Page 2 of Song For His Siren
"Hmmm, yes. There has not been a true mating since your parents." She nodded.
"Yes, and the magic is suffering. I fear there is a threat from the west."
A truce between the two orc clans had held strong for decades, but tensions were high. The rumors the Lochcraig Clan was without magic were concerning.
"I may have an idea, but it is not without risk."
"I’ll risk my life for this clan. What can I do?"
"Follow me," she said then turned, making her way through the green forest.
After walking about a mile, they came to a cottage in the deep woods that lay next to a small stream.
"Is this your home?" he asked.
"It is. Would you like to come in? I have some stew on the fire, and I have something that might help you—if you are willing."
He followed her into the small cabin. He had to duck his head low to follow her in. There was a pot bubbling over the fire, and the delicious smell filled the air.
"Please, have a seat." She gestured to the table.
Khuldruk pulled out the chair and studied it, testing its strength to see if it would hold him. It seemed sturdy enough, but as he sat, it gave a groan of protest underneath him. He tried to pull it up to the table, but his knees bumped into it.
"You certainly are a big fellow, aren't you?" said the amused woman.
He gave a low rumbly laugh. "I am." Orcs were big, but Khuldruk was enormous.
The small woman put out a plate of bread onto the table before dishing them both a bowl of stew. She set the bowls on the table. Then, she turned to the storage cabinet and pulled out a jug of mead, pouring them both a mug.
"Have you ever thought about traveling to another realm?" she asked him matter-of-factly.
"No," he answered with the same tone. Why would he go to another realm to find a mate?
She smiled at him and gave a small chuckle. "Wouldyou consider going to another realm?"
"I’d do anything to ensure the safety and prosperity of my clan."
"I may have just the thing," she said as she cleared away her dish. She went over to the cabinet and pulled out a simple wooden box. She came back to the table and set the box down in front of him.
"Open it," she said.
He opened the lid. In the box was a small, shiny black brick. "What is this?" He pulled it out, and upon further examination, he noted that it looked similar to the technology of the southlands.
"It is a communication device from a distant realm." She took it from his hand and turned it on. He watched with his brows pinched tight as she tapped the screen. The screen lit up with a small square that read Kis-meet.
"Here, take this.'' He took the small device from her again. It looked small in his massive hands. "Hold it to your face so it can learn you."
He looked at her, unsure if he should.
"Please trust me. It is safe," she encouraged, moving his hand closer to his face.
He did so, and soon, it opened to the screen it had been on for her.
"Now it knows your face. Tap on that square, and you should soon see your mate."
He looked at her in shock. Surely, it would not be that simple. She gave a small smile and nod.
He tapped on the small square. Then, the square opened to a woman—a human woman. She had long brown hair and wore a green dress with a brown corset. She also wore a crown of flowers; she must be royalty. She would be a suitable mate, but the more he looked at her, the more he was drawn into her eyes. They were blue with flecks of green, and they looked like the ocean. Khuldruk had never seen anything more beautiful in his entire life.
