"I am Thar'ok the Battlehammer," the ogre answered, "And yes, I am an ogre."<br/><br/>There was some rustling and a pair of smaller green-skined creatures appeared out of the darkness, bowing low before the ogre.  "M'Lord," the first said, "There's more gnolls about, a full pack of them."<br/><br/>The other nodded and added, "They've taken the farmstead, Master.  They were pleaureing themselves with three other humans in the main house."<br/><br/>The ogre returned his flail to his belt and stroked his chin.  "How many live here woman?" he demanded of Jessica as he reached down to pull her up to her feet.<br/><br/>----<br/><br/>Harker looked over at the human woman, still holding her daughters close.<br/><br/>"For now," he told her, "They are young, I will keep them to myself.  But the pack needs females as well."  Then he cocked his head and licked his long muzzle.  "You desire to be laid by the alpha as well?" he asked.