SPELLBOUND

The orcs descended on them almost at the same time. Samuel looked up only to have the orc send a powerful punch aimed right at his face. He was already swinging his sword when he noticed too late that it was a feint! Could these slow-witted and dumb orcs know how to throw feints? Why did they not fight this way earlier? Could it be because he was having a one-to-one with it? Or could this be the leader of this group of orcs? Thus, making him a little smarter and with some brains.

While these thoughts ran through Samuel's mind, the orc had sent the second punch flying in from his blind spot. It caught him in the gut, and he doubled over, choking out the air before he was sent flying and crashed into a medium-sized boulder. Fortunately, he was used to it. Faced with brute strength and being thrown around was something Samuel knew how to deal with. He was a little careless, but he was not going to make the same mistake again. His eyes narrowed and sharpened as he primed to launch himself at the oncoming orc.

Zolan and Luc were not having a better off time compared to Samuel, just because there were two of them against one orc. Zolan had launched himself at the orc despite his one broken foot. He knew his speed was lacking but he was hoping that Luc would follow up with an attack of his own behind his. As he swung his sword at the orc, he knew it was lacking. It felt too sluggish even to his own eyes. The orc, though large and lumbering, was a quick in its response to his attack and dodged his attack. Before Zolan could register the orc's sidestep, he was welcomed with a large orc fist into the side of his body, slamming him into the ground.

Luc was ready and followed up from that move. He went in for another slash at the orc's extended arm. Because of the unexpected attack, Luc's sword managed to hack into the orc's right arm and sliced it off just above the wrist. The orc howled and bellowed out in rage as green blood splattered over both Luc and Zolan. Luc grabbed Zolan before retreating a few feet from the raging orc. They looked at each other before nodding. Both understood with years fighting alongside the other how they wanted to commence attack. This was going to be a long and painful fight. Zolan smirked as he felt the ripples of pain through his torso. That was a good smash the orc had landed on him. He then growled before propelling himself along ground level, aiming for the feet of that lumbering oaf, knowing that Luc would be following up on his next strike.

***

As the vampires fought at their best, all three leaping above and coming down alternatingly through the poisonous fog, they finally managed to take down the other two orcs. Finally, there were rid of these pesky damned orcs.

However, before they could even smirk, the ground trembled violently again, making them exchange dismayed glances at each other. They only knew too well what that rumbling of the ground meant. More orcs were coming. The trio could only stand there, watching helplessly as more of the ferocious giants headed their way.

"Damn…" Zolan could only laugh helplessly. "It seems there's no way out of this mess for us, I see…"

"Well, we might as well kill as many as we can rather than letting them trample over us like this." Samuel's hard voice echoed as he brandished his sword and Zolan laughed again, this time bright and cheery.

"I really admire that spirit of yours Samuel." Zolan grinned as he looked at Samuel.

"Geez…" Luc sighed in regret. "Here I thought I am going to be so lucky to be able to see the heart of this land and brag off to everyone including the prince about it once we see him again." He lamented as he smiled. "I also thought I am going to find out the truth about the princess as well. I kinda wanted to witness her command a whole bunch of dragons… just imagining when it happens gave me a thrill and chills both at once. But yeah…" he sighed again, "it's too bad…but seems like we won't be living long enough to see it happen." 

"Well, at least we did become a part of her journey. We did our best. It's indeed such a shame because I truly want to know who she truly is too…" Zolan said as he gripped his sword with his bloody and trembling hand that had long lost its ability to feel due to repeated injuries he suffered from the orcs. "I'd like to see what she is capable of doing and who will she become once she gets out of this place… I guess, this is one of my biggest regrets now. Including the fact that I can't be there when the prince takes back his throne as well. But… oh well, this is inevitable. All I want now is for the princess to achieve her goals for this journey." Zolan shrugged nonchalantly, accepting his fate of dying at the hands of the orcs.

"Lift your heads, men…" Samuel suddenly said as he took a step before Zolan and Luc. "This is not over yet," he added, not unfeelingly, as he lifted his sword.

Zolan smiled, seeing the back of their silent leader. This man was their leader for a reason.

"Alright… might as well give a good fight until the end…" Zolan sighed as the orcs finally emerged right before them while the trio crouched to leap and fight probably for the last time. They were not fools to believe that they would come out alive in a fight with so many orcs, and in their current state. Unless… somehow a miracle happens.

"For our Prince and Princess! We'll fight till the end!!" Samuel roared and as the orcs were upon them, and right as they were about to leap, a bright light suddenly flared from above them, piercing through the thick fog above them. No, that was no light. It is fire?!!! D-dragons??!! The dragons have arrived??!!