Page 61 of Steel & Thunder
“Orda, I wanted to ask—”
“Sorry, I am still needed in the kitchen.” Orlun cuts off his son again as he walks backward through an open doorway, pointing to his left. “Your sister and brother are in the den. Go introduce David.”
“Yes, sir,” Khazak tells the empty room with a sigh. “This way, David.”
We walk through the doorway into a large but cozy looking room. A lot of chairs, a couple of couches, and an already lit fireplace in the corner. There are two orcs talking animatedly, who pause at our arrival.
“Brother!” they shout in unison before turning into a three-orc pile-up.
“David, this is my sister Ayla and my brother Yogik.” I’m pulled in for two more hugs. Are all orcs this huggy or is it just his family?
“About time you brought him over.” Yogik crosses arms while he looks me up and down. “You did not even let anyone know you received the challenge. Some of us could have been there.”
“Don’t be weird, Yog.” Ayla slugs her brother in the shoulder. “It’s nice to meet you, David.”
“Nice to meet you too.” I like her. She’s another big one, just like her twin and dad, with the same brown eyes and jet-black hair pulled into a short ponytail. I notice a number of different piercings adorning both her ears. Yogik, a few inches shorter and much leaner, lets me know that not everyone in this family is a giant. In this light, his eyes have a slight green tinge to them and his dark brown hair almost reaches his shoulders. All of us are dressed pretty casually—cloth shirts and pants—except Ayla, who looks like she’s ready for or just came in from a hike that included some mountain climbing.
“When did you get in, Ayla?” Khazak asks his sister across our four-person circle.
“Right before lunch.” Arguably one of the best times to arrive.
“Why are you still dressed like that?” He sounds oddly accusatory, nodding down at her leathers.
“What do you mean? These are the only clothes I have,” she defends. Sounds fair to me. Does he not remember my own clothing situation?
“You did not bring a change? Are you sure this is not just an excuse to launch into some long-winded tale about where you have been?” Okaaayyy, did not see that coming.
“Are you seriously going to—”
“So Dave, what do you think of the city so far?” Yogik cuts in with the force and precision of a guy who’s had to break up his fair share of sibling arguments.
“Oh, uh, it’s really nice. Not what I expected.” Wait, that isn’t a compliment. “In a good way.”
“Has Khaz taken you to the Shadrok Springs yet?” Ayla turns to ask me.
I knew that nickname was a thing. “No, he hasn—”
“He has only been here for a week, Ayla,” Khazak cuts me off.
“Spirits help me,” Yogik mutters so quietly I almost don’t catch it before turning behind him to shout for backup. “Ursza! Ignatz! Come out here and meet Dave.” I wince when the unwanted nickname is used again.
Two more orcs enter the room, a male and a female, closer in build to Yogik than his larger siblings. The first thing I notice on the girl is her hair—it’s short, shaved on the sides, and bright purple. So are her eyes, which I’m positive isn’t a natural thing, even for orcs. The brother has similarly altered his appearance, though his color of choice is blue. Between their ears and noses, I count more piercings than I’ve seen on every other orc combined. They look the same age, or at least close to it. And that’s when I realize what they are.
Teenagers. Oh no.
Our circle widens to accommodate the new additions, who immediately look at me before turning to each other to speak in Orcish.
“Come on. You know he doesn’t speak Atasi.” Yeah, I don’t speak that word she just said.
“Ursza, Ignatz, this is Dave.” Yogik makes the introductions while both teens stare at me silently.
“It’s David, actually,” I correct him. I really do not like being called Dave. I can tell Yogik wants to ask me about it but gets distracted by something behind me. I turn and see another orc entering the room.
“Khazak, it is so good to see you.” The new guy embraces Khazak. Wait, I thought there were only two brothers. Have I miscounted the men? “This must be David. I am Jarek.” Oof, another hug. Upon closer inspection, no, this guy looks a little older. Short black hair, medium build, small goatee and mustache.
“It is nice to meet you.” He doesn’t give me the chance to respond before turning to the rest of the group. “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.” And then he’s gone.
“I’m sorry, but who was that?” I ask after the orc’s speedy exit.
