Page 82 of Wed to the Orc Captive

“Another group of our own hunters has been accused of harming a guest of the enclave.”

The mutterings grew louder. I looked up at him, desperate to draw his eye. I had meant to leave before my presence would hurt him. Now in becoming a victim, I’d managed to be too late.

“I do not want to see blood spilled tonight, but if blood spills, it will be in accordance with our ways. We will not dishonor these stones.”

Vrathgar’s face was smooth, impenetrable. He was going to kill, and how could I stop him? One way or another, his life here would end.

“Does anyone else have pertinent business to bring before the enclave?”

And Tyralk stepped into the circle of rock. “Honored mother, I do.”

Whispers spread across those gathered. Drazha's frown deepened. “What does Svenkha's son have to bring to the assembly?”

“I request sanction to lead a hunt.”

The murmurs were consternation now.

Drazha shook her head, as if the gathered voices were a gnat to push away. “It is the wrong time of year for feats, young warrior. Especially for one with your…” She sealed something back. Her eyes had lingered too long, on his bad leg.

“The wizards’ beasts grow bolder every season.” He put a fist to his chest. “It hasn’t been two winters since Scralghir attacked us at the kael. I would go ahead, and thin the dangers before the migration of our community. Please.”

The tall chief stalked away from the circle in disgust.

“Svenkha recuses himself from the discussion.” Drazha looked grim. “This would be your first hunt led. As such, it is a testing. You would have to leave before the dawn, and you could not return without your object without suffering dishonor. Do you understand?”

“I do.”

“Then who is your second on this journey?”

“My shield brother, Vrathgar Fenha’s-son.”

Anger spilled forth, from all angles. Vrathgar cursed a stream under his breath. It was in Drazha’s eyes that I saw the understanding that eluded me. She raised her voice over the protests “Your shield brother cannot follow you. He would leave behind an injured one whose wellbeing he is responsible for.” They used so many words to avoid calling me his wife.

“His charge leaves with us. We need her. She’s a healer.”

Voices rippled again, consternation to disgust. I found Rowena’s face in the crowd, still pale, her husband, Khal’s, unsurprised. They had planned this. Why it was making people so angry, I did not know.

“Does anyone object to the young son of Svenkha taking up the hunt? Does anyone challenge his right to the test?”

No one entered. Sareet looked ready to kill.

“Then our other matters must hold, till the hunt concludes. But young one,” she raised her staff, that wicked, one-sided blade at the top of it. “You must rejoin the enclave at the kael. Your hunt resolves there, success or no. At that point, the community will decide regarding your shield brother.”

Tyralk touched his chest, bowed in salute. Drazha was addressing the circle, requesting other matters. Next to me Vrathgar was clenched like a fight came. And we were leaving the enclave? My head spun, and nausea rose. I was barely functioning when all I did was lie down. What was I going to do in the wilderness, on the move?

The assembly was dismissed. Tyralk walked back past us, and Vrathgar grabbed his arm.

I’d only seen my husband this angry the once. “What are you doing?” He snarled it.

Tyralk looked unphased, cold. “I'm getting you and my sister-in-law out of here before you ruin your life.”

Horror was a rock in my stomach.

Vrathgar hissed, “That was not your decision to make.”

“As someone you swore brotherhood to? Yes, it is.”

“This is a terrible prospect. You’re going to ruin your place⁠—"