the defenders.

          The large orc turns around and faces the carnage, studying it closely like a mage studying a rune..

          One of the two humans (once three) joins the remaining drunk in fighting the pikeorc, who seems to be extremely skilled. Even with the two of them combined, his defense seems to be more than a match for their offense.

          After talking with Magnus, the priest moves over to the Ogre, who is waiting patiently showing no pain. Bending his head, he lays his hands on the ogre. "Gaea, if you find it in your will, heal this warrior so he may protect the land from the blight that is falling." Around the priests hands a soft green and blue glow appears and seems to fade into the ogre. As the glow disappears wherever it touched new skin and muscles appear. The ogre smiles at the priest. "Thank you, it appears the great mother has shown pity on my poor soul today. I can stand though walking will be difficult. Help me up and prop me against the wall so I can at least defend against the little ones who attack us."

          Mordred and his companion surge forward each killing one of the dazed pikeorcs. The other two pikeorcs, however, have recovered and drawing short swords they attack the pair.

          The man with the axe and sword, pulls out the dagger in his side with a curse. He moves into a defensive crouch and slowly edges his way back, slashing at any orc that gets too close. Magnus runs over to him and says, "Help me bring the little man to the back near the ogre and I’ll tend to that wound." With that he heads over toward the little man.

          The cook produces a wand and points it at the large orc.

          The old man stops chanting and points at the large orc. From his finger shoots black lightning. As it arcs through the room, those whom it passes near pause to shiver as it seems to pull at their very life force chilling them to the bone. The black bolt hits the priest as he is throwing up his arms to protect himself. It seems to cover him for an instant before disappearing. It seemed to have done no physical damage, but the orcs still looks somehow different. Less imposing, weaker.. Before he can fully recover the cook speaks a rune and the wand in his hand flashes a red glow streaks from the tip of the wand striking him in the head. The blast knocks him on his back.

          A voice is heard in the room shouting, "Befal! Humans mana oh gea!"

          Nearly a second later Mordred shouts, "Look orc scum, your leaders are fleeing!" and he laughs loudly.

          The leader of the two humans (once three) humans joins Mordred and his companion as they slowly drive the two orcs back.

          The man with two swords finally gets the upper hand as he figures out the fighting pattern of the orc. He waits for the orc to swing up high then quickly removes his legs from under him, just below the kneecaps. He then steps in and finishes the screaming orc.

          The lone orc in the door has succeeded in waking his companions who sleepy eyed hold a conference. They nod and again lock their shield and pull out their swords. But they move to cover the large orc who is getting back up slowly.

          Drifting in from the door are sounds of orders being shouted but the individual words can’t be made out.

          Two orcs appear just inside the open door each bearing strange weapons.

          Mordred’s companion, moves his shield to his back and draws a knife.

          The man with the sword and the axe, puts his sword away and goes with Magnus to the little man.

          Magnus reaches the little man and leans over him for a second or two then starts to pick him up. The man reaches him and they both gently carry the little man to the back of the tavern.

          The three orcs unlock their shields and the large orc charges though.

          The two humans fighting the skilled orc are the first unlucky ones in its path. Twirling his weapon before him, he easily manages to knock their weapons aside and them to the ground. Never once slowing down. Once through, he makes a bee-line straight for the old man. He is met by the pale thin warriors protecting the old man.

          The priest, with obvious effort, helps the ogre up saying, "It is not pity that Gaea shows, it is caring." Both staggering toward the wall, nearly falling several times, he finally manages to lean the ogre against the wall. The ogre grabs an overturned chair. Leaning against the wall, with the chair in one hand and table in another he shouts, "Armored one, you flee like a coward! You could not best me, so you resort to tricks not even a Paufga would use. You do your warriors dishonor!"

          The priest meantime has been staring at the front wall, he suddenly shouts, "THEY ARE BREAKING DOWN THE WALL!"

          The cook begins speaking a rune.

          In a silent blur, Mordred’s companion tosses his knife at one of the two new orcs at the door. The dagger flies true and lands in the throat of one of the orcs. The orcs companion responds immediately calling the trio of orcs to shield him, he pulls out the dagger.

          The cook points toward the uninjured orc and its head begins to glow a choked scream is heard. A robed figure is glimpsed in the background. And the rest of his actions are hidden as the orcs close in behind the shields. Meanwhile Mordred's companion has put his shield back on.

          The man with two swords heads towards the two new orcs in the door.

          The skilled orc takes advantage of the break he is given and leaps forward to attack not the two disarmed men he was fighting, but the man with two swords heading for the front.

          Those nearest to him can hear him say, "Oh, Gaea! Why did I forget to keep a bludgeon with me! If only I had a quarterstaff or my morningstar!" Looking to his swords he says, "Well, my friends, you will have to do, but against armor you won’t be as good. Gaea protect us!" And he charges only to come face to face with the skilled orc. Both prepare for the attack only to pause after getting a good look at each other. Both hesitate and look extremely uncomfortable. The orc lowers his weapons slightly, obviously not going to attack, but still ready for the defense.

          Again the voice is heard coming from somewhere to the right of the cook, "Befal! Humans mana oh gea! Chemo the!"

          Mordred’s luck seems to have run out, when his companion throws his knife, as the two orcs start to drive him and the leader of the humans back their defenses seemingly barely adequate to stop the onslaught. The two orcs seemed to have learned from the drunken men and are coordinating their attacks adding to their natural talent to push their enemies back. Mordred stops a jab meant for his head but cries out as the other orc manages to get in a slice than opens up a large cut on his side. The two orcs are temporarily driven back as Mordred’s companion puts his shield back on and rejoins the fight.

          The pale warriors are also having a bad time as the large orc attacks.

          They are barely up to the task. Always attacking, never defending, they take massive bone-crunching blows without complaint. One ends up chopped in half and ends up a fleshy mess on the ground. Another has his entire left side crushed into unnatural angles. The third is the only one still untouched. But his attacks, when they score, seem to only enrage the man further. The old man is reciting another rune.

          The two humans, are getting back up. Slowly and with obvious pain. The drunk is favoring his sword arm. He grabs his sword in his left arm and retreats after making a tentative attempt to get passed the three shielded orcs. The other human doesn’t even try that, he just retreats, leaving his weapon where it lay. He reaches the back where he collapses near the ogres magely companion.

          Again two arrows streak though the doorway. This time both fly true straight towards the cook.... And pass right though him.

          The three orcs open their shields again. This time the orc who took the knife steps out his face an expression of pure hate. He has a large scar around his neck line. The other orc disappears back though the doorway.

          The Armored orc reappears through the door followed by another orc in robes. His armor is slightly signed with large spots of soot near the chest area. "Who dares insult me! I am neither a coward nor a Paufga! Someone shall die today... slowly horribly and my laughing face shall be the last thing they see."

          The ogre responds to the armored orcs challenge, "It is you who shall die foolish one. Come and challenge me, come to your death."

          The man with two swords, and the orc stare at each other for a moment. Then as if some unseen signal were given, both move on to other targets. The man with two swords heads towards the back of the tavern and checks on the injured there.

          The orc moves toward the ogre edging around the main battle area.

          The orc with the large scar walks straight toward where Mordred, his companion, and the human leader fight. He stands watching them fight for a moment, ideally twirling his chained maces. Finally he attacks, heading straight for Mordred’s companion. The elf brings his shield up just barely in time to block the lighting attack. The orc sidesteps a thrust by the elf and attacks again. The multiple thuds of the weapon on his shield echoes sharply though room. The blow was so powerful that the elf actually staggers from the force of the blow. Again easily sidestepping the elves next attack, the orc instead of attacking reaches out and grabs the edge of the shield and pulls, spinning the hapless elf around. As the elf spins, the orc trips him up and laughs as the elf sprawls on the floor. His attention is distracted from the elf by a nearby cry as Mordred manages to get past the defense of one of the attacking orcs and manages to open a very large slash on its chest. Mordred quickly finishes the injured orc. Upon seeing this, the orc with the large scar, simply smiles and says, "Ah, now you may be more worthy of my attention than this little babe!" With that he circles Mordred in a defensive crouch, his maces spinning in a circle on the lengths of chain..

          As they reach the rear of the tavern and set the little man down, the man with the sword and the axe, notices the return of the armored orc. He pulls out his weapons and charges toward him.

          The Armored orc laughs at the ogres challenge and shouts, "I accept! Let the battlefield be prepared!" With that he turns toward the man in robes who is holding a globe. With a flick of his wrist the globe flies upward and forward toward the center of the roof. At this the orc who was heading for the ogre stops moving. While his guard is up he makes no move to attack.

          The large orc finishes pounding the second of the two pale men into useless chunks. The remaining one retreats to the old man who finished his rune. Immediately the area containing the old man and the orc is enveloped in a huge circle of utter blackness.

          The pounding on the wall stops.

          The battle between the man with two swords and the orc rages on, despite having only one weapon, the orc seems to be easily able to parry his attacks. Oddly enough the orc is not responding with any attacks. He is simply parrying the mans attacks.

          Mordred stumbles slightly as he slips on a pool of blood.

          The scarred orc does not attempt to take advantage of the stumble. Instead he has moved a few feet away, and is darting furtive glance toward the armored orc.

          As the globe reaches the center of the roof. It emits a soft glowing light with a gentle warm heat. All in the room experience a momentary feeling of flying. All around the room, former combatants drop their guard. Those locked in combat stop fighting and watch the globe as it descends in the center of the room. The only ones seemingly unaffected by the globe are the ogre, the armored orc, the orc mage, the ogres magely companion, Magnus and the priest. All others move to clear a space near the center of the room. Former enemies stand side by side not even acknowledging the others existence.

          From the darkness, the old man and the warrior bolt out, pausing to glance at the globe and the scene around them. The old man then starts to pick his way through the crowd, causally stopping behind each orc for a few seconds. Several seconds latter the circle of darkness disappears consumed in a burst of light bluish light. Inside the light stands the large orc holding the medallion. The symbol upon it is glowing.

          The ogre, using the chair for support moves toward the center of the room as does the armored orc.

Chapter 17

          Magnus makes a makeshift bandage out of the little mans clothes and wraps his chest. The ogre stands in the cleared area in the center of the room looking around the room. While priest starts to look around on the ground for something.

          The armored orc walks over and stands in the cleared are opposite of the ogre. Between them is the glowing ball that has captured everyone’s attention. The ogre turns his attention to the armored orc, they stare at each other silently for long moments. The armored orc finally says, "There is no honor in winning a duel with an injured opponent. Latok! Heal the ogre."

          The large orc who had started after the old man changes direction, muttering. One doesn't need to know the language to know he is cursing. The old man looks at the last remaining pale warrior for a moment then they move in separate directions. Each pausing momentarily by each of the defenders, before moving on. The large orc reaches the ogre and bends down to place a hand on the ogres' leg. "By the power of the Arilus and Obsidius, with the grace of Solutius, please heal this blasted fool, so we can have a good excuse to reduce him to his component parts in your names." As he says the prayer an aura surrounds his arm. With each naming the aura changes color, the aura turns white, then black, then blue. The aura moves from the priests arm into the ogres leg. The different colors swirl around the leg and finally fade from view. The orc steps back, then he urns and charges the old man who is hiding near the back. The ogre tests the leg, nods and says, "We are ready, let the battle commence!"

          The priest stops searching as he finds and retrieves his mace.

          Magnus moves over to the man with the axe and sword and using a makeshift bandage from a corpse binds his still bleeding side wound.

          The armored orc holds his hand out toward the ogre, then bends it at the elbow so that the hand is pointing up. One moment the hand is empty, the next a blade appears to shoot up out of the armor and land in his hand. The ogre holds both hands before him. One moment empty the next, a stout staff grows from between the hands, and he twirls it once. The orc and ogre salute each other from across the room. The orc mage gestures and the ball rises to the top of the room. Nearly everyone’s attention is now focused not on the ball, but on the duel. The orc and ogre charge each other, each pulling back at the last moment, both apparently trying feints.