Duru Basin, inside a newly excavated orcish cave.
"Do you really trust them, Lord Caesar?"
The old chieftain, Sifu, sought out the black dragon with doubts in his heart. Though he had not accompanied Caesar when he met those defectors, as the tribe's leader, he had still learned every detail of what happened from the other orcs.
"What difference does it make whether I trust them or not?"
The black dragon smiled. "Those fellows can genuinely wage war against the human army, or they can pay lip service while slacking off and playing tricks. Either way, what they do won't affect us."
"The reason for letting them out is merely to throw up a smokescreen and, while we're at it, wear down Roy's strength."
Caesar spoke bluntly. "You've seen it yourself. The humans have been watching Duru Basin very closely these past few days. It will be nearly impossible for the orcs to withdraw without being noticed."
"Cough, cough..."
Sifu's coughing made the black dragon frown. He had not expected that, even after several days of rest, the old shaman's condition showed no improvement. That was hardly good news.
The old orc bent over and coughed for a while. After catching his breath, he gently pulled free of Gar's support and continued, "Then what do you intend to do?"
"Put pressure on the humans first, then relocate in batches."
The black dragon twisted his neck as the little ones scratched his back behind him. "To be honest, I have some ideas about the Gnoll Clan. Their leader is quite impressive. And I hear kobolds are gifted at mining, so they may prove useful in the future."
"If those fellows can complete the task and swear loyalty afterward, I'd be more than happy to take every last one of them under