Page 67 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

“Wait!” Rogeth cried. “That’s not necessary. I’ll comply with everything, I swear.”

The conjurer came back to the platform slowly, his eyes sorrowful and his hands trembling slightly. For a moment, Govek thought perhaps it was simply from overexertion.

But it dawned on Govek, upon seeing the horror on Rogeth’s face, that the lead conjurer didn’t want to bind him any more than the young butcher and guard wanted to be bound.

That Sythcol was being forced by Ergoth to commit acts of torture.

Torture, and then, after all that, they would be sent to the front lines. To their death.

Would the magical binding still be in place when they were pushed to the front of the battle? Govek trembled, horror gripping his guts.

“Stop.” Govek’s voice carried much further than he thought it would. The clan hushed in an instant.

Ergoth looked out over the now attentive clan and scowled before turning to Govek. “What is it, my son?”

What was it, indeed? Govek had spoken without thinking and could hardly find the words to convey what he felt.

Warmth pressed to his chest, and he looked down into Miranda’s curious eyes. Govek breathed deep, kept his voice solid so it would carry but spoke to his mate. “I do not think forcing them to death is appropriate.”

Miranda smiled.

“It is not your place to decide.”

Govek looked up at Ergoth, brow furrowed. His father continued. “They have committed a crime against this clan as well as your woman. Attacking one of our few precious women is a severe offense. Or do you not agree that harming Miranda deserves punishment?”

Govek’s gut twisted but Miranda took his hand up in hers and spoke for him. “I agree it deserves punishment, but even as the person who was attacked, I think forcing them to the front lines of the war is extreme. Surely there is another punishment that would be better suited, Chief Ergoth?”

His father hummed in thought, eyes glimmering, and Govek wondered just why Miranda had placed this punishment back into Ergoth’s hands.

Maythra fidgeted, clearly wanting to step forward, but the two males had stayed back and looked at the floor. Although Wolvc had been the one to tell the truth, Rogeth had not fought it.

Just how much of their plight had been from Maythra’s influence? Did they truly despise Govek enough to get him killed, or had they simply been led astray by a manipulative woman who had, at many times, acted as their mother?

“There is another punishment that may well be better,” Ergoth said, going back to the edge of the platform. “My clan, in a great show of leniency, our newest member has suggested a lesser punishment. We will hold a vote to change their fate from death to silencing.”

Govek suddenly felt chilled.

“And since this type of conjuring can also be cast upon humans, Maythra will receive it as well.”

“What?” Maythra nearly shrieked as she stepped toward Chief Ergoth. Her hands clasped before her, her eyes wild and pleading. “My belov—my chief, you can’t. Please, I beg you to show mercy. I swear I will never speak on this event as long as I live. I will never?—”

“Silence!” Ergoth cried and Maythra went quiet, but for a few muffled sobs.

“What is silencing?” Miranda asked softly, searching Govek’s face.

He leaned close, more for his own comfort than to help her hear his response. “It is magic that prevents the one cursed from using any form of communication. Even hand gestures and writing.”

Miranda paled. “Oh wow, is that better?”

He thought it likely was better than death, but not by much.

“Let us vote.”

“Please. My chief, I swear,” Maythra said, but it was too late. The clan was already rising to their feet, albeit reluctantly.

“It is done,” Chief Ergoth said quickly. “Sythcol. Perform the spell.”

“W-wait!” Miranda hurried in. “Shouldn’t we at least let them have a chance to speak their goodbyes before being silenced?”

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