The great hall of Ereia, still bearing some scars of the recent conflict, echoed with an uneasy silence. Decorations, once vibrant, were now frayed and torn, a testament to the brutal battle that had preceded this fragile peace.

    Adhalia, the new leader of Ereia, and her cousin, Faynah, stood stiffly before Khao''khen, the orcish chieftain. His hulking frame, even in the relatively subdued posture of respect he attempted to maintain, dominated the space.

    His tusks gleamed faintly in the torchlight, a constant reminder of the raw power he wielded. Around them, the remnants of both armies, Ereian and Orcish, watched with a mixture of apprehension and cautious hope.

    Khao''khen cleared his throat, the sound surprisingly gentle for a being of his size. "Lady Adhalia and Faynah," he began, his voice a low rumble that carried effortlessly across the hall, "I come to bid you a formal farewell."

    Adhalia, her face etched with the weight of her responsibilities, spoke first. "Chieftain Khao''khen," her voice was firm, but a tremor betrayed her uncertainty. "While we appreciate your... support, our concerns remain. Leaving Ereia at this juncture, with the Lazican threat still looming, seems... unwise."

    Faynah nodded, her sharp eyes fixed on the orcish leader. "We have fought alongside you and your warriors, Chiefatin. We have witnessed your strength, but also your... effectiveness. We struggle to understand why you must leave us with the potential for future aggression from Lazica."

    Khao''khen allowed a long moment of silence to hang in the air before responding. "Your concerns are valid, Ladies. The Lazican king is a wild card, and his ambitions are still unknown. However, he has witnessed the strength of our united forces, the cost of war, and the mutual destruction that would result from another conflict. He will not act rashly, not after what he''s seen."

    He paused, gesturing to a group of exceptionally large and well-armed orcs standing stoically near the hall''s entrance. "To further ease your anxieties, I will leave behind a warband of my finest warriors. Led by Skigg''truk, they will remain at your service, ready to assist should Lazica dare to break the peace."

    The gesture, while appreciated, did little to quell Adhalia''s apprehension. "A single warband, Chieftain? Against a Lazican army?" Her voice was laced with doubt. The unspoken question hung heavy in the air: was this truly a departure, or a strategic retreat?

    Khao''khen met her gaze directly, his expression unreadable. "My people need to return to our lands. We cannot maintain our presence here indefinitely, and the our own homes demands our undivided attention. But believe me, this is not abandonment, but a calculated decision, informed by the reality of my long-term vision."

    Just as tension threatened to reach a breaking point, a voice cut through the strained silence. Elara, the leader of the dark elves, emerged from the shadows, her presence as striking as the night itself. She moved with a fluid grace that belied the deadly weapons she carried.

    "Lady Adhalia and Faynah," Elara''s voice, though soft, held an undeniable authority. "While the majority of the orcish horde departs, their departure does not signify a withdrawal of support. The Dark Elven Sisterhood stands with Ereia, unwavering in its commitment to the alliance we forged in blood and fire. We shall maintain our presence here, and we will not hesitate to act should Lazica''s treachery necessitate our intervention."

    Her words, though spoken calmly, held a weight that seemed to ease some of the tension in the hall. Faynah, ever practical, spoke next. "Your assurance, Elara, is welcome. The combined strength of the dark elves and the remaining orcish warband... it provides a measure of comfort."

    Skigg''truk bowed his head in acknowledgment. "It shall be done, Chieftain."

    "And the messengers?" Khao''khen asked, his voice sharper now.

    "They report significant Threain activity around the Narrow Pass. However, their main force remains concentrated in the north," a messenger, a young orc from the Skallser Tribe, reported swiftly.

    Khao''khen nodded. "Send word back for our warriors to keep a close watch. We need to ensure that they don''t get across the Narrow Pass before they can fortify a advantageous position. Remember, swiftness and precision are key."

    The messenger met his gaze, his expression resolute. "Understood, Chieftain."

    "The Narrow Pass is our target," Khao''khen continued, addressing the assembled horde. "It is a narrow chokepoint. They cannot withstand our physical prowess, if we force them within that small path." His voice held a grim certainty.

    A murmur of agreement swept through the ranks. These were warriors bred for war, their lives defined by conflict. The anticipation was palpable, a tangible energy vibrating in the air.

    The next hour was consumed by the organized chaos of preparation. Warriors sharpened their weapons, checked their supplies, and spoke in hushed tones. The air was heavy with a grim sense of foreboding.

    A sense of dread hung heavy in the air, like smoke clinging to the low-lying clouds. Yet the air was also alive with a terrifying kind of energy that stemmed from the unwavering determination of the orcish warriors who knew nothing but survival and conflict.

    Khao''khen approached Sakha''arran, who was overseeing the deployment of their warriors. "Are they ready to move out?" he asked.

    "Yes, Chieftain. They are fully prepared and ready to deploy. I have ensured that all are properly set and prepared for action. The warriors are awaiting your command," Sakh''aaran replied, bowing slightly.

    "Good. Ensure they are ready for a long and uneventful journey till we reach Yohan. We will move as fast as we can to reach the Narrow Pass, as soon as we can." Khao''khen said, his tone severe and uncompromising.

    Sakh''arran nodded. "I will oversee their deployment personally, Chieftain. We shall not fail you."

    Khao''khen turned away, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon where the setting sun cast long, ominous shadows. The weight of his responsibility pressed down on him. This war, this new chapter, could determine the fate of his people, the future of the Yohan Horde. They can''t allow Threia to threaten their base.