Page 5 of The Savage Vow
“I call them how I see them. This is important. It’s about the attack on the royal box at the tournament,” Nargol said.
Makhel sobered quickly. “This isn’t just a scouting mission.” Her gaze was steady as it met Nargol’s.
“No. Someone wanted to create chaos to test my father’s strength and kidnap Magoza’s mate.”
Makhel whistled low. She turned back to the scenery. She rested her hands on the stone wall and tilted her head as if thinking. Nargol tensed, waiting for Makhel’s decision.
“And if we find out that the Ogola clan was truly behind the attack?” Makhel asked.
“We report it to my father and wait for his orders,” Nargol said.
“I thought you were looking for someone to potentially break bones?” Makhel’s eyes flicked to Nargol. Her lips stretched into a smile.
The woman was a hothead and reminded Nargol of herself. Maybe that’s why they got along so well.
“If there’s an opportunity for breaking bones, you can have it.” Nargol chuckled.
“I’m in,” Makhel announced.
Relief cut through Nargol’s chest. If she was asked which warrior she trusted, Makhel was the first orc to come to her mind.
Makhel turned to Nargol with a small smile. “When do we leave?”
“At first light.”
“Good. I’ll pack light.” Makhel pushed off the wall and headed back down toward the barracks.
Nargol watched her go for a moment then turned back to the rolling hills that surrounded her beloved town.
Ogola territory lay north of Udenia.
So did the truth.
And Nargol was determined to bring the truth to her father—no matter the cost.
The rideto the northern territory had taken five days. Nargol’s shukan trotted alongside Makhel’s. They had pushed themselves pretty hard to make it to the village within a decent time.
The village of Soza sprawled before them with its buildings low and constructed of dark timber and stone. Smoke curled from hearth vents and carried the scents of meat and ash.
Nargol raised her hand, and they slowed to a halt at the top of the hill. Soza was nestled at the base of a mountain. Orcs moved openly through the streets.
“I need a hot meal, a soft bed, and a few hours of sleep, then I’ll be good as new,” Makhel muttered.
Nargol nodded. That sounded damn good to her, too.
“Let’s find shelter first, my friend, because I’m not sleeping on the ground tonight,” Nargol said.
“Lead the way.”
They continued down the worn dirt road that led to the village. Nargol kept the hood of her cloak drawn over her head to keep her face from being seen. Soza was known for its trading markets. This far north, lots of travelers made their way to the village for the markets. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be suspicious that two nomads were walking to the village. Nargol and Makhel had devised a story for their cover. Two sisters, with no ties to any clan, just passing through, who needed work.
It shouldn’t be questioned.
She tried to keep her body from tensing as they drew closer to the village. Cardu had been very vocal against her sister’s mating. He’d spoken of traditions and the old ways. Apparently, he felt that Magoza taking a half-breed mate would weaken orcs.
The thought of how he’d looked at her sister when he’d been on his tangent tightened her jaw.
She had to relax.
