They left a path of dead orcs in their wake. The city gates had already been won and opened wide with the slaves rushing out. Gerard and his small group pushed their way through the masses receiving pats on the back and the occasional cheer. Hope glistened in the eyes of all the slaves. Most of them had never experienced freedom. They had a hard road ahead of them yet but if they stuck together they could survive. He reached the front and relief trundled through him when he saw Thirak and Major Isak unharmed. “Well it sure is good to see you again, Jeff” —Major Isak turned to Gerard— “and I’m glad you were able to make it unharmed.” “Another second or two later and I wouldn’t have been standing here,” said Jeff, “but that’s a story for another time.” “I look forward to hearing it.” Major Isak turned from Jeff to Gerard. “Any sign of pursuit or of Sylestra?”
