ORCS: Army of Shadows Read Online Free PDF

sleeve. The enchantment was annulled in a soundless explosion,
     instantly transforming the ersatz bird into a myriad of shimmering golden sparks. The glowing pinpoints gently faded as they
     were carried away by the evening breeze. All that lingered was the pungent smell of sulphur.
    “I have tidings,” Jennesta told them, her face like flint. “It seems your minority of troublemakers have wiped out one of
     our garrisons. If you want a more graphic example of my point, just say so.”
    Neither man spoke.
    “You two need a little adjustment to your attitudes,” she went on icily. “Things are going to be different in this land, even
     if I have to have every orc in it put to the sword. Be assured, change is coming.” She turned and strode towards her carriage.
    Hacher and Grentor watched her go. Then, as on every other night during the past several weeks, their eyes were drawn skyward.
    There was a new star in the firmament, larger and brighter than all the rest.

3
    “
Keep your eyes on the road!
” Stryke bellowed.
    “
All right, all right!
” Haskeer yelled, knuckles white on the reins.
    In the back of the open wagon Coilla, Dallog, Brelan and new recruit Wheam hung on grimly.
    They took a corner at speed. The wagon’s wheels lifted on one side, then crashed down at the turn, jarring all of them. Seconds
     later, half a dozen mounted troopers rounded the bend in hot pursuit. They were quickly followed by a much larger contingent
     of riders. Some of them had open tunics flapping in the wind, or were minus jackets and headgear altogether, due to the sudden,
     unexpected start of the chase. Behind them were several wagons filled with militia, and even a buggy carrying a couple of
     officers. Farther back still, a mob of troops dashed to keep up on foot.
    The Wolverines’ wagon was in one of Taress’ main thoroughfares now, a wide avenue lined with some of the city’s more substantial
     buildings. It thronged with mid-morning crowds, and startled orcs dived clear of the speeding wagon and the humans chasing
     it.
    Stryke’s crew weaved through a sea of merchants’ carts, lone riders, occupiers’ carriages and strings of mules. There were
     scrapes and collisions, and much cursing and waving of fists. The wagon clipped a trader’s handcart, flipping it. Turnips
     and apples bounced across the road, getting underfoot of horses and passersby. Riders and pedestrians went down.
    Those at the roadside weren’t immune. Some of the pursuing humans took to the walkways, scattering bystanders and ploughing
     through peddlers’ stalls. In the process, several riders struck low-hanging awnings and projecting beams, and were unhorsed.
    Despite the chaos a substantial number of humans stayed in the chase. And they were beginning to close in on the fleeing wagon.
     To press their point, they loosed a stream of arrows at it.
    A bolt narrowly missed Coilla’s head and zinged on over Haskeer’s shoulder. He swore loudly and whipped the foaming horses.
     Another arrow landed at Wheam’s feet, embedding itself in a plank. He froze, staring at it. Dallog pulled him to the floor
     and held him there. The arrows kept coming, zipping overhead and peppering the tailboard.
    “Fuck this,” Coilla growled. She took up her own bow and started returning fire.
    Brelan, the only other one on board with a bow, followed her lead. The wagon juddered and shook so much that their first shots
     were wild. Then Coilla got a bead and sent a shaft into the chest of one of the leading humans. The force of the hit catapulted
     him from his mount. His falling body collided with the riders behind him, downing several more. But it didn’t slow the rest.
    It didn’t do more than briefly interrupt the flow of arrows either. The only solace was that firing from the saddle spoilt
     the humans’ aim. Bolts flew high, wide and low; a couple veered towards the wayside, narrowly missing onlookers. In the rear
     of the wagon Coilla and Brelan were