Masters of the Wood

Khal and Mouse decide to aid Laroen in her efforts to warn and protect the Mercati from the imminent attack from the Orc tribe. Khal stashes the three books and twelve maps in the Dragon's mouth and conceals them for later use. The three move out into the night in an attempt to catch the orcs who are about five hours ahead of them. Within a few hours, they opt to rest rather than risk further fatigue. Laroen explains that the orcs will rest in daylight which should allow us to catch them in the morning. Also, she tells Khal that the Mercati have about 30 fighters and their families to defend the caves with.

In the morning, she transforms miraculously into an eagle and soars ahead to scout. Upon returning, she tells the men that the orcs are camped near the Nydaelia Woods -- a small, but very thickly wooded copse. She know of many hiding places within them, making for a perfect attack/retreat point. The three trudge through the woods and position themselves to ambush a patrol. Laroen administers Barkskin to Khal, but Mouse refuses, seemingly frightened by the appearance. Soon, a sentry stumbles upon the trio, surprising them as much as he is. To gain the advantage, Khal swings on a vine over to the orc's rear and looses an arrow that penetrates his scale armor, felling him with nigh a whimper. He discovers that the poor vermin was relieving himself at the wrong place and time!

Khal planted one of the orc's javelins in a spot to attract the next sentries into their trap. Two more arrive and meet death quickly from well positioned arrows. However, the other guards hear the shrieks and sound the alarm.

Quickly looting the bodies, the three make haste into the depths of the wood. Laroen guides them to a large concealed area beneath an immense tree. They happily crowd into their temporary abode, hoping that its appearance continues to be as inconspicuous as when they first happened by it. The grunts of angry orcs begin to get louder...