"Do tell," said Anna. "What can you tell us about them?"
"They're a peaceful race," he said, "driven from their hunting grounds by something."
"How do you know that?" asked Gerald.
The stranger looked around as if someone else might be listening. "I've traded with them," he explained. "They're moving south because they have to."
"What's driving them south?" asked Gerald.
"That I don't know, but I know someone who does." Once more, he looked around the room with a piercing glare.
"Are you willing to take us to this person?" asked Hayley.
"I am, provided you can prove you're not intent on killing them. That seems to be the overwhelming opinion these days."
"We're not from around here," offered Gerald, "and have no cause to fight Orcs. We would like to talk to them, nothing more."
"P
