Chapter 8
"Globuk's dead! Globuk's dead!" Ashuruk shouted as he and the other orcs ran blindly through the forest, adrenaline coursing through their veins as they fled from Globuk's executioner.
"An Elf lord! It was the power of an Elf lord that killed him!" a spindly healer cried from somewhere to the right. "I seen it once before, no one can survive it! We're dead if they catch us!"
Pushdug's heart pounded at the thought of the bright form that unleased a power like crashing winds. He saw it slam into Globuk, heard the orc's body crack against it, and felt a cooling sensation like mist against his skin when the after-winds washed over him. The raw, unbridled power of the Elf lord sent shivers down his spine, and he didn't want to be on the receiving end.
"How do we even get out of here?" Ashuruk cried, but something in his voice startled Pushdug.
He skidded to a halt while shouting for his company to do the same.
"Listen," he said as he panted, leaning over his knees. "We don't know where we're headed to if we keep going the way we've been going. We're likely to run into a whole mess of Elf lords if we don't pay attention!"
"So what do you suggest we do about it then?" Ashuruk said, his eyes bulging and tongue rolling from his mouth. His face looked like that of a fish out of water. "We don't stand no chance against Elves!"
"I'm saying we lay low and sneak out of here," Pushdug replied. "They can't kill us if they don't catch us! Besides, if we make it out of here, we can report our route back to the captain —if he's alive— and not only will we live, but we'll likely be rewarded!"
All the other orcs looked at each other, unsure of the plan at first. However, the Dark Lord did promise a substantial reward for any who could find the way into the Hidden Valley when they lay siege to it years ago, and likely the reward still stood. The thought of living like kings for the rest of their days made them all agree it was worth a shot.
"We ain't got no better options," Ashuruk said as the other orcs nodded in consensus.
Pushdug nodded, feeling for the first time like he was the one in charge. It felt, surprisingly good. No wonder the captains were always barking orders and shoving grunts around. It was exhilarating.
However, the feeling was shattered when three loud blasts from an Elven horn sounded in the distance. Pushdug resisted the urge to flee and admonished the others when he saw them start to bolt. It's what a captain would do.
"Lay low and keep to the shadows, keep a lookout for Elves and a way out of here!" he said, and they huddled together in the darkness, their weapons drawn and eyes wide.
Perhaps, if they were lucky, and didn't come across an Elf lord, they would make it out alive. Maybe. If Pushdug didn't feel like killing any of them for disobeying him.
The power was already going to his head.
