6. Cagan

6

CAGAN

T he trees blur as I rush through the forest, frustration still coursing through my veins. Damn him. My boots pound the earth, matching the thundering in my chest.

I break through the treeline, skidding to a halt at the edge of our borders. The abrupt stop nearly sends me tumbling down the slope, but I catch myself just in time. My breath comes in ragged gasps as I survey the scene below.

A vast expanse of green stretches out before me, broken only by the silvery ribbon of water cascading down the cliff face. The waterfall crashes into a pool of crystal-clear blue, sending up a fine mist that catches the sunlight. Smaller streams branch off from the main body, snaking through the lush vegetation like veins of liquid silver. I inhale deeply, the clean scent of water and earth filling my lungs. It's a stark contrast to the stuffy air of the forest I just left behind.

My eyes trace the path of the streams, following their winding course through the verdant landscape. The sight is breathtaking, but it does little to quell the anger still simmering in my chest. I clench my fists. This place, beautiful as it is, serves as a reminder of all I've lost and all I still stand to lose if I can't get my shit together.

It's beautiful. Peaceful. Everything that my life isn't right now.

My gaze drifts further, past the idyllic scene at my feet. In the distance, I can make out the imposing walls of the Burning Sun tribe. Even from here, I can see the bustle of activity - tiny figures moving about like ants in their fortress.

A pang of envy hits me. They have their shit together, at least. No backstabbing fathers tearing their clan apart.

I clench my jaw, tasting blood. Must've bit my cheek during the fight. The metallic tang brings me back to reality, to the throbbing in my knuckles and the ache in my bones.

What am I doing here? Running away like a coward while Sharog faces the consequences of my actions?

But the alternative... going back there, facing him again…

A distant splash draws my attention back to the water below.

The sight before me never fails to calm my turbulent thoughts. Without hesitation, I slide down the slope, my feet finding purchase on the loose earth and rocks. The rush of air against my face clears my mind, if only for a moment.

As I reach the bottom, I strip off my clothes, leaving them in a heap on the shore. The cool water beckons, and I wade in, relishing the shock against my heated skin. With powerful strokes, I swim towards the thundering waterfall.

The roar grows louder as I approach. I position myself directly beneath the cascading torrent, bracing for impact. The water pounds against my shoulders and back, a relentless barrage that washes away my anger and frustration.

I close my eyes, letting the pressure drive out every unwelcome thought. My father's harsh words, Sharog's tears, the weight of responsibility - all of it fades beneath the deafening rush. Here, I'm not the future clan leader or the disappointing son. I'm just Cagan, stripped bare of expectations and duty.

After what feels like hours, I emerge from under the falls, gasping. My muscles ache, but it's a good pain, one that grounds me in the present. I swim to the shore and haul myself out, collapsing on a sun-warmed rock by the stream.

The gentler burble of water over stones fills my ears. I lie back, eyes closed, and let nature envelop me. The warmth of the sun on my skin, the cool breeze ruffling my hair, the earthy scent of damp soil - it all combines to soothe my frayed nerves.

I push myself up, muscles still aching pleasantly from the pounding of the waterfall. Time to head back and face the music. But first, I need to grab my clothes from where I left them around the bend.

As I round the corner, I freeze. There, in the crystal-clear water, is a woman. And not just any woman – a human. She's half-submerged, her bare back glistening in the sunlight. Long, dirty blonde hair clings to her shoulders, rivulets of water running down her spine.

My breath catches in my throat. She's... beautiful. Delicate yet strong, her movements graceful as she glides through the water. I've never seen a human up close before, let alone one so captivating.

For a moment, I forget everything else. The clan, my father, Sharog – it all fades away as I watch this mysterious creature. She dives beneath the surface, emerging with a splash that sends droplets sparkling through the air.

Then reality crashes back in. What the hell is she doing here? This is orc territory – Swordstone land. If anyone else finds her…

I scan the area, suddenly on high alert. There's no sign of anyone else, no hint of a camp or companions. She's completely alone.

My mind races. How did she get here? Doesn't she know how dangerous this is? She could be killed on sight if the wrong orc stumbles across her.

I should leave. Pretend I never saw her. It's not my problem if some foolish human wanders into our lands.

But even as I think it, I know I can't just walk away. If my father's hunters find her…

"Hey!" The word bursts from me before I can stop it.

The woman whirls around, her eyes locking onto mine. For a heartbeat, she's frozen - a statue carved from pale flesh and terror. I can see the panic etched across her face, her chest heaving with rapid breaths.

Shit. I didn't mean to scare her.

Before I can open my mouth again, she bolts. Water sprays in her wake as she scrambles towards the shore, her movements frantic and uncoordinated.

"Wait up!" I call out, my voice echoing off the cliff face.

She doesn't slow down. If anything, my words seem to fuel her panic. She stumbles onto the rocky bank, her feet slipping on the wet stones. I wince as she crashes to her knees, but she's up again in an instant, darting towards the treeline.

Fuck. This is bad. If she runs deeper into our territory…

I lunge forward, my muscles protesting after the earlier beating. The rocks dig into my bare feet as I give chase, but I barely notice the pain. All I can focus on is the flash of pale skin disappearing into the undergrowth.

"Hey!" I shout, pushing through the foliage. Branches whip at my face and chest. "Come out. I'm not going to hurt you!"

She's fast for a human, fueled by pure terror. But I'm faster. I can hear her ragged breathing just ahead, the crash of her body through the brush. She's making no attempt at stealth, just blind flight.

I burst into a small clearing and spot her, stumbling towards the far side. She glances back, her eyes wide with fear. She is clutching a makeshift knife tightly in front of her.

I skid to a halt, suddenly aware of how this must look. Here I am, a massive orc, naked and charging after a defenseless human woman. No wonder she's terrified.