Page 68 of The Orc Outcast's Miracle

“Those are not the terms of the punishment,” Ergoth said, eyes narrowed.

“I agree,” Karthoc said. “I believe letting their punishment wait for a day or two will do no harm.”

Many of the orcs voiced their agreement and Ergoth’s expression grew dark. “Fine, I will concede. They will all be placed in confinement where they can write their final words and the silencing will be performed tomorrow. Agol, please take them away.”

Govek’s eyes shot to Agol. The male was clearly stricken and disheveled. It was his son about to be silenced, and Govek could not even fathom the pain of this.

“No,” Karthoc said.

Ergoth glowered at Karthoc. “No?”

“I believe, under these circumstances, being able to actually speak their goodbyes to their loved ones is warranted. Unless Miranda or Govek feels that is too lenient.”

“I don’t. Govek?” Miranda looked up at him and he simply shook his head.

“That is too far, Karthoc,” Ergoth snapped. “You do not have the authority to overrule my judgments.”

Karthoc scoffed. “How many times do I have to repeat that I have all the authority, dear uncle. But if you truly feel that this is too lenient, when even those who have been wronged do not, perhaps you would like to put it to another vote?”

Ergoth looked out over the clan, at their steely faces, and relented. “No. I see I am in the minority in this. I only feel so strongly because it is my dear son who has been so wronged.”

Govek’s nose curled up and Miranda snorted as if she were about to start laughing. Ergoth glowered at her but Govek managed to push Miranda behind him before he could confirm Miranda’s mirth.

Ergoth turned back to Karthoc. “Perhaps you would comply with having an orc be witness to these conversations. Just to ensure that no lies about my son are spread.”

Karthoc looked like he was vacillating between disbelief and irritation. “Fuck, uncle, I never knew you cared so much about my cousin. From all your past actions, I would have assumed you would wanted vile rumors to fly.”

Ergoth’s voice grew dangerous. “These jests of yours are getting out of line, nephew.”

“Jests,” Karthoc snorted. “Of course. But very well, if it stops your complaints, I will have one of my warriors sit with them to ensure topics remain on personal matters.”

“And one of my conjurers.”

“Fine. Now, are we done?”

“Yes. Call one of your warriors to escort them to your camp.”

Brovdir came forward without preamble. Ergoth addressed the clan. “I call this judgment to a close.”

Brovdir gestured for Maythra to move and she refused so he took her arm. She fought and demanded he let her go, but he barely looked at her as he pulled her out. Rogeth and Wolvc followed without any fight, and Agol took up the rear.

“Ergoth, wait. Ergoth!” Maythra screamed, fighting Brovdir until the hall doors thudded shut, cutting off her words.

And Govek was still inside.

Elation burst through him like crisp spring water flowing over his overheated flesh on a warm summer day. It flooded, drenched, his body trembled under the force of the fury in his gut being drowned out.

They had won!

He instantly caught Miranda in his arms and pulled her in for a kiss, uncaring who saw them. She tasted so sweet, and her warmth was so delightful. He wanted to laugh until his chest burst open.

He wanted to bellow with triumph as a thrill coursed through him. The hall grew brighter, as if his vision had cleared and his mind had been cleansed.

He had won this justice. And not just in his own mind. He had won it in the eyes of his clan.

He set Miranda on her feet and searched her lovely face.

Her expression was a little tight as she patted his hand. “We should get down.”

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