Chapter Two

Preparation for the Hunt

“I’m will not go,” stated El-Shad in a clear voice. “Despite my suspicions, I have an obligation to my employer. I cannot simply take up arms and go hunting something that might not be there!”

Jack nodded, “I understand. Then we will look forward to seeing you when we return!” He clapped a hand on El-Shad’s shoulder, a gesture that was of genuine comradeship, but made El-Shad appear uncomfortable. However, before the journey was commenced, the Tavern Keeper had a quiet word with El-Shad. It was unknown what was said, but he asked everyone to wait whilst he gathered his equipment.

By nightfall, the rest of you had travelled hard down the North road. Once you had reached the top of a hill that seemed pretty much like every other hill, a lone tower was visible behind some trees nearby. “That’s Blue’s,” explained Jack, “I think you’ll like him!”

Tethering the horses nearby, you followed Jack as he strode up to the small red door. He banged his fist onto the door, again and again and again.

A few moments passed before the door was pulled back revealing a middle-aged human, dressed in a dark red jacket, orange silk trousers, and a bright yellow sash around his waist. He stood about 5 foot 7 inches tall. His black hair was greying at the temples and had rough stubble from a few days growth. “My friend,” Jack spoke whilst smiling, “I see your dress sense hasn’t changed!”

On seeing Jack, the man grinned broadly, displaying a perfect array of blue teeth…

Inside, the warmth of the open fire was a welcome change from the cold night air. Rows upon rows of books lined the walls; and where there wasn’t room for books there were diagrams or tools of some strange design. After inviting everyone to sit in what space they could, Blue and Jack exchanged pleasantries and introductions. Blue also introduced another visitor. “I am Herman Verhagen,” he said, “Father Priest of St Cuthbert of the Cudgel. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintances!”

Later on, after Blue had supplied everyone with warm broth and a rather interesting meal he later referred to as his ‘curiously tasty omelette’ Jack brought him up to speed with the reported Orc threat. Blue sat back in his chair and pondered a moment. “Of course, you’re welcome to stay the night, but as to finding an Orc war band somewhere in the forest I think you will struggle. Unless you stumble across signs of their passing it will be difficult to see which way they went. A war band, you say? That sounds like quite a group! The bigger the number of them, the more supplies they’d need to carry. Supplies means slower progress unless you have beasts of burden. Plenty of those mean you need a bigger path to travel.”

Herman spoke up, “Whilst I’m not the adventuring type, I would gladly lend my faith and my mace to this purpose. I was visiting my Grandmother, who is ill. Blue has made a balm to ease her pain that I was to take back to her. Perhaps you would take it to her, Blue, whilst I embark on this more needed course?”

With a smile and a nod, Blue leaned back in his chair to consider the facts. Jack mused, “Let’s consider scenarios where there are either fifteen of them or fifty. Fifteen would be a top end of a smallish group that would allow traversal of any terrain, whilst fifty would be a large enough number to require large amounts of supplies and thus perhaps wagons or such. You know the lay of the land best, so what would you consider the best course of action?”

Blue scratched his head, and then suddenly brightened, “The river! It’s likely the Orcs are mountainous so they may well have followed the river from the highlands. That way, they wouldn’t need to have carried water supplies, regardless of their number. Any signs of their passing will be quite obvious on the muddy banks, but of course if they move away from the riverside then it will be trickier to find them.”

Jack snapped his fingers, “Perfect! I’m confident I’ll be able to track them once we find some sign of their passing!”

“Ah, Jack!” smiled Blue, “Ever the ranger!”