Page 6 of The Savage Vow
She couldn’t blow her cover.
They slowed, reaching the outer edge of the village. Two sentries stood at the main path with spears resting in their hands. They wore the crest of the Ogola clan on their chest. At the sight of Makhel and Nargol, they stood to their full heights.
“Allow me to talk,” Makhel murmured.
Nargol offered a subtle nod.
They arrived at the entrance and halted. Nargol held on to the reins of her faithful shukan, Torch. He’d been with her for solars. He was a trained shukan who was no stranger to racing into battle with her. She gave him a good solid pat on the neck.
Makhel moved ahead. “Orra,” she said, her posture loose and unthreatening. Which was saying much for the fierce warrior. She, like Nargol, was great at blending in with non-militant orcs.
“State your business,” the first orc said.
Nargol had to fight to keep from tensing. She didn’t want to give them any reason to question her presence. For a village that was open and friendly to trading with travelers from all over Aghon, why did they need sentries? Guards who questioned a being before they even entered the village?
“We are travelers, just passing through,” Makhel announced. She offered a warm smile. “We are looking for rest and temporary work.”
One of the sentries eyed them. His gaze lingered on Nargol for a fraction too long. She forced herself to remain relaxed with sloped shoulders and an expression that would appear bored.
“Where are you from?” the sentry asked.
“Everywhere, but nowhere worth staying.” Makhel was damned good at this, and it was for the best that she did the talking.
The sentry grunted in approval. He waved them through with no other questions. Nargol kicked her feet to signal for Torch to follow Makhel.
Once they were out of earshot of the guards, Nargol blew out a deep breath.
“You are smooth, my friend.” She chuckled.
“I’ve always been better at lying to strangers than you.” Makhel snorted.
“Feck off.” Nargol rolled her eyes.
They moved deeper into the village. Orcs of all sizes crowded the streets. Some were towering, while others were squat and thick with muscles. Nargol’s gaze landed on other figures, and she kept her mouth from dropping open.
Humans.
They were fewer in number, but they threaded their way through the crowds. Their eyes were lowered, their steps quick. Not that she had problems with humans. There were barely any in Udenia, but here, she was shocked to see so many.
This wasn’t something she had expected.
Makhel had stopped an orc and asked for a recommendation for lodging. While she spoke with him, Nargol took in the street. The humans gravitated toward certain workshops and market stalls. There was a subtle divide amongst the orcs and the humans.
Interesting.
“Come. My new friend here said there is an inn on the west end of the village that should have available rooms,” Makhel said.
The large orc nodded and carried on down the street.
Nargol blinked and inhaled. Her stomach let out a growl. It had been yesterday evening since she had last eaten. They had captured a few pekares and roasted them. Once they got lodging, then they could worry about a good hot meal.
“Perfect,” Nargol said.
They continued through the village, which allowed her to take it all in. She kept her hood on her head to mask her features. Not many paid much attention to her or Makhel. In a village that was known for trading, she was sure plenty of travelers passed through here.
They arrived at the inn, a narrow stone building with a sagging roof. It had a boarding barn behind it where they wereable to house their shukans. A young male orc assisted them in settling down their beasts.
“Behave yourself and rest, my friend,” Nargol said. She gave Torch another good scratch under his chin. He rumbled his pleasure. She smiled and backed out of the stall. She hefted her bag onto her shoulder and shut the door.
