Page 23 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

“There’s that smile I’ve been looking for all morning.” She beamed up at him, only to blink when his smile turned soft, gentle. There was a warmth in his eyes that took her breath away and her heart skipped.

“My son.”

All sweetness vanished as Govek removed her from his cloak to face his father. The male looked extra regal today, with deep blue silk robes lined with gold trim. His long white hair had been braided intricately into patterns down the sides of his head and back. His expression was placid and easy, but there was a sharpness to his gold eyes. A cutting depth that made Miranda instantly uneasy.

The winter chill grew colder as Chief Ergoth approached. The trees groaned, and the leaves swirled around them like a cage.

“My son. I understand you would like to accompany Miranda to the trade, but it isn’t appropriate after all that occurred last night.” Chief Ergoth kept his eyes on Govek. “Rogeth, Wolvc, and Maythra have agreed to remain in their homes until the judgment tomorrow. I request you do the same.”

Govek’s grip on her tightened. “No.”

“Govek.” A deep sigh escaped the chief. “Be reasonable.”

“I have your blasted binding, Father. That has always been enough in the past.”

Ergoth’s eyes darkened, and Miranda glanced behind him. There was a bend in the path, and she assumed that the party of orcs readying to go to the trade was waiting just beyond it.

Ergoth continued smoothly. “I’ve already told Oakwall you will be named chief before the next trade commences.”

Miranda’s gut twisted, and she snapped her eyes to Govek’s face. His expression flattened. He’d told her already of his father’s plan to make Govek a figurehead. Chief in name, but with no real authority. The power would remain with Ergoth.

They’d both agreed to let his father believe they were going along with this little plot. Who knew what Ergoth would do if he discovered they would let Karthoc merge Rove Wood Clan with Baelrok Forge?

Ergoth continued, “I also explained that, even through this change, I will be the one to maintain the trade. So Govek, you needn’t push yourself in this. I know that the binding is a trial to hold.”

“I am fine.”

“Govek didn’t do anything wrong,” Miranda said. “And I want him to come to the trade with me. He shouldn’t have to hide in his home like he’s the guilty one.”

Ergoth’s eyes flashed, but it was so quick Miranda couldn’t read it. “My dear, I apologize for how turbulent your arrival to our fair clan has been. I assure you that once Karthoc and his warriors have left our woods everything will return to normal, and you will settle in well here. But for now, please, allow me to assign you a different male to escort you today, so Govek can rest at home.”

Miranda heard a low rumble from deep in Govek’s chest and knew his anger was mounting. She stroked the back of his hand to soothe him.

“I’ve told you no so many times now, Chief Ergoth, and yet you still try to get me to be with another orc. For all your genial talk of fairness toward the women of your clan, it certainly doesn’t feel that way.”

Ergoth straightened and hid his hands in the long opulent robes. “I am truly remorseful you feel this way. I mean no disrespect. Of course, it is your choice to go with whoever makes you feel the most comfortable and I am only trying to find a solution that will ensure comfort for all within the clan, including Govek.”

“I think Govek can speak for himself.” Miranda looked up at him. His coloring was off and his face was tense. “Govek? Do you want to go home while I go to the trade by myself?”

“No.” The word was clipped and instant.

Ergoth bowed slightly. “Then I concede.”

Miranda blinked, flummoxed that it was such a quick reversal.

Then the chief said, almost absently, “I hope Yerina does not attend today’s event.”

Before she or Govek could think of a response, a booming voice sounded behind them.

“Good morning to you.”

Karthoc. With what looked to be most of his fifty warriors.

Gosh, they were huge. About as tall as Govek, nearly as burly, with disheveled hair and rough strewn clothes and scars covering almost every inch of their bodies. Some were even missing ears or eyes.

Had they been invited to the trade? Miranda glanced up at Govek, but he appeared just as stunned as she felt.

“What are you doing here, Karthoc?” Ergoth snapped, his expression bitter with shock. “I thought we agreed your warriors would only come into the clan when invited.”

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