Xen leaned further into the map, committing rivers, streams, roads and hidden paths to memory as Sadron began pointing to key locations. The only way north is through a pass cut into the mountains, but the road there is just as perilous. However, Xen had just the experience against an overwhelming force. His eyes peered up to Sadron the amber of his eyes dancing as the light of the fireplace hit the iris. [color=silver]"I see what you intend. You should have come to me sooner."[/color]	
	Xen pointed toward the iron mine to the west of the hill, resting on the border of a forest. He knew what kind of tactics would need to be employed for a successful engagement. Surprise was paramount and there was no telling how deep the Dwarves have dug for the rich ore that littered beneath their feet. If the Orc Horde had need of these materials they would have to find it elsewhere, and having a plant so close to the Hill was dangerous indeed. This will be a game of shadows and blood. Cut off an army from its supplies and it will wither, in time, but also grow more dangerous. He only hoped this impromptu squad would be up for the challenge.
	[color=silver]"I would advise placing all of your guards on alert, and doubling the posts. We will choke their supplies here... here... and here as we make our way west before cutting north. This will give you some breathing room until you can properly fortify the surrounding areas."[/color] Xen pulled back and rubbed his chin contemplatively. He chuckled lightly at a thought, turning to Sadron with a perked brow, [color=silver]"Tell me, where in the Hells did you find such a group of misfits? Surely there were oth-"[/color] Xen was cut off by a scream, his head snapping to the side. His hand instinctively grabbed the staff at his side and he limped hurriedly towards the door.

	He noticed several guardsman running toward the source of it and he fell behind them, cutting through the courtyard and slipping into the alleys of the city. There was a distinct difference in palatable taste between the two places. The Hill was marvelous of a structure with walls polished to perfection and the sun's light dancing gently across its architecture. It was, for all intents, a remarkable sight to behold. Yet, the city, as with most densely populated areas, was stale. Buildings upon buildings, packed together like sardines stifled the air. Smoke lingered from wood fireplaces of different businesses and homes. Xen hated the city for this reason. Rats in a maze, he felt. A few twists and turns later and they came upon the Storyteller and the woman. At first, the guards moved to apprehend the man, but quickly saw that he was mending, not harming.
	People began to slowly slink out of their hovels, clutching their breasts and praying to whatever gods they desired. Xen saw the gore, splayed across the stone walls and floors. The attack was random. This was a peasant girl. No one of importance, surely. So why here? This was out of the way. The beast made it a point to cause a spectacle, but in an alley where few would see. Xen's eyes shot open suddenly, grabbing the nearest peasant he could find. [color=silver]"You! Did you see what happened? Where did the man responsible for this go?!"[/color] The peasant stammered unable to articulate proper words. Xen spat and pushed the man away from him, going to the next person he happened to see before a woman pointed down the alley. 

	[color=green]"There, suh! I saw... something run o' dat way!"[/color] The woman was shivering with fright. [color=green]"It wa' nah' but human. Something monsterous, suh!"[/color] Xen looked down the alley way and turn toward the Storyteller. [color=silver]"You. Come with me. Leave the girl with one of the guards."[/color] He motioned to one of the guards before signaling the others to follow. [color=silver]"Spread out and travel in pairs. Track down this beast."[/color] Xen twirled and hurried down the alley, every limp accompanied by the click of his staff.