Chapter 38

"BOOOOOOOOM!!!"

An explosion rang out throughout the camp alerting the orcs. A raging fire engulfed many tents and the roaring sounds of hooves could be heard leaving the camp. Orcs saw 4 horsemen riding their own horses. They screamed at them and gathered the others to chase after the escaping intruders. The only thing stopping them was the chaotic fire, the lack of steeds, and 5 soldiers standing in their way. They looked determined and both sides snarled at each other.

Kane looked back at his men who had stayed behind. Being that the orcs only used wargs and other beasts to travel they did not have many horses. They only had 4 as they ate most horses they acquired. The beats they had would not let the humans ride as they were trained to eat or dislike humans. When Kane met up with them he was unhappy with the horses. It was him, Hogar, and 7 men. The orcs were close and not all of them would be able to escape on the horses.

Surprisingly all of the troops immediately volunteered to stay back and cover Kane's escape. Kane would have expected this from the legionnaires he summoned but the crusaders were a different matter. They were once bandits so Kane would not think they would want to stay and sacrifice their lives for Kane. This moved him. He chose 5 men consisting of 4 Romans and 1 crusader. 2 crusaders would leave with him.

"Thank you for your brave sacrifice men. You will be remembered. Make those orcs fear you in life and death. Strength and honor!" Kane said his last speech before saluting the brave souls. Then he and the others rode off out of the camp.

The troops who had stayed behind held their weapons up and received the wave of orcs. Blood splattered everywhere and many grunts and yells could be heard. Kane was saddened by today's events as the plan was not perfect. But he learned that his troops were not just loyal but brave. The ex bandits had really surprised him today and he was glad it all worked out with them.

The sacrifice was worth it and Kane was very confident in the upcoming war. All he had left to do was grow his forces, set up some ambushes, and see if he could get some orcs on his side.

The rest of the men would meet him back at the castle and Kane would start on their next plans. Thanks to his strategize ability things usefully went well even with some mistakes happening. But nothing would stop Kane and he still had a lot to do and achieve in this new world. Nothing would stop him.

Back at the orc camp Gashna the Great was constantly slamming his ax against another orc's head. He yelled so loud that it sounded like a dragon's roar. The recent intruders had ruined his mood. He had already killed 4 other orcs in his rage.

"HOW DID YOU LET THOSE PINK SKINS GET IN MY CAMP!?!?" yelled Gashna. He was surrounded by the other chiefs. They were discussing the night's events and what the new plan for the future was. Gashna was angry and could hardly have a conversation. They had no idea what to do now that they had no food.

"We will have to send hunters to the forest," said one of the chiefs. "We should send men to go and kill those worms!" yelled Gashna. "Calm down Gashna," said another of the chiefs. They had to calm him down. The orcs were in no shape to lay siege to a kingdom. They decided to make plans on what to do in the meantime. They sent orcs to hunt for more food and some to scout the nearby kingdom. The humans would pay for what they have done and Gashna would be sure to raise their homes to the ground and grind their bodies into a paste.