Page 4 of The Savage Vow
“Be careful,” he whispered. This was Tulak, herranhos, speaking. Not the chieftain.
“I always am.” Her lips curled up.
He smiled at her and shook his head. He gave her shoulder a tight squeeze then released her.
“Whoever sent those orcs wanted chaos. They want us scrambling. We will not succumb to what they desire.” Tulak stepped back from her and gave her a nod.
Nargol spun on her heel and stalked through the chamber. She left the room and shed the mask of the chieftain’s daughter. She donned the mantle she wore best.
The shadow.
Her father wanted answers.
She would bring him everything he wanted to know.
The barracks lay along the eastern wall of Angarth Keep. It was late, and even under the cover of dark, Nargol could hear warriors training. The air smelled of oiled steel and sweat. She breathed deep and would never tire of the scent.
Nargol arrived at the main area where warriors sparred in the central ring. Blades clashed against each other as they practiced, while others sharpened their weapons. Heads turned as she approached. She acknowledged them with a brief nod and went in search of a specific warrior.
Makhel was easy to spot. She stood near one of the support columns, arms bare with a fresh wrap around one forearm. Nargol smiled. The warrior had probably sparred with a new recruit and received a wound. Her dark hair was braided tightly against her skull, and her tusks shone brightly, even underneath the moonlight.
Makhel laughed at something one of the other fighters said. A lot of them looked up to the female. She had experience that they only hoped to gain. Nargol approached, and Makhel’s laughter faded.
“Well,” Makhel said. Her eyes brightened. “If it isn’t the princess.”
“Don’t start.” Nargol’s mouth twitched.
The warriors paused and stared at Nargol. She and her sister were considered legendary combatants to the younger generation. She suddenly felt old at her age, looking at how youthful these warriors were.
“Back to work. If you’re idle enough to gawk at her, you’re idle enough to go spar.”
They scattered quickly, leaving them alone. Nargol shook her head, remembering when it had been her gawking at the fierce soldiers who fought for her father. She had trained hard every day in order to be the warrior she was.
“You’re up to something. I can tell,” Makhel said. She studied Nargol closely. Her expression sharpened.
“Come with me,” Nargol said.
They left the barracks and walked along a narrow path that led into the woods. The noise of the keep faded as they climbed. Nargol didn’t want to chance someone overhearing their conversation. They arrived near a small stone wall that overlooked the village.
“What are you hunting?” Makhel rested her arms on the wall as they stared off at the rolling hills that surrounded their town of Udenia. Distant sounds floated away from the town, letting one know it was still active. Soon, it would be quiet when the townsfolk settled in for the night.
“Answers,” Nargol said quietly. She turned to face Makhel. “I’m going into Ogola clan territory.”
“Your father is sending you?” Makhel arched an eyebrow. Interest appeared in the warrior’s gaze. She would understand what it meant if the chieftain had called on Nargol. She was no stranger to Nargol’s position.
“Yes.” Nargol nodded.
“Alone?”
“No.” Nargol folded her arms. She smirked and motioned to Makhel. “With you.”
For a moment, Makhel said nothing. The orc stared at Nargol with a blank expression. Soon, a grin spread across her face.
“You’re asking?”
“I am.” Nargol rolled her eyes. Her longtime friend always had to make things difficult. “I want someone I trust to accompany me. Someone who knows when to keep her mouth shut and when to break a few bones.”
“You sure know how to flatter a girl.” Makhel laughed.
