“A New Development”
Episode 7: The Test
March 27, 2025
Korrin Vale and the mysterious woman descend deeper into the hidden stronghold, passing corridors where hooded figures murmur in hushed tones and the occasional glint of steel flashes beneath the torchlight. This is no tavern hideout - this is an operation.
Then, a sudden noise.
A shadow moves in the side passage. Before Korrin can react, a hulking Orc lunges forward, chains clanking around his thick wrists. He swings a massive, spiked club.
Korrin twists at the last second, avoiding the full force of the blow, but the impact sends a shock-wave through the stone floor. He stumbles, catching himself just as the orc steps into the dim light.
Behind him, two Goblins slink from the shadows, their sharp grins illuminated by flickering torches. One of them lets out a raspy cackle.
The woman beside Korrin remains still. Unmoved.
Wait!
The orc freezes, nostrils flaring. His grip tightens on the club, but he does not attack again. The goblins watch eagerly, whispering in their garbled tongue.
The woman turns toward Korrin, her expression unreadable. They want to see if you're worth keeping alive.
Korrin exhales, rolling his shoulders. So this is a test.
Fine
, he mutters, shifting his stance. Let's get this over with.
The orc bares his tusks. He lunges.