“Hey!” The word tumbled out. I cupped my mouth and froze.

The pale green, lean orc stopped shaking the pack for a second and turned his attention to me. He tilted his head in confusion.

My courage ran out. I was alone out here. At his gaze, I held my staff in front of me, shaking. What am I doing holding a weapon in front of a monster who could snap me like a twig?

This orc might have been smaller and leaner than the one at the mine, but using a wild animal’s strength, he half-jumped and half-climbed up the tree, dangling the poor screaming kid behind him.

I looked as the monster kept shaking the pack with the boy for another few seconds, then he pulled the pack to its nose and took a long whiff.

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That’s right, you big oaf, there is no food in there. Just drop it.

The same goes for you, you crazy stubborn thief. I looked at the hysterical kid hanging for dear life. Do you have a death wish? If you continue clinging to my pack, the orc’s next meal's gonna be you, thief. I lowered my staff and watched the ridiculous sight.

The orc grabbed the boy’s shirt collar and lifted him to eye level. I gasped. He looked the kid dead in his eyes and casually flung him away. The kid fell into the bushes below.

Was he ok? I saw movement there and let out a sigh of relief.

The throw from the orc wasn’t filled with anger or a show of strength. Nor did he see us as food. The orc locked eyes with mine. There was intelligence there. He was watching for what I would do next.

Still, the boy could need help. I looked away from the orc to check on the kid. He scrambled backward, silent with soiled pants. At least he suffered no broken bones.