Chapter 10

CHAPTER TEN

W ulf had to fight back the urge to go after Kari, but Merow was correct. His mate needed some respite from the crowd of eager warriors - and his warriors wanted answers. The excitement in the air was palpable, each male hoping that her presence indicated a possible improvement in their own prospects.

Questions flew at him from all directions, but he had to choose his words carefully. He was quite sure that a massive rush of males seeking brides to the shrine would not be received well.

"Kari is a traveler from another land," he said carefully. "We met by chance during our journey."

The words were essentially true, if not the whole truth.

"Where is this land?" one warrior called out. "Are there more like her?"

He hesitated, uncertain how to respond. He hadn't anticipated this line of questioning, and the weight of their expectations pressed on him. As he searched for words, Lothar gave him an encouraging nod. He'd discussed keeping the truth of the events at the shrine a secret with his brothers, and they'd both agreed it was the best option.

"Her homeland is... far from here," Wulf said carefully. "Beyond any lands we know."

Again the truth, but as he looked at the excited faces surrounding him, he was filled with doubt. Had the ritual truly changed anything beyond answering his own desperate plea? Would his warriors find the same miracle he had?

Lothar seemed to sense his hesitation, stepping up next to him and giving the crowd a grin.

"I say we celebrate this fortuitous meeting!"

He laughed, grateful for Lothar's ability to lighten even the most tense situations.

"I agree. Let us celebrate my bride!"

His warriors eagerly seized upon Lothar's suggestion. Their faces lit up with excitement, a rare sight these days. They'd learned to celebrate even small victories, and Kari's arrival was anything but small.

"To new beginnings!" someone shouted, and a chorus of cheers erupted around the fire.

The courtyard burst into a flurry of activity. Warriors rushed to fetch barrels of ale and platters of food. A large fire was assembled in the center of the courtyard and the scent of roasting meat filled the air, mingling with the smoky aroma of the bonfire. His heart filled with pride and affection for his clan. Their resilience never failed to amaze him.

Egon gave him a quick nod, then slipped away to his solitary dwelling. He was uncomfortable with crowds and Wulf had learned long ago not to press him.

As the festivities began in earnest, Wulf found himself caught between joy and guilt. He laughed at Lothar's jokes and clasped arms with his warriors, but his eyes kept drifting back to his dwelling. He wished Kari was here to share this moment, to understand the warmth and camaraderie of his people. And perhaps also to ease his guilt.

The weight of his secret pressed down on him as he watched his warriors laugh and celebrate, hope shining in their eyes for the first time in years. He could only pray that their new found optimism was justified.

He accepted a horn of ale, raising it in a toast with his men, but the strong, bitter liquid did little to wash away the taste of his deception. He retreated a little from the celebration, trying to decide if he could slip away unnoticed, and saw Merow returning. Her serious expression was a stark contrast to the jubilant atmosphere surrounding him and he immediately strode over to meet her.

"Is everything all right?"

"You tell me. I took Kari to the bathhouse, then to your rooms as you requested," Merow said, watching him narrowly.

"You left her there alone?" he asked, unable to keep the worry from his voice, even though he was happy she was in his home at last.

Merow's expression softened slightly.

"The poor thing is exhausted. She fell asleep." Her eyes narrowed, searching his face. "What's going on, Wulf? Who is she? Where did she come from?"

His jaw clenched. He knew the vague explanation he'd given the others wouldn't satisfy Merow. The older woman had always been able to see right through him.

He glanced around, ensuring no one was paying attention to him, then lowered his voice.

"There's more to this than I can explain right now."

Her frown deepened.

"Try. That girl is lost and scared, even if she's trying to hide it."

Guilt gnawed at Wulf's insides. It was his fault - he'd brought her here, torn her from her world. He looked at the older woman's face, her expression stern but not unkind, and gave in to the urge to unburden himself.

He led Merow to a quiet corner of the courtyard, away from the growing revelry around the fire, then took a deep breath.

"I went to the shrine in the mountains and prayed to the Old Gods for help. Not for me," he added hastily. "For our people."

Merow's eyes widened, disapproval etching her weathered features.

“Why did you do such a foolish thing?"

"Because we are dying," he said bluntly. "How many more generations will we survive? Two? Three at best?"

She sighed.

"Prayers to the Gods are a tricky business, Wulf. You of all people should know this."

He nodded, unable to meet her gaze. "I know. Kari... appeared in the lake. She's the answer to my prayer."

The sounds of laughter and celebration intensified around the fire, a stark contrast to the silent tension between them. Merow sighed again, and then her eyes hardened as she looked up at him.

"You need to tell her the truth, Wulf. Now."

"She doesn't understand enough of our language-"

"Nonsense," Merow cut him off, her voice stern. "She understands enough. We were able to communicate quite clearly and she is obviously a fast learner. She deserves to know."

He nodded slowly. As much as he dreaded Kari's reaction, he needed to tell her.

"You're right. As usual," he admitted, and Merow gave him a quick smile.

"Of course I am."

As she turned to leave, he put his hand on her arm.

"Thank you for taking care of her."

The older woman's eyes softened. "Of course. But remember, with great change comes great responsibility. Promise me you won't wait any longer."

When he nodded, she patted his hand, then left him alone in the shadows. He leaned against the cool stone wall, admitting to himself what he'd been trying to ignore. He was afraid. Afraid of Kari's reaction, afraid of damaging the connection between them. But Merow was right. Kari deserved the truth, no matter the cost.

She will forgive me, he assured himself. I will show her what a good mate I can be, and put my faith in Wold.

He let that hope buoy his spirits as he watched his clan celebrate. Tonight's celebration wasn't just for his good fortune, but for the hope it brought to everyone. It was about the future of all orcs. He clung to the belief that Wold had sent her for a reason beyond just his own happiness. There had to be more to it, a greater purpose for his people. But right now, the happiness of one small human female was what really mattered to him.

He slipped away and went to find his mate.