As the sun rose, some orcs slowly made their way outside and stretched. Their peaceful morning was interrupted by an angry-looking orc who was slightly rger. They began to carry iron ore and other minerals. A bigger orc appeared, carrying a rge hammer started to screamout more instructions. More orcs emerged from the underground cave, and it started to look like a rge-scale bor camp.

  Once the carts were full, the carriages were whisked away by humans in dark cloaks. Adeline didn’t pay attention to them since she knew they would return, but the real question was, for how long? An idea formuted in her head, and with a smile, she waited several days for a pattern to emerge. It usually took a day for the humans to return the carts to be filled once more; they were always on time.

  With this information, she returned to the camp as the old dwarf approached her.

  “Were you successful?”

  “The problem is bigger; it seems the orcs are being used as cheap bor for mining, but I have a pn.”

  “Joseph, Alfred, and the dwarves, come closer.”

  They all sat in a circle as Adeline drew a makeshift map. The dwarves were quick to correct some of the fws. They spent a great amount of time making changes to the map, and with the dwarves finally in agreement, she proceeded.

  “One of you dwarves, go inside and draw out the two orcs. Alfred, you take the smaller one; I will take the bigger one. We don’t have time for fshy moves. Joseph, you will scout ahead and make sure they don’t see you. The moment they approach, whistle.”

  “What if they see blood and get suspicious?”

  “That’s where the dwarves come in. You will need to draw the targets deep into the forest. You will have to make them chase you. So, which one is the fastest among you?”

  The dwarves stared at each other silently. One of them stepped forward. She looked younger compared to the others, but her eyes were filled with resolve.

  “Remember, draw out those two specific orcs in the orc group.”

  “I will do my best.”

  The older dwarf started to think deeply.

  “Won’t it be more effective if we pced traps?”

  “We don’t have time for that. This is time-sensitive; we will execute tomorrow.”

  The group went to sleep, and early in the morning, they all y in position. The small dwarf approached the entrance of the cave and started to yell.

  “You orcs are all stinky and sm….elly.”

  Her words trailed off as the rge orc emerged together with his partner. The two rge orcs stared down at the small dwarf. The dwarf picked up a rock and hurled it at the orcs, but it bounced off their bodies. With a roar, the dwarf’s legs started to buckle, but she remained firm and picked up another rock and hurled it once more. The orcs slowly approached the dwarf, who started to run. More orcs emerged as she skillfully ran between their legs. The two orcs pushed them aside as their fury grew. Soon they were in the thick forest, and the two orcs momentarily lost sight of the small dwarf. Annoyed, they turned, ready to return.

  The sound of slow cpping could be heard as Adeline emerged. The rger orc looked down at her with a smirk.

  “Two is better than one; you will make a fine tribute.”

  Suddenly, a rge shadow was cast on them. As the two orcs turned, they saw Alfred. He was the size of a four-story building, with rge fangs dripping venom. He plunged and ate the smaller orc whole, leaving the rge one dazed. Adeline approached the cornered orc, who started to swing wildly. Adeline was able to dodge, then plunged her hand through the orc. He weakly fell to his knees as he died. Adeline freed her hand, revealing a retively rge magic crystal. She lightly cleaned it, then ate it. She then dismembered the head as Alfred ate the rest of the body. The young dwarf emerged, slightly nervous, and scanned the area.

  “It’s all clear, also, good job. Now go back to your people.”

  The young dwarf nodded, then ran into the forest. Alfred returned to his normal form as the duo made their way to the cave entrance. The orcs were shocked as they slowly backed away from Adeline, who got on top of the carriage and presented the head.

  “I have killed your leader, your oppressor. From today, you will listen to me, and I will lead you to a glorious, free life.”

  The orcs were reluctant at first, but soon they slowly kneeled before her. She threw the head away as she jumped down.

  “Clear this carriage here.”

  The orcs grunted and promptly started to unload the carriage. A sharp whistle could be heard. Adeline cursed as she tossed herself inside the carriage, and Alfred joined her.

  “Quickly, cover me and act as you normally do. Also, from today, you are not to hurt the dwarves or any other creature unless it’s self-defense. Return their mountain back to them.”

  Her orders slowly faded as the orcs started to pce iron ores and minerals around her, quickly covering it. Footsteps could be heard as one of them seemingly pushed them away. A rge click could be heard as the carriage shook, then started to move. The carriage moved slowly for what seemed like hours. The carriage came to a full stop as it shook once more. The sound of people chatting and ughing could be heard. Adeline tapped Alfred twice. Soon someone started to open their carriage cover. As soon as it opened, Alfred shot out and wrapped himself around his neck and arm. Several snaps could be heard as the neck and arm simultaneously broke. Adeline slowly rose up from the carriage like a devil and stared down on the group of humans. They quickly scrambled and armed themselves, while others wore armor and faced her.

  “So many of you.”