Chapter 6

Chapter

Six

MIRANDA

G ovek leaned back in his chair at the kitchen table, eyes half-mast, mouth slack, stomach bulging. Light from morning was barely breaking through, and out the window she could see frost covered every leaf on the path.

"Woman, if you keep cooking like that, I'll grow too round to hunt," he said and such pleasure radiated through her that she abandoned the packing and went to his side.

He dragged her down to straddle his lap, and her skirt bunched up around her hips.

God, he felt good. He was so warm it made her muscles relax. The stretch of her thighs spread around his made her want to sink down into him. She wiggled closer.

"Careful with your tempting or we will be late," he grumbled even as he wrapped his massive hands around her waist and pulled her against him. She squirmed helplessly as need pooled between her legs. The want to drown out all her worries in him was darkly tempting .

But they couldn't.

"How long until they leave for the trade?" she asked.

"Not long." He loosened his hold on her as his expression tensed.

"Are... you sure you're feeling up to it?" she asked, probably for the thousandth time since they'd returned from the hall the night before, which earned her a deep scowl from him.

She couldn't help it. That binding looked horrible. Govek had shuddered all over. His breathing stopped and his face contorted.

"Couldn't you fight the binding off?" she asked softly. "The same way you fought off your father's hold on you last night."

He shifted under her, swallowing, "I... was only able to break out of my father's hold because I was so desperate to find you. My rage and terror built to a heinous peak allowing my magic to break the bind."

"Don't call your magic heinous, Govek," she said firmly.

He let out a huff. "Even if I did , what good would breaking free from the binding do? If anything, it would prompt my father and the clan to take further, more extreme, action."

Miranda sighed heavily. He was right. "I'm just worried about you. I don't want you to be in pain."

"You needn't worry." His eyes went soft and her heart fluttered. "I've long learned to work past the pain. I barely feel it now."

She brought her hands up to his face and smoothed out his brow with her fingertips, rubbing the hinge in his jaw till it slacked, caressing the slight break in his nose .

"How did you get this again?" she asked.

"From my trial into adulthood. It is a rite of passage for hunters in this clan." His voice was low and lazy as she continued to stroke his face. "I took down a wild boar on my own."

"You mean like a pig?"

"Yes. A very big one. An adult is one and a half times my current height and has pointed tusks that can skewer you through with a single shake of its head. They are one of the most difficult beasts to take down."

She shuddered. "Oh gosh, that's... terrifying." He snorted. "The other hunters must have been really impressed with you. How old were you?"

"Seventeen summers." He glanced away from her. "And... they would have been... had they still been here."

She tipped her head. "What do you mean?"

He shifted beneath her. "When I was eleven, most of the hunters relinquished that title. Those with apt skill left the Rove Woods to join the war efforts, and the few who stayed stepped into more... suitable roles."

"More suitable?"

"Fishing or trapping. Things that did not require the use of claws or teeth."

She stroked back his hair. "So you learned how to hunt on your own?"

He nodded. "Geblon, the lead hunter, had shown me a few things before he was sent to the war when I was fourteen. He taught me how to stalk large game and kill clean, told me of hunter traditions and ceremonies. I have worked to honor him since, respecting their ways and holding seasonal ceremonies on my own as best I can. "

His saddened gaze was trained on the window, out into the woods. She crumbled and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him against her.

"So . . . they abandoned you?"

He stiffened against her. "They did what they had to for Faeda, and they worked hard to prepare me to take on the mantle of hunter before they left."

"Take on the mantle of hunter? So, you started hunting for the entire clan when you were fourteen?"

"Yes."

He said it so easily, like it wasn't any huge thing to be the sole hunter for a clan of three hundred orcs when you'd barely hit puberty.

She pressed her forehead against his, took a few deep breaths to quell the tightness in her throat and the prickling of her eyes.

They were all assholes. Every last one of them.

And the unfairness of the night before proved that. Everyone had turned against them. Not a single person wanted to listen to their side.

But she would make them listen. Her eyes trained to the little bag of evidence she'd collected for the judgment. The roll of parchment where she'd written down all her notes.

She'd show the whole clan that Govek wasn't the monster he'd been made out to be.

She'd get justice for this. For Govek and herself.

And once she did, the seer could dredge with her.

"It is time to leave for the trade, Miranda."

She pulled back and found him tense with worry. She rubbed his shoulders. "It's going to be all right, tough guy. You just gotta speak your peace to a couple people from Oakwall and I'm sure the truth of what happened between you and Yerina will get around on its own quick enough. Then we'll trade a few things, schmooze, and come on home."

"Sch…ooze… what?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Chit chat. Make friends."

"I don't see what that has to do with ‘oozing.'"

She laughed. "Oh my god, Govek, no, it's schmooze ."

His eyes twinkled, and her stomach flipped over. She kissed his cheek, thankful beyond words he was mostly back to himself after last night.

"What exactly is the clearing?" She remembered how quiet and still everyone had gotten every time the pungent incense had flooded the room. The smell had been overwhelming, but it clearly had an altering effect on the orcs.

And it was not for the better.

He adjusted her slightly, sitting up. "It aids in concentration and maintains peace. You needn't worry. It will not affect you. Like bindings, Sythcol created it to only effect orcs."

"Aids in concentration..." she mused, thinking on how the air had felt so still and cold. "Is that really all it does?"

He gently removed her from his lap so he could stand. "Yes."

"Then how come you couldn't even talk?"

"Part of the magic stops outsiders from speaking their opinions. Only those with pertinent information are allowed to have a voice during judgments." He finished packing.

"But you did have pertinent information," she said, watching him work. "Do you use it for all judgments?"

"Yes, and some announcements as well. Likely my father would have used it for Karthoc's announcement had he known it was coming." He packed a water flask before tying his bag up tight. "The clearing also allows my brethren to draw conclusions easily. Once their minds are made up, they are resound ." His voice grew low again and he wouldn't look at her. " Nothing can change their minds."

"That doesn't sound good," she said. "It sounds like that means people's opinions can be swayed based on who gets to speak first."

His fists balled up so tight his hands shook.

"Govek . . . who gets to speak first?"

"The parties who are wronged speak first."

So that meant he always went last?

Her heart ached for him, and she moved in to take his hand in hers. Trying to soothe it so he wouldn't cut himself.

He sighed heavily and relaxed. "We must go now, Miranda."

"Okay," she said, eyeing her little pile of evidence again.

Things would be different this time. She was the one who was harmed in this, so she would get to speak first.

She would get justice. For her and Govek. They would fight for this together. They would win.

"Miranda."

He stood at the door and propped it open for her to go through. She filled her lungs with the icy morning air and stepped out into the woods.

"All right then, let's go get our ‘oozing' done," he said.

The bubble of turmoil popped in an instant and laughter burst out. "Oh my god, Govek, it's schmooze . You know what? No. Keep calling it ooze. I'd rather Oakwall think we're weirdos."

He snorted his agreement. They walked in silence for a long while, feet crunching on the icy ground. The cold began to penetrate her cloak.

"Gosh dang, it's cold. So fricking cold. Why is Faeda so freaking cold ?"

"It's near winter, Miranda."

"Well, why don't you hurry up and make it spring for me then?" She shot him a look while warming her fingers with her breath.

He swung his cloak out around her shoulders and yanked her into his heat.

The temperature under his cloak was at least twenty degrees higher, and she almost groaned with pleasure. "Oh wow. Okay, yeah, this is way better." She moved his arm around her back so she could curl into his side. Walking was a little awkward, but well worth it.

"I'm glad you approve." His voice was tinged with delight, but his face was still tense.

She pursed her lips and moved his hand up from her waist. "Plus, it has the added benefit of being able to cop a feel."

"Cop a what—?" He broke off in a choke as she pushed his hand to her boob. His fingers twitched, stroking her chest, and she shivered.

"We can get all naughty, and no one would ever know."

"I think they would know, Miranda," he said, though he didn't move his hand away.

"Even better. We can just let them be jealous." She paused in the stride to bring his hand up to her mouth and kissed his palm.

He melted, his tension finally ebbing as his lips quirked.

" There's that smile I've been looking for all morning." She beamed up at him, only to blink when his smile turned soft, gentle. There was a warmth in his eyes that took her breath away and her heart skipped.

"My son."

All sweetness vanished as Govek removed her from his cloak to face his father. The male looked extra regal today, with deep blue silk robes lined with gold trim. His long white hair had been braided intricately into patterns down the sides of his head and back. His expression was placid and easy, but there was a sharpness to his gold eyes. A cutting depth that made Miranda instantly uneasy.

The winter chill grew colder as Chief Ergoth approached. The trees groaned, and the leaves swirled around them like a cage.

"My son. I understand you would like to accompany Miranda to the trade, but it isn't appropriate after all that occurred last night." Chief Ergoth kept his eyes on Govek. "Rogeth, Wolvc, and Maythra have agreed to remain in their homes until the judgment tomorrow. I request you do the same."

Govek's grip on her tightened. "No."

"Govek." A deep sigh escaped the chief. "Be reasonable."

"I have your blasted binding, Father. That has always been enough in the past."

Ergoth's eyes darkened, and Miranda glanced behind him. There was a bend in the path, and she assumed that the party of orcs readying to go to the trade was waiting just beyond it.

Ergoth continued smoothly. "I've already told Oakwall you will be named chief before the next trade commences."

Miranda's gut twisted, and she snapped her eyes to Govek's face. His expression flattened. He'd told her already of his father's plan to make Govek a figurehead. Chief in name, but with no real authority. The power would remain with Ergoth.

They'd both agreed to let his father believe they were going along with this little plot. Who knew what Ergoth would do if he discovered they would let Karthoc merge Rove Wood Clan with Baelrok Forge?

Ergoth continued, "I also explained that, even through this change, I will be the one to maintain the trade. So Govek, you needn't push yourself in this. I know that the binding is a trial to hold."

"I am fine ."

"Govek didn't do anything wrong," Miranda said. "And I want him to come to the trade with me. He shouldn't have to hide in his home like he's the guilty one."

Ergoth's eyes flashed, but it was so quick Miranda couldn't read it. "My dear, I apologize for how turbulent your arrival to our fair clan has been. I assure you that once Karthoc and his warriors have left our woods everything will return to normal, and you will settle in well here. But for now, please, allow me to assign you a different male to escort you today, so Govek can rest at home."

Miranda heard a low rumble from deep in Govek's chest and knew his anger was mounting. She stroked the back of his hand to soothe him.

"I've told you no so many times now, Chief Ergoth, and yet you still try to get me to be with another orc. For all your genial talk of fairness toward the women of your clan, it certainly doesn't feel that way."

Ergoth straightened and hid his hands in the long opulent robes. "I am truly remorseful you feel this way. I mean no disrespect. Of course, it is your choice to go with whoever makes you feel the most comfortable and I am only trying to find a solution that will ensure comfort for all within the clan, including Govek."

"I think Govek can speak for himself." Miranda looked up at him. His coloring was off and his face was tense. "Govek? Do you want to go home while I go to the trade by myself?"

"No." The word was clipped and instant.

Ergoth bowed slightly. "Then I concede."

Miranda blinked, flummoxed that it was such a quick reversal.

Then the chief said, almost absently, "I hope Yerina does not attend today's event."

Before she or Govek could think of a response, a booming voice sounded behind them.

"Good morning to you."

Karthoc. With what looked to be most of his fifty warriors.

Gosh, they were huge. About as tall as Govek, nearly as burly, with disheveled hair and rough strewn clothes and scars covering almost every inch of their bodies. Some were even missing ears or eyes.

Had they been invited to the trade? Miranda glanced up at Govek, but he appeared just as stunned as she felt.

"What are you doing here, Karthoc?" Ergoth snapped, his expression bitter with shock. "I thought we agreed your warriors would only come into the clan when invited."

Miranda rose her brows at Ergoth. Apparently, all his bluster about hospitality didn't extend to his own kin.

"Well, we have been invited. To the trade at least," Karthoc said with a grin that flashed his massive sharp teeth. None of his warriors tucked up their jaws like the Rove Wood Clan orcs did.

How would Oakwall respond to that? Had they seen warrior orcs like this before?

"W-What?" Chief Ergoth stammered. "You can't. I won't allow it. The peace with Oakwall is more important than your selfish wants , nephew."

Karthoc's grin only widened. "Well, it isn't my want you are speaking of now. But the want of Oakwall . They themselves have invited us."

Karthoc then pulled out a tiny piece of parchment with scribbled Faedish writing that Ergoth quickly snatched out of his hand.

Miranda glanced up at Govek, finding him tense, jaw tucked up, eyes stuck to the note. She stroked his arm to soothe him, though really, she wanted to know what was in the message just as bad as he did.

"I would like to speak to you in private, Karthoc," Ergoth said between clenched teeth, and Miranda blinked at the usually composed male's rapid shift into fury.

"Of course, dear uncle," the warlord said smoothly, a grin on his face as he followed Chief Ergoth away. His warriors continued to mingle on the path and watched their leaders casually.

One of them, huge and scarred with a deep gash in his neck, nodded to Govek and Govek returned the gesture before he gripped Miranda's elbow and turned her away.

"What was that about?" Miranda asked.

"That is Brovdir, my cousin. Karthoc's younger brother."

"No, no. I mean Karthoc . He's going to the trade? Did you know? "

Govek glanced at her before picking up the pace slightly. "I... knew that he wanted to attend the trade. I told him to seek aid from Viravia. I don't know how speaking with her could have resulted in him openly attending the trade, though."

"Hmm." Miranda glanced back. Ergoth was obviously livid, but Karthoc looked smug. "I guess your attendance isn't going to be the highlight after all."

Govek blinked, considering.

But before he could find a response, they had rounded the bend and the sight of fifty or more orcs making ready came into clear view.

There were massive carts piled high with baskets of vegetables and barrels of fish. Crates of tinctures were being loaded carefully into smaller two wheeled wagons. She couldn't see any animals that might pull them. No horses or elk.

The atmosphere was pleasantly busy as people bustled about. Everyone seemed to either be distracted by chatting or occupied with tasks. They hauled goods by hand, adjusted wooden wheels, stacked and organized crates made from twigs and branches.

Current day Faeda was almost like medieval Earth. Back before noxious fumes had broken down the atmosphere. When the sun wasn't so deadly, and the water wasn't so toxic. When animals could live freely without human intervention and plants didn't struggle to survive outside of farms and greenhouses.

Miranda's mood shifted; her chest ached.

"Miranda?"

She snapped out of her self-pity and gave Govek a reassuring smile. "I'm okay. Where do we go? "

"Let me see about finding you a cart to ride in," he said, glancing around.

"I don't see Viravia." Miranda searched the crowd of mostly green bodies.

"She wasn't able to make it today."

Miranda spun around and she came face to face with a woman right about her age with golden hair and a pinched nose. She wore a plain cotton gown and a thick wool cloak that was wrapped tight around something buried underneath. Something that appeared to be resting in a sling over the woman's shoulder.

Miranda's heart twisted.

The woman glanced at Govek hesitantly before saying, "I'm sorry for sneaking up on you. My name is Savili. My mate Iytier and I returned early from the seasonal communion when we heard from Viravia that you were here with Govek. She told me I should help you out today."

"Oh, uh..." Miranda said, still distracted by the bundle in her arms. "Govek can help me, but thank you for the offer."

"Oh, of course, Govek will help you. I'm certainly not saying he shouldn't," the woman said quickly. "I just wanted to be on friendly terms. Viravia said you've had a rather rough start to things."

That was certainly an understatement.

"I don't want to muck around where I'm unwanted." Savili bounced her bundle slightly. "I just wanted to welcome you to the clan, and let you know that not everyone is like Maythra."

"Well, thank you." Miranda wondered briefly if this new woman knew about everything that had happened the night before or if she only knew about the argument they'd had with Maythra outside Viravia's house.

But suddenly that little bundle was cooing , and that was all Miranda could think about.

"Uh, sorry, is that your baby?" Miranda's throat was tight.

Savili smiled. "Yes, this is Haysik." She pulled her cloak back and Miranda's heart skittered right on over itself.

The baby was likely the cutest thing Miranda had ever seen in her entire life. Chubby green cheeks, bright eyes, fuzzy dark hair, little pointed ears, and black nails.

A baby. An orc baby. Probably around ten months old, judging from what she could see. How long had it been since she'd held a baby? She'd mostly taken care of the toddler-aged kids but had covered the infant room enough times to be well practiced.

"Govek." The clipped voice came from an approaching orc. He was slender and tall, though not quite as tall as Govek. His hair, bound to his head in a bun, was white, but he seemed to be around Govek's age. His cold, light green eyes narrowed briefly on Govek before he looked to Savili. "Are you well, my mate?"

"I'm fine, Iytier," Savili said dryly. "Play nice."

The male huffed. Miranda glanced at Govek and found him looking pointedly away.

"Would you like to ride on our cart, Miranda?" Savili adjusted the baby in his sling. She tried to cover him back up, but he protested, getting squirmy. He clearly wanted to look around. "Govek, I thought you could help Iytier pull it today."

"I don't—" Iytier started, but Savili shot him a scathing look. "Yes, that's fine," he grumbled .

Apparently, the orcs pulled the carts and Govek just got himself volunteered. Miranda would have laughed had Govek not looked so stricken. "You okay? I'm fine with just walking with you if you'd rather do that."

"No," Govek said quickly. "You will ride. It's too far for you."

"We just hiked around for days on end through the woods. I think I can handle a few miles on a path."

Savili tipped her head. "Miles?"

"She means leagues," Govek said.

"Ah, I see," Savili said, with a nod. "Viravia mentioned you were from a very large village over the mountains. What was it called?"

Oh god. How to answer that one?

Thankfully, Miranda was saved from a response by the baby starting to fuss.

"Haysik," Savili said warningly. "You have to stay in my arms right now, sweetie."

"Can I...?" Miranda cut off, unsure, but Savili cast her a smile that gave her courage. "Can I hold him?"

The woman blinked. "Oh, of course ." She untucked the babe from her cloak, but kept him nicely bundled in a wrap. He hesitated to be pried from his mother's arms, but Miranda had more than enough experience with pass-offs.

"Hello, Haysik," she said, bouncing and smiling at the little baby when he started to fuss. "Well, hello, how are you? You look so sweet. Oh here, what's this?" She scooped up the tassel of her cloak and waved it in front of his eyes. "Ooh, how neat. Look at it wiggle."

The baby stopped his fussing and grabbed hold of the tassel. He pulled on it with tiny green fists and started to babble .

"You really are good with children," Savili said. "Viravia said you worked with them."

"I did, and he's precious ," Miranda gushed, adoring the weighty warmth of him, the clean, milky smell. She stroked his hair as he yanked up the other tassel.

An orc called out from the party. "Sounds like it's time to load up. Come, Miranda. I'll help you get settled."

Iytier grumbled something under his breath, but one look from Savili stopped his fight. Miranda looked to Govek to check if he was equally perturbed.

And instead found him staring at her fixedly. Her and the baby.

Her stomach did a flip at the telling expression and her thoughts turned warm.

Even as her gut twisted up.

She couldn't really think about having her own children right now. She still wasn't convinced she deserved that kind of happiness after what happened on Earth.

But... seeing Govek's face so warm and soft as she cradled little Haysik, the twisting of her stomach turned into a little flutter.

Now was not the time to dwell on this, so she brushed Govek's arm, jarring him out of his stupor. "You ready?"

"Yes," Govek said decisively before following her through the crowd.