Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ The Dragonfall War ❯ Enter the Squad ( Chapter 2 )
[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]
By: eldiablo555 
The heroes gather to determine their fate.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.16.2007 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 109 | Status: Work In Progress
The heroes gather to determine their fate.
Miscellaneous: Original Stories Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Adventure / Action | Type: Alternate Universe | Uploaded On: 01.16.2007 | Pages: 5 | Words: 5.6K | Visits: 109 | Status: Work In Progress
The tavern tent was a hustle and bustle of activity as tired soldiers drowned themselves in
drink. Some celebrated victory over the Horde, even though it was only a small advance force.
Others attempted to bury their sorrow under the numbness of alcohol. Humans engaged in
drinking contests with the dwarves. Elves sat back in bemusement at what they considered the
folly of these more boorish races. Halflings joked and jollied with gnomes at the size of the
drinks of the taller races. War was a very trying time, especially for the soldiers who fought it.
People have often remarked that soldiers often appear to be sullen drunks but then those people
did not live knowing death awaited you on the morrow, and that your many of your comrades
would be left behind on the battlefield.
In one corner of the tent two tables had been pushed together to allow for the gathering of
the new freelancer special forces unit. Oskar and Keth were each draining tankards of ale with
incredible zeal. Most of the others enjoyed their drinks more slowly and chatted with each other.
The two exceptions were Iejir, who didn't want to be blamed for accidentally blowing up the
tent, and Nightwind who had sworn an oath of abstinence from earthly pleasures and was the
quiet type.
Kothar sat silent and immobile, observing the soldiers now placed under his command.
They seemed to be bonding fine but it wouldn't be until combat that those bonds of camaraderie
would be tested. Unlike the regular soldiers these people were very independent. They hadn't
been rigorously trained to put aside their differences and act as single unit. Also they weren't
obligated to serve. They were adventurers who had simply decided to help the army and were
free to leave at any time. As such discipline could be problematic.
Galia entered the tent and looked around. She had actually never been inside the tavern
tent before. Having been sheltered all her life she had never indulged in alcohol, although she
had had to help more than a few soldiers (mostly dwarves) who had come to the medical tent
with hangovers. She tried to see through the smoke and din and find the commander's table but
she wasn't having much luck. Suddenly she felt a hand along her rump. Shrieking she whirled
around to see a well stocked human leering at her. The redness of his cheeks showed how much
he had had to drink.
"Hey there pretty thing." He slurred. "How's about showing a lonely soldier a good
time?" He began to advance on her.
"Uh, excuse me sir, uh." She stammered as she tried to back up. She didn't see herself
back up into a dwarf and knock over his ale.
"You spilled my drink." The dwarf said morosely. Looking at the spilled ale like it was a
dead kinsman.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Galia squeaked. She tried to back away.
"Hey shorty!" Growled the human. "You trying to muscle in on my woman?"
"What I was trying to do was enjoy my drink until your woman spilled it. Now who's
gonna make up for it?" he said, an unpleasant look creeping into his eye. "Her, maybe?"
"Uhm, excuse me sirs I'm sure we can do something to..."
"You shut up until we decide what to do about you." Snapped the human.
"You'll not be getting any of that after I'm through with you manling." Growled the
dwarf.
Suddenly a quiet, powerful voice broke the growing tension. "Leave the elf alone and sit
back down. Now."
All three turned to find themselves staring up at the imposing bulk of Kothar Arytiss.
"What are you going to do about it big guy?" the human snarled.
Kothar bent down until he was nose to nose with the human. "What do you think I will
do? Puny human?" Kothar said growling deep in his throat.
The human stepped back, the first time you hear a dragon, even a half dragon, growl it is
very intimidating. "Alright fine." He looked over at Galia hiding behind Kothar. "You're lucky
you have such a big friend." He went back over and sat down with his comrades.
"Well?" Kothar said looking down at the dwarf.
"Ye owe me a drink, big lad." The dwarf responded.
Kothar fumbled in his purse and produced a copper coin. He slammed it down on the
table so hard the table shattered. "Enjoy." Kothar said menacingly.
The entire tent had gone silent over the exchange and was now deathly quiet over the fact
that a table had just been reduced to firewood in one punch. As Kothar turned and eyed the other
patrons they quickly went back to their drinks.
"This way." He said taking Galia over to the table.
Galia could feel her cheeks warming. Never before had she been the center of such
unwanted attention. She felt thoroughly humiliated as Kothar held out her chair for her.
"Some knack you got for getting people's attention there kid." Said Rowen. Even
though Galia was technically older, in terms of maturity Rowen was ahead of her. In human
years Galia was a mere sixteen.
Galia's face turned red as she sat down. She felt so embarrassed.
"Well now." Kothar said retaking his seat. "Now that we are gathered I believe we can
begin introductions." Turning to his left he regarded Galia. "Why don't you begin?"
Galia jumped at Kothar's voice. "We, well, I, I," She stammered and fidgeted. "I'm just
a cleric of Selune. F-from the high temple of Quel'Thalas. I joined the army because I knew
there would be a lot of suffering and I wanted to help." She squirmed and fidgeted, her face beet
red as she stared at her hands in her lap.
Kothar could tell that she was hiding something, but that it must be something of a highly
personal nature so he let it drop. He turned to the next one in line. "And you?'
A tall human with medium length brown hair and brown eyes in studded leather armor
taking moderate pulls from his tankard spoke up. "I am Rowen, a ranger of the forest. I have
spent my life walking the woodlands in defense of Mother Gaea. When these orc monsters
began their war across the countryside I could not stand idly by and let them wreak havoc on the
land. I have sworn to destroy them so long as they sin against nature. I have sworn my bow to
the defense of this land."
Next in line to Rowen a trim athletic looking halfling with short black hair and brown
eyes taking sips from his smaller sized tankard spoke up. "I'm Merido Shimmert, a student of
the subtle arts. I was actually doing twenty five to life in the King's dungeon when they offered
me a full pardon for my services. Ya ask me I was safer in my cell." He grunted going back to
his drink.
The next adventurer was a slim young spellscale, a race of people who literally had
arcane power flowing through their veins. Covered with scales of various shades of blue and
purple, with matching hair and eyes the young sorcerer looked almost like a nobleman with his
elegant robes and expensive jewelry. He stuck out like a sore thumb in a tent filled with lowly
soldiers.
The spellscales were a somewhat new development in Azeroth. They had simply started
appearing a few generations ago with remarkable arcane powers. After the initial scare of
demonic possession had calmed down it was discovered that the spell scales were simply a new
race of people. One which had been born with the same inherent arcane power as dragons. The
Kirin Tor, the most prominent college of magic in the land had immediately began gathering up
all the spellscales they could find for training as sorcerers and wizards. There it was learned that
the spellscales truly did channel the same arcane power as dragons. They could also tap into the
truly spectacular arcane power of their blood by meditating each sunrise and focusing on one of
the draconic gods.
The young spell caster introduced himself, "I am Iejir Vorastrix, a scholar of the arcane
arts. My life was getting somewhat droll so this little scuffle seemed just the thing to liven
things up." The others looked at him like he had gone stark raving mad.
A pretty young elf with long white hair, pale skin and hide armor sitting across from
Kothar introduced herself. "My name is Lia Amastacia. I am the daughter of Quel'Thalas' high
druid. Like Rowen when I saw these orc beasts ravaging nature I could not stand idly by and let
it happen. My father was reluctant to let me go but he saw Gaea's will in this and bid me safe
travels." A wolf at her feet barked and yipped at her. Reaching down to scratch it's ears Lia
said "This is Luna, my companion. She's a little protective of me." The wolf yipped in
acknowledgment and lay back down.
A large burly half-orc with pale green skin a long crest of jet black hair tied into a
ponytail stopped his aggressive drinking for a moment. "I am Keth, I was born to a wild tribe of
humans living in the badlands. My people have always held honor and freedom above all. Even
though they are my kin, when I saw the honorless savagery of the Horde I chose to devote my
axe to the Alliance. They are my father's people but I feel that his attitude must have been an
exception to the norm."
A stout dwarf with flaming red hair and an immaculately trimmed beard was next. "I be
Oskar Balderk, a mighty warrior of the dwarven army. When word of these damn greenskins
came I didn't wait the damned bureaucracy to send us down here, I turned in my resignation and
came ta fight them meself."
Next to the dwarf was a gnome with a shaggy mop of fair hair and blue eyes, wearing
well made clothes and a guitar leaning against his chair, it was easy to identify him as a bard.
"Well my name is Dimble Beren, a sort of wandering storyteller. Well the dwarf here.." he said
hiking a thumb at Oskar, "told me he was going to seek his doom in combat against the horde
and I thought it would be great to follow along and record it in epic poem." Oskar muttered
something in dwarfish about where Dimble could stick that poem.
The final member of the squad, seated to Kothar's immediate left was a thin yet very
muscular half-elf with brown hair and gray eyes. "I am simply called Nightwind. I was in
training at a monastery dedicated to spiritual enlightenment when the news of the Horde's
invasion came to our ears. The Grand Master asked for volunteers to go and fight. I was one
such volunteer."
Kothar now stood for his full introduction. "As you know, my name is Kothar Arytiss, I
am a member of the Order of the Dragon Knights. We are an order dedicated to the eradication
of evil dragons and the promotion of the good dragons. We seek a return to an era of the ancient
past when dragons and the common races lived in harmony. As to why I am here, the general
said it best last night. My order is concerned about the war and has sent many of it's members to
join in the fight." Kothar sat back down and continued. "Now to business. Many of you are
wondering as to the nature of this unit. Well to put it bluntly we are new special forces unit.
High command does not like the looks of the situation. The Alliance very nearly lost today's
battle and this was just a small advance force. I do not think I need to tell anyone here what it
would have probably been like had it been the main Horde army."
Around the table many of the faces gave a grim nod of agreement. The main Horde force
was supposed to be massive beyond reckoning. A true force of destruction. The orcs had not
even brought their heavier units, the trolls, ogres and other horrors into play yet. The situation
indeed looked grim.
"Many of you are wondering what our mission profile will be. Well here it is." Kothar
produced a piece of parchment and placed it in the center of the table. It was blank. "Now as
you can all clearly see the paper is blank. And that is exactly what our mission profile is.
Nothing. We are to be an extremely adaptive unit, able to take on any mission, any time, any
place. Which is why we are so diverse in our talents."
Oskar raised his hand.
"Yes Oskar."
"Ye said earlier that we'll be expectin' a heap load o' action?"
"Yes I did." Kothar met every single one of his soldiers in the eye. "The Alliance's
situation is desperately grim. We can expect some very difficult missions ahead of us. But
that's for tomorrow, tonight we drink for tomorrow we may die!" Kothar yelled raising his
tankard.
"Hoo-rah!" cheered the others as they clanked their drinks together.
The various soldiers broke up into separate activity groups as the soldiers drank their
worries away. Galia, not much of a drinker just sipped a little wine and watched the others.
Oskar had challenged the Sergeant Major to an arm wrestling match and was losing badly.
Rowen chatted with Lia who absent-mindedly stroked her wolf, who lay in contentment on the
floor. Merido had wandered away to play daggers, while Iejir had struck up a game of Three
Dragon Ante with a group from another table. Dimble strummed away idly on his guitar while
Keth approached several dwarfs about a drinking contest. Nightwind simply sat off to the side
meditating. Oskar was rubbing his arm and wandering over towards Keth to try a game he might
actually win when Galia saw Kothar approach her.
Visibly gulping she stammered "Y-Yes Commander?"
Kothar had to restrain himself from laughing at the girls innocence. While it was clear
she could use her sword, it was equally obvious she had never been in a real life or death fight.
He could also tell by much of her mannerisms that she must have led a very sheltered life, and
her extreme politeness indicated an upper class background. Very odd to find such a person
down here with the rank and file soldiers. Especially an elf. "You mentioned that you from the
High Temple of Quel'Thalas. What's it like there?" He said just trying to find some topic of
conversation that would put the girl at ease. The last thing he needed was his medic falling to
pieces whenever the situation hit the fire.
"Oh, yes." Galia gasped a breath of relief. This was something she could talk about
without feeling so overwhelmed by Kothar's presence. It wasn't his size, well maybe a little. It
was mostly this incredible aura he seemed to give off. She didn't know much about dragons, but
she had learned about them in school. They were very mysterious and aloof creatures. And
arguably the strongest creatures on the planet. She had tales that some dragons had actually
become powerful enough to challenge the gods. "Well, the temple is located in the center of the
capital city. Just across the Royal Plaza from the palace. It is very beautiful." Galia seemed to
go into a sort of trance as she described the temple in exquisite detail to Kothar. Kothar listened
intently, not just as a courtesy but to try and figure out what this girl had wanted to hide from her
comrades.
Suddenly, Kothar's ears perked up. Just above Galia's voice and the din of the tavern
tent he could hear something, strange. Just then the alarms bells began tolling. Kothar's hearing
had been correct. A horde attack. Mustering all the authority in his voice he bellowed to his
soldiers. "Enemy attack! Arm yourselves and move to the front!" Quickly snatching his
weapons from the check officer at the front of the tent, Kothar ran for the front line with his
squad right on his heels. He momentarily regretted not having time to go back to his tent where
he had left his heavy armor but it could not be helped. Speed had been essential that morning
when he had rushed from HQ to the front line so he had only worn his chain shirt. Since another
attack had been unexpected he had neglected to don his suit of battle plate. An oversight that
would not happen again.
Reaching the camp's edge his darkvision enabled him to penetrate the blackness of the
night. Out ahead, still some distance away, another unit of orcs advanced. Kothar noticed some
shapes that were at least a head taller than the orcs.
"Trolls." said Oskar voicing his thoughts. "They're sendin' bloody trolls at us."
"Steady everyone." Kothar commanded. Looking to his right and left, Kothar saw
several units readying themselves for battle. Elven archers began nocking arrows to bowstrings
while human footmen lined up behind dwarven pikemen. With their pikes extended, the dwarfs
locked their shields together. Above them, hundreds of shafts from elven bows began
descending upon the advancing horde. Almost on cue, more arrow shafts bearing the black
fletchings of the goblin archers fell on the assembled alliance troops. Raising their shields, the
arrows fell. All across both armies, soldiers fell as arrows found their marks. Necks were
pierced, legs struck, and a host of other body parts. The orcs, with their troll allies however,
remain unfazed.
Many died, arrows puncturing some vital area. Those who did not die on the other hand,
simply kept charging as if they didn't feel the arrows. One orc took an arrow in his right eye and
miraculously lived. Without even breaking stride, the orc pulled the arrow out, which his
eyeball attached to head. The young orc warrior ate his eyeball and threw away the arrow,
shouting his orcish warcry at the weak alliance soldiers.
Wasting no time and mincing no words, Kothar issued orders to his troops. "Nightwind,
Balderk, Keth move forward, we'll engage them head on. Rowen, Shimmert, Beren sniper
detail. Vorastrix, take out as many as you can with your spells. Alodel, Amastacia you two are
on medical duty. Keep us alive." Kothar than unsheathed his greatspear and moved to join
Nightwind, Oskar and Keth.
"Y-yes Commander," Galia stammered as she drew her elven thinblade and took her
position next to Lia.
"Not used to battle are you?" Lia asked.
"No, I-I'm not used to all this carnage, all this destruction."
"Well don't worry about it." Lia said. "We all feel that way we just to suppress the fear
and disgust until the battle's over. Lookout here they come!"
The first of the orcs reached the alliance line. Several were felled by attacks from
Rowen's longbow, Merido's light crossbow, and Dimble's shortbow. As the first orcs reached
melee range, Kothar surged forward and caught the lead orc with his greatspear. Hurling the
corpse back into the orc's ranks Kothar surged forward. Behind him Keth met an orc's axe with
his own. Snarling an orcish curse into his enemies' face, Keth stepped forward with his left foot
and drove his right knee into the orc's groin. The orc let his breath with a big whoosh and fell to
his knees where Keth decapitated him. Oskar bull rushed another orc knocking him off of his
feet. As the orc struggled to get back up Oskar buried his axe in it's chest. Blood spurted from
the wound as Oskar pulled the axe free looking for enemies to slay. Nightwind ducked an orc's
axe and smashed him across the face with quarterstaff. With the orc temporarily stunned,
Nightwind smacked the orc in the throat with the end of his quarterstaff, crushing the orc's
larynx. As the orc fell over struggling for breath, Nightwind unleashed a somersault kick on an
orc that was flanking Oskar. Kothar impaled another orc with his greatspear and flung him into
his comrades. As the orcs began to press closer, Kothar dropped the spear and unsheathed his
fullblade. Eighteen inches longer than a greatsword, the fullblade was the most powerful sword
a warrior could have, and Kothar's was even bigger as it had been made for his great stature.
Letting out a draconic roar, Kothar charged into the horde's ranks.
Behind the melee fighters, Rowen, Merido and Dimble continued pouring arrow and bolt
fire into the horde army. Rowen was forced to drop his longbow and draw long and short
swords when a pair of orcs came close. Trading blows left and right, Rowen finally managed to
slice one orc across the fingers causing him to drop his axe. Taking advantage of the momentary
respite, Rowen quickly stabbed the other orc with short sword and then stabbed the remaining
orc in the back as it attempted to retrieve it's axe. Sheathing his swords Rowen quickly snatched
up his bow and fired several more arrows at orcs harrying the melee soldiers. Merido grumbled
to himself as he fired his last crossbow bolt. Slinging the weapon he fell back several paces as
the fighting got a little closer to him than he liked. Drawing his shortbow, Merido used his
ability to hit vulnerable spots to deadly effect. Orcs began falling left and right as arrows found
their marks in eyes, throats and hearts.
Dimble wasn't happy. He was a bard. A traveling storyteller and minstrel. He asked
himself for the umpteenth time why he had vowed to follow the dwarf as he loosed another
arrow into an orc's leg. Drawing back another arrow, he suddenly rolled aside as an orc's axe
plowed into the ground right where he had been standing. Finishing his roll Dimble righted
himself and shot the orc. The arrow imbedded itself in the orc's chest. The orc snarled and
pulled it's axe free of the ground. Sighing, Dimble threw away his bow and unsheathed his
sword. One good thing about this. Dimble thought to himself. If I manage to live through this
it'll make one hell of a story.
Iejir called to himself the winds of magic. He had already performed his blood
quickening meditation earlier that day. This time in homage to Bahamut, The Platinum Dragon,
King of the Good Dragons, and Lord of the North Wind. By meditating in respect to Bahamut,
Iejir was able to infuse his spells with extra power against those of evil mind and heart. Pulling
a strip of cured leather from his spell pouch, Iejir spoked in hushed tones while performing
intricate hand gestures over the leather strip with his other hand. The air filled with a popping
sound as a barrier of pure energy appeared around Iejir. With his Mage Armor spell in place,
Iejir returned the leather strip to his spell component pouch. Finding the nearest orc Iejir chanted
several magic incantations and gestured towards the orc. A flash of energy leapt from Iejir's
outstretched as he completed the Magic Missile spell. The dart of energy struck the orc square in
the center of it's back. He fell with thud. Turning and finding a new target, Iejir repeated his
spell. Another orc fell as the dart of energy ripped through it's neck.
Galia and Lia fought back to back. Lia parried an orc's axe off her shield and skewered
him with her longsword. Galia fended off another one with her thinblade and breathed a sigh of
relief as Lia's wolf Luna attacked the orc and mauled it. Turning around she noticed that most
of the orcs who had managed to penetrate the alliance line had been slain and the rest of them
were trading blows with the main line. Scanning the mob she quickly located the rest of the
squad. Iejir seemed to be having fun blowing up orcs. As if it was just a game to him. Merido
and Rowen were sniping what remained of the orc forces. Dimble had just extricated himself
from an orc's corpse and sheathing his sword, quickly snatched up his bow and joined Merido
and Rowen. Meanwhile in the thick of fighting she could still see Oskar, Keth and Nightwind
continuing to dispatch orcs in fierce melee combat. Suddenly worried, she looked around until
she saw a pile of orcs suddenly explode from within. Kothar emerged, somewhat bloodied but
none the worse for wear. Ignoring the danger Galia quickly ran to her commander's side and
cast a healing spell on him. Kothar looked down at her and cocked an eyebrow. Galia looked
back with concern in her eyes then squeaked when Kothar shoved her down and speared an orc
that had almost attacked her from behind. Turning he helped Galia back to her feet.
"Be more careful, the battlefield is not the place to get emotional." Kothar said as he
turned back to the fray. As he trotted off Galia was somewhat hurt that he hadn't thanked her.
As he neared his next victim Kothar turned his head and called over his shoulder. "By the way
thanks for the healing."
Galia blushed a little at the compliment then turned to see Keth take a goblin arrow in the
shoulder. She grunted as she set off to do her job.
Kothar shoved his latest kill off his sword. More orcs began to crowd him. He quickly
holstered the fullblade and drew his bastard sword and equipped his shield. Parrying axes with
the shield and drawing orc blood with the sword Kothar continued hacking away until he came
face to face with a creature almost as big as him. The trolls had finally made their way to the
front of the line.
The troll grunted something in it's language and hurled it's javelin at Kothar, he
deflected it easily and rushed the troll. Across the battlefield more units engaged the trolls.
With their incredible healing powers the trolls made the perfect shock troopers. Units became
focused on holding off trolls leaving themselves open to attack by orc axe or goblin arrow.
Kothar's sword met the troll's axe. The troll whipped back and tried to catch Kothar in the legs.
Kothar leaped over the blow and landed a fierce slash across the troll's torso. Black ichor spilled
everywhere. Kothar could already see the wound the wound starting to close. He wished had
some fire or acid on him but no luck. He could already see several orcs moving forward to
reinforce the troll. If he didn't do something fast he would be overwhelmed. Seeing no other
choice, Kothar raised the visor of his helmet baring his face. Taking a deep breath, Kothar
unleashed his father's heritage. A thirty foot long cone of pure energy burst forth from Kothar's
mouth. The troll and orcs were completely obliterated as Kothar's breath attack roared across
the battlefield. Several nearby soldiers stopped and stared in awe at the incredible destruction
that had been unleashed. Kothar took several deep breaths and closed his helmet's visor.
Sighting in on the nearest troll, Kothar put up his shield and bastard sword and redrew his
fullblade. Sliding under the trolls upward swing Kothar quickly decapitated the troll and
assessed the situation. The alliance army seemed to be holding it's ground. His unit so far
remained operational and was performing fairly well. They were supporting each other and
operating effectively as a team.
Suddenly Kothar noticed a rather large figure of an orc impale two human footmen on a
massive, cruel looking blade and heave them aside. Kothar recognized his style of dress as an
orc champion. The commanding officer of this force. Kothar turned and gave a sharp whistle,
his quickly formed up around him.
"Listen up." He said indicating the champion. "We take him out and we can break this
attack's momentum. I need all of you to cover me while I engage him."
"Takin' `em all to yourself sir?" Asked Oskar.
"I am a knight." Kothar replied. "I am bound by honor to engage him in single combat."
Kothar quickly detailed everyone's instructions and moved to interpose himself between the orc
champion and his next intended victim. A young human soldier of about seventeen summers
shakily holding his sword. With a leap and a quick burst from his wings, Kothar landed directly
in front of the orc champion.
Stepping back in surprise, the orc smiled an evil grin full of yellowed, cracking teeth.
"So you're the one who killed Grimgnar earlier today." He spoke in orcish. "Now let's see how
you handle a real warrior whelp."
Drawing up to his full height which easily put him a foot and a half above the orc Kothar
responded in orcish. "Enough talk, speak with your steel."
The orc roared with rage and charged. Kothar met the orc's blade with his own and
parried it aside. The two circled each other, each trying to find a weakness, each trying to find
some advantage. The fighting around the two actually halted and each side began to cheer own
it's champion. Kothar and the orc continued to trade blows, soon each was bleeding from minor
cuts and gashes.
Gailia attempted to rush in and heal Kothar but several hands stopped her. She looked up
and saw her squad mates. "Let me go I have to help him!" She exclaimed.
"Leave him alone Galia." Said Rowen. "He's a knight and he's just challenged another
to single combat. If you help it will be a tremendous blow to his honor."
"But..." Galia began.
"Don't worry lass." Oskar said. "He'll win this fight and then he'll take all the help you
can give him."
Please let him win. Galia prayed to her goddess Selune.
Meanwhile Kothar was marveling at the orc champion's skill. It was a shame that they
could not have fought as allies but Kothar had to finish this fight. Seeing an opening in the orc's
defenses Kothar made another lunge with his sword. The orc caught it just as Kothar predicted,
however as the orc was distracted by Kothar's sword Kothar's tail came up and slapped him
across the side of the head. While he was stunned Kothar lunged forward stabbing the orc right
through his heart. Kothar twisted the blade and pulled it out. The orc clutched his chest as his
sword slipped from his fingers. Looking up at Kothar, the orc gave his opponent a look of
grudging respect before falling to the ground and lying still for all eternity.
Shocked at the defeat of their leader the orcs and trolls began to slink away when Kothar
roared with battle fury. Soon the rest of the army joined in. Kothar retrieved his spear from
where he had discarded it earlier and getting the his unit formed up charged the horde forces.
The rest of the alliance army, on hearing of Kothar's incredible feat, also charged. The horde
forces were decimated and in full retreat. Surviving members of the advance force would later
return to the Ogrim Doomhammer, Warchief of the Horde with reports of a great warrior with
draconic ancestry.
drink. Some celebrated victory over the Horde, even though it was only a small advance force.
Others attempted to bury their sorrow under the numbness of alcohol. Humans engaged in
drinking contests with the dwarves. Elves sat back in bemusement at what they considered the
folly of these more boorish races. Halflings joked and jollied with gnomes at the size of the
drinks of the taller races. War was a very trying time, especially for the soldiers who fought it.
People have often remarked that soldiers often appear to be sullen drunks but then those people
did not live knowing death awaited you on the morrow, and that your many of your comrades
would be left behind on the battlefield.
In one corner of the tent two tables had been pushed together to allow for the gathering of
the new freelancer special forces unit. Oskar and Keth were each draining tankards of ale with
incredible zeal. Most of the others enjoyed their drinks more slowly and chatted with each other.
The two exceptions were Iejir, who didn't want to be blamed for accidentally blowing up the
tent, and Nightwind who had sworn an oath of abstinence from earthly pleasures and was the
quiet type.
Kothar sat silent and immobile, observing the soldiers now placed under his command.
They seemed to be bonding fine but it wouldn't be until combat that those bonds of camaraderie
would be tested. Unlike the regular soldiers these people were very independent. They hadn't
been rigorously trained to put aside their differences and act as single unit. Also they weren't
obligated to serve. They were adventurers who had simply decided to help the army and were
free to leave at any time. As such discipline could be problematic.
Galia entered the tent and looked around. She had actually never been inside the tavern
tent before. Having been sheltered all her life she had never indulged in alcohol, although she
had had to help more than a few soldiers (mostly dwarves) who had come to the medical tent
with hangovers. She tried to see through the smoke and din and find the commander's table but
she wasn't having much luck. Suddenly she felt a hand along her rump. Shrieking she whirled
around to see a well stocked human leering at her. The redness of his cheeks showed how much
he had had to drink.
"Hey there pretty thing." He slurred. "How's about showing a lonely soldier a good
time?" He began to advance on her.
"Uh, excuse me sir, uh." She stammered as she tried to back up. She didn't see herself
back up into a dwarf and knock over his ale.
"You spilled my drink." The dwarf said morosely. Looking at the spilled ale like it was a
dead kinsman.
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" Galia squeaked. She tried to back away.
"Hey shorty!" Growled the human. "You trying to muscle in on my woman?"
"What I was trying to do was enjoy my drink until your woman spilled it. Now who's
gonna make up for it?" he said, an unpleasant look creeping into his eye. "Her, maybe?"
"Uhm, excuse me sirs I'm sure we can do something to..."
"You shut up until we decide what to do about you." Snapped the human.
"You'll not be getting any of that after I'm through with you manling." Growled the
dwarf.
Suddenly a quiet, powerful voice broke the growing tension. "Leave the elf alone and sit
back down. Now."
All three turned to find themselves staring up at the imposing bulk of Kothar Arytiss.
"What are you going to do about it big guy?" the human snarled.
Kothar bent down until he was nose to nose with the human. "What do you think I will
do? Puny human?" Kothar said growling deep in his throat.
The human stepped back, the first time you hear a dragon, even a half dragon, growl it is
very intimidating. "Alright fine." He looked over at Galia hiding behind Kothar. "You're lucky
you have such a big friend." He went back over and sat down with his comrades.
"Well?" Kothar said looking down at the dwarf.
"Ye owe me a drink, big lad." The dwarf responded.
Kothar fumbled in his purse and produced a copper coin. He slammed it down on the
table so hard the table shattered. "Enjoy." Kothar said menacingly.
The entire tent had gone silent over the exchange and was now deathly quiet over the fact
that a table had just been reduced to firewood in one punch. As Kothar turned and eyed the other
patrons they quickly went back to their drinks.
"This way." He said taking Galia over to the table.
Galia could feel her cheeks warming. Never before had she been the center of such
unwanted attention. She felt thoroughly humiliated as Kothar held out her chair for her.
"Some knack you got for getting people's attention there kid." Said Rowen. Even
though Galia was technically older, in terms of maturity Rowen was ahead of her. In human
years Galia was a mere sixteen.
Galia's face turned red as she sat down. She felt so embarrassed.
"Well now." Kothar said retaking his seat. "Now that we are gathered I believe we can
begin introductions." Turning to his left he regarded Galia. "Why don't you begin?"
Galia jumped at Kothar's voice. "We, well, I, I," She stammered and fidgeted. "I'm just
a cleric of Selune. F-from the high temple of Quel'Thalas. I joined the army because I knew
there would be a lot of suffering and I wanted to help." She squirmed and fidgeted, her face beet
red as she stared at her hands in her lap.
Kothar could tell that she was hiding something, but that it must be something of a highly
personal nature so he let it drop. He turned to the next one in line. "And you?'
A tall human with medium length brown hair and brown eyes in studded leather armor
taking moderate pulls from his tankard spoke up. "I am Rowen, a ranger of the forest. I have
spent my life walking the woodlands in defense of Mother Gaea. When these orc monsters
began their war across the countryside I could not stand idly by and let them wreak havoc on the
land. I have sworn to destroy them so long as they sin against nature. I have sworn my bow to
the defense of this land."
Next in line to Rowen a trim athletic looking halfling with short black hair and brown
eyes taking sips from his smaller sized tankard spoke up. "I'm Merido Shimmert, a student of
the subtle arts. I was actually doing twenty five to life in the King's dungeon when they offered
me a full pardon for my services. Ya ask me I was safer in my cell." He grunted going back to
his drink.
The next adventurer was a slim young spellscale, a race of people who literally had
arcane power flowing through their veins. Covered with scales of various shades of blue and
purple, with matching hair and eyes the young sorcerer looked almost like a nobleman with his
elegant robes and expensive jewelry. He stuck out like a sore thumb in a tent filled with lowly
soldiers.
The spellscales were a somewhat new development in Azeroth. They had simply started
appearing a few generations ago with remarkable arcane powers. After the initial scare of
demonic possession had calmed down it was discovered that the spell scales were simply a new
race of people. One which had been born with the same inherent arcane power as dragons. The
Kirin Tor, the most prominent college of magic in the land had immediately began gathering up
all the spellscales they could find for training as sorcerers and wizards. There it was learned that
the spellscales truly did channel the same arcane power as dragons. They could also tap into the
truly spectacular arcane power of their blood by meditating each sunrise and focusing on one of
the draconic gods.
The young spell caster introduced himself, "I am Iejir Vorastrix, a scholar of the arcane
arts. My life was getting somewhat droll so this little scuffle seemed just the thing to liven
things up." The others looked at him like he had gone stark raving mad.
A pretty young elf with long white hair, pale skin and hide armor sitting across from
Kothar introduced herself. "My name is Lia Amastacia. I am the daughter of Quel'Thalas' high
druid. Like Rowen when I saw these orc beasts ravaging nature I could not stand idly by and let
it happen. My father was reluctant to let me go but he saw Gaea's will in this and bid me safe
travels." A wolf at her feet barked and yipped at her. Reaching down to scratch it's ears Lia
said "This is Luna, my companion. She's a little protective of me." The wolf yipped in
acknowledgment and lay back down.
A large burly half-orc with pale green skin a long crest of jet black hair tied into a
ponytail stopped his aggressive drinking for a moment. "I am Keth, I was born to a wild tribe of
humans living in the badlands. My people have always held honor and freedom above all. Even
though they are my kin, when I saw the honorless savagery of the Horde I chose to devote my
axe to the Alliance. They are my father's people but I feel that his attitude must have been an
exception to the norm."
A stout dwarf with flaming red hair and an immaculately trimmed beard was next. "I be
Oskar Balderk, a mighty warrior of the dwarven army. When word of these damn greenskins
came I didn't wait the damned bureaucracy to send us down here, I turned in my resignation and
came ta fight them meself."
Next to the dwarf was a gnome with a shaggy mop of fair hair and blue eyes, wearing
well made clothes and a guitar leaning against his chair, it was easy to identify him as a bard.
"Well my name is Dimble Beren, a sort of wandering storyteller. Well the dwarf here.." he said
hiking a thumb at Oskar, "told me he was going to seek his doom in combat against the horde
and I thought it would be great to follow along and record it in epic poem." Oskar muttered
something in dwarfish about where Dimble could stick that poem.
The final member of the squad, seated to Kothar's immediate left was a thin yet very
muscular half-elf with brown hair and gray eyes. "I am simply called Nightwind. I was in
training at a monastery dedicated to spiritual enlightenment when the news of the Horde's
invasion came to our ears. The Grand Master asked for volunteers to go and fight. I was one
such volunteer."
Kothar now stood for his full introduction. "As you know, my name is Kothar Arytiss, I
am a member of the Order of the Dragon Knights. We are an order dedicated to the eradication
of evil dragons and the promotion of the good dragons. We seek a return to an era of the ancient
past when dragons and the common races lived in harmony. As to why I am here, the general
said it best last night. My order is concerned about the war and has sent many of it's members to
join in the fight." Kothar sat back down and continued. "Now to business. Many of you are
wondering as to the nature of this unit. Well to put it bluntly we are new special forces unit.
High command does not like the looks of the situation. The Alliance very nearly lost today's
battle and this was just a small advance force. I do not think I need to tell anyone here what it
would have probably been like had it been the main Horde army."
Around the table many of the faces gave a grim nod of agreement. The main Horde force
was supposed to be massive beyond reckoning. A true force of destruction. The orcs had not
even brought their heavier units, the trolls, ogres and other horrors into play yet. The situation
indeed looked grim.
"Many of you are wondering what our mission profile will be. Well here it is." Kothar
produced a piece of parchment and placed it in the center of the table. It was blank. "Now as
you can all clearly see the paper is blank. And that is exactly what our mission profile is.
Nothing. We are to be an extremely adaptive unit, able to take on any mission, any time, any
place. Which is why we are so diverse in our talents."
Oskar raised his hand.
"Yes Oskar."
"Ye said earlier that we'll be expectin' a heap load o' action?"
"Yes I did." Kothar met every single one of his soldiers in the eye. "The Alliance's
situation is desperately grim. We can expect some very difficult missions ahead of us. But
that's for tomorrow, tonight we drink for tomorrow we may die!" Kothar yelled raising his
tankard.
"Hoo-rah!" cheered the others as they clanked their drinks together.
The various soldiers broke up into separate activity groups as the soldiers drank their
worries away. Galia, not much of a drinker just sipped a little wine and watched the others.
Oskar had challenged the Sergeant Major to an arm wrestling match and was losing badly.
Rowen chatted with Lia who absent-mindedly stroked her wolf, who lay in contentment on the
floor. Merido had wandered away to play daggers, while Iejir had struck up a game of Three
Dragon Ante with a group from another table. Dimble strummed away idly on his guitar while
Keth approached several dwarfs about a drinking contest. Nightwind simply sat off to the side
meditating. Oskar was rubbing his arm and wandering over towards Keth to try a game he might
actually win when Galia saw Kothar approach her.
Visibly gulping she stammered "Y-Yes Commander?"
Kothar had to restrain himself from laughing at the girls innocence. While it was clear
she could use her sword, it was equally obvious she had never been in a real life or death fight.
He could also tell by much of her mannerisms that she must have led a very sheltered life, and
her extreme politeness indicated an upper class background. Very odd to find such a person
down here with the rank and file soldiers. Especially an elf. "You mentioned that you from the
High Temple of Quel'Thalas. What's it like there?" He said just trying to find some topic of
conversation that would put the girl at ease. The last thing he needed was his medic falling to
pieces whenever the situation hit the fire.
"Oh, yes." Galia gasped a breath of relief. This was something she could talk about
without feeling so overwhelmed by Kothar's presence. It wasn't his size, well maybe a little. It
was mostly this incredible aura he seemed to give off. She didn't know much about dragons, but
she had learned about them in school. They were very mysterious and aloof creatures. And
arguably the strongest creatures on the planet. She had tales that some dragons had actually
become powerful enough to challenge the gods. "Well, the temple is located in the center of the
capital city. Just across the Royal Plaza from the palace. It is very beautiful." Galia seemed to
go into a sort of trance as she described the temple in exquisite detail to Kothar. Kothar listened
intently, not just as a courtesy but to try and figure out what this girl had wanted to hide from her
comrades.
Suddenly, Kothar's ears perked up. Just above Galia's voice and the din of the tavern
tent he could hear something, strange. Just then the alarms bells began tolling. Kothar's hearing
had been correct. A horde attack. Mustering all the authority in his voice he bellowed to his
soldiers. "Enemy attack! Arm yourselves and move to the front!" Quickly snatching his
weapons from the check officer at the front of the tent, Kothar ran for the front line with his
squad right on his heels. He momentarily regretted not having time to go back to his tent where
he had left his heavy armor but it could not be helped. Speed had been essential that morning
when he had rushed from HQ to the front line so he had only worn his chain shirt. Since another
attack had been unexpected he had neglected to don his suit of battle plate. An oversight that
would not happen again.
Reaching the camp's edge his darkvision enabled him to penetrate the blackness of the
night. Out ahead, still some distance away, another unit of orcs advanced. Kothar noticed some
shapes that were at least a head taller than the orcs.
"Trolls." said Oskar voicing his thoughts. "They're sendin' bloody trolls at us."
"Steady everyone." Kothar commanded. Looking to his right and left, Kothar saw
several units readying themselves for battle. Elven archers began nocking arrows to bowstrings
while human footmen lined up behind dwarven pikemen. With their pikes extended, the dwarfs
locked their shields together. Above them, hundreds of shafts from elven bows began
descending upon the advancing horde. Almost on cue, more arrow shafts bearing the black
fletchings of the goblin archers fell on the assembled alliance troops. Raising their shields, the
arrows fell. All across both armies, soldiers fell as arrows found their marks. Necks were
pierced, legs struck, and a host of other body parts. The orcs, with their troll allies however,
remain unfazed.
Many died, arrows puncturing some vital area. Those who did not die on the other hand,
simply kept charging as if they didn't feel the arrows. One orc took an arrow in his right eye and
miraculously lived. Without even breaking stride, the orc pulled the arrow out, which his
eyeball attached to head. The young orc warrior ate his eyeball and threw away the arrow,
shouting his orcish warcry at the weak alliance soldiers.
Wasting no time and mincing no words, Kothar issued orders to his troops. "Nightwind,
Balderk, Keth move forward, we'll engage them head on. Rowen, Shimmert, Beren sniper
detail. Vorastrix, take out as many as you can with your spells. Alodel, Amastacia you two are
on medical duty. Keep us alive." Kothar than unsheathed his greatspear and moved to join
Nightwind, Oskar and Keth.
"Y-yes Commander," Galia stammered as she drew her elven thinblade and took her
position next to Lia.
"Not used to battle are you?" Lia asked.
"No, I-I'm not used to all this carnage, all this destruction."
"Well don't worry about it." Lia said. "We all feel that way we just to suppress the fear
and disgust until the battle's over. Lookout here they come!"
The first of the orcs reached the alliance line. Several were felled by attacks from
Rowen's longbow, Merido's light crossbow, and Dimble's shortbow. As the first orcs reached
melee range, Kothar surged forward and caught the lead orc with his greatspear. Hurling the
corpse back into the orc's ranks Kothar surged forward. Behind him Keth met an orc's axe with
his own. Snarling an orcish curse into his enemies' face, Keth stepped forward with his left foot
and drove his right knee into the orc's groin. The orc let his breath with a big whoosh and fell to
his knees where Keth decapitated him. Oskar bull rushed another orc knocking him off of his
feet. As the orc struggled to get back up Oskar buried his axe in it's chest. Blood spurted from
the wound as Oskar pulled the axe free looking for enemies to slay. Nightwind ducked an orc's
axe and smashed him across the face with quarterstaff. With the orc temporarily stunned,
Nightwind smacked the orc in the throat with the end of his quarterstaff, crushing the orc's
larynx. As the orc fell over struggling for breath, Nightwind unleashed a somersault kick on an
orc that was flanking Oskar. Kothar impaled another orc with his greatspear and flung him into
his comrades. As the orcs began to press closer, Kothar dropped the spear and unsheathed his
fullblade. Eighteen inches longer than a greatsword, the fullblade was the most powerful sword
a warrior could have, and Kothar's was even bigger as it had been made for his great stature.
Letting out a draconic roar, Kothar charged into the horde's ranks.
Behind the melee fighters, Rowen, Merido and Dimble continued pouring arrow and bolt
fire into the horde army. Rowen was forced to drop his longbow and draw long and short
swords when a pair of orcs came close. Trading blows left and right, Rowen finally managed to
slice one orc across the fingers causing him to drop his axe. Taking advantage of the momentary
respite, Rowen quickly stabbed the other orc with short sword and then stabbed the remaining
orc in the back as it attempted to retrieve it's axe. Sheathing his swords Rowen quickly snatched
up his bow and fired several more arrows at orcs harrying the melee soldiers. Merido grumbled
to himself as he fired his last crossbow bolt. Slinging the weapon he fell back several paces as
the fighting got a little closer to him than he liked. Drawing his shortbow, Merido used his
ability to hit vulnerable spots to deadly effect. Orcs began falling left and right as arrows found
their marks in eyes, throats and hearts.
Dimble wasn't happy. He was a bard. A traveling storyteller and minstrel. He asked
himself for the umpteenth time why he had vowed to follow the dwarf as he loosed another
arrow into an orc's leg. Drawing back another arrow, he suddenly rolled aside as an orc's axe
plowed into the ground right where he had been standing. Finishing his roll Dimble righted
himself and shot the orc. The arrow imbedded itself in the orc's chest. The orc snarled and
pulled it's axe free of the ground. Sighing, Dimble threw away his bow and unsheathed his
sword. One good thing about this. Dimble thought to himself. If I manage to live through this
it'll make one hell of a story.
Iejir called to himself the winds of magic. He had already performed his blood
quickening meditation earlier that day. This time in homage to Bahamut, The Platinum Dragon,
King of the Good Dragons, and Lord of the North Wind. By meditating in respect to Bahamut,
Iejir was able to infuse his spells with extra power against those of evil mind and heart. Pulling
a strip of cured leather from his spell pouch, Iejir spoked in hushed tones while performing
intricate hand gestures over the leather strip with his other hand. The air filled with a popping
sound as a barrier of pure energy appeared around Iejir. With his Mage Armor spell in place,
Iejir returned the leather strip to his spell component pouch. Finding the nearest orc Iejir chanted
several magic incantations and gestured towards the orc. A flash of energy leapt from Iejir's
outstretched as he completed the Magic Missile spell. The dart of energy struck the orc square in
the center of it's back. He fell with thud. Turning and finding a new target, Iejir repeated his
spell. Another orc fell as the dart of energy ripped through it's neck.
Galia and Lia fought back to back. Lia parried an orc's axe off her shield and skewered
him with her longsword. Galia fended off another one with her thinblade and breathed a sigh of
relief as Lia's wolf Luna attacked the orc and mauled it. Turning around she noticed that most
of the orcs who had managed to penetrate the alliance line had been slain and the rest of them
were trading blows with the main line. Scanning the mob she quickly located the rest of the
squad. Iejir seemed to be having fun blowing up orcs. As if it was just a game to him. Merido
and Rowen were sniping what remained of the orc forces. Dimble had just extricated himself
from an orc's corpse and sheathing his sword, quickly snatched up his bow and joined Merido
and Rowen. Meanwhile in the thick of fighting she could still see Oskar, Keth and Nightwind
continuing to dispatch orcs in fierce melee combat. Suddenly worried, she looked around until
she saw a pile of orcs suddenly explode from within. Kothar emerged, somewhat bloodied but
none the worse for wear. Ignoring the danger Galia quickly ran to her commander's side and
cast a healing spell on him. Kothar looked down at her and cocked an eyebrow. Galia looked
back with concern in her eyes then squeaked when Kothar shoved her down and speared an orc
that had almost attacked her from behind. Turning he helped Galia back to her feet.
"Be more careful, the battlefield is not the place to get emotional." Kothar said as he
turned back to the fray. As he trotted off Galia was somewhat hurt that he hadn't thanked her.
As he neared his next victim Kothar turned his head and called over his shoulder. "By the way
thanks for the healing."
Galia blushed a little at the compliment then turned to see Keth take a goblin arrow in the
shoulder. She grunted as she set off to do her job.
Kothar shoved his latest kill off his sword. More orcs began to crowd him. He quickly
holstered the fullblade and drew his bastard sword and equipped his shield. Parrying axes with
the shield and drawing orc blood with the sword Kothar continued hacking away until he came
face to face with a creature almost as big as him. The trolls had finally made their way to the
front of the line.
The troll grunted something in it's language and hurled it's javelin at Kothar, he
deflected it easily and rushed the troll. Across the battlefield more units engaged the trolls.
With their incredible healing powers the trolls made the perfect shock troopers. Units became
focused on holding off trolls leaving themselves open to attack by orc axe or goblin arrow.
Kothar's sword met the troll's axe. The troll whipped back and tried to catch Kothar in the legs.
Kothar leaped over the blow and landed a fierce slash across the troll's torso. Black ichor spilled
everywhere. Kothar could already see the wound the wound starting to close. He wished had
some fire or acid on him but no luck. He could already see several orcs moving forward to
reinforce the troll. If he didn't do something fast he would be overwhelmed. Seeing no other
choice, Kothar raised the visor of his helmet baring his face. Taking a deep breath, Kothar
unleashed his father's heritage. A thirty foot long cone of pure energy burst forth from Kothar's
mouth. The troll and orcs were completely obliterated as Kothar's breath attack roared across
the battlefield. Several nearby soldiers stopped and stared in awe at the incredible destruction
that had been unleashed. Kothar took several deep breaths and closed his helmet's visor.
Sighting in on the nearest troll, Kothar put up his shield and bastard sword and redrew his
fullblade. Sliding under the trolls upward swing Kothar quickly decapitated the troll and
assessed the situation. The alliance army seemed to be holding it's ground. His unit so far
remained operational and was performing fairly well. They were supporting each other and
operating effectively as a team.
Suddenly Kothar noticed a rather large figure of an orc impale two human footmen on a
massive, cruel looking blade and heave them aside. Kothar recognized his style of dress as an
orc champion. The commanding officer of this force. Kothar turned and gave a sharp whistle,
his quickly formed up around him.
"Listen up." He said indicating the champion. "We take him out and we can break this
attack's momentum. I need all of you to cover me while I engage him."
"Takin' `em all to yourself sir?" Asked Oskar.
"I am a knight." Kothar replied. "I am bound by honor to engage him in single combat."
Kothar quickly detailed everyone's instructions and moved to interpose himself between the orc
champion and his next intended victim. A young human soldier of about seventeen summers
shakily holding his sword. With a leap and a quick burst from his wings, Kothar landed directly
in front of the orc champion.
Stepping back in surprise, the orc smiled an evil grin full of yellowed, cracking teeth.
"So you're the one who killed Grimgnar earlier today." He spoke in orcish. "Now let's see how
you handle a real warrior whelp."
Drawing up to his full height which easily put him a foot and a half above the orc Kothar
responded in orcish. "Enough talk, speak with your steel."
The orc roared with rage and charged. Kothar met the orc's blade with his own and
parried it aside. The two circled each other, each trying to find a weakness, each trying to find
some advantage. The fighting around the two actually halted and each side began to cheer own
it's champion. Kothar and the orc continued to trade blows, soon each was bleeding from minor
cuts and gashes.
Gailia attempted to rush in and heal Kothar but several hands stopped her. She looked up
and saw her squad mates. "Let me go I have to help him!" She exclaimed.
"Leave him alone Galia." Said Rowen. "He's a knight and he's just challenged another
to single combat. If you help it will be a tremendous blow to his honor."
"But..." Galia began.
"Don't worry lass." Oskar said. "He'll win this fight and then he'll take all the help you
can give him."
Please let him win. Galia prayed to her goddess Selune.
Meanwhile Kothar was marveling at the orc champion's skill. It was a shame that they
could not have fought as allies but Kothar had to finish this fight. Seeing an opening in the orc's
defenses Kothar made another lunge with his sword. The orc caught it just as Kothar predicted,
however as the orc was distracted by Kothar's sword Kothar's tail came up and slapped him
across the side of the head. While he was stunned Kothar lunged forward stabbing the orc right
through his heart. Kothar twisted the blade and pulled it out. The orc clutched his chest as his
sword slipped from his fingers. Looking up at Kothar, the orc gave his opponent a look of
grudging respect before falling to the ground and lying still for all eternity.
Shocked at the defeat of their leader the orcs and trolls began to slink away when Kothar
roared with battle fury. Soon the rest of the army joined in. Kothar retrieved his spear from
where he had discarded it earlier and getting the his unit formed up charged the horde forces.
The rest of the alliance army, on hearing of Kothar's incredible feat, also charged. The horde
forces were decimated and in full retreat. Surviving members of the advance force would later
return to the Ogrim Doomhammer, Warchief of the Horde with reports of a great warrior with
draconic ancestry.