We came upon a cave entrance heavily guarded by a horde of orcs.
Dozens of them patrolled the rocky terrain, their armour cobbled from scrap iron and bones and their weapons glinting in the moonlight.
This was orcs territory and we were outnumbered.
"It would be suicide to engage them in a fight," Krell muttered more to himself than to me. "If we die out here, we cannot save lady Camilia."
I noticed he was watching me as if waiting to see what kind of ideas I've come up with.
I see no reason why we couldn't just waltz right into the cave, kick some ass and rescue Camilia.
And yet, I couldn't help feeling a sense of uneasiness.
There was something darker lurking inside that cave. Something deeper than orcs. I could feel it in my bones.
Before I make any rash decisions, I have to investigate what's going on beyond the cavern of that cave.
"Krell cover the exit," I said. "I'll sneak inside and rescue the princess."
Krell reared his head back and frowned. "What do you mean to cover the exit?"
"It means keep a look out for me," I answered.
"I'm a knight of King Godfrey III," he said firmly. "I'm not taking orders from you so that I'll stand guard like some damned squire."
I realize this guy is a stubborn fool, but I don't blame him. He has an undying loyalty to Camilia that's like a blazing fire.
Unfortunately, reckless loyalty won't keep him alive for long.
"Your time will come, Krell," I said, while I cast my invisibility spell. "In the meantime, I need you to wait out here while I investigate what's going on inside that cave."
Krell was startled as I vanished.
Before he could protest, I snapped my fingers at my orcs to lead me into the cave.
Together we lumbered forward past the other horde of orcs patrolling the area.
When we arrived at the yawning mouth of the cave, two tough looking orcs stopped us and began to interrogate my orcs in their language.
This was my chance.
Using my invisibility, I sneaked past the guards while my thrall orcs kept them distracted.
The air inside the cave reek of blood and orc scent.
There was strong magic going on here. I can sense it.
More orcs prowled the tunnels, torches and blades in hand.
These guys mean business. They were everywhere. If it was not for my invisibility, I'd have been gutted by now.
Suddenly, I heard the unearthly voices of women chanting something ancient from one of the cave tunnels.
I followed the guttural sound through the darkness until it brought me out into a vast chamber.
There, I found Camilia.
Camilia lay motionlessly in the center of a massive sigil drawn with human blood.
Five hooded mages in black tattered robes surrounded her, their arms stretched to the skies.
Was this some kind of ritual? What in the world are they trying to do to Camilia?
Suddenly, the symbols lit up in fire and magic circles appeared hovering over Camilia's body.
This was dark magic. I could tell just by looking at it.
I was right to imagine the orcs weren't working alone. Their attack on Camilia's carriage hadn't been a coincidence.
It was well timed and calculated. They needed Camilia for this ritual which was why they haven't killed her yet.
An orc lord lounged idly on a crude throne, supporting his jaws on his fists while he gazed directly at the mages.
He was big and incredibly strong. He's probably the biggest orc I've seen today with massive muscles framing his entire body.
There was no time to waste, I had to stop the ritual and save Camilia. Now.
Before I could act, someone shot past me like lightning and dashed at Camilia's body.
"Get away from my lady!" Krell yelled, swinging his sword at the mages.
He cleaved through two mages, cutting their body in half.
Then he scooped Camilia out of the magic circle and cradled her into his arms.
I leaned forward, catching my breath. "How did that punk get here so fast?"
Then it occured to me he must've secretly followed me in the cave while my orcs were distracting the guards.
I slammed my fists on the ground. Great, just great. He's ruined everything. Now the horde of orcs outside knows we're here.
The orc lord roared at Krell.
The force of his roar was so intimidating and filled with raw power that it shook the cavern and rattled my bones.
"How dare you interrupt our sacred rite?" The orc lord demanded.
Krell faced him fearlessly. "I don't know whatever you vermins are up to but I cannot allow you to use my lady for your foul rituals."
The other three mages who were still alive shrieked at Krell. "Fool! If you wish to live, then return the princess Camilia to us. You do not understand what is going on here."
"Over my dead body," Krell said coldly as he gently lay Camilia to the ground and took his attacking stance. "If you want my lady, then you'll have to get her through me."
One of the mages glanced sharply at the orc lord. "The ritual must be completed. Kill him and recover the lady so that we can finish the pact."
"Very well," The orc lord chuckled evilly. He rose to his feet, eyes fixed on Krell. So you have chosen death, you wretched worm. I shall be your opponent."
Krell glared bravely at the orc lord as he approached, hefting a monstrous double-bladed axe.
"My name is Throgg the Bonebreaker. Name yourself, brave Knight!" Throgg demanded.
"I am Sir Krell, the Iron Knight," Krell said loud and clear. "As a knight loyal to the throne of King Godfrey III, I will render justice for my fallen brethren who you slaughtered to kidnap my princess."
Throgg laughed, his voice booming like thunder. "I have heard about you, Sir Krell. You're the strongest in the kingdom, aren't you? Very good. I'm going to enjoy crushing every bit of your bones until it turns to dust."
"I'd like to see you try!" Sir Krell yelled and charged at him.
Throgg roared, dashing dangerously and swinging his axe.
The two brutes engaged in battle.