Trying to maneuver my way deep into Shattered Hand territory required all of my skills as a scout and an infiltrator. I used every learned technique and even my magical ability to shadowmeld to avoid the orc guards. I could not imagine having to sneak in alone and I was very glad Maya was by my side. It helped that she was a born prowler with stealthing ability better than mine.
Following down the Path of Glory, as it was called, we bounced from tent to tent along the way, patiently moving as the guards moved. I knew we could take on a couple of guards if a fight arose but if any of them sounded a general alarm, Maya and I would have been swarmed by the dozens of orcs roaming around us. We had to sneak in or Danath would have to send another to rescue us.
At the base of the Path of Glory, I used some of my beast mastery to scan our surroundings. It didn’t take me long with my farsight to locate Drillmaster Zurok by his tent. He was flanked by a couple of orcs and they seemed like they were discussing some maps strewn on a table. Nearby, maybe about twenty feet away, I saw a large wooden cage. I was unable to make out who was in it but I could still surmise at least one of them was a night elf female. The cage held the scouts. I was sure of it.
“Maya, how does it look to you?” I asked my beloved cat. “Think we can get close enough to the cage to free them?”
It’s possible but doubtful. We could probably get close enough but any attempt at opening the cage will probably alert Zurok and his orcs.
I nodded in agreement. Crouched behind a jumble of rocks and boulders, I began to think of a plan.
“Maybe a distraction?” I suggested.
What are you thinking?
“Explosive trap,” I explained. “I could set one up along the route of one of the wandering guards. Hopefully Zurok will rush to the commotion. It may buy us enough time to free the prisoners.”
Well, it’s an idea. Better than us sitting behind these rocks forever.
“Okay then,” I said.
Again we risked exposure while I placed the explosive trap. Maya prodded me as I was finishing up. She was eyeing the single orc guard walking in our direction. The plan was now in motion. Rushing back to our hiding spot behind the rocks, I prayed to Elune this would work.
The orc guard strolled nonchalantly right into the trap. Immediately a burst of fire erupted consuming the hapless orc as he screamed out in pain. Glancing over to Zurok’s tent, I saw that he was aware of the disturbance and rushed to the burning guard with his two lieutenants.
Not wanting to lose any time, I burst into action speeding to the wooden cage. It was a heavy lock but it was nothing a solid strike wouldn’t break. The lock shattered and the cage flung open. It was my first time I got to see the prisoners.
The female night elf had long silvery hair and dark blue markings that ran from her eyes to the bottom of her cheeks. I could not believe it.
“Elynna!” I exclaimed.
“Belion, am I glad you’re here,” she said to me as she rushed out of the cage. Standing tall, I could see she was treated badly. Her clothes were torn and she had numerous wounds and bruises that needed treatment, yet she stood defiant against her captors.
I looked past her to see her partner and him I was not so surprised after seeing Elynna.
“Hey Belion,” Landon said as he held a deep cut on his stomach. “Just like old times, eh?”
“No, not like old times,” I replied to my old friend. “We need to get out of here before…”
“Look out!” Elynna screamed but it was too late.
A heavy brunt force struck me behind the head and I dropped hard onto the ground. Still dazed and wobbly, I could hear the conversation around me.
“Stupid elves,” Zurok said. “They keep using the same old tricks. You think Zurok is dumb enough to fall for an explosive trap distraction? How do you think I caught your two friends here?”
I tried to lift myself off the ground but a hard kick in the stomach brought me down again.
“You stay down,” the foul orc said, “and you’ll save yourself a lot of grief. Well, until we begin the interrogation.” He began to laugh wickedly.
The world was spinning and I could now feel the warm trickle of blood that was flowing from the back of my head. I saw Maya on the ground, her jaws and legs tied in chains. Elynna was too weak to help me and one of Zurok’s orcs shoved her hard back into the cage. She tumbled to the ground and her eyes locked unto mine. There was sadness and fear in her eyes. And then I passed out.
