Chapter 10 #3
“Don’t call me that. It makes me sound old.” She chuckled. Her gaze slid to Nargol and paused. For a long moment, she didn’t speak. Then her thin lips swept up into a smile. “You have your father’s eyes and your mother’s stubbornness. I wondered when one of you would come knocking.”
“You know who I am?” Nargol arched an eyebrow at the elderly witch.
“I’m old, not blind. Of course I can spot a Cydassi a mile away.” She snorted. She turned and waved for them to follow her. “Come. If you are here, then you need something from me.”
They entered the home carved into the earth. The walls were smooth with designs etched into them. Shelving lined some of them and were filled with jars, bones, and bundled herbs. A low fire burned at the center of the room in a pit, casting shadows across the ceiling.
Sava settled down on a stone stool. She motioned for them to do the same across from her on the other side of the fire.
“We have found ourselves in a situation,” Makhel began.
She explained what they needed from her.
She remained quiet as Makhel spoke. Nargol took the time to study her.
Was she to be trusted? She’d identified Nargol immediately but didn’t seem to care that a high member of the chieftain’s family was sitting in her home.
Once Makhel went silent, Sava’s wise gaze shifted to Nargol.
“You are wondering if I can be trusted,” the older orc announced. She tilted her head back and held Nargol’s stare.
“Shouldn’t I be?” Nargol boldly asked.
“And if I decided to side with those who conspire against your father, what would you do? Cut my tongue out? Kill an defenseless old woman?” This time it was she who raised an eyebrow.
Nargol smirked.
“You, old woman, are nowhere near defenseless.” Nargol glanced around the small home.
It may appear to be cozy, but she sensed the witch’s strong magic.
It almost wrapped Nargol up and squeezed her.
She landed her gaze back on the witch. It was rare that Nargol read someone wrong.
This female in front of them was not only extremely old but very powerful.
Nargol breathed in, and she sensed a bit of dark magic floating in the air. “So which is it?”
Sava stared at her for a long while, then her lips rose in a smile.
“Yes, you are just as stubborn as your mother,” Sava said.
She sat up straighter and held Nargol’s gaze without blinking.
“I shall always back the Nidanis’ claim to rule.
Your family’s claim was blessed by the gods.
Only those who can beat them in battle with honor can rule.
Orcs who are with no honor will do nothing but fail. ”
Nargol held back her surprise. Either the female knew of the ancient document already, or she was a very wise orc.
“Good answer,” Nargol murmured.
“Now what you are asking of me is barely a challenge for me. I’d hope since you had traveled all this way, it would have been for something that was more interesting.”
“This would require sacred magic.” Makhel frowned.
“Everything is sacred to someone. That doesn’t make it difficult,” Sava said. She leaned forward. The flames from the fire were reflected in her eyes. “I know the ancient document you speak of, but there is more danger awaiting you.”
“Explain.” Nargol sighed, even though her chest grew tight at the witch’s words.
“The human,” Sava said simply. “She is already in danger.”
Panic surged within Nargol. She flew to her feet and bared her tusks. Her hand dropped to the dagger at her side.
“What do you know about her?” she demanded.
“Enough and more than you like,” Sava replied dryly.
“If any danger were to come to her—”
“It will not be by my hand,” Sava interrupted, calm. “But you are making enemies, and they will use what leverage they can find. Love is a sharp blade when wielded by the cruel and desperate.”
Silence stretched between them. Only the crackle of the wood burning filled the room. A restless feeling ignited inside Nargol’s chest. Maybe she shouldn’t have left Orlena, but her little human wouldn’t have been able to leave.
She would need to return to Soza soon.
“All magic comes with a price. What do you want?” Nargol asked to break the silence.
“What will you offer?” Sava asked.
“What do you want?” Nargol shot back. She was no longer in a pleasant mood. Thinking of how far away she was from Orlena and how her mate was unprotected put her in a dark place.
“A favor from the chieftain—”
“I cannot promise that.” Nargol shook her head. She wouldn’t dare include her father’s word in this. There was no telling what the witch would ask of him.
“Then a favor from the chieftain’s daughter.” A smile spread across her face.
Nargol stared at her as her words echoed in her head.
“There has to be something else,” Makhel whispered loudly to Nargol.
She held the witch’s stare. This was necessary in order to save her family’s seat on the throne and for all of Aghon. Was this price too high? At the moment, she had no other choice.
“I agree.”
Sava’s smile widened.
“Good.” The older female stood from her perch and waved them on. “Come. You will need rest. By dawn, I shall have what you will need.”
Nargol and Makhel stood. She flicked her gaze to her friend who stared at her. They need not say a word. The question was already in Makhel’s eyes that was echoing in her own head.
Was this price too high?
When she thought of what this could mean? The people she was protecting.
She would pay it.