Page 63 of The Savage Vow
She reached the door and tapped on it softly, then opened it. The door opened immediately. Makhel stood fully dressed, her weapons strapped on her figure, her expression grim.
“You’re on time,” Makhel murmured.
“You didn’t think I would be?” Nargol arched an eyebrow at her.
The orc had the nerve to snort, stepping aside to let her in. Their gear was laid out with meticulous precision. Blades were sharp, bows strung, and their packs were secured. The air felt heavy with unspoken dread. Nargol grabbed her belongings. Her weapons were a part of her. Walking around without them had her feeling exposed.
Now, hiding blades on her body made her feel complete. She adjusted the strap of her bow on her chest.
“I don’t know about you, but something feels off about this meeting,” Makhel said.
“I feel it, too, but we have to go. If we don’t show, then our cover will certainly be blown,” Nargol said softly. “I do feel that we are close to getting what we came for.”
Silence stretched for a moment, tension high. This meeting could make or break their mission. Hagu and Grat may not be who she was looking for, but she was sure they would lead her to the culprit who’d dared to plan a revolt against her family.
“We should send word to Udenia. Request backup. If this is bigger than we thought?—”
“Once the meeting is over, send it. It’s too late right now, but if things go poorly, my sister will come.” Nargol thought of Magoza. The future chiefess of Aghon would rain down fire to protect their legacy and come for her if need be.
Makhel clasped her forearm.
“Ticantus namaci,” Mahkel murmured.
Nargol tightened her grip on her friend’s arm.
“Ticantus namaci,” she repeated the old battle cry of warriors.
We fight as one.
They left their room and descended to the stables where their shukans waited. Nargol stroked Torch’s thick burnt-orange fur, drawing strength from the familiar warmth of her beast. He released a low growl. Her shukan could sense the difference in her. He always knew when they were going into a dangerous situation. This was not a casual ride through the village. They were potentially going into a battle.
It wouldn’t surprise her at all.
With a swift motion, she swung up into the saddle. She took the reins in her hand and nudged him with her heels.
They rode hard. The land blurred past in streaks of gray and silver as dawn bled slowly into the sky. Mist clung to the low hills of the land. It swirled around twisted trees and jagged rocks. The forest ahead loomed dark and ancient, its canopy swallowing the growing light of the twin suns.
Nargol’s instincts screamed a warning.
Every rustle of leaves, every distant cry of a bird sent her nerves on edge. She assessed the scenery and drew in a sharp breath. She was a warrior, trained since she was a young orc. Immediately, a calmness came over her. This was not her first mission, but this one had a little more at stake.
Her mate.
Orlena’s face surfaced again. The memory of her trust was what fueled her on.
Do you trust me?she’d asked her mate.
Yes.
She would not fail her. She would be free to live and go wherever her heart desired. Nargol would ensure that she would have everything she’d ever wanted. Protection. Love. Dreams.
They reached the clearing just as the suns crested the horizon. Orcs lingered at its edge, all of them armed and watchful. Hagu stood near the center besides Grat, both orcs wearing smug expressions.
Nargol figured they would think that their small show of strength was meant to intimidate her and Makhel. These orcs had certainly underestimated them. Nargol kept her gaze straight, but she sensed her friend riding next to her. As much as she wanted to wipe those expressions from their faces, she had to resist. She was here to play a part and learn the information she’d been sent to find.
They arrived at the party and halted their shukans a short distance away. Nargol slid from Torch and approached the males with Makhel at her side.
“You returned much faster than I expected,” Hagu said. His gaze flicked from her to Makhel before returning to her.
