"Gorzod Greywing, I bring word from Erwight of Entorbis. He wishes to renew the alliance with your people," Ornux began as he looked at the mighty shaman, whose war paint shimmered in the pale light of the volcanic fire.
"Ornux, the shadow roams our ranks. Why should we place our fate in your lord's hands again?" Gorzod replied, his voice low and penetrating as he gripped the staff tighter in his hand.
"Because the power of Entorbis gives you strength, because our alliance with Raga Gur and beyond can lead to unprecedented power," Ornux replied, but he sensed that words alone would not convince the proud shaman.
The orcs murmured among themselves, their eyes glinting suspiciously. Ornux realized that he would have to find another way to win their approval. In this moment of uncertainty, an idea came to him.
"Gorzod, show us a test of your strength and wisdom. A duel of magic between us. If you win, I will return without having achieved anything. But if I win, you will renew the alliance."
"A duel of magic, then. Very well, Ornux. May the dark power decide," Gorzod laughed in agreement.
The duel began under the eager gaze of the orcs. Ornux and Gorzod faced each other, each of them summoning the dark forces they controlled. But Ornux had no intention of fighting a real duel. With a clever deception, he drew Gorzod's attention to a point behind the shaman while murmuring soft words. An illusion was created, a vision of Erwight of Entorbis himself, granting Gorzod his power and blessing.
"Gorzod Greywing, look! Erwight of Entorbis himself shows you the way. Your strength is undisputed, but together we are invincible!" shouted Ornux as the figure in the illusion knelt down and asked Gorzod to renew the alliance.
Surprised and impressed by the vision, Gorzod lowered his staff. "If Erwight of Entorbis himself gives us his blessing, who am I to deny this alliance? The alliance be renewed, Ornux. But be warned, the orcs of Raga Gur will not enter the fray lightly."
Ornux, relieved at his success, knew that this ruse was a dangerous wager, but one that was necessary to avert a greater catastrophe. The orcs of Raga Gur would once again stand alongside Erwight of Entorbis, but the future remained uncertain, scarred by the shadows that lay over them all.
Three of the pig-faced, saber-toothed orcs then spurred on their large, furry, horned mounts and swung their lances, red banners waving at their tips, above their heads. Squealing, snarling cries echoed far and wide, whereupon the horde moved northwards.
Vrenli was carried northwards along the wide river over a small mountain range and then further west towards a large, wooded area.