"He is a Human," reminded Kargen. "They are slighter of frame than us. We must remember that he is not as hardy as an Orc, so try not to jostle him too much."

They began moving eastward, soon clearing the remains of Athelwald, and making their way towards home.

Sometime later, they came into view of the palisade that marked their home. They were spotted almost immediately, and Kargen recognized the two Orcs that ran out to meet them.

"What have we here?" asked Khorsune.

"It is a Therengian," declared Kargen. "We found him in the ruins of his village."

"Is he alive?" asked Durgash.

"He is," confirmed Laruhk, "though he is badly burned. He will need the healing touch of Uhdrig."

Khorsune stood still, looking at the Human suspended from the spear.

"What are you waiting for?" asked Kargen. "My arms are tired."

"We cannot take him into Ord-Kurgad," defended Durgash, "it is forbidden."

"This is Athgar of the Therengians," Kargen reminded him. "Have you forgotten the arrows he has made for you over the years?"

"No, but Gorlag will not be happy."

"Gorlag can kiss my ancestors."

"Kargen," Durgash admonished, "you cannot speak that way of our chieftain."

"Help or get out of our way," warned Kargen. "I shall take responsibility for everything."

"Very well," said Durgash. "Khorsune, grab the other end."

They transferred their burden, and then all four Orcs continued on. The palisade ran around the entire perimeter, save for a small gap. To cover this, a secondary wall had been constructed outside of the main wall, forcing everyone to walk parallel to the wall for some distance before entering.

They passed through quickly, revealing the village beyond. Huts made of wood and mud were built close to the palisade, leaving a large fire pit in the centre, much like the Therengians. The structures themselves, however, differed significantly. In place of the small dwelling of the Humans, Ord-Kurgad was more communal in nature, for the vast majority of the Orcs lived in longhouses that held anywhere from twenty to fifty hunters. Only the old Orcs, or those who had bonded, lived in smaller huts. The largest one of all was that of the chieftain, the mighty Gorlag, who was exiting the building, lured, no doubt, by the commotion.

"What is the meaning of this?" he called out.

"It is a Human," offered Laruhk, as the party halted.

"I can see that," replied the chieftain, "but what is he doing here? It is forbidden!"

"He is injured," defended Kargen, "and requires the help of our shaman. Where is Uhdrig?"

The old shamaness stepped out from behind Gorlag. "I am here," she said, moving towards Athgar. The Orcs carrying him lowered his body to the ground and removed the pole while she knelt by the Therengian, casting her eyes over his wounds.