"About a month ago we started hearing rumors of a massive horde being led by a former orc captain that left Venger's army. A deserter, who had his own ideas of conquest. Whoever this orc is, he is well versed in the tactics of battle. He's countered every move in our attempts to thwart, and drive this fell enemy from our lands." Orym grumbled as he took out a map of the entire kingdom of Northaven, pointing out what region the horde has claimed in its conquest to Willow. "I can assure you of this, your father has done everything in his power to see this foe driven from his kingdom and failed. That is why he dispatched us of the high council to seek aid and support."

"And what of our allies?" Willow asked with some concern as he studied the map, "My other three brothers have married into the royal families of other Elven kingdoms. Have they rallied their families and their people to our aid? And by what name is this Orc deserter known? I might have heard of him during my travels."

Emissary Orym sighed, "Your father sent for them upon hearing the southern region being attacked by other members of the high council. Hopefully, they would have arrived at the capital. As to the name of this orc warlord, I do not know his name. However, the scouts reported that he was far taller, wearing heavy armor and wields two great axes."

"Axes, you say?" Lazheros stepped next to the Ranger. "During my travels with Madeous Khyng, we encountered a fierce and brutal Orc barbarian in service to Venger wielding two battle axes. He goes by Gruumasht, and he is not to be taken lightly. It took all of us to take him on, and that was only when we fought our way through his troops."

Irzen drew close and took a good hard look at the map as well. Serna kept silent yet watched the proceedings with great interest.

"Gruumasht?!" Orym went rigid, "We will be glad to have you and your friends lend us any aid, my prince."

"So old Gruumasht finally decided to step out of Venger's shadow," Irzen smiled wistfully before he turned to everyone, "I know this Orc. When I was in service to The Dark Lord, we met several times during war councils as we planned for campaigns."

"Gruumasht has no love of elves of any kind going back to old rivalries and animosity of who's the better race to conquer and enslave or kill on sight." The Bronze Man added.

"True, but he is willing to work with them so long as it achieves their ends," Irzen corrected The Bronze Man, "Trust me, I've had more encounters with this Orc than you have. I know who we are dealing with."

The Drow Swordsman sighed, "This Orc you face is no fool! He is as brilliant as he is ugly. Gruumasht is a charismatic war leader, a brilliant strategist and an able tactician. Venger awarded him a medal called The Blood Cross for successfully laying siege to the City Fortress of Harandspar."

"A smart orc?" Alyson frowned, "Well snap, that can't be good at all."

Irzen concluded, "I suspect most of his horde are probably comprised of his own troops. All of his Orcs are battle-hardened warriors who would gladly follow their leader into the Ninth Plane of Hell. It will not be easy to stop this Orc and his horde, Willow, I promise you that!"

Armendes stepped forward and addressed Emissary Orym, "There was mention of a possible traitor?"

Orym glanced up at the golem, "We've learned that someone of considerable influence has been aiding this fell orc which would make sense in how he's been able to counter our battle tactics. Which makes this situation more dangerous."

"Do you know the identity of this traitor?" Willow asked, "Or is he hidden from us?"

"We do not know if this traitor is male to begin with. What we do know is that this individual has intimate knowledge of the noble estates throughout the kingdom. So far, the ones your elder brothers married into are safe, which makes me wonder if this has connection with you, my prince, upon your exile."

Alyson remained quiet in the back, rubbing her wrists with anticipation. The spirit of the guantlets was anxious sensing another piece of the Crimson Dragon armor within reach.

"Maybe, maybe not!" Willow half thought to himself, "Both events could be merely, coincidence."

"In my line of work, Willow," Irzen added, "There is no such thing as coincidence."

Armendes looked at Lazheros for a moment. The two of them conversed in draconic and came to an agreement, "I might be able to assist in finding out who this traitor is but it will take some time. There is a professor at the Alchemists guild who might have better insight on how to deal with the horde. He's an odd fellow but very knowledgeable with geography, er reading old maps through the centuries. His name is Professor Tyme."

The Emissary took the wizard's insight into consideration, "Ah, well on that note, I will consider that as a wild card option as you call it."

Irzen turned towards the Emissary, "Is there anything else that we should know? Or more to the point, is there anything else that your prince should know?"

Orym looked at the drow swordsman warily, "I welcome your personal insight regarding this war orc, however, I will let the prince ask since it pertains to him solely."