Before he could stand fully, the ground trembled again—another dark shape fell from the sky.
He threw his body backward into another roll, just as a second orc crashed down beside the first, this one slightly larger and roaring upon landing. The grass flattened under the weight, and bits of leaves rained gently down around them like paper falling after an explosion.
The two orcs stood side by side now, their mouths stretching into wide, ugly grins as they spotted the small human figure before them.
Axelius stood still, brushing off his shoulder with a flick and frowning at the green smear on his sleeve.
"So much for peace and quiet," he muttered, his hand slowly reaching behind his back—ready to draw the hidden blade strapped beneath his coat.
While the townspeople screamed and ran in panic, Millie ran the opposite direction. Her long coat flapped behind her, and the wind brushed her cheeks as she pushed forward through the smoke and noise.
