Page 124 of The Orc Outcast's Mate

Fades, it was incredible. He could see most of the clan from this spot. All the homes twinkling in the twilight as their fires crackled. Karthoc’s camp was visible off to the right and he could hear loud cheering and garbled mirth, as if they were having a brawling match.

“What racket,” Ergoth muttered, glaring toward the camp. “The warriors have no concept of what is proper within the Rove Woods.”

Govek said nothing, only tightened his hands on the wood railing.

“You’ve refused my direct order to come to the hall for four days, Govek.”

Govek swallowed and faced his father. “I was in no position to leave my woman.”

“Stand down, Govek. I did not bring you here to chastise. But you must also see, don’t you? That things cannot carry on the way they have before. Between us—and you,” his father said, his slender frame poised in the dim light. His chin rose and his gold eyes gleamed.

Unsure what to say in the face of such words, Govek was silent.

“I wanted to apologize, Govek. About Estwill.”

Govek’s jaw dropped.

“Only after you were gone did, I realize the letters from Corine were forgeries. I should have seen it long before, but I was blind by my sorrow, and the will of this clan is not easily pushed aside.”

His father set down his cup on the railing and faced Govek head on. “They have called for me to ensure the clan’s stability. We were all badly shaken by the death of Tavggol, but I should not have listened. I should have remembered that you are my son, and my loyalty should be as strong to you as it is to the clan. I am truly remorseful over my choice, Govek, and it will not happen again.”

A heavy, searing weight lifted from Govek. From his mind. From his chest. He breathed in the crisp night air, tinged with the sweet smell of frost and roasting meat.

“I hope from now on, we can be a united front. We are each other’s only kin, after all. The clan may want to divide us, but we are still of the same blood,” Ergoth continued, a light smile playing at his lips. “I hope we can both try to listen and be more reasonable with each other.”

Fades, was this reality? Govek pondered that he may have eaten some foul rotten fruit, and he was having a fevered delusion. His father had never apologized to him. For anything.

“I hear you fought with Karthoc after the announcement. I saw you storm from the hall and I regret being unable to follow. You understand, don’t you? The clan was in a full uproar. We had to use Sythcol’s clearing magic just to get everyone to settle down.”

Govek nodded slowly, only slightly surprised. The clearing was typically used during judgments, but it did have a calming effect.

“Karthoc refuses to speak about your argument. Your cousin doesn’t trust me. That’s obvious by his choice to unseat me from my position.” Govek’s father looked back toward the camp so Govek couldn’t see his expression and his tone wasn’t telling. “He is too thickheaded to see anything but his own drive for control. I know not how to deal with such violence and strife. It isn’t in my nature the way it is yours.”

Govek’s gut, which had just begun to loosen, twisted into knots again.

“I trust you to deal with him, Govek.”

Govek blinked, knocked flat, completely flummoxed.

“You can handle Karthoc and the warriors he leaves here, and I will aid you with the clan, and together, we will ensure that prosperity remains within the Rove Woods. That is all we have ever wanted, isn’t it, Govek? To ensure that our clan continues with its good work.”

“You... you want me to take on the role of chief?”

Ergoth blinked slowly. His eyelid twitched slightly, but he recovered. “Of course, Govek.”

His father wanted him to take command of the clan? He wanted Govek to lead?

His father... trusted him with such an important task?

Something deep within Govek’s gut ached. Something warm and thick with yearning. An emotion he’d forced himself to push away long ago. In his youth. Before he was abandoned at the outskirts.

“Govek, you don’t have to be afraid. I can help you lead this clan. I will advise you on every decision. Why, I could simply continue as always. All you will need to do is communicate with Karthoc and deal with the warriors he leaves behind to guard us.”

All the pleasure that Govek had gained from his father’s perceived confidence was popped in an instant.

This was his father’s plan. To simply put Govek up as a front to deceive Karthoc. He should have known. He shouldn’t have been surprised.

“Karthoc’s demand is quite resolute. I have tried to negotiate, and believe me, he will not fold. Our only option is to move forward with his orders. It is the fastest way to recover from this interruption to our usual bliss.”

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