An Attempt at Deception

"The rate that they're advancing, we can't hope to outrun them," you say. "And we can't hope to fight them. That only leaves outwitting them. I'll pretend that the Dragon sent me here to collect you."

Before Lyra can reply, the first orcs arrive. One who looks a little less stupid than the rest is at their head. He points his sword at you, a massive thing that you would have struggled even to lift, and you know that unless you can be convincing your head is likely to be parting company with your body in the very near future.

Termagant, in Lyra's body, growls menacingly. If she had hackles, no doubt they would be raised. She clearly does not like the orcs. You hope that she won't try to attack them. If she does, she will probably be killed, and all hope of Lyra being returned to her rightful body will have gone.

"Heel!" Lyra says sharply.

Though Termagant must be confused at being ordered by what must look to her like another dog, she seems to recognise Lyra's voice. At any rate, she obeys the command, and you breath a sigh of relief.

"Who are you?" the orc leader asks you, gutturally but understandably.

"The Dragon sent me here to collect these two prisoners," you say. "You can leave them to me."

The orc looks at you suspiciously. Well, actually it's pretty much his usual look, since orcs don't have very expressive faces, but you feel that he's suspicious. Perhaps it's just your own nerves.

1. You can hardly believe your luck when he says: "Very well." He and his troop march back the way they have come.
2. He replies: "But you are only one man. They might escape. Besides, we have our orders. We will escort you." Worse than you had hoped, but better than you had feared.
3. "But you wear Dragonslayer armour." He sounds puzzled. "It's a disguise," you say.
4. a lil' tomfoolery...

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