Chapter 8 #2
“I...” Damn. She’s right. “There hasn’t been time. Everything happened so fast—the photos, getting you on that plane, bringing you here. I’ve been focused on keeping you safe.”
“Both your parents live on this commune and I haven’t met them because they’re out hunting? For how long?”
“At least a couple more days.” I squeeze her hands gently.
“They’re a hunting team. My parents track game in the northern territories.
It’s important work, they provide meat for the whole commune.
Their names are Maggie and Cadoc Irontree.
” I can’t help but smile at her surprised expression.
“My mother especially will be disappointed she missed meeting you the moment you arrived. She’s been waiting for me to find a Bride for a long time. ”
Anna’s cheeks flush again. “I didn’t know. I feel bad that I wasn’t even inquisitive about your family. I think it’s because I don’t have any family anymore, so it makes it easier to think someone else could be like that too, without anyone. Do you have any brothers?”
“No, I’m an only offspring.” I tug her gently toward the door. “But I do have a lot of Irontree cousins. Come on. I’ll introduce you to my parents when they return. Right now, we have a meeting to get to.”
She chuckles and follows me outside into the utility vehicle. “It’s a beautiful day,” she comments.
I nod in agreement. The day is clear and crisp, spring in Maine showing off for my bride. Most of the snow has melted away and everything is green and alive, the forest surrounding the commune thick with new growth.
I start driving us toward the center of the commune, taking the main path that winds through our sector.
Anna is quiet beside me, watching everything with a smile on her delicate features, obviously loving the first days of spring.
We eventually leave my quiet section and drive closer to where more orcs live.
We pass more cabins where orcs are going about their morning routines.
Anna’s eyes widen slightly as we pass a group of orcs working on repairing a cabin roof. All bare-chested, muscular and scarred, focused on their task. “Aren’t they cold?” she questions.
“No, we don’t need much clothing,” I explain.
“Our skin runs hotter than a humans’. This climate is comfortable for us.
I wore more human-style clothing when I was out and about, particularly while at Black Oak Academy, in Truckee.
But now that I’m back home, I dress in a more traditional orc manner. ”
She nods, still looking around, taking it all in. Some orcs are even barefoot, their thick skin protecting their feet from the rough ground. It’s probably strange for her, coming from the human world where everyone is always fully dressed unless playing water sports.
We pass a group of human Brides walking together, chatting and laughing.
They’re dressed in typical human clothing of the same type I witnessed while living in Northern California—sweaters, jeans, jackets against the spring chill.
They wave at us when they see my vehicle, their expressions curious.
Word has already spread about the new human. Small communities are like that.
Anna energetically waves back at the group, which is a good sign.
Further down the path orc offspring play in a clearing.
They have small starter horns, running and laughing, playing the exact same games I played when I was their age.
Anna watches them with soft eyes and I wonder if, after our deep conversation this morning, she’s continuing to think about a possible future here, with me.
About orc children of our own. The thought makes both warmth and possession swirl in my chest.
I would be willing to go back to the human world to live with Anna, if that’s what she wanted, but if she wanted to stay here in the commune and build a life here, that would wonderful too.
The Great Lodge comes into view ahead. It’s a massive timber and stone building that for centuries has served as the heart of our community.
It’s where important decisions are made, celebrations are held, and where the community gathers.
We’ve been here already, but today we’re going into a different space within the building for this meeting.
I park the vehicle outside the Lodge and kill the engine. Other vehicles are already here.
I come around to Anna’s side and offer my hand. She takes it without hesitation, her grip firm despite the tremor I can feel. Together, we walk up the wide steps and I open the massive carved doors.
Inside, we pass through the main hall with high beamed ceilings, a stone fireplace large enough to roast a whole deer, and long tables and chairs where the commune gathers for celebrations.
Anna’s eyes are wide, taking in the scope of it.
She saw this yesterday, but I suppose it’s still a lot for a small human to take in.
There are no images of this lodge out in the greater world.
Humans are never invited on commune ground, only brides are allowed inside.
Meetings with humans always take place in human spaces and we keep
I guide her down a corridor into a smaller conference room. Her hand tightens in mine as we reach the door. I pause and look down at her. “Ready?”
She takes another deep breath. “Yes.”
I open the door.
The conference room is comfortable with a large table, orc-sized chairs, and a big screen on one wall for video calls. Windows let in natural light. Rogan Overlook made sure this space wouldn’t be intimidating.
Four orcs are already seated at the table, and they all stand when we enter.
Rogan Overlook, our leader, is at the head of the table.
He’s Whelan’s father and has a calm authority that puts people at ease.
Kelt is here too, having beaten us back from my cabin.
Urdan sits beside him, a massive orc with grey-tinged skin.
He’s one of our senior security members, quiet but deadly competent.
And surprisingly, Rothgar is here. The old orc rarely involves himself in commune politics, preferring to stay in his cabin with his cats.
He normally represents all the unmated, senior orcs, a respected member of the orc council.
His presence means something, a show of support that Anna probably doesn’t understand yet.
“Anna,” Rogan says warmly, stepping forward. “Welcome. It’s nice to see you again this soon. Thank you for trusting us with this.”
His voice is kind, almost grandfatherly, and Anna relaxes slightly beside me. “Thank you for having me,” she manages.
Kelt nods respectfully. “Ms. Lee. Good to see you again.”
Urdan’s voice is deep and gravelly. “We’re honored you’d trust us with your story.”
Even Rothgar gives a nod of acknowledgment.
I pause to introduce my female to the gruff, older male, then I guide Anna to a seat and settle beside her, close enough that my bare shoulder nearly touches hers.
Urdan brings over a tray with water, coffee, and orc brew. Anna takes a glass of water with shaking hands and sips carefully.
Rogan speaks again. “We’ll be connecting with the Irontrees in Truckee shortly. But first, I want you to know that you’re safe here. Whatever you tell us stays within the orcs in this room or with the Irontrees in Truckee, it will go no further. We’re here to help, not judge.”
Anna nods, her hands steadier now.
Kelt moves to the video screen and starts setting up the connection. It takes a moment, but then the screen flickers to life and there they are—my cousins in California.