Li sat cross-legged in front of the edge of the Winterwoods, the forest line of trees behind him standing tall like castle walls. He closed his eyes and had his hands together in a meditative pose, feeling the flow of life circulating from the woods behind him.
It was past midnight, and this time, there was no full moon to illuminate the woods with its aesthetic silvery sheen. There was but darkness, black like tar and just as thick, the stars themselves shy to shine tonight.
Li thought about the approaching force of orcs. He had made contact with them beforehand, actually, before he had even called the adventurers to battle.
Throughout the early morning, he was keeping tabs on them through a remotely controlled Shadowfly.
Quick note: I believe it was mentioned before, but shadowflies are extremely weak familiars that get oneshot by most things in exchange for being easily summonable, disposable, and having high levels of stealth, which is why the orc was able to dispatch it
Also, much thanks to readers in the comments yesterday who pointed out that Li should have encountered the orcs before telling the adventurers to fight. I initially had it the other way around, but thinking more about it, I realized that you all were right!