Dhug'mur, chieftain of the Rock Bear Tribe, raised his weapon, a deadly bloodied axe gleaming dully in the afternoon sun. His target: a pink-skinned human, who had gone toe to toe with him.
The axe whistled through the air, a deadly arc aimed at the human's head. But before the blade could find its mark, an unseen force slammed into Dhug'mur, throwing him back with bone-jarring impact.
He flew through the air, a bowling ball scattering pins, his body colliding with several orcs, sending them tumbling. He landed heavily, the wind knocked from his lungs.
A cascade of coughs rattled his chest. Dust and blood swirled around him. Several orcish warriors groaned and struggled to their feet, nursing wounds sustained in the chieftain's uncontrolled flight.
"You are still as careless as ever…" a voice, sharp and laced with reproof, cut through the sound of battle.
Deramis offered a dry, rattling laugh before slumping onto his back, unconscious.