Orc Warrior

Chapter 5

After weeks of exhausting traveling, and with Mogget's loud snoring deterring bears this sunrise, the throuple nearly slept in.
Still, the three peculiar creatures found themselves meandering through the early hours of the day. In the dense underbrush of the forest, where sunlight barely penetrates the thick canopy, they journey deeper into uncharted territory. The air shifted, becoming warmer and heavier, the scent of sulphur mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest. Peering through the thicket of vines, the orcs stumbled upon a sight that took their breath away; a vast battlefield, scorched and scarred by ancient flames.

The origin of the battleground lay obscured beneath layers of ash and cinders, and the air crackled with an ominous energy. As they stepped onto the scorched earth, an oppressive silence enveloped the area. The ground beneath them smoldered, cracked open in places where the molten rock still bubbled like the veins of a sleeping beast. Jagged remains of ancient siege engines rumbled through the haze, all but claiming the lives of those who dared engage in conflict with the forces of the mountains. Bones, blackened and twisted, jutted from the ground like gnarled roots of a cursed tree, a testament to the ferocity of battles long past.

"Mogget, stay close," warned Odin. Isa knelt down, her fingers gently brushing the ash-covered bones. "What a gruesome site for a battle. I've heard stories, but to see it..." , her voice faded off.
Odin, with his weathered green skin glistening in the morning light, felt an unsettling shiver creep down his spine, while Isa, younger and more impulsive, shifted restlessly at his side, teeth bared in a snarl as she too sensed the impending threat lurking in the shadows of the hardened lava flows. Odin caught sight of movement out of the corner of his eye: a glint of metal as another group of orcs, hidden among the crags, silently prepared their weapons, eyes glimmering with malice. "They're coming for us," Isa growled, tightening her grip on her dagger.  With a shared nod, they braced themselves, eyes narrowing as the ambushers sprang forth, their guttural battle cries piercing the heavy air of the volcano. The scene erupted into chaos as lava flowed dangerously close, lighting the battlefield with a hellish glow. Isa sliced ferociously, carving a path through their attackers, while Odin unleashed a primal roar that reverberated against the molten rock, channeling the very essence of the volcano's fury into his strikes. This was more than just a fight. The pair knew the amulet must be near.
Mogget charged into the fray, creating a whirlwind of unexpected chaos among their attackers. His sheer size caught the rival orcs off guard, causing them to stumble and lose their formation.
Just when it seemed the tide of battle was swinging in their favor, a formidable shadow loomed from the edge of the battlefield, catching the eye of both allies and enemies alike. To everyone's shock, standing amidst the smoke and debris, was Gmork, a figure long thought lost to the chaos of war. He stood tall, a wicked grin plastered across his face, a stark contrast to the fierce loyalty that had guided Isa and Odin's erratic dance of battle. As the flames flickered eerily around him, it became clear that his presence, triumphant and brooding, hinted at ulterior motives, suggesting that the fight for the amulet was far from over.