Page 28 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

“I did not think you wanted to come,” Govek said dumbly.

“Of course, I wanted to come,” Iytier hissed. “Tavggol may have been your brother, but he was my closest friend. And I wanted to support you as well. I thought we were friends, but it’s been made clear to me this past season that was not the case.”

Govek was doubly shocked. He would have fallen right over had the wagon not held him aloft.

Iytier was Tavggol’s friend. Not his.

“I also can never forgive you for simply going off to Estwill of all horror drenched places, without even bothering to send a message to us at the seasonal communion. I know you wanted distance from us all to mourn after Tavggol’s passing, but I never thought you would be so stupid as to?—”

“Iytier.” Savili’s threatening tone sounded past the ringing in Govek’s ears. His mind clattered to put together everything Iytier was telling him.

“I apologize, Govek,” Iytier said less begrudgingly. “I am just... we already lost Tavggol. If you were hurting so badly you were contemplating martyring yourself, you should have...”

Martyring himself? What?

Govek went cold, realizing it was not such an odd conclusion to draw. Viravia had called him a martyr too, on the night he’d left for Estwill.

The male sighed heavily, wiped a hand over his perfect, pale green face. “I am sorry. This is my own guilt talking. You asked for space, but I never should have given it. At least not for so long.”

Govek’s brows pinched. “I never asked for space.”

Iytier’s eyes rose to meet Govek’s gaze. “What? Of course you did. Chief Ergoth made the announcement right after you returned from Clairton. He told us... what happened there.”

Govek’s gut pitched, and he could no longer meet the male’s eyes. The pain of that day in Clairton was too great. It boiled inside him still.

“Chief Ergoth told us you did not feel safe to be among other orcs, that your control was in tatters, and that was why you did not come into the clan or allow anyone to visit you.”

His mind was reeling. “My father told me you asked for space.”

“What do you mean I asked for it?” Iytier’s eyes were wide.

“He told me... after Clairton... he said the clan had passed a unanimous judgment that... I was not allowed to enter the borders of the clan... unless it was to get supplies or deliver meat.”

“You’re fucking kidding me. We never held a judgment over this,” Iytier said. “Chief Ergoth told you we did? Are you serious?”

Govek could only nod. His throat was too tight.

Iytier shook his head, looking away.

The rest of the walk was done in silence.

Chapter

Eight

MIRANDA

“My father told me you asked for space.”

The words rolled steadily through Miranda’s mind, even as she bounced little Haysik on her lap and chatted pleasantly with his mother. She tried to enjoy the lush autumn scenery. The day was absolutely stunning—bright sun streaked through the red and orange leaves, blue sky peeked through the branches, glittering frost covered the shady areas.

It was so beautiful and . . .

And Govek’s father had lied to keep Govek isolated.

Miranda took deep breaths and glowered toward the cart where Ergoth was seated at the front of the line. She reminded herself that screaming at him would do nothing.

Especially with the judgment coming up the next day.

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