My neck ached. I was sitting in a chair with my hands and feet tied. My neck hung in front of me. My face felt swollen and sore. I opened my eyes slowly. I lifted my head carefully on my aching neck. The bar around me looked familiar but better than the last time I left it. A few men stood around, drinking and whispering.

An orc noticed me and stood. He approached me with heavy footsteps like he was made of two tons of rock. He stopped in front of me, towering over me as he looked ...