Lilvari remained tightlipped around the campfire that night. When asked if she’d explain the note and her past, she told them that it was getting late, that they had a busy day ahead of them and needed to get their sleep. She promised to tell them her story later.

Their sleep was peaceful, unbroken by disturbances. The same could be said for most of their trek the following day. The weather was fair, and they passed the time by singing songs and telling stories as they headed north along the Triboar Trail. It was shortly after the sun had started setting on this second, lovely day, that they smelled the acrid stench of smoke — too strong for any campfire. Scanning the tree line they saw a large plume ahead above the trees about two hundred yards ahead. As they approached and the trees thinned, they could see that a farmhouse was being ravaged by fire. Dare suggested they continue onward, that it wasn’t their job to rescue everyone and every thing, but the others disagreed. They said it must be fate. Why else would they be there if not to help? And so they proceeded towards the smoke. As they neared, they found the farm was overrun with young orcs. Two of them were smashing pumpkins at the far end of the garden while two others were just beyond the trees, discussing their return back to camp. At about this time, Dare decides to dismiss the element of surprise and yell out, “Hey Fuck Tards!”

If he was attempting to rile up the orcs, it worked. The orcs come running towards them, battleaxes raised, but the party is ready. Not even a few seconds of combat pass before an orc is dead. And so the onslaught continues until they hear a shrill cry for help coming from the burning house. Lilvari takes the lead and heads towards the house while the others continue fighting the orcs. One attacks her, and she’s forced to deal with it instead of running inside. The others finish off the rest of the orcs so they lend a hand. Lilvari sees Mercarri fast approaching, hands raised as if preparing a spell. She has a look of hatred in her eyes. The brown, misty mace is trailing her. Lilvari yells to her to spare the orc’s life so it can be questioned. Either Mercarri doesn’t hear or she chooses not to. She slays the orc with one of her most powerful spells.

The threat gone, Dare, Mercarri and Mystic head inside to search for survivors. Another orc comes out of hiding and runs right for Lilvari. She battles the orc while the others search inside. The farmhouse is choked with smoke, the fire is spreading quickly, and there’s not much time. The smoke is so intense that at one point Mystic doesn’t see the fire directly ahead of her. It’s not until she’s actually on fire does she realize her mistake. Eventually, Dare finds an unconscious dwarf in one of the rooms. He pulls him from the debris and starts to carry him out, just as the smoke becomes so heavy that they can’t breathe.

Meanwhile, Lilvari is outside, dealing with the orc. She managed to hold him with magic and proceeded tying him up. Due to the influence of magic, the orc is unable to speak, but Lilvari figures he’ll need softening up once he can. While the others are heading towards fresh air, she’s repeatedly kicking the orc in the groin. He can’t move, but a single tear can be seen tracking down his cheek, glistening in the moonlight. 

Dare is nearly at the door when he trips over debris. Mercarri is close enough to pick up the dwarf and carry him the rest of the way out. Dare finds his footing and follows. Mystic emerges shortly afterwards, out of breath and carrying a chair. They lay the dwarf in the grass away from danger. He’s got blond hair and a big moustache. His hair is matted down, red with blood. Lilvari comments that he looks familiar — like some human warrior who she’s seen battle in competitions. Then she turns her attention back to the orc. Afraid of getting kicked more, the orc promises to lead them to his camp, though he says that when they arrive there will be at least a hundred orcs waiting to bash their faces in. This comment is met with skepticism. 

The dwarf is still unconscious. Dare, Lilvari, Mystic and Mercarri decide to set up camp there and wait for him to wake up. They also decide to see what valuables are stashed on the war wagon. On it they find some paintings and gold. They leave the former and take the latter. It’s about this time that the dwarf begins to stir.