The party made their way across the Ridge Line pass without any more trouble. It seemed that whatever bandits, goblins, or larger creatures were no longer a threat. As they came down off the pass and into the woodlands, sounds of battle could be heard up ahead. Sounds of elves and orcs clashing with common folks shouting and screaming for cover.

Irzen dismounted and quietly moved on ahead to see what was transpiring before the others arrived on the scene.

As the swordsman scouted ahead quietly he came upon a battle between orcs with their worgs and elves on horses in the center of the town. Some of the elves had dismounted creating a wall between the common folk and the raiding orcs. To the far south western side of the village, Irzen could see another giant with his own groups of heavily armored orcs guarding two large wagons with empty cages on them.

Caliaphy snapped awake from the sounds of people screaming for help. "Oh-no! We have to help them!"

"Don't worry, Caliaphy, we will," Serna reassured the Fairy.

Irzen turned and made his way back to the others relaying to them all that he had seen, "Well, guys, what do you think? I'm thinking its a slaving party, but for the life of me I don't know why. Grummasht's army will no doubt have camp followers who do all of the odd jobs that an army on the march needs done. And having his sentries keep an eye on a large number of captives or slaves would only slow his army down. This makes no sense."

"Sentries, huh? I can take out the sentries easily enough. You okay with that, Serna? Or are you gonna stay with the ranger?" Dragolem added his thoughts to the battle up ahead.

"I think I'm going to wait and see what Willow wants us to do," Serna replied honestly, "After all, this is his kingdom, these are his lands, and he is our leader on this adventure. Isn't he?"

"It would seem that Gruumasht has taken to using strategies from other opponents he may have encountered while in the service of Venger or otherwise. He's smart for an orc and that makes him dangerous for my liking," Lazheros touched his holy symbol and his weapon and shield reappeared.

"I warned you that we weren't going up against any old run-of-the-mill Orc," Irzen warned The Bronze Man, "Gruumasht is a strategist, a tactician and a thinking-man's Orc all rolled into one."

The bronze man glared at the swordsman, "You're not the only one who's faced that damnable orc!"

"Is that a flash of anger I see, Cleric?" Irzen raised an eyebrow, "Good! Save it for our enemies."

Alyson placed a hand on the bronze man's chest, "Calm down please." She turned to Irzen, "And you, knock it off or I will knock it off for you, got it?"

"Yes, ma'am." Irzen held up his hands and backed away.

"I can take out the wagons and cages before they're put into use, unless you have another suggestion?" The elementalist said.

"I have what Irzen would call a 'game plan'" Willow pulled out a dagger, dropped to one knee and beckoned to everyone, "Please draw near, here is what we are going to do."

The Shield Maiden and the Swordsman moved towards their friend.

The Prince began to draw in the dirt with the point of his dagger, "Serna and Lazheros, I want you two to ride into the center of town atop the war-goat. Serna use your shield to protect your advance. Lazheros, use your mace and shield to cut down anyone that tries to oppose you. The war-goat will plow the road and do the rest. Once you reach the center of town, Serna, I want you to use your shield to set up a dome to protect both the soldiers and the commoners that are trapped there. Lazheros, heal those who are injured and give aid and comfort where you can."

Willow turned to the Elementalist and her creation, "Alyson, I need you to firebomb that wagon and all of the Orcs near it. I will pick off what stragglers remain. Dragolem, the Giant is all yours. Cut him down and take him down. No mercy."

"Very well," The elementalist said rubbing her wrists again.

"And what do you need me to do?" Irzen asked eagerly.

"Stay by my side and slay any who attack us," The Prince responded coldly, "I will be using my bow the entire time and thus I will be exposed. I need you to watch my back while I'm dropping targets."

"Done!" Irzen firmly nodded.

"Any questions?" Willow asked, "Anything not clear?"

Alyson's form began to shimmer, "I would suggest that everyone execute the plan, I am having a hard time controlling the gauntlets!" ~ Teleport me high up in the sky, Lazheros!~

Lazheros nodded and Alyson vanished a flash of light, "Time to go, Serna!"

The Shield Maiden did not have to be told twice. She promptly ran over to the war-goat, hopped on its broad back and held on tight.

Dragolem melded into the shadows again heading for the giant and the wagons.

Irzen drew forth his sword and stood at the ready by Willow's side.

"Okay, everyone, on my mark enact the plan," The Prince cautioned them as he nocked an arrow and took careful aim, "MARK!"