Page 29 of The Iron Oath
“Start praying to the gods for an answer.”
“I’m done. Now you need to go and soak in the healing baths,” Sharma instructed.
Magoza blinked, not having realized that the healer had finished. Sharma wiped her hands to remove Magoza’s blood from them. She nodded toward the door that led to the bathing rooms.
“Shamir omie,” Magoza murmured. She slid off the bed and stood to her full height. Her body ached in muscles she hadn’t felt in a long time. She grimaced at the tightness on her shoulder. She glanced down at it and ran a finger over the pristine stitching.
“Wulcimu.” Sharma nodded. She batted Magoza’s hand away from her handiwork. “Leave that alone. Go. Soak for a few minutes to allow the healing salts to help your body.”
Magoza chuckled and leaned forward to press a kiss to Sharma’s weathered cheek.
“I will send your favorites to your home,” Magoza murmured.
Sharma was well known to have a sweet tooth. The healer always welcomed Magoza’s gifts. She would have desserts, fruits, and a few bottles of wine delivered to the healer’s home. She and her mate would appreciate them.
“Go.” Sharma shooed her away, but Magoza didn’t miss her smile as she turned to clean up the mess that had been created by Magoza’s injuries.
Magoza headed to the bathing room where she looked forward to the quick soak. She needed to get the bloodied clothing off her. She nodded toward a few warriors as she passed. Some she knew, others she didn’t, but they all deserved her respect whether or not they were advancing in the trials. She exited the infirmary and went into one of the bathing rooms where servants waited. There were plenty of pools for warriors to come and soak in. The healing power of the waters were always appreciated. From experience, Magoza knew her body would feel like new after a good soak.
“Commander. Please come with me.” A pretty servant came forward. The female orc was draped in a sheer white dress that didn’t hide much of her voluptuous body. She took Magoza’s hand and guided her to a pool in the back. It gave Magoza an opportunity to view the entire room. “My name is Vessa. I will be your attendant.”
“Shamir omie,”Magoza murmured.
They arrived at the deep pool that was a welcoming sight. Her muscles were screaming to her, and she eyed the water, unable to wait to get in.
“Of course. It will be my pleasure to assist you in whatever you may need,” Vessa replied.
Her gaze swept over Magoza. It was well known that the attendants in the healing bath houses were full service. Had this been any time before Magoza had found her mate, she would have taken Vessa up on her unspoken offer.
“That is very kind of you, but I will only require a healing soak and clean clothing.” Magoza reached for her tunic and began to work the leather ties at her waist.
“Yes, Commander. Let’s get you in the water, then I will gather what you need.” She offered a smile, but the disappointment was apparent in her eyes.
Magoza couldn’t care less. She had found her mate and would always be true to her. Whether Amuleta accepted her or not, Magoza belonged to her. There would be no other.
Vessa assisted Magoza in removing her bloodied fighting leathers and boots. Once she was completely naked, Magoza sank into the warm water. A hiss released from her lips at the sensation of the water. She went over to the seating ledge and settled down. The water was high enough to cover her chest.
Vessa went about adding herbs and concoctions to the water. A light floral scent permeated the air. Magoza settled back and rested her arms on the ledge behind her. While the waters healed her aching muscles, she would think of a plan to claim her mate and not lose her kingdom at the same time.
“Commander!” Her title was shouted out by dozens of people.
Magoza stepped out of the arena healing doors and was bombarded by villagers. They flocked to her, offering their congratulations.
“I knew you were going to win!” A tall orc laughed.
Her people were beaming with pride. A win for her was a win for them. She allowed them to get close as they wanted to touch her and offer their prayers for her next fight. There were dozens of orcs waiting near the warriors’ exit. Participating in the trials tended to raise the status of each fighter. Their notoriety would rise amongst the village folk and across Aghon.
“I thank you for the faith,” Magoza murmured. It did make her feel good to know that her people were rooting for her. Just because her last name was Cydassi didn’t mean they would be behind her. There were those out there who were against her family leading the Nidani Clan.
“How about we celebrate, Commander?” a husky voice suggested.
Magoza turned and found two females standing next to her. With their amber eyes outlined in kohl, striking features, pearly white tusks, long dark hair left hanging around their shoulders, and thick curvy bodies, there was no question they were trying to catch a warrior’s attention. They were everything she would have gone for before, but as she gazed upon the beautiful orc females, she felt nothing. The second female came to stand on the other side of Magoza and ran her hand over her injured arm.
“We can certainly help you relax tonight. After that fight, I’m sure you need release,” she boldly stated in front of the crowd.
“Me and Altina could help you.” The first one offered a sensual smile.
The hairs on the back of Magoza’s neck stood up. Eyes were on her, and the sensation of being watched had her on alert. She glanced up from the two women and casually looked around. Across the way she was met with the gaze of one amber and one brown eye.
