"Attacking Unprovoked"

The time known to many of us as 'the first test' was a chaotic and deadly time. The lands of Britannia were only beginning to form. Orcs roamed the land within a stones throw of the great castle. Even the sanctuary of our fallen comrades was overrun with evil, now stalked by the bones of man and beast long dead, rising up to torment us once more. These were wicked times, when the hearts of many had become tainted with the desire for power. To test their strength against their brothers and prove that they were indeed the strongest. Through the slaughter of countless innocents, men grew in power and skill. Apparently unsatisfied with the countless evils around them, these men took it upon themselves to add to this evil. I had the misfortune of meeting a man such as this. Herein you will learn the cowardly ways of these men, hell-bent on destruction.

As night approached, the sky darkened. It was getting late, and as such most of my companions had headed off to rest up for the morrow. So I was once again left alone to wander this wonderful, deadly realm. As always, the foul orcs were stirring up trouble in their camp, the fort to the southwest. Not being one to wait for trouble to come to me, I set my sights on these unsavory beasts. Packing up all the equipment I thought I'd need, I began the journey to their stench-filled lair.

Finally I came to the farmhouse on the outskirts of the forest. This was the last bastion of peace loving folk before my path so I decided to stay for a moment and chat with the friendly peasants. After hearing of my plans to raid the orc fort, the farmer's eyes filled with fear. He talked of the retribution the orcs would take on their home for my audacity. He feared for my life as well, but I understood, his family came first. I tried my best to comfort them and reassure them, but I could not blame them for their fears. Orcs are not choosy when looking for a target for their vengeance. I chastised myself for playing the braggart and causing such strife within this family. I promised myself I would not make the same mistake again.

After saying farewell to these good people, doing what I could to reassure them, I headed towards the forest. The huts outside the fort served as watch posts and would be my first target, but the orcs were very cunning and might have lookouts in the woods searching for intruders. This was not my first time here and I knew the area well. Carefully, I made my way through the trees. Silence...there were no orcs to be found. The orcs have learned our habits well. Perhaps they have let down their defenses thinking that we would not dare attack at night when our numbers are so few. "If so," I thought, "this would be their last mistake."

As I reached the first outpost, I spied a few of the hairy beasts just inside their hut. So, they had not let their guard down after all. No matter, I was ready. I let slip an audible groan of disappointment as I realized that none of the dreaded orc leaders (or captains, as they are better known) were in sight. Hearing my groan, the nearest orc let out a grunt of warning and rushed in to attack. He reacted too slowly, however and I quickly dispatched the beasts before they could alert their brethren inside the monstrous fort. That's when it began...

After having dispatched my enemies, I proceeded to relieve the foul beasts of their coinage. "They wouldn't be needing it any longer," I chuckled. As I searched my fallen opponents, I suddenly felt a sharp pain and a wave of heat rushed over me. "What was that?" I stuttered as I looked around for the source of my pain. Seeing no one in the immediate vicinity, I brushed it off thinking that I must have imagined it. Soon after, it hit me again! This time I was alert and I was sure that it had not been my imagination. Then I saw him...

Just within my vision, crouched behind the orc hut, I saw a man. He was in full plate armor, but his outfit was very distinctive, kilt and all. He was definitely not one of the evil marauding knights plaguing the land. At first he just seemed to be crouching there so I mimicked the actions of one still searching for orc possessions as if I hadn't yet noticed him. Then he began to move his arms in an almost hypnotic fashion. Almost immediately I recognized the incantation for the deadly fireball spell. Having all the proof that I required, I headed in his direction in an attempt to question him.

"What do you think you're doing??" I fumed.

As soon as he saw me coming he took a few steps back, not wanting to face his prey in such close quarters. Refusing to answer, he continued his barrage of sorcery trying to slaughter me before I had even attacked. Finally, I pulled out my cold steel and rushed the fiend. Seeing my anger, he quickly turned and dashed off into the woods. I gave chase but within seconds he was gone.

Thinking that he had learned his lesson, I went back to the task at hand. It was then that I realized that a few more orcs had come out of the fort and were examining the bodies of their fallen comrades. I had to act quickly or I would have the entire orc population on my heals. Luck was on my side for they had not yet noticed me in the shadows. I jumped the newcomers, taking them by surprise. The final beast barely had time to let out a howl before his carcass hit the ground.

This was better. I was focused once again on my quarry. The events of a moment ago were nearly forgotten. I was ready to destroy the entire orc village if need be. Setting myself to the task, I once again searched the bodies of my fallen opponents, taking what was mine by the code of battle. Reaching over, I noticed him again...creeping just within the limits of my vision. The scoundrel had returned! I was taken aback. This time, I hesitated only long enough to be sure it was the same man. Almost immediately he began his incantations, signaling what was to come. No more questioning, I had had enough.

This time, he did not immediately run off. Apparently he had taken just enough time to heal himself and was ready for an all out duel. Luck nor good judgment was with him this day as I got the best of him. Soon he realized the battle had turned against him and he once again decided to flee into the woods. I was prepared, however, and this time I was not going to let him escape so easily. "If he wants a fight, I'll give him one!" I thought.

Maneuvering through trees, luck finally turned in his favor, and he was able to evade me. This time I would not so easily forget and if he did not know this, then he was indeed a fool.

After convincing myself that he was gone for the night, I headed back to the fort. Surely the orcs would be ready now though. My battle cries at their front door were probably heard by Lord British himself all the way back at the castle. No matter, I had a job to do and was in dire need of venting my frustration. Before that night was over, not a single orc was left standing.

The Next Day....