Page 47 of The Savage Vow
“It could work,” Makhel said. “I might know someone, but we would have to hurry. A witch who lives north of here. She harnesses strong magic something like I’ve never seen. It will be dangerous, but she will remain discreet.”
“Then that’s where we go.” Nargol wasn’t going to question her friend. She was sure they would need to pay the witch well. There was one thing she’d learned a long time ago—never trust a witch. “We have to get this to my father.”
“That I agree. Let’s make sure the witch can do what we need. Otherwise, we will need a backup plan,” Makhel murmured.
Nargol gently lifted the old parchment from its stone holding. Her hands trembled at the feeling of the thick paper. Makhel removed her satchel from her back and opened it. They gently secured it then closed the bag. They quickly retreated back the way they’d come. As much as Nargol wanted to explore this place, they did not have time. If they were going to make a side trip before returning to Soza, they needed to leave immediately.
Nargol paused outside the temple and glanced back. That same calming feeling remained inside her.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
A gentle breeze blew and caressed her skin. She closed her eyes briefly. She nodded, spun on her heel, and followed Makhel over to where their shukans grazed.
It was only once they had mounted their shukans and rode deep into the forest, away from the ruins, that Nargol felt it.
Eyes were on them again, and this time, it was not the spirits.
“We are being followed.” Makhel’s jaw tightened.
“Let him think we have not noticed him,” Nargol said calmly.
They rode on and adjusted their pace while their senses were sharp. From what she could tell, it was only a single orc. They continued to act as if they didn’t know they were being pursued.
This orc had certainly made a mistake. He was unaware that he tailed two of the most experienced warriors who fought for the chieftain.
It was no surprise to Nargol that Hagu would have them monitored. This entire mission was a test of their loyalty.
But Nargol was only loyal to one orc and clan.
“I want you to continue ahead,” Nargol said. The path they were on looked as if it narrowed up ahead as the trees grew thicker. She would intervene with their shadow, but she didn’t want Makhel to slow down. “I’ll catch up with you.”
Makhel slammed her fist over her heart and met Nargol’s eyes. No words were needed. They couldn’t allow Hagu to find out that they had visited this witch. She figured he would send spies. The orc had hidden himself well on the journey to the ruins. His mistake was letting himself be noticed. Hagu had just made a faux pas. He’d unknowingly sent this orc to die.
The minute the path narrowed, Nargol disappeared into the brush.
This lone rider had made a huge error, and he was going to pay dearly for it.
By the time Nargol had caught up with Makhel, the last traces of daylight had disappeared. They rode their shukans hard. Torch loved to run wild and free and lived for the days where she justlet him race across the plains. Night pressed in, the promise of rain scented off in the distance.
Nargol’s mind refused to settle.
Their shadow had been swiftly dealt with. She had no regrets for how his time amongst them had come to an end.
She had slipped away from Makhel without a trace and had circled back to where it was she who followed the lone orc. The orc trailing them had been skilled until he’d allowed himself to be noticed.
Nargol had waited until he had dismounted to relieve himself near a stream. His guard had been lowered by fatigue or false confidence. She didn’t know, nor did she care. He’d noticed that Nargol had left, but he’d continued to follow Makhel.
Her attack had been swift.
Their fight had been brief but vicious. The orc had fought hard, but Nargol was the better warrior. He had been no match for her. He’d only managed to slit her shoulder with his dagger. She’d disarmed him moments later.
She’d pinned him to the ground with her knee to his chest and her dagger at his throat.
“Who sent you?” she demanded through clenched teeth.
“Hagu. He wanted you followed. To ensure you completed the task.” He gasped. “He doesn’t trust anyone. Ever.”
“What other orders did he give you?” Nargol said.
