Page 10 of My Fated Orc Hero

I definitely need to see a shrink.

"Shh!" he hisses. "Just... act like my prisoner. Please. Am trying to protect you!”

I want to argue, but the urgency in his voice, combined with his gentle touch and sincere gaze, evoke my trust and I shut up, nodding reluctantly.

As heavy footsteps approach, I attempt to look appropriately cowed.

I peek around his massive form as he strides to the door and swings open revealing two more... beasts?

“Holy, holy...moly,” I manage to whisper as I come to the realization that this fairytale land has mythical creatures other than orcs.

One looks like a minotaur straight out of Greek mythology. The other... What the...?

Is that Bigfoot?

"Thokk!" the minotaur booms. "We thought we heard voices. Did you find Othrix?”

My jaw hangs open as they enter.

"By the elder gods," the minotaur exclaims. "Is that a human?"

Thokk straightens up, puffing out his chest. "I caught this one trying to sneak into town," he says gruffly. "But snared her easily."

"Well done, brother. Seems you were right to be concerned. Our wards have indeed failed," the bull-headed creature replies.

“Was it hard to catch? Did it put up a fight?” The Bigfoot asks.

I know I should stay quiet, but I honestly can't help myself. "Excuse me," I pipe up, "but I'm not an ‘it’. My name is Zoe. And it’s not like I even wanted to be here. Really, I’m no threat. I’m a good Zoe. I promise. I'm just very lost and very, very confused.”

“Indeed, you are,” the bigfoot creature booms, as the two newcomers both look to Thokk. I can’t tell if they are shocked or confused themselves, or both.

But their appearance seems to have almost thrown a switch inside me. Clearly, I have lost my mind. I might as well embrace the adventure in wonderland.

“Are you a Bigfoot? Or, well, I guess a relative of Bigfoot? And you – an actual minotaur? This is incredible!"

Thokk tugs on the leash. "Silence, prisoner," he growls, but I catch a hint of what almost looks like admiration, or maybe amusement in his eyes.

"Sorry," I stage-whisper. "I'll be good. Promise."

The minotaur recovers first. "I have never heard of a Zoe. She just looks like a regular human to me. But what will you do with her, Thokk? Take her to the elders?"

Thokk shakes his head. "No, not yet. I need to... question her first. Find out how she got in, if there are others. You know, for security."

"Good thinking," Bigfoot nods. “Should we send out patrols and at least alert the watch?”

“No, no, let me interrogate her first.”

“Of course,” the bull breathes. “Excellent work.”

With that the two incredible beasts exit.

As they leave, I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding. "Holy, holy, holy...that was a god damn bigfoot! And a freaking minotaur! Either I am high as a kite on mold or I am way down the rabbit hole. Either way, that was close," I murmur, finally calming down a little. "Thanks for not, you know, turning me over to be executed or whatever."

Thokk grunts. "Don't thank me yet. I still don't know what I'm going to do with you."

I bite my lip, once again, feeling that annoying suspicion that this is no dream, and no mold induced trip. I'm in astrange world, surrounded by creatures I thought only existed in stories, with no idea how to get home. I should be terrified. And I am, kinda mostly. But then there’s Thokk and all the crazy inexplicable feelings he is stirring up.

"You know, this is the most exciting thing that's ever happened to me," I admit. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm scared. But also, sorta, kinda, maybe a little thrilled? Does that make me crazy?"

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