Paces away, Teflar found his fight harder than expected. He caught a whack on his right thigh when the evil beasts swung their instruments with more precision. It was clear the tide had turned on the fighting Ravens. This hard blow woke Teflar to the fact that his life was now on the line. He dispatched both hindering foes with the mastery of his sword and ran to step in front of the wizard as a slew of them marched through the sludge.
" Aramil, we must flee now. We are outnumbered. The monk is lost!" He pushed the magician backwards indicating the direction of the steeds. The ranger swung around facing the first few beasts with valiant blocks to halt their advancement while Aramil struggled to climb upon his horse. Once seated, the woodsman raced across the sucking ground and leapt into the saddle as hammers began to fly. The two both knew that they were escaping with their very lives and understood that Leah had to be left behind to fend for herself. The pair kicked their horses into high gear and fled the area while the evil humanoids destroyed the remaining horse.

6 PM: Exhaustion claimed the two upon exiting the forest trail. They came upon the asphault road just as the rain ceased; the muggy atmosphere was heavy with warm humidity. Weary, they both drank and ate hungerily wondering what they should do next. Whatever they figured now, StarPoint Raven was officially crippled leaving the mission in dire jeopardy.

"Are you ok?" spoke Teflar in quiet contemplation " Damned orcs and whoever is behind them. We could have taken them and not lost anyone if the others had stopped as we did when Leah fell. I guess the warmarshall will have his proof now."
The ranger started dressing his wounds " I hope Leah makes it back. The woods are her home so she should be able to evade the orcs. I tried reaching Torynth, but it was impossible. I fear his body and equipment were taken, but his spirit lies elsewhere."

Aramil looked over at the ranger with heavy eyes " You know, I am a wizard and not a warrior like yourself so please don't misunderstand that I enjoy fighting. I enjoy the comfort of range and space between me and my enemies. So perhaps take my words into consideration next time when I say 'more are coming'." With a small smile he patted his horse " Shall we continue back and find that warmarshall? At least his scouts got out of here alive with three of our friends."
After ample rest, the pair decided to walk their horses south saving energy until another threat was evident.

7 PM: Aramil turned his head from side-to-side keeping a sharp ear out. As they traveled in the dark, discussion fell on the task the orcs were trying to accomplish. Neither knew what the humanoids were trying to create from hammering the rocks in the clearing. Aramil was also puzzled about his magick lacking effect againset the beasts during their skirmish. The mage noted an aura emanating from the sleek walls of the fortress structure and wondered of its' possible origin and link to its' new denizens.

Aramil unclogged the crossbow as the pair cantered along " If I had more time, I might have been able to see what type of magic was bestowed upon the whole of the fortress. Perhaps we will have a chance to go back with a small army and investigate those ruins. At best, we could possibly raid any treasure trove and hire a mercenary or two to supplement our strength."

Teflar nodded his agreement as the pair now kicked off down the road in full speed as the last of the day's light melted away behind the Grizzledane peaks.