Page 1 of Claimed By Stone
Prologue
Thavros
Journal entry - October 21st
The nights are growing longer. Khuldruk has been gone for nearly a week. I continue to pore over the books, looking for the origin of the magic. I continue to search for why we no longer have our mating bonds.
It has been over two years since the crystal of our mountain gave off even the faintest glow. Khuldruk has gone to find his mate. Without that, I fear our magic is lost.
The Orcs of the Westerly Clan have learned of our dwindling magic. An attack is imminent unless we can get more strength to our warriors, and our healers can actually use their gifts.
All hope lies with him venturing to another land to find his mate.
Journal entry October 24th
The crystal glows!
When I came into the library today, I saw it giving off a faint purple light. I've yet to hear from Khuldruk, but perhaps he found his mate.
Hope is renewed.
Chapter 1
Thavros
"Fremaaaaa!"
I rushed past the guards, paying them no attention. I was on a mission to find my sister.
"Frema!" I called again, my heart pounding with real hope for the first time in years.
The hallways blurred past me as I ignored the glances of the orcs I passed on my way to the great hall.
The hall was busy this morning. With most of our clan being here for breakfast, it was hard to spot her in the crowd. The hall hasn’t always been this crowded. But as our magic faded, the orcs who had ventured out into the world, whether to till the land or make a life for themselves in other places in the realm, had all returned. An orc without magic is vulnerable on its own. Here, at least we have safety in numbers.
Still, Frema should be easy to find in this group, being one of the most skilled warriors in the clan. She is about a head taller than most of the orc women, though not quite as large as most of the warrior men.
Finally, I spied her sitting at a table with her troop.
"Sister, I need to speak with you,” I said, trying to still my features so I wouldn't give away the importance of the issue.
"Can it wait? Listen, Ulgar heard –"
"No, it cannot wait. It is urgent."
She cocked her head.
"Please, it is most urgent."
She nodded before finally rising and following me.
Once we were out of the great hall, she asked, "What is it?"
But this wasn’t something I wanted to discuss here out in the open. Not when there were ears everywhere.
"Come with me," I said as I made my way quickly into the maze of passageways winding deeper into the mountain, making my way back to my study and war room.
As we made the final corridor before the study, she asked quietly, "Thavros, what is it? Is it Khuldruk?"
