Orks+and+the+Paladin

 It seems a short time ago that Erevindal had received word that Lady Lionspaw requested he return to Myth Coramanth, as his skills were required. Upon returning home, he discovered that a group of Paladins of Lathander had arrived to pay their repects to Lady Lionspaw while in the area, not because she was the Lady of Myth Coramanth but because she was a powerful and loved Paladin in her own right. They were passing near the wood on their way to Wizard’s Fall for the summer celebrations. Gareth Moonstar was practically a legend in Impultur, and always a welcome sight. He and his daughter, Lynette, spent the better part of the day in the palace with the Lady and other travelers.

 His instructions were simple in the morning the visitors would leave and he was to be their guide, to see them safely through the woods and back to the main road. It was a symbolic gesture, the Paladins didn’t really need an escort, but he accepted the task dutifully.

 Daybreak came and when Erevin went to the stables to see the mounts properly readied he was surprised to see young Lynette in armor and preparing the animals for travel. Fitting the packs and weapons properly into place, going over every strap and buckle. His smooth voice with a heavy elven accent broke the silence," you are a fine squire, I’m sure your father is very proud". Her bright eyes and genuine smile of thanks were her only reply.

 Two days later they were passing near the Great old Walnut tree, a key marker to the rangers and druids of these parts. It signaled that another half day and you would be on the Great Road and another half a day to reach Uthmere. It was just before nightfall and the discussion began of setting up camp or pushing on to try and make the road by dawn. When Everin smelled it, blood, then a woman’s scream split the night air. The three of them drew weapons while the rest of the travelers gathered the horses together. The screaming was coming from the West near the riverbank. Erevin moved with stealth while the Gareth and Lynette moved straight in. Erevin climbed up a tree that stretched out over the river, there he could see it, a small Orc encampment, a dozen or so Orcs and what looked like a merchants wagon that they must have taken from the road. The bodies of 3 men lied by the shoreline and two Orcs were forcing a woman in that direction while the rest held another woman and 2 children captive at sword point. He looked back to signal the Paladin but he was already in full charge and crested the hill with a leap before landing on one of the Orcs holding the woman and children captive. Lynette followed him keeping her sword swings short and tight as to not overextend her self to the stronger foe. Erevin loosed arrow after arrow dropping the two Orcs pushing the woman toward the river. Gareth was a blur of violence, Lynette gathered the families and began leading them back to safety. Erevin had all but emptied his quiver in to the foul beast before drawing his two weapons and leaping into the fray. Soon there was only one left being held at Gareth sword point. It begged and pleaded for it life, Gareth being a Paladin looked about and deceided that enough blood had been spilt and agreed to let the Orc live. He sheathed his blade and turned to make his way back up the riverbank. Everin saw the wretch draw a throwing axe from the small of his back and begin to throw it, when his training took over and his bow was drawn and arrow knocked in the blink of and eye. The arrow was air born for only a second before burying itself in the Orcs throat. It was then that Everin heard himself say… "Never trust an Orc." Gareth nodded his approval… "sound advice". Once back at the camp Gareth dug into his pack and passed Erevin a small puzzle box as thanks… a box he still hasn’t solved to open.