15. Timas
Chapter 15
Timas
I fear these meetings with the council are pointless and a waste of time. I don’t remember Father ever saying the meetings were mostly complaints with no real solutions, or perhaps it’s just my rule they have issues with. Either way, I need to focus on what’s in front of me.
As I turn the corner, one of my scouts approaches me, bowing slightly in preparation to deliver a report.
“Your Majesty, we have information about Zornak Dorgan.” I continue walking down the hall as the scout keeps pace with me and updates me on Emilia’s father.
“Go on.”
“He is being held in the capital city of the Northern Orc Clan, Ezuren. During the day, he is forced to work as a personal blacksmith for the Chief, while at night, he is chained and held in the basement of a fortified building. The city itself is surrounded by a stone wall, and then within that, the Chief resides in a castle-like structure that is also protected by a stone rampart. Getting in will not be easy. From my understanding, Zornak has been given minimal amounts of food–just enough for him to live and work as needed, but not enough to gain strength and potentially fight back.”
Stopping in the middle of the hallway, I turn to the scout. What kind of barbaric practice is that? Starving a man and forcing him to work. My heart breaks for Emilia. If she knew this, it would crush her. There must be more to this story because the scout is fidgeting slightly, though he maintains eye contact.
“What is it?”
“While our scout was there trying to ascertain the whereabouts of Zornak, he was approached by a Southern Orc spy. After a short… encounter, the Orc managed to convince the scout to bring him here to talk to you.”
I am speechless. One of my scouts led an Orc spy back to Sonas–as if we needed more problems.
“Excuse me?”
The scout bows his head slightly. “I’m sorry, Your Majesty. He says that the spy’s information could be beneficial to you. To help free Zornak Dorgan.”
I try taking deep breaths to calm my rising anger, but it isn’t doing its intended job. A scout’s job is to collect information and return with it, not to bring a scheming spy back with him. But if he has information on how to save Emilia’s father, I need to speak to him despite my feelings on the matter.
“I assume you will be dealing with this scout for his lack of intelligence! Bringing a spy into our city when it is already under attack by the Night Court is beyond foolish!” The vase of flowers shakes off the table with my rising anger and shatters when it hits the floor. “Because if you do not, I will. Now, where is this Orc you speak of?”
The scout before me trembles slightly but is wise enough not to keep me waiting.
“He is waiting in the barracks near the palace gates, Your Majesty. I thought it best not to give him full access to the palace.”
“It is comforting to see the stupidity of the other scout wasn’t contagious.” Taking my leave, I head directly to the forward barracks.
Inside the smaller entrance room sits a hulking Orc wearing leather pants and a loose-fitting cotton top. He stands and bows his head slightly toward me. He looks like any other Orc except his eyes–they are assessing everything around him.
“Your Majesty.” I’m surprised an Orc even knows how to address a royal. Their culture is such that, even to their chieftains, they do not bow. Rather, they bang their hand on their chest while grasping their forearms when greeting someone with authority.
“So somehow, you convinced one of my scouts to bring you to my city to talk. How, pray tell, did you manage that?”
“It’s not hard to overpower one of you Fae if you have the upper hand. Your scout needs to be more aware of his surroundings. I would think environmental awareness is something you would teach a scout.” He says with a smug smile.
“I’ll remind you I am no scout and don’t need to hide who I am. Continue antagonizing me, Orc, and I will put you in your place.” My eyes darken as I address the Orc. He doesn’t flinch at my threat, but I can tell in his eyes he knows who would win a fight.
“Now, tell me why you are here.”
Nodding, he proceeds to explain. “I noticed your scout the first day he arrived;. Though it is not necessarily unusual to have a Fae person visit the city, it is odd that a Fae man would ask questions about the Chief. Any informed person would know that, within Ezuren, you don’t ask about the Chief unless you want to draw attention.”
I will be having a serious conversation with Milori after all of this.
“As much as I appreciate you sharing with me the inadequacies of my people, there must be a reason you are here.”
“When I realized you were interested in Dorgan Zornak, it became clear you were interested in his family. Perhaps his daughter, who the Orc people know is human.” The mention of Emilia stirs something inside me. I don’t like that so many people know of her and potentially want to use her for their own gain.
“I am from the Southern Clans and have been tasked with watching and monitoring the activities of Chief Gormash. Over a year ago, when we heard about the kidnapping of Dorgan Zornak, my Chief knew something bigger than the usual raids were occurring. We are not entirely sure why Chief Gormash kidnapped Dorgan Zornak, just that they had some use for his daughter. From what we can tell, Chief Gormash has allied with the Human King and plans to invade the Southern Clans. As you might know, the Northern Clans live by a different standard than that of the Southern Clans. There has always been a clash between the two chiefs, so it is unsurprising that Chief Gormash wishes to conquer and subdue my people. My Chief, Ruk, wishes to prevent this invasion, which is why he has stationed spies within the city of Ezuren. My Chief wants to know why you are interested in the Orcs and Dorgan Zornak.”
“That is none of your business.” I stare the Orc down because I am not out to play games.
“I do not mean to offend. My Chief would like to help you. Dorgan Zornak was a great warrior in his younger years, and before taking on the responsibility of his children, he served the Chief with honour. He wishes to show his respect to a great warrior.”
Their aid may be useful, seeing as my scout is far more incompetent than I was aware of, but this could put me in a position where I am someday required to assist in Orc affairs. I have no desire to get involved in the problems of the continent… but for Emilia, I would do anything.
“What kind of help are you offering, and what must I do in return?.”
“You are astute, Your Majesty. My Chief merely wishes to speak with you to create a potential alliance. In exchange, he will give you access to the spies currently in Ezuren. We know how to get in undetected, the best places to hide and the best times to sneak in and, say, remove one Dorgan Zornak. ”
This type of information will make it significantly easier to rescue Emilia’s father. Without it, it could take my people weeks to figure out the same information. A meeting in trade for information. This could either go in my favour or that of the Southern Clans Chief.
“I will consider this and send a message informing you of my decision.”
The Orc bows again slightly, realizing the conversation is ending. “Of course, Your Majesty. I will be in the lower city, likely spending my time at the tavern. I’ll wait for your answer.”
Turning on my heel, I head back into the palace. I need a strong drink after this morning. I wave to one of the guards following behind me.
“Bring Milori to me. I have an urgent matter to discuss.”
“Of course, your Majesty, but he has been unavailable since this morning. He instructed us to handle all matters–he said that he was needed for something important.”
Stopping immediately, I turn toward the guard. Milori is always available to me; I am his King. But if he is delegating his roles, something has happened–something has happened to my Emilia.
“Where was he last?”
“In the human nobles’ wing, Your Majesty.”
Emilia! Quickly, I turn and head towards my suites. Something uneasy settles into my stomach.
“Find him! Immediately!” I Shout over my shoulder as I walk. I don’t need to look back to know he is doing exactly as I asked .
Pushing open the doors to my suite, relief immediately courses through my body. My precious flower is already standing in the suite. I race over to her and collect her into my arms.
“My flower, what is wrong? What has happened?” Without saying anything, she clings to me tightly and cries into my shoulder. Whoever did this will pay with their life.