The Battle of Valas Fort

It all started when we received word that Valas Fort had been attacked and overrun by a band of Orcs. The very same type of monsters it was there to stop. Help from anywhere else would not be quick, so several from our village of Fyfe decided to venture north in an effort to run off the Orcs and prevent them from attacking our village.

A party of ten was gathered and we ventured forth early in the morning. We traveled for a day before making camp for the night. We set watches and an uneasy sleep was had. In the morning we broke camp, and were shortly within sight of the fort. We could see the front walls, and nothing appeared to be amiss.

We snuck towards an outbuilding on the front side of the fort. It would provide cover from anything that might be on the roof of the fort looking out. Ayan took the lead, being a reformed thief from abroad. He crept around to the doorway and peered inside. Indeed, there were Orcs, four to be precise. Ayan gestured to us, and we used the doorway as a makeshift choke point and fired our crossbows. They charged forth and slew Arthur, the town priest, before we were able to end the fight. We quickly dragged the bodies inside the building and took stock of it. There was nothing of use to us in here.

We once again stayed behind Ayan as he put his back against the outside wall of the fort. He peered inside and saw that there were 2 paths to be taken. Straight ahead was a large room of some sort. To the left was a short hallway. We opted to go left, and began navigating a twisty set of passages. As we were slowly navigating, one of the farmers heard some noises from behind us. A few of the men turned in time to see another group of Orcs fast approaching.

Without a moment to lose, Callum began reciting something archaic sounding, and waving his arms around. I did not know what he was doing, except that it was believed he was able to channel some sort of magic. Right as the Orcs struck and killed Monty, the same farmer that spotted them, the Orcs simply fell to the ground asleep. We were able to quickly dispatch them while they slumbered, and dragged their bodies out of the hallway. We moved forward and arrived in a room that appeared to be a room with prison cells. There were old bones present, and what appeared to be some weapons. We dragged the bodies into one of the cells and moved towards the end of the room, where a short hallway was present.

Ayan took the lead again, and mercifully there was nothing in the next room except some foodstuffs. There was a corner that was musty and appeared to have a bit of standing water, but we ignored it for the time being. The path forward was more twisty passageways. Ayan was able to navigate us forward slowly, always keeping an eye out for danger.

Eventually the passageway opened up to both the right and left. I saw Ayan get down on his belly and inch forward to get a better view of something. He inched backwards and told us that there was a hole in the ground with a gate overtop. There appeared to be three human figures down about ten feet, all alive. We quickly decided that we must free these humans. He also heard grunting and growling noises to the right. We formulated a plan to have two of our fighters stand with weapons ready and facing right. Then three of our men would move the grate. Once moved, two others would throw a rope down and hold it, so the trapped men could climb up.

We all quietly got into place, and a moment later realized our mistake. We all were facing right, but no one had scouted left, and there were two Orcs, waiting to ruin our plans. We also soon discovered that the noises to the right came from an Ogre. Things had gone from bad to worse. Those of us on the left turned to face the Orcs. We slew one immediately with our crossbows, but the other moved in to attack us. We were able to surround the Orc and kill him with numbers. Those behind us were not faring as well. The Ogre was a tough beast. By the time I saw it, it had several arrows and bolts sticking out of it. It took some time and made a lot of noise, but we were able to hit the Ogre enough to kill it. However, we were now down to five of the original ten party members. The Ogre took the life of Ethan, who was an unparalleled fighter from Fyfe.

With all of the threats eliminated, we quietly resumed the task of freeing the men below. We were able to remove the grate, and get all of the men out. The told us they were soldiers stationed at Valas Fort. They explained that a man wielding magic brought the Orcs down upon the fort. In addition, two men turned and joined him. These were men charged with defending this fort, and by extension our town and they switched sides. The idea made my blood boil. The soldiers described the layout of the fort and pledged to help us if only we could arm and armor them. We gave them armor, swords, and bows from our fallen comrades, and being at a dead end began to backtrack with the knowledge that by now the magic wielding man knew we were coming and would be prepared. Hopefully Callum would be able to best this man in a duel.

We quickly arrived back at the opening to the large room near the entrance. We stayed near the wall, and worked our way towards the only other door, suspecting that this was where the final encounter would take place. The passageway was narrow and it was decided that we would run through as quickly as possible. Callum would bring up the rear and dump a bag of ball bearings and a bag of caltrops behind us so that it would be difficult for us to be attacked from the rear. With the plan set and the best fighters at the front, we all took deep breaths before the men in front started running.

Before I knew what was happening, I and one of the soldiers we saved were tangled in some sort of sticky webbing. We were thrashing wildly, trying to cut it with our swords. I heard the men behind us helping, and heard Callum yell at one of them to help him. We were stuck for what felt like forever before a combination of sword cuts and fire freed us from the webbing. At almost the same time, we found that the enemies had run around the fort and were now behind us.

We stood face to face for a moment, our numbers even. However, our party was already wounded and our best fighters were nowhere to be found. The battle broke out shortly with arrows and bolts flying back and forth. A weird globe of darkness appeared around Callum, but it did not affect the rest of us. Eventually he stepped forward out of the darkness. Both Callum and the evil magic wielder began slinging spells, though there was no visible sign other than their gestures and incantations. Slowing, the battle seemed to tilt towards us, though we suffered more casualties. In the end, the magic wielding men came together for a battle of staffs, at which point Callum was able to slay the man. Quickly, the rest of his forces were slain and the day was ours.

When I surveyed the room I found that, of our original ten men, only myself, Callum, and Riley still stood. Riley was one of the soldiers saved from the makeshift prison. He walked with a heavy limp, and though I have no training in healing, I suspect he will have that limp for the rest of his life. On the bright side, he has a life in which to limp.

We searched the entire fort once again to be certain we had not missed anything. We decided to stay the night in the fort, and make for Fyfe in the morning. It was a quiet night, for we had seen more bloodshed in a day than most will in a lifetime. The next day we made our way back to the village and told our tale. We shared drinks with all and consoled those families that lost someone. Over the course of the next couple of weeks, groups were sent forth to collect the bodies and belongings of our fallen comrades so that they could be buried with a ceremony. I, myself, led one of the parties.

Not much later, I was approached by Mayor Logan and he told me that he would like to begin training me to take over for him. He is an older man, but I had never given thought to leading the entire town. Many people in town seemed to think it was a good idea, and I seemed to have much support, so I agreed.

It has been over a year since that fateful day. Callum and Riley were off shortly after our return. Neither had family in town, and neither seemed at ease. I officially put my sword down, or up in this particular case. I hung my sword on my office wall, visible to all as a reminder of why I was chosen. I look at it and remember the worst day of my life. It is still chipped and stained with the blood of Orcs.

So ends the tale of the battle of Valas Fort, as told by Cormac, Mayor of Fyfe.