Page 55 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

Dang it, where was the seer?

Chief Ergoth called a greeting even as he made his way toward the platform. “Karthoc, good morrow to you. I trust the trade went well after we parted ways.”

Karthoc’s scowl was hot enough to melt all the crystal leaves of the Rove Tree and Miranda was instantly curious about what had happened after she and Govek had left.

“The seer won’t be joining us today?” Chief Ergoth asked. Apparently, Miranda wasn’t the only one who’d noticed his absence. Ergoth climbed up onto his platform as Karthoc approached, but the warlord stayed on the ground, scowling up at his uncle.

“He still may,” Karthoc said. “He was unwell this morning, but he is going to make the attempt.”

“I am sorry to hear it.” Ergoth didn’t sound the least bit sorry. “Let us not delay.”

The chief stood tall and stretched his arms wide. His billowing violet robes were even shinier today, catching the light from the nearest bonfire. He had not one white hair out of place from his braids.

The hundreds of once clamoring orcs fell into hushed silence, all eyes on their leader. “My clan! Welcome. I trust we are all rested. It is here, beneath the Great Rove Tree, that we have another judgment. Although it may cause pain to see strife within our great clan, together we overcome.”

He followed with a chant in a rolling, deep language that most of the orcs in attendance joined, but she noted that neither Govek nor Karthoc spoke.

“Warlord Karthoc has deigned to oversee these proceedings. It is a great matter that we are deciding on today. Long has it been since such violence has been done to one of our own women.” Ergoth turned and met Miranda’s eyes. His expression made her back straighten. “I would like to formally apologize, Miranda, on behalf of all in this clan who failed to protect you. I swear it will not happen again.”

Miranda tightened her grip on Govek’s arm. “That’s nice of you to say, but I don’t need your protection.”

The chief’s eyes burned but before he could say another word Rogeth cut in.

“Chief Ergoth.”

The young orc butcher sat on the edge of his chair. His fists clenched and unclenched.

Ergoth turned his raging gaze away from her. “Yes, Rogeth, you may speak.”

“Can the binding be removed now?” His question came out almost as soon as Ergoth stopped speaking.

“That is fine, as long as no one objects.”

Rogeth’s eyes darted around the room and Miranda realized that his fidgeting and nervousness may have been because he was in pain.

“Come forward, Sythcol,” Ergoth called. And while the conjurer came up to the platform, Miranda looked to Govek.

“Tough guy . . . how bad is it?”

Govek glanced at her and then let out a long breath. “For me, not bad. I have practice dealing with it, but for them...”

Miranda looked over to where Sythcol had just finished removing the binding from Rogeth. The male all but collapsed into his chair, head in his hands, body shuddering.

“But... it was that bad for you? At first?” Miranda’s throat closed up a little.

Govek nodded.

She hugged his arm tight, brought his hand up to kiss his palm.

Fuck Ergoth and this entire clan. Govek had literally been tortured.

Sythcol stopped in front of Govek and rose his black hands to his chest. The discoloration stretched to his elbows, much further than the other conjurers.

Miranda could not see this magic, but the concentration on the conjurer’s smooth face told her when the task was done.

Before he stepped away, Sythcol whispered, “I am sorry.” His voice sounded tight, and his eyes were lowered.

“You need not be. I’ve long grown used to this,” Govek said, but his response only made Sythcol look more stricken before the conjurer turned away.

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