Page 28 of The Savage Vow
Hagu gave her another once-over, jerking his head in a nod.
“If you say so, Shel.” He sniffed. He motioned over to an area where the orcs had moved to. “Come. Grat is about to speak.”
They followed him through the crowd. Tension coiled inside Nargol with every step. The ground beneath their boots was thick wet mud and leaves. It was already slick from the first drops of rain that had fallen.
A large menacing orc stood atop a felled tree. This must be Grat. He was massive and imposing, his armor etched with symbols older than the Cydassi reign. Nargol recognized them immediately. The orc’s voice boomed as they approached.
“The Nidani have forgotten who we are!” Grat snarled. “They bow to weakness. They no longer abide by the ancestors’ traditions. They have traded strength for a false sense of peace.”
Murmurs of agreement floated through the crowd.
Nargol’s jaw clenched.
Her father and his father before him had fought for unity amongst the clans. It was a must with the ever-changing world. It was for survival. These orcs twisted what they called tradition into what it was not.
“The attack was not a failure. It was a test,” Grat spouted.
A chill slid down Nargol’s spine. She adjusted her hood to ensure it remained low to block her face. She bit back a scowl and tried to remain interested in what this orc had to say. She searched the crowd, taking in how each orc was captivated by Grat’s words.
“It was only the beginning,” Grat said. “How does the chieftain of our great nation have weak warriors? Our men were able to blow past them without restraint.”
Nargol exchanged a brief glance with Makhel. That just confirmed their suspicions. Nargol bit back a snort. Their men may have gotten the initial drop on the royal guards and warrior, but none of them had returned to their families. Was that something to boast about?
“We have allies,” Grat continued on. “In Udenia, right now as we speak. They are in place and are waiting for the signal.”
Udenia.
Nargol’s blood ran cold.
“They think Tulak is strong.” He paused amongst the boos and displeasure of the crowd.
Nargol’s hands clenched into fists. She blinked and had to remember her place. She relaxed them.
“But strength without cruelty is weakness. It is time for the Nidani to step aside and let a real clan lead this country.”
Cheers erupted.
Nargol forced her expression into a sneer and joined the noise. Every instinct screamed for her to cut Grat down where he stood.
But she resisted and listened. More orcs got up and spoke, giving riveting speeches. They were recruiting for their cause.
“We don’t need a leader who allows his heir to mate with a half-breed. We need orcs to remain pure and strong. Introducing other races into our blood weakens our nation!” another orc shouted from a makeshift stage.
If only they knew who was currently standing in the crowd. They were dissecting her family. There was only so much she could take. She breathed in deep and had to continuously remember why she was there. She would like to see any of these orcs fight either of her parents, or her sister, or even her. They would show them who the weak orcs were.
If not her clan, the Nidani leading Aghon, then who would be the next choice? Cardu’s name surfaced again and again—not outright but hinted. It was obvious these orcs were his supporters. They would do anything for their leader.
Even cause a revolt against the current chieftain.
Commit treason.
Hagu turned to her and Makhel. He slapped Makhel on the shoulder.
“I’m glad you came tonight. We need more orcs willing to act,” he said.
“I’m glad I found you. This is what we have been looking for,” Makhel announced. She motioned to Nargol. “Whatever needs to be done, we are willing to do.”
The lie was a bitter pill to swallow. Nargol nodded in agreement with Makhel.
