Page 56 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

“Let us move on. Tell me, Miranda, has Govek informed you of how these proceedings take place?”

“He has.”

“Then you know first we will announce the consequences of this judgment,” Ergoth said, looking more than a little smug. He kept his eyes on her as he stated, “As we are all aware, this is an extreme case. Attacking a member of this clan is never taken lightly, to say nothing of the attack on one of our women. Therefore, the punishment must also be severe.

“The males in this face the ultimate punishment for warriors of Faeda. The transgressor will go to Avokil with Karthoc. To redeem themselves in battle against the Waking Order.”

A shocked rumble passed over the orcs and Miranda examined their faces, tried to catch some of their words. They seemed rather surprised, but no one seemed overly alarmed.

Govek took her hand in his and she glanced up at his tense expression. She couldn’t tell if he was offering comfort or needed it. Likely it was both.

And then, Chief Ergoth’s lips curled in a smile that made a shudder go down Miranda’s spine. “In addition, the punishment will commence immediately after the judgment has concluded.”

Miranda’s blood went still and icy as her mind sparked over that order.

Immediately? Govek would be taken into custody right then and there?

Would they have a chance to escape?

“Govek?” Miranda whispered, her voice broke, and his expression did nothing to quell her terror. His cheek twitched and his hand clutched hers so tight it was painful.

Nausea spiraled in her and she worked down the bile in her throat.

They wouldn’t lose. They wouldn’t.

“There are two outcomes in this,” Ergoth continued. “Either Govek attacked Miranda and then attacked Wolvc when he came to her defense.” Miranda gripped Govek’s hand tighter. “Or Wolvc and Rogeth harmed Miranda, and Govek attacked Wolvc when he came upon the scene.” Miranda’s stomach twisted at the way he worded it.

It dropped completely as Ergoth continued. “Therefore, we are holding two punishments today and deciding two outcomes. One for the attack on Miranda and the other for the attack on Wolvc.”

“Wait! So, you intend to punish Govek no matter the outcome?” Miranda went so cold she was almost numb.

“Govek did attack Wolvc in both cases, using his magic to ensure the worst injury would be endured.” Ergoth’s piercing golden eyes caused ice to skitter in Miranda’s veins.

“But he was defending me.” Miranda rose to her feet and the eyes of every orc in the room bruised her flesh. “Are you suggesting that orcs aren’t allowed to defend their women?”

Ergoth’s expression twitched, revealing malice for a split second. “That is not in debate here and holds no bearing on the outcome.”

“H-holds no bearing?” Miranda snapped just as she felt Govek tug her back into her seat.

“I agree with Miranda.”

Miranda craned her neck around Govek and found Iytier standing among the sea of green. Savili sat at the table beside him. She cradled their baby and watched her mate encouragingly.

“Iytier, please voice your concerns,” Ergoth said without even the subtlest hint of irritation or worry.

“I find it unsettling that males of this clan could be subjected to our most extreme punishments simply for protecting our mates. Oftentimes, in such situations, there is no time to issue a challenge and action must be taken immediately. Are we all to be forced to go to the frontlines of the war with the Waking Order simply for protecting our women?”

A general clamor of agreement fluttered over the orcs, and Ergoth held up his hand to silence them. “I agree with this.”

Miranda was stunned with Ergoth’s quick reply and not so surprised when he followed up.

“However, we must maintain on the topic at hand. We can discuss this issue at another time. For today, we must maintain the judgment.”

Iytier tensed, scowling. “So Govek should be punished today and another orc who is accused of the same transgression tomorrow will not be?”

“Hmm,” Ergoth said slowly, his light smile grating against Miranda’s nerves. “I see how this is unfair. If you would like, we can hold a vote on this.”

Iytier glanced down at Savili, who nodded and he straightened. “Yes. I call a vote.”

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