I'm a bit confused, how did they poison him? Was it part of the trap, or did he go unconscious from the trap-inflicted injuries and then she poisoned him? I'm very interested to see how this turns out. It seems they may not be right about the orc (lack of) afterlife, so maybe we'll see Faalca again?

Looking forward to reading the next chapter!

I like this old woman! :D There's a mystery about her that's very intriguing. Did she make up the story of the pretty lass and the seal man to urge a reaction out of Ras? Was it a true story? She's kind of Gandalf-like in that. :)

At first I didn't realize who 'she' was when Ras said she was in pieces, but re-reading, it probably isn't necessary. There's only one 'She' for Ras at this point, and that's Faalca. There would otherwise be a bit of a hopeful thrill in the idea of a sorceress who could raise the dead. :( Poor Ras.

Interestingly, this woman seems to know about bonded mates, which tells me she knows a lot more about Orcs than she lets on. I'm looking forward to seeing more revealed about her. :)

It's makes me sad how ras is suffering from death of his mate faalca.

I really like this beginning! Can't wait to read more :)

It's great to see you writing again! I love your work. Didn't expect a Ras sequel, but I'm glad to. Are you going to continue "A Kingdom of Ice and Blood"?

Oh dear, now I get it. This is Ras from "Prisoner of Isengard," and what happened to him after the clan moved northward. :( It's heartbreaking, knowing that there is nothing but the void for your kind after death. Thank you, Tolkien. :P While the gruesome killing spree isn't exactly justified, the purpose of it makes sense. He was bonded to Faalca, and must have felt as though they would never be parted. Her death tore him apart in the original story, and his suffering hasn't eased in this one. I'm very anxious to see what happens next, and what wisdom this old woman can impart. As always, you put us in his head and show us the reason for his madness, the reason for the killing. The memory of Faalca is brief but poignant, showing how well suited they were to one another. I love how you describe pretty much anything! :D

This is an awesome setup to a very intriguing story. We're getting the assumed victims' side of it - those who are being terrorized by this mysterious Orc, and really feeling that their fear is justified. Being the Orc apologist that I am, I want to see what comes next - hoping it's some insight into the killer's motivations. He's obviously clever, quite possibly cold-hearted. Or perhaps bent on revenge. I can't wait to find out! I also like the hints at time/place: without coming right out and telling us, we know that this takes place post-Ring war. Orthanc being home to Rangers (instead of power-hungry wizards), the farmers being 'hardened by war.' Excellent. :) And it's good to see you back. I hope this means your novel is buttoned up and published?

Sorry, AT, not buying Ras sparing the children.
Their little intestines would be all over the walls and the ceiling.
Borys

Great beginning to a story. Can't wait to read more!