Page 50 of Mountain Orc Daddy

I turn to my family. “Make a wall of magic you guys can hold while we recuperate. It’ll at least keep Uzul’s body away from harm.”

They glance at one another, hesitating at my demand. Regardless, they lift their arms up to make a shield big enough for our side. The orcs are startled at first, but look at me once the wall completes.

I step closer to them. It’s an odd feeling to do. I don’t know whether I should apologize or give them encouragement.

“Everyone, I…” I start.

I look at each of them, finding the right words to say. I’m scared that I’ll say something stupid or inconsiderate. At this point, I shouldn’t care anymore.

I clear my throat. “I know I’m not the only one that’s affected by what just happened. I know it’s also something so sudden. There are no words that I can use to describe what I feel and what you all feel. I am so deeply sorry for your loss of your beloved Chief. Just know that the whole time he’s been away from you all, he always, always, thought of the tribe.”

One of them speaks out. “Then why did he leave?”

“Because he wanted to bring everything that he learned back here. He wants what’s best for all of you. You are his family. Believe me when I say he had absolutely no intention to leave here forever. I never would have encouraged him to do such a thing, because I know how much this tribe means to him. I think if he had asked me to, I would follow him here instead. His happiness is my happiness. Just like your well-being is his.”

They all listen to me intently. The fear in their eyes lessen, replaced with gratitude towards Uzul. I’m glad my words are able to reach them, even if it’s just a little.

My family’s wall starts to falter. They can’t hold on much longer. I need more time with the tribe.

“Because you all are so important to him, you must all have to survive this. I know the rogues seem like a difficult enemy to beat, but don’t let that discourage you. This is your land. Your home. One that you all and Uzul worked so hard to protect. Now you must fight for it.”

They all roar while lifting up their weapons. They start chanting in their native language. Though I don’t understand them, I know they’re ready to keep going. I’m feeling the effects of it.

“Don’t let those rogues take this land. Do it for you! Do it for Uzul!” I shout, lifting up my fists.

“MAKE THEM PAY FOR WHAT THEY’VE DONE!”

The orcs belt out a war cry. This is no time to grieve. We have plenty of time to do that after. In order to do so, we have to kill Aisling and her wretched army.

I wipe away the tears from my face. The last ones I’ll let fall until this is over. I’ll fight even if it costs me my life.

31

BLAIR

We need to come up with a plan. The after shock from Aisling’s blow nearly clears out. I gather the surviving orcs and my siblings to start with tactics.

The only problem is that I'm blanking out. My previous plans backfired terribly. Uzul’s fallen body is proof of that. What if I make another mistake?

Just as my thoughts begin to wander, I feel a large hand on my shoulder. It’s Rogar. I completely forgot about him.

“Where were you?” is all I can ask him.

“We had more casualties than I thought. I was out searching if anyone else was alive.”

“But, Uzul—”

He raises his hand. “I will have time to grieve my Chief. As his right hand, it’s my duty to put the tribe first.”

I look down. “I'm so sorry, Rogar. I—”

He chuckles. “Come on now, where’s the attitude you were giving me earlier? We have work to do.”

I firmly nod. Chills run up my spine. I can feel the rogues creeping up on us.

I take a stick from the side to draw our battleground. I draw broomsticks to symbolize Aisling and her minions and little hammers for our side. We all stare at the drawing.

“Okay, then what’s next?” Remus asks incredulously.

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