Chapter 47

Thatnight, Louisa ended up collapsing with Killik and Ulfarr in one of the common-room's beds. Tucking her body close against Ulfarr's solid strength, while Killik sprawled over them both, his dagger still in hand.

Butjust as she'd been falling asleep, she jolted awake again, staring wide-eyed at Killik's bemused face. "My staff!" she exclaimed. "I completely forgot to tell them I'd be gone so long, and —"

"Naught to fret over, woman," Killik's husky voice cut in, as he gave a gentle tap of his dagger to her back. "I again sent Halthorr to them, and he shall stay, and take good care of them. He swore he would fix your stable roof, also."

Oh. Louisa's smile was swift and relieved, and she even leaned over Ulfarr, and pressed a brief, furtive kiss to Killik's cheek. "Thank you," she murmured. "That was so thoughtful of you. As always."

Killikrolled his eyes and settled back against Ulfarr again, but his warm hand was still on her back, his cool dagger-blade still nudging against her skin. And while it perhaps should have been unnerving, it was instead a cozy, fluttery feeling, easing her quiet and easy into sleep. Two more nights.

Thenext morning, Louisa joined Killik and Ulfarr for their daily prayers — which, it turned out, they usually did together, crouching beneath a huge oak tree just outside the camp, their hands over their hearts. And while praying to Skai-kesh still felt new to Louisa, and a bit unnatural, it was also a lovely, quiet way to greet the day, breathing in the damp morning air, as the orange sun filtered through the trees.

Afterwards, once Killik and Ulfarr had set to work with Sune on the next new kofi, Louisa and Rosa brought up a table to the clearing, and began writing out invitations to their lengthening list of SkaiSummit guests. Which included not only anyone at OrcMountain who wanted to attend, but also specific key leaders, like Jule and her captain mate, and the Skai'sRightHandDrafli and his family. The guest list also included leaders and members at the other Skai camps, and individual Skai living across the realm, Killik's healer among them. And at Rosa's urging, Louisa also personally wrote letters to some of her old friends and contacts in Dusbury, too. People she hadn't stayed in touch with, but who might — perhaps — still be willing to consider a visit.

Afterthe letters, they turned to their plans for advertising the Summit. It turned out that Rosa's kin had hauled a large, heavy hand-press all the way here with them, along with a shocking quantity of ink — meaning that they could start printing and distributing signs and flyers without delay. However, that also meant agreeing on the flyers' messaging, which turned out to more fraught than expected. Especially with Killik — who was still ostensibly working above them on the new kofi — apparently also listening to every word, and frequently dropping down to peer disapprovingly over their shoulders.

"No," he snapped, upon seeing Rosa's latest preferred flyer — a drawing of a broadly smiling orc with a rope in his hand, and the headline ComeSwing, Spy, and Play with the Skai! "No, you vexing Ka-esh. They shall think we either wish to plough them, or hunt them! Or both!"

"Well, it's probably true!" Rosa snapped back, but she crumpled up the draft, and tossed it toward him. "I don't see you coming up with anything better! You haven't even given the camp a name yet!"

Killik'smouth pursed, his eyes darting up toward where Ulfarr and Sune were still working on the kofi above, together with a few other orcs. "It ought to be the Wolf-Camp," he finally replied. "Even if Wolf cannot stay. And even if Simon does not allow this Summit at all."

Right. Simon. It had almost been easy to ignore that nagging question, while sitting here cheerfully working and chatting together, as the children ran and played around them. But that uncertainty was still hovering, looming over all of it, because yes, they were still waiting on Igull, and that letter they'd sent to Simon the night before. None of this was yet decided, Simon could still say no…

Butthen, shortly after noon, Igull jogged back into the camp, a broad grin lighting up his face. "TheSkaiSummit shall soon be upon us!" he announced, as he swiftly signed up toward Killik and Ulfarr in the tree. "With our EnforcerSimon and his kin as our guests of honour!"

Aloud, relieved cheer rose through the clearing, and soon it seemed like the entire camp had gathered around their table, talking and asking questions at once. PromptingKillik and Ulfarr to call a camp-wide meeting, during which they presented the entire Summit plan, and began assigning volunteers for each project.

Andas Louisa watched Ulfarr lead the meeting in his usual deep, decisive way, while Killik added frequent explanations and the occasional wry joke, it again felt… right, somehow. Right that Killik and Ulfarr should be working together, standing up there together, guiding and supporting their kin. Just the way the camp felt right. Just the way Louisa still felt right, being here. Being… Skai. Hers.

Thatcertainty lingered throughout the rest of the evening, which included a delicious supper, courtesy of Thomas' excellent cooking — and then, at Ulfarr's suggestion, Killik and Louisa made a brief trip back to her house. Where they found Halthorr and Joan playing ball in the yard with the children, while Elise and Gladys cheered them on.

Itwas a promising sight, and once Louisa and Killik had joined in for a round, Louisa sat them all down, and told them about the Summit. And to her vague surprise, none of them seemed overly distressed by the news, even Elise — and Joan actually agreed to attend. Earning a bright, delighted grin from Halthorr, who eagerly promised to serve as her escort — and also, to stay and guard the house until the Summit, too.

Louisafully expected Elise or Gladys to argue this plan, but Elise only looked away, brushing out her skirts, while Gladys gave a curt nod. And beside Louisa, Killik looked smugly satisfied, and signed something at Halthorr that might have been, Nice work, brother.

"Ach, then this is settled," Killik said firmly, out loud. "AndLouisa shall come back to the camp, and stay another few nights with us."

What, she would? ButKillik had already grasped Louisa's elbow, steering her away toward the camp in the deepening darkness. And perhaps she should have protested, but she only rolled her eyes, and called a cheerful goodbye to her staff over her shoulder. Because again, it felt like part of that promise. That challenge. Two more nights. Prove this.

"Wish for another lesson, woman?" Killik abruptly asked, once they'd reached a more open part of the path, where glimmers of moonlight filtered through the trees. "Mayhap you could seek to listen, and find me?"

Therewas no way Louisa was refusing, not now — and after a few instructions from Killik, soon they were playing an actual game of hide-and-seek together in the dark. WithLouisa searching for Killik amidst the trees and the shadows, taking slow, quiet steps as she carefully watched and listened, and even sniffed for traces of his scent in the air.

Itmade for an eerie, unnerving game, creeping around the silvery forest in the darkness — but Louisa managed to catch Killik several times, and each time, he offered more pointers and guidance. Teaching her to create and follow a pattern as she walked, to keep her eye on the moon, to pay attention to the sounds of birds and insects, too.

Bythe end of it, Louisa felt hyper-aware of every noise and movement around her, her nerves taut and scraping, her heartbeat thudding in her ears. But she could almost taste Killik's approval in the air, in the brief pat of his hand against her back. "And now, we switch," he murmured. "You run ahead, whilst I cover my eyes and nose, and hunt you."

Itwas doomed to failure, of course, but Louisa gave it her best attempt, creeping as quickly and quietly as she could through the forest. Heading toward the camp, closer and closer, until she was almost, almost there —

Whena pair of strong hands grabbed her, and pinned her hard to a tree.

Itsent instant panic pounding through Louisa's chest, screeching in her skull — and even a few weeks ago, she would have flinched, flailed, fought to strike or run. But this time, she held herself tall and still, drawing in breath from the tree, from the earth beneath her feet. Staying, holding, listening and waiting, even when a cool, blunt-edged blade gently nudged against her throat. Killik's dagger.

"Caught you," Killik whispered, close and hot in her ear. "Now what shall you do?"

Hisvoice coiled into her groin, flickered behind her eyes, and the forest felt shimmery and strange, impossibly alive in the dark. And it was ludicrous, unthinkable, Louisa should be fighting back, escaping, proving this, but all she wanted was…

Shesank to her knees on the moss before him, fumbling for his trousers, yanking them downwards. And yes, Killik was already hard, he was ready, he wanted it too — and he even softly chuckled as he leaned forward and sank himself into her mouth, his blade still just touching cool and menacing at her throat.

"Good," he murmured. "And you remember the sign to stop if you need it, ach?"

Louisafervently nodded, sucked him deeper — and that was a husky groan, another low, approving laugh. And then he was moving, sliding himself in and out, while Louisa sucked and licked and caressed him. Even as she kept listening, watching, noticing those faint breaks of his breath, the tremors in his thighs, the rising tightness in his bollocks. Urging him closer, closer, please — until he bucked and shot out into her mouth, swarming her with rich molten sweetness, as a smoky growl burned from his throat.

Afterwards, he only drew his blade away and yanked up his trousers, without so much as a thank you — but as they started walking again, his hand slipped down to pat against Louisa's arse. "When we see Wolf," he said, his voice deceptively light, "you go kiss him. On the mouth."

Kiss him, on the mouth. Louisa's breath caught, her head snapping toward him, because she and Ulfarr hadn't once kissed like that yet, had they? And was that — was that because Killik hadn't yet ordered it, and allowed it?

Buthe was allowing it now, and Louisa swallowed and nodded, her heartbeat again far too loud in her ears. And once they walked into the camp's familiar clearing, with the large fire still crackling in the midst of it, she strode over to where Ulfarr was still working with Igull, securing a ladder onto Simon and Maria's brand-new kofi.

"Louisa!" Ulfarr said, with genuine pleasure, as he released the ladder, and slipped a warm hand around her waist. "How was this —"

Buthis voice broke beneath Louisa's touch, her skittering hands drawing his face down toward her. And her lips, brushing light and careful against his, as his big body jolted to stillness, his breath exhaling sudden and harsh.

Louisatwitched backwards just as quickly, her cheeks already burning — oh, gods, what if he hadn't wanted that? — but Ulfarr's eyes were flashing in the firelight, and his hands drew her close again. And then one hand slid to her cheek, tilting her face up as he bent down, and fitted his mouth to hers.

Itwas so gentle, and yet so thoroughly overwhelming, just as he always was — and Louisa shuddered and groaned against him, softening, opening. Welcoming the press of his lips, the deep plunder of his hungry seeking tongue, the throbbing rumble of his groan as he tasted her — and surely tasted Killik on her, too. All of it so urgent, so thrilling, that she had to stop herself from clutching at him, climbing him, begging him, please…

Andmaybe he'd sensed that, gently drawing back from her, away. Though his eyes were still shimmering, his lips wet and full, his tongue slipping brief against them. "You taste," he murmured, "so good, Louisa."

Ahard shiver rippled up Louisa's back, and she huffed a short, breathless laugh. "Well, it's all Killik, as I'm sure you know," she said, with a wry glance back at where he was smugly watching from across the clearing. "This was — a message from him, you could say."

Ulfarrlaughed too, low and fond, his eyes glinting as they held on Killik's face. "Then mayhap you could grant Killik a message from me," he murmured. "And tell him I wish to see you both underground. Now."

Now. It flashed another shudder up Louisa's spine, another genuine grin across her mouth. And soon she indeed found herself underground in the bustling common-room, kneeling on all fours on one of the beds, and gasping and begging as Ulfarr again fed his huge bulk into her tightest, most tender place.

"Better," Killik purred at her, once Ulfarr was gently easing himself in and out of her, his bollocks lightly slapping with every thrust. "And better for you too, ach, Wolf? It pleases you, to plough this tight rump with your perfect Skai prick?"

Ulfarrreplied with a choked, desperate howl, his hips bucking harder, and Killik laughed aloud as the molten liquid poured, flooding into Louisa, filling her from the bottom up. Her own pleasure so close, so close, teetering on the edge — and it only took one brief, careless grind of Killik's hand to hurl her into ecstasy, her body quaking all over as her cries rang through the room.

"Ach, you milk my wolf, woman," Killik crooned, raising his now-slick hand, caressing it at her cheek. "You swallow him whole, and suck his good seed deep into your rump. You honour the Wolf of the Skai in his camp, and in his home. HisWolf-Camp."

Louisacould only gasp and nod, dragging for air, while Ulfarr groaned behind her, his big hands running shaky down her sides. His longing almost strong enough to taste, so heavy with its hunger, its hope. TheWolf of the Skai, in his Wolf-Camp. His home.

Itkept whispering in Louisa's thoughts, even once they'd cleaned up again, and sagged back into the bed together. Into a different bed than the night before, since Elgr was currently sprawled on the bed beside them, and grinding himself up into Thomas' sucking mouth.

"Have you ever thought about building a kofi of your own here, too, sweetheart?" Louisa asked, snuggling closer into Ulfarr's side. "In case you ever did want the privacy? Or just the same bed two nights in a row?"

Ulfarrslightly stiffened against her, his throat convulsing, even as unmistakable yearning flashed across his eyes. Suggesting that yes, he did want that, very much — but damn it, surely he was thinking again of Simon, and of that impending judgement. Of how he still might not be able to stay here at all.

"Ach, I have told him this, also," Killik cut in, with a firm pat to Ulfarr's chest. "There is a good spot across from SuneI have been eyeing for him. TheWolf of the Skai ought to have a place of his own, most of all when his clan comes to stay, ach?"

Ulfarr'sbreath heaved in and out, his eyes glimmering on Killik's face. Looking so eager, so damnably hopeful, and Louisa drew up a little, patting her hand beside Killik's on his chest. "And a place for your favourite pup, too," she said lightly. "You two would live there together, wouldn't you?"

Sheshot a brief, teasing look at Killik, because of course he would welcome that too — but wait. Killik's eyes had frozen, stilled, and Ulfarr stiffened again, too. Both of them now glancing at each other, and away again. As if… as if they didn't want to?

Louisafrowned between them, at where Killik now looked a little hunted, his shoulders hunching, his eyes darting darkly toward her. WhileUlfarr was carefully studying Killik, drawing in a breath, and rubbing his hand at his mouth.

"Ach, I ken Killik should rather his own kofi also," he said, and though his voice was steady, it sounded a little flat. "One where he does not need to bear my snoring each night, I ken."

Louisablinked, because Killik clearly didn't care about Ulfarr's snoring whatsoever — but as she kept glancing between them, it occurred to her that Ulfarr knew that, and he was giving Killik an easy escape. AndKillik's shoulders hunched even higher, his eyes now fixed on the wall beyond them, all his previous warmth vanished into a taut, careful distance.

Butit didn't make sense, not with everything Louisa knew about them — and damn it, with everything Killik had come out and told her, too. I shall never cease upholding him. He needs me.

"Well, I'm sure Killik doesn't mind a bit of snoring," Louisa replied, with a dismissive wave of her hand. "AndI'm sure he'd be happy to share with you, too. As long as you wanted it, Ulfarr."

Shewas surely pushing this too hard now, forcing it out between them, but suddenly she needed to know it, too. Needed to know why they kept looking at each other like that, Killik again like a wounded puppy, Ulfarr with dark, empty resignation in his eyes. And for an instant, Louisa was wrenched back to the Ulfarr she'd first met, the one who'd so often looked like this, so sad and lost and alone.

"Ach, it matters naught, woman," Killik cut in, clipped. "After all this, Wolf deserves a place of his own. A place to rest, and gain peace."

Butwhen Louisa glanced at Ulfarr again, he didn't look peaceful. He still looked resigned, and weary, and sad. Even as he nodded, and twitched a wan smile toward Killik's frowning face. "AndI wish you to have your freedom also, pup," he said. "And to do aught you might wish, without needing to think of me. You have already granted me enough, ach?"

Louisakept frowning between them, digesting that. Ulfarr wanted to give Killik freedom, to do whatever he wished. And was that a reference to — to Killik's other bedmates? To the way Killik hadn't yet made any commitments of fidelity to Ulfarr, beyond their ten nights? Their nights which were now — Louisa winced — down to just one?

Or— was this just another excuse from Ulfarr? Another easy way out? But no, no, Killik's fears of him couldn't be… true. Could they? Ulfarr would never leave Killik, right? Not even for a son? No. No. He wouldn't.

Butneither of them were speaking, now, and Killik only jerked a tight nod, his face still hard, unreadable. WhileUlfarr briefly clasped Killik's shoulder, giving him a firm little shake, before drawing in breath, and closing his eyes. Shutting them out, Killik and Louisa both — and now Killik's narrow eyes caught on Louisa's, as his hand swiftly, surreptitiously signed toward her. No. Stop. Leave it.

Louisablinked, but then nodded, and sank back down against Ulfarr. But she could still almost taste Killik's anger, along with Ulfarr's miserable resignation, twitching through his body against her. But they still weren't speaking, and gods, why couldn't they? Why couldn't they just talk about this, and work this out? Especially when they obviously cared for each other so much?

Thequestion followed Louisa into sleep, nagging in her dreams — and it was still there when she awoke again, too. There in Ulfarr's tired, carefully distant eyes, and in the way Killik didn't look at either of them as he shoved out of bed. Stalking away from them, around the curtain, his hands in tight fists at his sides.

"No," came his voice, suddenly sharp and irritable from behind the curtain. "No, no, no! We shall not bear this Ka-esh here, digging our tunnels!"

Louisaand Ulfarr exchanged a brief, alarmed glance — and then they both scrambled out of bed at once, Ulfarr tying up his trousers, Louisa straightening her rumpled dress. And when they rushed around the curtain, they found Killik with his hair down, and both his daggers clutched in his hands. Facing off against Rosa, and — a new orc.

Andthis orc was — different. Different than any orc Louisa had yet met, with his long curved talons, his tall gaunt body, and his pale, chalky skin. And wait, what had first looked like cropped hair on his head actually seemed to be tattoos, written across his bare scalp in a tight, unreadable script. And the tattoos also ran down his jaw and neck, beneath his simple grey tunic, and — Louisa's eyes darted downwards — all the way to his pale, long-fingered hands, with those curved, deadly-looking black claws.

"Look, you wanted your tunnels dug," Rosa snapped at Killik, her arms folded over her slim chest. "And believe me, I'm not excited about this either — but Filak can dig excellent tunnels, as long as he has the right incentive!"

Killikglowered straight back at Rosa, and at this orc — Filak, apparently — who didn't seem even slightly interested in their argument. And instead, his deep black eyes were gazing toward — Louisa?

"Ach, and what is the right incentive?" Killik shot back at Rosa. "We hand him every jewel and metal he can sniff out, across all these lands?"

"Well, it's not like you're using them now!" Rosa countered, her voice rising. "They're just buried there doing nothing, and this is Louisa's land, so it's not even your decision to make! And also —"

Shebroke off there, because this Filak orc had taken a smooth step closer to Louisa, his eyes glittering intently on her face. And then he snapped up one of those pale clawed hands, and… signed toward her. Signed something — familiar. Something very similar to what Sune had asked her, back on that first day they'd met.

Are you mated?it meant. ToKillik and Ulfarr?

Louisablinked, and then shot a surreptitious glance between Killik and Ulfarr — but both of them had gone strangely, suddenly still, so she drew in breath, shook her head. "Er, no," she replied, with a wince. "We're just — friends."

Butthis Filak didn't show any sign of comprehension, just gazing like that toward her. So she attempted to sign it, too — the word friend, and then Killik and Ulfarr's names. And yes, perhaps it had worked, because Filak's mouth curved up, and he signed back something else. First gesturing between himself and Louisa, and then… then jabbing two of his clawed fingers into his closed fist, and thrusting them in and out. As if he meant — good gods, he surely didn't mean —

"No, Filak!" snapped Rosa's indignant voice from beside Louisa. "Not appropriate! And good gods, not in front of them!"

Shefuriously signed as she spoke, ending with a wild wave toward Killik and Ulfarr — who, Louisa now realized, were both looking downright murderous. Ulfarr's big body taut and coiled, his brow deeply furrowed, his eyes narrow and hard — while Killik's daggers were now both spinning in his hands, and he gave a sudden laugh, cool and brittle and dangerously light.

"Ach, Wolf, mark this fool Ka-esh, speaking thus before you, in your camp," Killik said, his voice easy, almost conversational. "I wonder what tongue he shall scream in, when my blades cut out all his fancy marks? Or how he shall dance as he feeds this earth with his blood?"

"Killik!" Rosa hissed, now sounding deeply scandalized. "He's going to dig your tunnels, so you can't murder him! Just tell him he can't touch Louisa, and offer him the gems! IfLouisa's actually even willing to agree, that is, especially after your appalling behaviour!"

Killiksnarled and bared his teeth toward Rosa, but now Ulfarr gripped at his arm, holding him still. "No, pup," he said, though his jaw still flexed in his cheek. "We need the tunnels. And" — his dark gaze flicked toward Louisa — "it is Louisa's land, and thus her choice to make. Andonly hers."

Louisa'sbrain still felt too sluggish, too scrambled, and she drew in a shaky breath. "So you mean," she began, "Filak can dig the tunnels for us — but he wants to keep whatever he finds in them?"

Rosanodded, and cast a dark look toward him. "AndI'll warn you, he won't follow directions, either," she said glumly. "He'll dig straight to wherever the best deposits are. But he seems to think there are some promising options here, and John-Ka says Filak's tunnels are always stable, and follow the natural grains of the stone. Maybe even better" — she winced, wrinkled her nose — "than our engineers can do."

Right. Well. And they did need the tunnels dug, and Louisa hadn't the least idea how to find ore deposits herself, did she? And also, tunnels that followed the grain of the stone sounded… right, somehow. Right in just the same way the camp was right, tucked carefully into the trees, respecting the nature around it.

"Well, let's do it, then," Louisa said, as firmly as she could. "What does he need to get started?"

Rosawinced again, but signed the question to Filak, who gave a slow, sharp-toothed smile, and began pointing out various orcs around the room. Elgr, and Igull, and Ragni and Kori and Fasti, and Ulfarr and Killik too — every Skai currently in sight.

Killikcursed under his breath, and shoved his daggers toward Ulfarr beside him. "No, you will not have all of them," he spat at Filak, signing along with furious gestures from his hands. "You can have three. AndWolf will choose them. And no seeking to plough any of them, either, and taint them with your foul Ka-esh scent, or else I will gut you!"

Withthat, he snatched his daggers back from Ulfarr, and stalked off toward the door — and then whirled back around again, and sharply waved toward Louisa. "Come, woman," he snapped. "We shall take Sune and mark your borders, whilst Wolf handles this."

Louisashot a searching glance toward Ulfarr, and Rosa, too — but Rosa looked deeply relieved, and Ulfarr even gave a curt nod, and an approving pat to Louisa's back. So she nodded too, and after a brief squeeze to Ulfarr's arm, she ran to follow Killik outside for the border-marking project.

Itwas one of the many SkaiSummit preparation tasks on their list, to ensure that no guests accidentally wandered onto Rikard's land. And while it should have been an enjoyable way to spend a morning, tromping through the forest with Killik and Sune, tying strips of cloth to stakes and trees, Louisa could still feel Killik's anger, and his frustration. Perhaps not only about Filak and his tunnel-digging, but perhaps about the night before, too. About how Ulfarr hadn't wanted to live with him.

ButLouisa couldn't dare bring it up again, not with Sune here listening — so she spent most of the time talking with Sune instead. Asking how he was enjoying his new kofi, and what kinds of activities he liked to do with his friends, and whether he'd like to try riding her horses again. And when he showed genuine interest at that, Louisa told him he was welcome at her stable whenever he pleased, and only to make sure he checked in with Joan first.

Thatflashed a smile across Sune's face, and he shot a hopeful glance toward Killik — who nodded, and signed back. His expression slightly softening, for perhaps the first time that morning — so Louisa then asked him if he'd ever ridden a horse, either. Which apparently he had, but then he'd tried standing on its back to reach a tree, and had knocked himself out on a branch, and knocked off a dozen apples, besides.

Itwas a ridiculous tale, perhaps told mostly for Sune's amusement — but by the end of it, both Killik and Sune were laughing, and cheerfully signing at one another. And as Louisa watched them, and did her best to keep up, there was again that whispering sense of… rightness. Of… hope. They could face this. They could do this. They could get through this Summit, and Killik and Ulfarr would work this out, and…

Andthen Killik whirled around and away from them, shoving Sune behind him, and whipping both his daggers from his hair. His gaze fixed narrow and intent on the west, on the line of forest across that small clearing, and…

Itwas Rikard.