4. Cagan

4

CAGAN

I take a deep breath to steel my nerves before turning to face my father, the Chieftain Malamute. The fury emanating from him is palpable, his eyes narrowed into icy slits and jaw clenched tightly. I knew confronting the elders would provoke his wrath, but I never imagined the sheer intensity of the anger now directed solely at me.

"How dare you," Malamute seethes, his voice low and menacing. "How dare you go behind my back and attempt to poison the elders against me? Your own father and chieftain!"

I lift my chin defiantly, refusing to cower under his glare. "I merely spoke the truth, father. The elders saw reason in my words, even if you are too blind to-"

The crack of his palm against my cheek echoes across the clearing, cutting off my bold reply. I stagger back, tasting blood where my teeth cut into my cheek.

"Insolent boy," he growls. "It's clear I was too lenient on you growing up. I should have beaten the defiance out of you when I had the chance."

Indignation flares hot in my veins. How typical of him, to resort to violence and threats when faced with opposition.

"I'm not a child anymore," I retort, straightening to my full height. "And I won't be cowed by your brutality. The elders agreed that our traditions are holding us back. It's time for change, even if you're too stubborn to see it."

Malamute’s face expression changes, the veins in his neck bulging with rage. "I am the Chieftain!" he roars. "My word is law! You have no right to question me, let alone incite others to do so!"

"I have every right!" I shout back, my own temper flaring. "As your son and future Chieftain, it's my duty to do what's best for our people. And if that means challenging your outdated ways, so be it!"

For a long, tense moment we glare at each other, the air crackling with anger and resentment. I half-expect Malamute to strike me again, but something in my unyielding stance seems to give him pause.

"You forget your place, Cagan," he finally says, his tone icy. "I am still Chieftain. Defy me again, and the consequences will be dire."

With that, he turns on his heel and storms out, leaving me alone with the weight of his threat hanging heavy in the air. But even as trepidation curls in my gut, I feel a flicker of grim satisfaction. I stood my ground today. I showed him, and the elders, that I will not blindly follow an unjust leader.

Change is coming to our clan, whether Malamute likes it or not. And I intend to be the one leading the charge.

"I am the future clan leader," I declare, my voice ringing with conviction as I stare down my father. "My opinion matters, whether you like it or not."

Beside me, Sharog tugs at my arm, her eyes wide with fear. "Cagan, don't. It's not worth it."

But I shake her off, my gaze never leaving Malamute’s furious face. "Sharog doesn't need to marry anyone," I press on. "Our relationships with the other clans are strong. Arranged marriages for rank gain are unnecessary."

Malamute’s laugh is harsh and mocking. "You fool," he spits. "You know nothing of leadership or tradition. Women like Sharog have one purpose - to be married off for the good of the clan."

Rage boils in my veins at his callous words. How dare he reduce my kind-hearted sister to nothing more than a bargaining chip?

"Sharog is not a pawn for you to barter with," I growl.

Malamute ignores me, turning his cold gaze to Sharog. "I've raised you for years, girl. Spent precious resources on you. It's time you repaid that debt."

His cruel words hit me like a physical blow. Threatening me is one thing, but I will not stand for him intimidating Sharog.

"Enough!" I roar, stepping protectively in front of my sister. "You will not speak to her that way!"

Malamute’s eyes narrow. "You dare to give me orders, bastard?"

My heart pounds furiously but I hold my ground. "I'm not a bastard. I'm a righteous orc, one who will lead this clan into a better future. And I'm telling you - Sharog will marry for love, not politics. If you force this, you'll have to go through me."

For a tense moment we stare each other down, the air crackling with hostility. Then, swift as a striking snake, Malamute lunges at me.

I'm not prepared for his speed. His fist cracks against my jaw, sending me staggering back. Sharog screams, but the sound is drowned out by the roaring in my ears as Malamute rains down blows.

I try to defend myself, but he's relentless, pummeling me with ruthless efficiency. Each punch is a burst of blinding pain. I taste blood, feel bones crack.

"You brought this on yourself," Malamute snarls as he kicks me to the ground. "Never forget, I am the Chieftain. My word is law."

Through swollen eyes I glare up at him, spitting out a mouthful of blood. "You rule through fear and brutality," I rasp. "But one day, your cruelty will be your downfall. The clan follows you now, but even they will only tolerate a tyrant for so long."

Malamute’s eyes flash with rage and he draws back his fist again. I brace myself for the blow but it never comes.

"Stop!"

Sharog throws herself between us, arms outstretched, tear tracks glistening on her cheeks. "Please, Father, no more. You've made your point."

For a long moment Malamute stares at her, chest heaving. Then finally, he lowers his fist.

"Get him out of my sight," he growls. "And Sharog - prepare yourself. You will marry who I command, and soon."

With that, he storms away, leaving Sharog to drop beside me and gather my broken body into her arms.

"Oh Cagan," she sobs as she tries to stem the flow of blood from my many wounds. "Why must you provoke him?"

"Because what he's doing to you is wrong," I grit out through the pain. "I couldn't let him… I won't let him..."

As I start to get a grip of myself, my thoughts are a swirl of anger and despair. Today my father proved once again that he is unfit to lead. His brutality and backward thinking will destroy our clan.

But I swear by the gods, one day I will stop him. No matter the pain I must endure, I will fight for a better future - for Sharog, for our people.

As Malamute’s footsteps fade into the distance, I remain on the ground, every inch of my battered body throbbing with pain. His parting words echo in my ears. "Clear your head, orc boy. Remember your place."

I clench my fists, anger and humiliation burning hot in my veins. How many more times must I endure this? How long before my father sees me as a true orc, an equal, instead of a disobedient child to be beaten into submission?

Sharog rushes to my side, her gentle hands fluttering over my injuries. "Cagan, let me help you. We need to get you cleaned up."

But I flinch away from her touch, shame and resentment welling up inside me. I don't want her pity, don't want her to see me like this - weak, defeated, powerless against our father's brutality.

"Leave me be," I grunt, hauling myself to my feet with a pained grimace. "I need space."

Ignoring Sharog's pleas and the stabbing protests of my wounds, I stagger towards the treeline. I need solitude, need to clear my head and lick my wounds in private.

As I stumble through the undergrowth, every fiber of my being rails against the injustice of it all. I'm a strong orc, a warrior, the future leader of this clan. I should be respected, my word heeded. Yet time and again, I'm reduced to a cowering child beneath my father's fists.

Reaching a small clearing, I collapse, my chest heaving with exertion and emotion. The tranquility of the forest wraps around me, but it does little to soothe the turmoil in my heart.

Why? Why must I suffer this indignity, this cycle of violence and subjugation? Is it my fate to forever be ground beneath Malamute’s heel, my spirit crushed, my voice silenced?

Despair threatens to swallow me whole, but deep within, a small, fierce spark of determination refuses to be extinguished. No. I will not submit. I will not let his cruelty define me or break me.

Closing my eyes, I breathe deeply, letting the pain and humiliation bleed out of me, replaced by steely resolve. I will endure this, as I always have. I will bide my time, grow stronger, wiser. And when the moment is right, I will seize my destiny and lead my clan into a new era - one free from the shackles of fear and oppression.

Malamute may have the power now, but his reign of brutality is coming to an end. I will see to that, no matter the cost. This, I vow to the gods, to my people, to myself.

Opening my eyes, I square my shoulders, my steps heavy but my spirit unbroken. I am Cagan, future Chieftain. And I will not be beaten.