Khadgar gave her a quizzful look.

"They shouldn't be marching so blatantly," she explained, "and we can see them, and of course white-skinned humans can see them." This ragtag army is simply aimlessly going back and forth in the countryside, just wanting to fight with people. I want to die honorably in battle. She shook her head.

"You don't seem to care much about your fellow citizens. Khadgar Road.

"I don't want to care about anyone right now," said Garona, "the orcs don't agree with me, and the humans will undoubtedly kill me." And the only person in the world I really trust is a demon. ”

"Don't think so, at least there's me. Khadgar's tone was a little sour.

Garona was a little sluggish: "Yes, and you, you are human, and I trust you. But I always thought. I really always thought Medivan had to be different. He has supreme power and status, but he is still willing to talk to others without prejudice. But I was just lying to myself. He's just another madman. Maybe that's my destiny - to work for the mad forever. Maybe I'm just a pawn in this game. How does Madivin describe it, the relentless cogwheel of fate?"

"The role you play," Khadgar said, "should be your choice." Medivan has always wished he could do that. ”

"Do you think he was in his right mind when he said that?" the orc asked.

Khadgar shrugged: "At least as 'normal' as he usually is." I believe so. And you seem to feel the same way. ”

"Well," said Garona, feebly, "I've all been so similar since I worked for Guldan. When his ears and eyes began. I can't tell who's right and who's wrong. Which side is my compatriot? Maybe neither? At least you don't have to worry about it. ”

Khadgar stared at the dust on the ground without saying a word. On the other side of the horizon, the orc army just now began to charge. The skies shimmered with the light of battle, creating a false dawn that illuminated the ever-changing clouds, the drums of war and the echoes of death like a muffled thunder in the distance.

The days went by day after day. They walked between abandoned watchtowers and bazaars. The architecture of this place is more intact. There are signs of people living in it lately, both human and orc, and those occupants are now afraid that they have all turned into ghosts.

Khadgar broke into a building that could have been a shop. The shelves were emptied, the fireplace was stuffed with bundles of wood, and there was a small box in the basement with the few remaining potatoes and onions. In any case, much better than the orc's rations that are harder than iron.

Khadgar was in charge of lighting the fire, while Garona carried a cauldron outside to a well to wash. Khadgar began to think about his next move. Medivan is a threat, probably bigger than the orcs. Is he still rational now? Is he likely to be convinced, persuaded to close the portal? Maybe it's too late?

The only good news is that the source of the orcs is known to be the portal. If humans can find it, or even shut it down, they will be able to cut off Draenor's reinforcements and isolate the orcs of this world.

The commotion outside pulled Khadgar's thoughts back. It's the crash of metal, and the roar of humans.

"Garona," Khadgar muttered, stepping out the door.

He found them at the well. An infantry patrol of about ten people, dressed in the blue uniform of the Kingdom of Azeroth, each with a sword in his hand. One of them protected his bleeding arm, and the other two grabbed Garona, left and right. Her long-bladed dagger lay on the ground. Khadgar hesitated in the corner as the officer in the group slapped her, who was wearing chainmail gloves.

"What about the others?" he growled. Purple-black blood oozed from the corners of the orc's mouth.

"Let her go!" Khadgar shouted before he could think about it, and he subconsciously quickly gathered his energy and unleashed a spell.

Arcane brilliance burst out above Garona's head, flashing with unprepared human soldiers. The two foot men who were dragging Garona let go, causing her to slip and fall to the ground. The officer covered his eyes with his arm. The other members of the patrol froze for a moment, allowing Khadgar to easily run into their encirclement.

"It's scary," Garona said softly, her lips cracked, "now see how I teach them." ”

"Sit still," Khadgar said mildly. He turned to the officer who had been blinded for a moment and shouted, "Are you the leader of this rabble?"

Now that most of the infantry had regained their sight, they drew their swords and aimed them at Khadgar. The two men who had been dragging Garona back a few steps earlier, but they were still staring at her, not looking at Khadgar.

The officer and Khadgar argued: "Who are you, why are you interfering with the military?

"Don't move!" Khadgar said, the soldiers having seen the power of his spell and only took a few steps forward, "I'm Khadgar. King Lane's Friend and Astral Mage Medivan is my teacher, and I have something important to see His Majesty. Take us to Stormwind right away. ”

The officer scoffed, "You're insulting my intelligence! If you're an astral mage's apprentice, then I'm Lord Lothar." Even I know that Medivan never takes apprentices. Well, who is your little lover?"

"She's ......," Khadgar hesitated, "she's my captive." I was about to take her to Stormwind for questioning. ”

"Well, young man, we have found your prisoner in the square, she is armed, and you are out of sight. All I can say is that your captives escaped. It's a pity that this orc would rather die than surrender. ”

"Don't touch her!" Khadgar raised his right hand. Flames danced in the palm of his hand.

"You're killing yourself," the officer roared, and Khadgar heard the heavy sound of horses' hooves in the distance. It's reinforcements. Would they be more willing to listen to a half-orc and a mage than the gang in front of them?

"You've made a stern mistake, gentlemen," Kade reinforced.

"You'd better stay out of your way, kid," the officer ordered, "catch the orc." If she resists, kill her!"

The infantry followed the order and pressed on the two, and several men held down Garona again. She tried to struggle, but a man kicked her hard.

Holding back tears, Khadgar smashed the spell at the officer. The fireball hit his knee. The officer fell to the ground with a howl of rage.

"Let them stop," Khadgar said.

"Kill them!" shouted the officer, his eyes wide open in sharp pain, "kill him as one!"

"Stop!" another voice came, coming from a large pair of helmets, sounding dark and deep. The knights came to the town square. There were about twenty of them, and Khadgar's heart sank. The number of people on the other side is not at all what Garona can handle. Their commander was heavily armed and wore a helmet that covered his face.

The young apprentice hurried forward, "sir," he said, "please let them stop." I am an apprentice of the astral mage Medivan. ”

"I know you," said the commander. "Get out of here!" he commanded, "let her go! ”

Khadgar swallowed, "This orc is my captive, and I have important news to report to King Lane." I've got to see Lord Lothar right now!"

The commander lifted the visor from his helmet. "Fulfill your wishes, child," Lothar said, "fulfill your wishes." (To be continued.) )