Chapter 24

Chapter

Twenty-Four

GOVEK

G ovek was surprised to find that within the dim room behind the platform there was yet another opening, one that led to spiraling stairs. His father began the climb without a word, holding up his luxurious robes so they wouldn’t catch under his feet.

Govek loped after him. The wooden stairs creaked under his weight and the walls brushed his shoulders.

It was a fair distance to travel, far up into the Rove Tree. Govek could feel the life within it thrumming with every step. He closed his eyes and used the magic within the tree to calm himself.

When he opened them again, he had reached the top and was breathless.

The room was large and circular, with a massive round table in the center. Twenty or more chairs surrounded it. High above the room was a thick canopy of mirror leaves , as Miranda liked to call them. They reflected the torchlight and illuminated the space, dappling the light on all the surfaces.

The surround was open to the air with a branch railing encircling the room. Govek moved to the edge, taking in the view.

Fades, it was incredible. He could see most of the clan from this spot. All the homes twinkling in the twilight as their fires crackled. Karthoc’s camp was visible off to the right and he could hear loud cheering and garbled mirth, as if they were having a brawling match.

“What racket,” Ergoth muttered, glaring toward the camp. “The warriors have no concept of what is proper within the Rove Woods.”

Govek said nothing, only tightened his hands on the wood railing.

“You’ve refused my direct order to come to the hall for four days, Govek.”

Govek swallowed and faced his father. “I was in no position to leave my woman.”

“Stand down, Govek. I did not bring you here to chastise. But you must also see, don’t you? That things cannot carry on the way they have before. Between us—and you,” his father said, his slender frame poised in the dim light. His chin rose and his gold eyes gleamed.

Unsure what to say in the face of such words, Govek was silent.

“I wanted to apologize, Govek. About Estwill.”

Govek’s jaw dropped.

“Only after you were gone did, I realize the letters from Corine were forgeries. I should have seen it long before, but I was blind by my sorrow, and the will of this clan is not easily pushed aside.”

His father set down his cup on the railing and faced Govek head on. “They have called for me to ensure the clan’s stability. We were all badly shaken by the death of Tavggol, but I should not have listened. I should have remembered that you are my son, and my loyalty should be as strong to you as it is to the clan. I am truly remorseful over my choice, Govek, and it will not happen again.”

A heavy, searing weight lifted from Govek. From his mind. From his chest. He breathed in the crisp night air, tinged with the sweet smell of frost and roasting meat.

“I hope from now on, we can be a united front. We are each other’s only kin, after all. The clan may want to divide us, but we are still of the same blood,” Ergoth continued, a light smile playing at his lips. “I hope we can both try to listen and be more reasonable with each other.”

Fades, was this reality? Govek pondered that he may have eaten some foul rotten fruit, and he was having a fevered delusion. His father had never apologized to him. For anything .

“I hear you fought with Karthoc after the announcement. I saw you storm from the hall and I regret being unable to follow. You understand, don’t you? The clan was in a full uproar. We had to use Sythcol’s clearing magic just to get everyone to settle down.”

Govek nodded slowly, only slightly surprised. The clearing was typically used during judgments, but it did have a calming effect.

“Karthoc refuses to speak about your argument. Your cousin doesn’t trust me. That’s obvious by his choice to unseat me from my position.” Govek’s father looked back toward the camp so Govek couldn’t see his expression and his tone wasn’t telling. “He is too thickheaded to see anything but his own drive for control. I know not how to deal with such violence and strife. It isn’t in my nature the way it is yours.”

Govek’s gut, which had just begun to loosen, twisted into knots again.

“I trust you to deal with him, Govek.”

Govek blinked, knocked flat, completely flummoxed.

“You can handle Karthoc and the warriors he leaves here, and I will aid you with the clan, and together, we will ensure that prosperity remains within the Rove Woods. That is all we have ever wanted, isn’t it, Govek? To ensure that our clan continues with its good work.”

“You... you want me to take on the role of chief?”

Ergoth blinked slowly. His eyelid twitched slightly, but he recovered. “Of course, Govek.”

His father wanted him to take command of the clan? He wanted Govek to lead?

His father... trusted him with such an important task?

Something deep within Govek’s gut ached. Something warm and thick with yearning. An emotion he’d forced himself to push away long ago. In his youth. Before he was abandoned at the outskirts.

“Govek, you don’t have to be afraid. I can help you lead this clan. I will advise you on every decision. Why, I could simply continue as always. All you will need to do is communicate with Karthoc and deal with the warriors he leaves behind to guard us.”

All the pleasure that Govek had gained from his father’s perceived confidence was popped in an instant.

This was his father’s plan. To simply put Govek up as a front to deceive Karthoc. He should have known. He shouldn’t have been surprised.

“Karthoc’s demand is quite resolute. I have tried to negotiate, and believe me, he will not fold. Our only option is to move forward with his orders. It is the fastest way to recover from this interruption to our usual bliss.”

The word “bliss” struck something hard at the base of Govek’s spine. It reverberated into his mind and cast clear the stark differences between his life now, and the one he had lived a single season ago.

The blissful world his father had created in this clan had been nothing but a nightmare for him. He had not even realized how bleak his existence was until Miranda came with her light and warmth.

Truly, now, he lived in bliss, and he would not go back. He could not go back. Not to blindly follow his father’s orders or Karthoc’s.

“No.”

“No?” Ergoth said quietly. “No what, Govek?”

“No, I cannot take command of this clan.”

Ergoth froze in his place and Govek found himself working to keep from retreating. Did he truly need to ask his father for permission to go to the trade? Perhaps he should just leave now.

“You must be jesting,” Ergoth said. “Be logical. You cannot possibly want to be the reason our perfect clan is disbanded after centuries of prosperity?”

Govek’s gut twisted. This was a truth he grappled with almost constantly. Usually, Miranda was there to soothe the ache and distract him from the worst of his burning guilt, but there was no reprieve for him now.

“And what of all the thousands of orcs that will die without the tinctures and healing magic we provide? You want their deaths to bloody your hands?”

Govek took a breath. “The conjurers can continue their work from Karthoc’s forge.”

“That isn’t known for certain, Govek,” Ergoth spat. “None of our conjurers have ever worked outside the canopy of the Great Rove Tree. Most have not even stepped foot outside of the Rove Woods.”

Govek had already considered this. But he’d managed to conjure up hot water in the outer woods. If he, an orc with almost no magical training, could manage it, the mighty workers of this clan could too.

“And even if we can,” Ergoth continued. “The few weeks of travel will put a massive strain on our already dwindling supplies. We cannot create tinctures while hiking through harsh winter conditions. And what of the time settling in at the forge? We may not ever recover, and thousands will die because of it.”

His father’s words were smooth, rehearsed. Chief Ergoth had clearly used them on Karthoc, and considering it had not swayed the warlord, Govek could only conclude that meant Karthoc had thought of a solution already.

“And think further, my son, of these new conjurers who need to be taught our ways.”

Govek went rigid.

“These poor males with magic who have never experienced the joy of living within the Rove Woods, of conjuring under the canopy of the Great Rove Tree,” Ergoth continued. “How will they ever hope to be properly trained without my guidance? Who would teach them the ways of communing with the Fades without the blessings of our Great Rove Tree?”

Govek’s mouth was dry. “ You would train them?”

“Of course, I would, Govek,” Chief Ergoth said, leveling him with a hard look. “You, of all, should understand how dangerous it is to have magic without the discipline to use it properly.”

Govek went very still. He did know that. He knew it better than any.

But after Miranda’s conversations with him, Govek wondered... was it truly his fault he had not properly learned how to wield his magic? Was it really his own lack of discipline and control that had caused him to be banned?

He swallowed hard. “Father, if that is true, why was I never trained?—”

“Are you questioning my past decisions as chief, Govek?” Ergoth’s tone was laced with venom so potent Govek could feel it prickling his skin. “You know what you have done. What you still could do. I did what was necessary to protect this clan. What’s done is done . I see no reason for you to speak on matters of the past now.”

Govek’s tongue felt as dry as sand on a hot summer day and he bit it hard enough to taste metal.

He’d grown so accustomed to Miranda listening to everything he had to say, to her attentive eyes taking in every word, to conversing openly without judgment.

He’d nearly forgotten that the orcs of this clan, his father included, did not want to hear his wretched excuses or words of defense.

“They aren’t excuses, they’re reasons.”

His fists balled and his blood simmered, and the oddest thought crossed his mind.

Was it really their right to silence him? Were his words truly worth less than theirs?

“Govek, this is what is best for you too. All your past atrocities could be wiped clean with this. I can help you wipe them all clean. Give you a fresh slate. All you have to do is follow my directives as you lead the clan, and I will ensure you are forgiven.”

Pain jolted through Govek’s whole frame. Rattling his bones. Twisting up his guts.

How many nights had he laid awake in his bed, on the outskirts, alone and hungry with the agonizing burn of a magical binding blistering his veins, wishing his father would extend his hand like this? That the great Chief Ergoth might offer aid and help Govek find his place within the clan? That he could find a way to be forgiven?

Miranda’s smiling face flooded his mind’s eye. The harsh memories of the burning faded.

Did he . . . need to be forgiven?

Did he even want that?

What would forgiveness from his clan even offer? Why did it matter ?

He had Miranda now.

“And think of your woman,” Ergoth said. “How would she fair in such war-torn lands? To say nothing of the perilous journey there. In the dead of winter.”

Govek agreed with that wholeheartedly. That was the reason he did not want her to leave here, even to find other humans from Earth.

“And I’m certain her head is turned by the idea of becoming matriarch of this clan. She must be thrilled at the prospect of the power she’ll have being the chief’s woman.”

Govek snorted in amusement at the thought. Miranda completely supported his decision not to become chief. She’d never once indicated that becoming matriarch was something she wanted. All she wanted was to live a peaceful, secure life. Away from war. With a family.

With him .

Words slipped out before he could think better of it. “She has suggested to me she’d rather live separately from the clan.”

“You cannot be serious.”

Govek went cold with regret and jerked his gaze up to his father’s blazing eyes as Ergoth raged. “She cannot possibly be so foolish as to support your decision not to take lead of this clan.”

Anger blazed in Govek’s spine at the insult toward Miranda. “It is a decision we have made together .”

“Well, her decision to keep you from taking on the role of chief is supremely ignorant,” Ergoth spat. “She must know that there is no place more comfortable or peaceful than the Rove Woods. She must know that there is no better clan than this. I will speak with her. I guarantee that with a few moments alone, I will have her mind changed?—”

“You will not be alone with her.” Govek almost snarled.

Ergoth’s eyes went wide as he examined Govek from top to bottom. “So, this is your plan, then? You will forsake the only family you have ever known for a woman you’ve barely met? You would betray us for someone who could very well be deceiving you?”

“Miranda is not?—”

“How could you know? How do you know anything about a woman you found wandering in the middle of the woods? Wandering about days away from any human settlements.”

“I know, I’ve?—”

“You cannot know. It is not possible for you to know. Don’t try to skew things in your favor. Cast aside your selfish needs. This woman is clearly not good for you. Can you not see how our clan will fall if you do not do exactly as I tell you?”

“I will not give Miranda up,” Govek raged, his control slipping.

“Even if it means saving your kin?” Ergoth raged back, flattening out some of Govek’s anger as shock took its place. “I raised you. I gave you everything . I could have cast you out and left you to starve, but instead I kept you. And this is how you thank me? By ruining everything I have worked so hard to achieve? All for some blasted human who will only betray you in the end?”

There was a wildness to Ergoth’s tone, a craze to his eyes. The wind caught in his hair and tangled it up, disheveling him.

Govek had never seen the like in his father’s face before. Never.

“I have worked too fucking hard to have everything crumble because some ill-faded woman has turned your head.” Ergoth’s voice was cold as ice.

Shock closed in around Govek’s chest and smothered out the anger. Ergoth’s heavy breathing was the only sound in his ears. His father did not trust Miranda. This should not have been surprising. And yet, it sparked a flame of terror in the dark pit where Govek’s fury dwelled.

“I will not betray you, Father,” Govek said slowly, his skin prickling with the need to remove the target from his lovely mate’s back. He chose his words carefully. “I have no intention of leaving these woods.”

Ergoth’s face went flat, but he was still breathing hard.

“I will stay out of the way, as I always have,” he said carefully, working to placate. “I will follow your judgment.”

His father’s eyes flashed with triumph before shifting to something dark, something that made Govek’s blood chill and his gut quiver. His instincts to hide away in his home, or better yet, run into the forest rang out.

He could not fight his father. The great Chief Ergoth was too cunning and wise for the likes of Govek. The best he could do was give Ergoth what he wanted and retreat.

“Good.” His father went over to his cup, still sitting on the railing, and downed the thing in a single swig. “Good. I am glad we are on the same page about this.”

Ergoth’s motions were jerky as he swirled the empty goblet in his hand. His dark eyes were calculating. “Tell me, my son, where does this woman of yours come from? You seem so certain it is not a settlement of the Waking Order.”

“She comes from a place far from here,” Govek said, wanting to swing the conversation back to the trade so he could leave. “Father, I came to talk to you about?—”

“What of family, then? She must have kin.”

“She has no family. She was an orphan.”

Ergoth snorted. “Even orphans have people who cared for them in their childhood, Govek. Even the most unworthy.”

“She had no one person set to the task,” Govek said, forcing down the heat rising in his throat and instead thinking on the many tales Miranda had told him of her life growing up. Of s’mores, and camping trips, and birthday parties with streamers and cakes. Most of them were happy memories, even without parents to care for her. They often left him overthinking on his own childhood, trying to find similarities. He always came up short. “She was raised in a group of likened young.”

“Ah,” Ergoth said knowingly, looking back out over the dazzling view. “That makes sense then.”

A chill at his father’s unsettling perceptiveness shivered down Govek’s spine. “What makes sense?”

“Children who are abandoned cleave to the first being who gives them any attention.” Ergoth slid his gaze to Govek. “Even if that source isn’t a fit choice.”

Govek clenched his teeth, anger burning in his gut and forcing a growl from his throat at his father’s implication. Miranda had not chosen to stay with him only because he was the first male to want her. His chest puffed slightly as he forced in a breath.

“Control yourself, Govek. For the sake of the Fades, must you defile every sanctuary with your anger? You cannot even set it aside in this holy place?”

Govek swallowed thickly. “I apologize.”

“Apologies only have worth if actions follow them,” Ergoth said. “I have always aspired to aid you in this. Ever since you were a small child, I have tried endlessly. You’re a grown male now, Govek. How is it possible that you still prick to anger so easily? Even when you know how dangerous your anger is. Do you feel no shame?”

Govek gnashed his teeth.

Ergoth sighed as if the fate of Faeda were on his back. “What I say about the ways of orcs and women isn’t anything new , even if it is vile . Many warrior orcs have manipulated their partner’s desperation in order to win themselves conquests. Most must resort to playing upon the human’s dire circumstances to coerce the woman into their beds.”

“I have not coerced Miranda,” Govek said so low and threatening the words felt like blades in his throat

“Of course not, Govek. You are misconstruing my words,” Ergoth said with a frustrated shake of his head. “I speak generally. Of the warrior kind. It works quite well for them. The woman is so blinded by her need to be wanted or saved she can overlook anything . At least, for a time.”

“Miranda is not going to?—”

“I am not speaking of you, Govek. Can you not see past your own selfishness?” Ergoth snapped. “Why do you constantly misinterpret what I tell you? Do you want us to be at odds? I try so hard to understand you, to help you, and you constantly battle with me, despite my efforts.”

Govek bowed his head to hide the fury blazing behind his eyes. He just needed to find a way out of here. An opening to leave. Fuck asking his father about Oakwall. They’d just sneak over or show up late, like Miranda suggested they should.

“And here you are again withdrawing, refusing my advice. It truly is impossible with you, Govek. I do not know why I continue to try.”

“I have always listened to your advice, Father.”

“And never taken it.”

“It... it does not come easy for me,” he began slowly, picturing Miranda’s open and accepting face in his mind’s eye. “I?—”

“Most things have not come easy for you, Govek. I know this better than anyone. I am your father ,” Ergoth said with a shake of his head. “That is why you must let me help you when Karthoc forces you to be chief. You must allow me to guide your hand. Promise me this.”

Govek’s jaw twitched. “I vow it.”

“Good,” Ergoth said, moving swiftly across the room to a cabinet next to the stairs. He threw open the doors and pulled out a new jug of mead.

“Govek, I have always worked in your best interests. Even the order to Estwill was done out of my care. I know how badly you wanted a woman. How badly all the orcs do. Think of your youngest cousin. Poor Brovdir has fallen to the plot of preying on a woman in need many times. Karthoc said he has attempted with over a dozen conquests. Some abused, some half starved. None of them fulfilled their duty in the end.”

Govek ached for his cousin.

“And who could blame them? I certainly do not,” Ergoth said without even a sliver of sympathy. The mead jug glugged loudly as he poured it into his glass. “Why, as soon as the threat of death is gone, one opens their eyes, don’t they? It makes sense that these women would leave once the cloud of trauma has lifted.”

The working of Govek’s heart grew louder in his ears as his father’s truths simmered in his veins.

Would Miranda leave him if she was presented other options? Once her need for constant support was eased, would she abandon his side for a more pleasant male?

The idea made his muscles bunch. He wanted to tear apart every male that glanced Miranda’s way, to remove every threat that might try to lure her from his grasp.

“Govek,” his father said slowly. “Calm down. I’m not insinuating that Miranda will leave you for another male.”

“No other orc will come near my woman.”

His father shot him a darkly amused look. “Govek, they already are. You left her in the hall, remember? But I’m sure it will be fine. The males here in the Rove Woods aren’t beasts. Well, I suppose Karthoc’s warriors might be considered as such. Why those males are so frantic for women, they even threatened to storm Oakwall . Blessedly, I was able to convince them to keep their distance. Our clan would be devastated if our peace with Oakwall was ruined by their single-minded lust.”

Govek gnashed his teeth, took deep breaths. Calm. He had to remain calm.

“You’ve been with Miranda long enough now. She must be carrying your babe.” Ergoth took a long gulp. The sweet scent of the brew was making Govek ill. Fermented honey. Ergoth lowered his glass. “She is carrying, isn’t she?”

“Miranda has been through a trial. She is not ready yet.”

“As have we all,” Ergoth said, slow and sweet as the drink tainted his lips. “But we still fulfill our duties, don’t we? We still find a way to persevere even in the face of tragedy. Tell me, Govek, does Miranda simply not want to have children or is there a good reason for her to refuse you?”

“It was—” Govek swallowed thickly. “It was a mutual choice to abstain.”

“I see.” Ergoth took another sip, his eyes shimmering above the cup as he continued to watch Govek. “Well, since it was mutual, I’m sure you have nothing to worry about.”

Govek gulped, clenching his hands. Miranda had given him no reason to worry. She’d been adamant she wanted no one else.

And yet, after his confession the night before about imagining her with his child, she had avoided the topic. She’d not mentioned it once. For all he knew, she wasn’t thinking about it at all.

Fuck, why did the idea that she wasn’t considering it hurt so blasted much? He’d never wanted children before now. He still shouldn’t.

“Hmm, seems that Karthoc’s chaos has slowed early tonight. That means they might be on their way to the hall to eat,” Ergoth said. “I tried banning them, but Karthoc overruled it. We’re fortunate our sons are away at the seasonal communion. These warriors are so desperate for a child, I wouldn’t put it past them to steal one of our own.”

Govek jolted at the horrid accusation. He couldn’t even fathom that any orc might do something so vile. Especially one of the warriors under Karthoc’s direct command. They were the best and bravest of their kind.

“Disgusting,” Govek’s father said under his breath and Govek swallowed at the malice in the chief’s eyes as they looked upon Karthoc’s camp. “You know, perhaps you do have reason to worry. Who knows what level Karthoc’s warriors would stoop to gain a woman?”

Govek blinked, prepared for the surge of jealousy to heat his chest and burst Fades light behind his eyes.

And... it didn’t come. Instead, he saw Miranda’s smile again. Miranda pouting with jealousy over Viravia. Miranda furious that he would think she’d been flirting with Karthoc. Miranda telling him over and over in both her actions and deeds that he was her choice. The only one she wanted. His tension eased.

And she called. He felt her speak his name. The spiderweb like strands of the imprint that connected her to him thrummed and prickled in his mind.

“You know, I believe I heard Miranda’s name spoken by them once or twice. I can’t be certain since they quieted when I drew near.”

Govek barely heard his father as he strained his senses toward Miranda. Why had she said his name? She should be fine. Eating in the hall with the other women?—

The tiny, muffled pang of Miranda calling once again blistered through him and his heart stopped in his chest.

She was calling for help!

His instincts roared to attention, terror burrowing deep, wringing him out.

“Perhaps... if you are truly worried about the males, you should return to your mate’s side.”

She was in pain! He could feel it in the tone. It sliced his mind to ribbons.

The light of the Fades exploded in his mind. Whirling up his magic in a surge that sent tingling rage to every part of him.

He could not control it.

He could not cool down.

Miranda had been hurt!

He barreled toward the stairs. Fists bunching, claws extended, fangs dripping.

Someone had hurt her, and he would rip them apart.

“Govek, try to calm! You haven’t even seen if she’s betrayed you yet,” his father yelled after him. The voice carrying down the stairs as Govek slammed them, forcing his body through the narrow opening.

“Govek control yourself! Don’t do something you’ll regret!”

But it was too late. He was already lost to his rage.