The city of Verlinden lies at the heart of the northern trade routes, controlling the flow of gems, precious metals and textiles to the cities of the south. But its vital position also places it directly on the main invasion route of the orcs, who are always looking to take the city by force and put an end to human incursions into their ancestral lands. Following their devastating defeat decades ago, the orcs have disappeared -- some say for good. The frontier patrols are lax, the city defenses are crumbling and the funding for troops has been slashed, leaving a few hardy soldiers to maintain...