Page 45 of The Iron Oath
“It is, my lady. This is the safest place one can be in Udenia.” Magoza gave a nod to Amuleta and exited the carriage. She closed the door behind her and turned toward the opening of the stronghold.
There was a group riding in fast on large beasts. A cloud of dust rose in the air from the hooves of the shukans. Magoza tensed and moved to where she could see who these orcs were.
She glanced up at the stone wall that surrounded the stronghold and found warriors arriving in place to defend the keep. Their archers were the best in the land. Whoever these orcs were, they would not leave this place breathing if they tried to attack. The few stragglers in the keep scurried inside the building. Aguk came to stand beside her.
“Who the feck is this?” he murmured.
“Not sure.” She rested her hand on her axe as they came to a halt a short distance away.
Silence fell upon them. The first orc she recognized once he’d removed his hood. It was Sakgu Resh, the leader of the Dhogurd Clan. She took in the others with him and knew immediately who they were as well.
Clan leaders from around Aghon had arrived unannounced.
This was not good.
Three of the orcs were the clan leaders of the families her mother had been in talks with for an arranged mating, while the other orc was from a prominent clan. She glanced around at the courtyard, hearing the quiet footsteps of warriors arriving. The Cydassis were not to be taken for weak. Magoza turned back to the group and took a step forward.
“I’m sure there is a good reason you all have chosen to arrive at my home without invitation,” a thunderous voice echoed through the air.
Magoza paused and glanced over her shoulder to find her father and sister striding out of a doorway into the courtyard. Both were dressed prepared for battle. Her father was an imposing figure with his broadsword, fierce glare, and sharp tusks.
“There was no time to send word, Chieftain,” Sakgu said. His gaze landed on the carriage, then turned back to her father.
Tulak strode past Magoza while Nargol came to stand by her side. No words needed to be said between sisters. Nargol gave a slight nod before they switched their attention to their father and unannounced guests.
“And whatever is the reason you needed six of you to come? At night? What is the meaning of this?” her father demanded. Tulak was not an orc one wanted to piss off.
“We are here to discuss the rumors that have reached our lands,” Larek, the clan leader of Bubul, announced.
“Larek, when did you start listening to rumors?” Tulak asked.
“When it deals with the future leader of our people,” Larek replied. He flicked his hard gaze to Magoza.
She stood taller and met his stare without flinching. She would never back down from a threat, and the one he was issuing was silent but yet ear-piercingly loud.
“We hear your daughter is mating with a half-breed.”
“And you know that cannot be,” Ragesh of the Jungshen Clan barked.
“I’d say it was none of your business who I mate with,” Magoza snapped.
She moved forward, but Nargol grabbed her arm. Tulak raised a hand in the air, cutting her off. She knew not to overstep her boundaries. She inhaled sharply and tried to rein in her anger.
“I—we—disagree with you, Magoza, daughter of Tulak.” Sakgu motioned to the other clan leaders. “And that is why we are here. This potential mating would cause unrest in Aghon.”
Silence followed his words. Magoza stared at her father’s back, waiting for his response. Would he now agree with them since they were prominent clan leaders? This was a fecking shakedown. Six clan leaders coming together was an issue. When this occurred, it was known as a Council of Clans. A council was formed to protect Aghon from destruction.
“Come. Board your beasts. They will be watered and fed,” Tulak said.
Magoza blinked and glanced at Nargol who gave her a slight nod.
Trust him.
Magoza relaxed slightly. It was without doubt that she did trust that her father would do what was best for not only her, but for Aghon.
“We shall discuss this matter inside.” He spun on his heels and walked past her without looking at her.
Nothing was keeping her from this meeting. Her future was at stake.
