Page 2 of Mountain Orc Daddy

“Oh, it really was!” They all laugh as my mother magically pours herself another drink.

This is a typical conversation with all of them. Just bragging about how easy their lives are and how great things are with The Veil gone. It’s annoying. I’ve heard all of this a million times before.

When The Veil – the magical spell that was maintained by my ancestors for millenia to keep mundanes from seeing all the paranormal that was right in front of their eyes – first fell and the whole world learned about everything supernatural, it was a miracle for them. Most regular humans would walk away thinking my family members were basically superheroes, though it took a lot of convincing that it wasn’t just a trick. The internet had built up people’s suspicions over many years and the very thing that caused the Veil to fall also reinforced the ideals we had been protecting.

Meanwhile, shifters and other supernatural creatures were attacked in the streets by people who feared learning such things existed and took it upon themselves to get rid of such ‘threats.’ But that never scared my family. Everyone they came across was so impressed, they saw no reason to hide it anymore.

It was also much easier for me with The Veil up. Before, I didn’t have to worry about someone seeing my last name and assuming I was a powerful witch. I could just live my life. The Veil being gone has taken away my anonymity and opened me up to disappointing even more people.

“It’s really just convenient, is the thing,” my father says. They all nod in agreement.

I involuntarily scoff. They all turn to look at me.

“Oh, Blair,” Jade says. “Don’t be like that.”

“You know magic isn’t all that,” my mother says with a warm smile. “There are a lot of perils, too. Dangerous spells, regular humans who fear us, bounty hunters hired to --”

“When was the last time any of you were hunted by abounty hunter?” I interject.

My family all look around at each other awkwardly. “Regardless,” my mother continues. “It’s a constant threat.”

“Whatever. I think the car is all packed. Let’s head out.”

“What a lovely idea!” My mother gives another warm smile as she races past me to the car.

This is going to be a long weekend. We haven’t even left yet, and it’s already getting to be too much. Why did I even stay here last night? They clearly didn’t need my help to pack. I could’ve even met them at the campsite. That way I’d have my own car and could leave whenever I wanted.

I’m fine, not having magic powers. I am. I’m very proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish on my own without any magical help. I just wish they weren’t so comfortable rubbing their powers in my face all the time.

I hop in the car after my family, and we’re off. One whole weekend up in the mountains of Kingston, New Hampshire. Removed from society with no choice but to talk to each other. How perfect.

2

UZUL

“Let me help you with that.” I rush over to a younger member of my tribe attempting to cut wood. “What you need to do is plant your feet firmly… line up the swing and…”

The young orc swings his ax and perfectly chops a log in half. He looks up at me with a big smile. “Thanks, Chieftain!”

I nod at him and continue on my way. It’s just one of the many jobs I have as the Chieftain of the Broken Maws Tribe. I have to make sure everything is running smoothly each day so we can all thrive.

Today is just another average day for us orcs. I take a deep breath of the chilly mountain air. There is nowhere else I’d rather be, that’s for sure.

My tribe all smile and wave as I pass by them, making my rounds. Some Chieftains in our tribe in the past chose to lead through fear. But my father changed all that, and I’m following his lead.

My father always said it’s better to have the tribe respect and care for you. The way to do that is by respecting and caring for them the same. So, when they need my help, I help. It’s as simple as that. I know they’d all do the same for me.

I pass a group of women mending clothes. “I think these pants would look great on you, Chieftain!” one of them yells. The rest of the women giggle. I don’t know why, but they are always saying stuff like that to me. I simply wave and keep walking.

Another group of orcs is preparing for the night’s meal around a smoldering cauldron. They spot me and motion for me to join them. I know just what they want. I have more to do today, but for now I relent.

“How can I help?” Without another word, an older orc shoves a knife in my hand. Before I know it, I’m chopping up vegetables. “All right, all right, but just these carrots. Once that’s done, I have to move on.”

Later on, after cutting up carrots, beets, and radishes, I pass an elder teaching the young orcs about the history of our tribe. I try to sneak over quietly. I always enjoy listening to these lessons. Unfortunately, I’m spotted quickly.

“Chieftain,” the elder croaks out. “Care to join us?”

All the kids turn their heads to me with excitement. “Chieftain! Chieftain!” They run up to me. “Tell us about the time you fought that bear! When you got that scar!” My hand reflexively moves to the scar that slashes over my right eyebrow.

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