[Envinyatar]

The Lady’s Orcs

The man was murderous with his blade. But the Orcs cared not, and why should they – they were dead already. There were a number flocks of birds, some ravens, some crows, that still lived in the forested areas of the island. Through that sort of avian way of messaging, they had come in hopes of cashing in on a bloody feast.

And now there were two bodies to pick on . . . more meat to be had . . .

The birds rained down on the man and woman, slashing at them with beak and talon.

Gorgu fled his bird’s body as it drew its last breath. He glanced upward, noting that Ashukh and Zlog still commanded the attack. The Lady Giledhel had fled into her weaving; he could see her, eyes wide with fright, the back of her hand pressed to her mouth. Gorgu hunkered down near her, patting at her arm for comfort. ‘Your Malris has come, m’lady,’ he whispered to her. ‘But look! That woman has come and is trying to take him away.’

He held out his hand offering to help her up from where she now sat, knees drawn up to her chest. ‘You can take her; use her . . . really hold your beloved husband in your arms . . . you could do this . . . I can help you, little mother . . .’