Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
Keric
Ionly agreed to a kitten living in my cabin because this caused a bright smile to flash across Anna’s charming face.
Not that I dislike cats, but I’ve never understood why these animals are coveted. Loki was perfectly fine to live with in the large house in Truckee, but I didn’t have to feed or walk him, or be personally responsible for him, so that was fine.
Meanwhile, I am surprised at how quickly I’m charmed by this small creature Anna brought into our home and named Dinah. The name is acceptable, and the animal has soft fur and a comforting rumble in its chest. I’ve never petted a cat before and the texture is very addictive.
Dinah sleeps on my lap, completely relaxed. Her tiny paws and the small tail are appealing. She chose me specifically and climbed right up my leg like I was hers.
Anna still takes photos of this cat sleeping in my lap. The joy on her face makes agreeing to this animal worth it.
My female’s stomach grumbles loudly. She laughs, embarrassed. “Sorry. I’m starving.”
“I promised you lunch. Let me cook.”
I stand and carefully set Dinah back down on the couch in the warm spot I left behind. We had a long meeting in the Great Lodge and then ended up at Rothgar’s cabin and adopted a kitten. It’s been a busy day and I need to feed my female.
In the kitchen, I start pulling out ingredients.
Anna follows behind. “What are you making?”
“There is venison from a deer I hunted last month,” I explain.
“So, I will make venison stew. We preserve meat in the cold storage building near the center of the commune. Vegetables often come from the communal garden. It will not take long to make the stew because I precooked a batch of seasoned meat yesterday.”
She seems impressed and sits at the small kitchen table, watching as I chop vegetables.
Dinah follows and begins to investigate the kitchen. The small grey and white kitten sniffs around and tries to climb chair legs with her tiny claws. The creature tumbles, gets back up immediately and tries again.
Anna laughs at her antics. “She’s so determined.”
I turn to look at my future Bride. “Like someone else I know,” I comment.
Our eyes meet and something warm passes between us.
I continue preparing our meal, enjoying having her nearby, chatting with me as I make food for the both of us.
Anna steals a piece of carrot to munch. “I want to know more about how you learned to cook so good. Who taught you?”
A chuckle rumbles in my chest. “I don’t cook that well.
When I was living with my cousins in Truckee I was only allowed to chop vegetables because I was considered the worst at cooking.
My parents taught me how to cook but I was never as good as them.
My father taught both my mother and myself all the recipes of old, passed down for generations.
My mother taught me how to make many simple human meals, like the breakfast we had this morning.
“Which do you like better, human or orc food?”
“Human food is highly palatable, but orc food is better for my body, giving me the nutrients I need to remain strong and satisfied.” I stir the pot, finding the vegetables tender, so I add the venison, along with vegetable stock and extra spices.
“We prefer traditional game meat mainly deer, elk and wild boar, what we hunt ourselves.”
“That makes sense.”
“We like fish too from the rivers and lakes nearby. Salmon, trout, bass. The waters here are clean and full.” I glance at her. “Do you prefer fish or game meat?”
Anna considers. “I’m willing to try anything.
I’ve never been a picky eater and I like trying different types of food.
I’m not allergic to anything either. I’ve eaten venison before and liked it.
The orc meal you made us yesterday was wonderful so I’m happy with the idea of you making us a mixture of both orc and human foods.
I’d like to eventually try all your favorite orc dishes. ”
“Good. I’ll cook you both. We can even fish together in the river, if you’d like, in the summer, when the weather warms more.”
She nods slowly. “I’d like that.”
My bride doesn’t mind me making plans that are months away, showing that she’s already thinking about staying long term. I want Anna to consider this her new home.
The stew simmers, filling the cabin with rich, hearty smells. “My parents are hunters,” I remind her. “A hunting team. They’re out now, tracking elk in the northern territories.”
“How long have they been gone?”
“Almost a week. They’re due back in a few days.” I stir the pot again. “My mother will be excited to meet you.”
Anna blushes. “Really?”
“She’s been waiting for me to find a Bride for years.”
Anna doesn’t correct the word. Just nods, thoughtful.
The tiny kitten scurries between my feet.
She tries to jump onto a chair which I think she hopes will lead to the counter, obviously can’t make it and falls back, to land on her feet.
It’s an impossible task, but she tries again immediately.
I bend down to scoop up the kitten. “Not on the counters during cooking,” I admonish.
Dinah meows in protest, loud for such a small creature.
“She has opinions already,” Anna laughs.
“Apparently.”
Finally, the food is ready and I ladle the stew into two bowls for us at the kitchen table. Anna spent time setting the table up and getting our drinks and utensils ready. She even lit a scented candle in the center of the table. It is a nice atmosphere.
Anna’s eyes widen. “This is a lot of food.”
“It’s been a long day. You are a delicate female and I need to keep you fed and healthy.”
“Delicate?” she grins. “I’ve never been called that before.”
My brow furrows. “You are delicate.”
“Thank you for thinking that I am,” she responds, then tries the stew. Her eyes close in pleasure. “Oh my gosh, this is delicious. The venison is so tender.”
Pride swells in my chest. “Good.”
We eat in comfortable silence as Dinah weaves between the table legs, meowing occasionally. I consume three bowls of stew and Anna eats a bowl and a half. She tries to give the kitten a small piece of leftover meat. Dinah devours it and wants more immediately.
Then Anna’s phone buzzes.
She checks it while clearing the table. “Oh, it’s from Drew. She’s the one I met yesterday when we first arrived.” My female reads the message and smiles. “Drew’s inviting me to meet some of the women for coffee and conversation at her cabin.”
I rinse a bowl. “I’ve known Drew Overlook for years now. She’s a female you might have much in common with. You’ll like spending more time with her and the others.”
“You don’t mind if I go and visit them tomorrow?”
“Meeting with them is an excellent idea. You need to build connections here and they can help you learn how to order anything you might need.”
“Good point.” Anna texts back, accepting the meeting. “She says we meet at 10 am tomorrow.”
“Perfect. I’ll make sure you get there.”
My phone buzzes. I check the screen and find a text from Kelt. Patrols doubled. Perimeter secure. New motion sensors installed at three access points. No suspicious activity. Will check in every 6 hours.
I tap out an answer. Good. Keep me updated immediately if anything changes.
Another text arrives from Jonus, this time via our group text: Contacted the whistleblower lawyer. Rebecca Stein. Meeting set for next week via secure video. She’s reviewing the evidence files remotely now and will have preliminary assessment in 3-4 days.
Excellent work, I reply. Keep me in the loop.
Aldar adds a response to the group text. Evidence uploaded to secure server and encrypted with military-grade protection. Lawyer has access. No one else can breach it. Physical drives locked in Rogan’s safe.
Perfect. Thank you, I respond.
Anna notices me texting. “Everything okay?”
“Yes. Updates on your case.”
I scoop up Dinah and sit next to my female and show her the group text. We talk together about the lawyer, the security measures and the evidence being protected with encryption and locked away.
Relief washes over her face. “It’s really happening.”
“Yes. The machine is in motion. In two to three weeks, this goes public.” I reach out, squeeze her hand. “And then you’re free.”
My phone buzzes again with another text from Kelt: Need you at security office for an hour to review updated patrol routes. Maps are easier in person.
I look at Anna, uncertain. “I need to go for awhile for a security meeting with Kelt and Urdan.”
“Oh really? Well…do I need to be there too?”
I think about it for a moment. “No. We’ll be looking at maps of the commune. You could stay here if you want, or you can come with me if you feel uncomfortable at the thought of staying here alone. Either way is fine, it is up to you.”
“I feel safe here and I think I’d rather stay with Dinah if that’s okay, since she’s new to the house and I can keep her company.”
I hand the kitten over. “I won’t be long.”
At Kelt’s office near the Grand Lodge, I find maps spread out on the table. Patrol routes are marked in different colors.
He greets me and gets right to business. “We’ve added coverage here and here. Your cabin is under constant surveillance, not invasive, just watchful.”
I nod in agreement. Our commune is large, forested and remote. We’ve managed to keep it mainly hidden from the encroachment of humans, despite their great numbers in North America in the last few centuries. There are multiple access points from the main road and Kelt has them all covered.
“I need you to check the security plan with a second set of eyes.”
I get right to work, studying the maps. We’ve worked together for years, constantly doing this type of review for each other as a regular part of our process because it’s the best way to find errors.
Finally, I look up. “This is a good plan. I can’t find any errors or anything to add.
You’re doing everything possible to keep her safe and keep everyone else here safe too from these criminals. ”