Page 8 of The Savage Vow
Nargol strode forward and stood directly in front of her friend.
“You know…games….fighting…archery?”
“We will definitely attend. Let’s go.” Nargol slapped Makhel on the shoulder and stalked out of the room. She chuckled at the curse that followed behind her.
A tournament?
Yes, that was the best way to get to know the villagers.
The fair sprawled across the central square of Soza. Nargol navigated her way through the throng of bodies that packed the area. It looked like the event had brought everyone out. She remained relaxed and offered a few smiles. A little orc child ran behind a female orc, who she assumed was his mother, shouting at her.
“Please,banhas! I’ll do my chores without asking!” he pleaded.
“Ri.”No.The female stopped suddenly.
The kid ran right into the back of her legs.
She turned to him and shook her head. “You have had too many treats already. Let’s go find yourranhos. I’m sure he’s signed up for the archery contest.” She snatched him by his arm and practically dragged him away.
Nargol chuckled at the look of defeat on the poor kid’s face. The two disappeared into the crowd.
Nargol casually glanced around as she went with the flow of the people. Banners with the Ogola colors fluttered from wooden poles. The market was in full swing with vendors shouting about their sales, trying to get potential buyers to their tables. The scent of food was thick in the air. Nargol’s stomach rumbled, reminding her that she hadn’t eaten in a while.
But that feeling was forgotten the moment her gaze landed on the competition rings.
She smirked.
She hadn’t realized how much she’d missed a good ol’-fashioned village fair and market. Even though she had recently participated in the trials alongside her sister, this was different.There weren’t high stakes riding on the success or failure of a Cydassi sister.
Here, one could just be a regular orc, out to try to win a competition for pure boasting and ego-stroking.
And maybe a little coin.
Laughter and shouts rang out as spectators gathered around the small crude rings. The energy of excitement hummed. She moved easily through the crowd and kept a hand on her bow that rested on her shoulder. Her quiver on her back was filled with arrows. She never left home without it. No one paid her any mind having it. A bow and arrow were common for hunting in the wild. Her knives—those she kept hidden on her. They would definitely draw attention.
Even though she projected the air of a curious newcomer, she kept her senses sharp. She smiled and nodded, but she cataloged every face and conversation around her.
“You’re smiling.” Makhel arrived at her side. She took a large bite out of a piece of smoked meat on a bone. Juices ran down her face, bringing a smile to her lips. She chuckled at Nargol’s expression and shrugged. “I couldn’t resist the temptation. You want one? They are over there.”
“I’ll get one soon.” Nargol shook her head. Of course, Makhel’s attention would be on food first. Smoked kudu was common at such fairs. The legs were a great size and easy to carry around while consuming. “I’m smiling because…look.”
She pointed over to the archery range. Targets had been set up at increasing distances. They were packed tightly with straw and painted with concentric rings. A line of competitors waited patiently with their bows slung over their shoulders. Most of them were orcs, but a few smaller figures stood among them.
Soza was like Udenia when it came to a mixture of species. Not only were there orcs, but there were witches, shifters, fae, and other more discreet beings passing through village. She tookin the taller, thin male with the pointy ears. An elf. He would definitely give Nargol a run for her money in the competition.
But she was a master archer.
She’d honed her skills since she was able to walk. Her mother had put a bow in her hand before she’d even turned five solars.
“You shouldn’t,” Makhel groaned. She scurried to keep with up with Nargol as she headed toward the line.
“Why not? What’s a little fun?” Nargol shrugged.
“You are to blend in. Not stand out.” Makhel finished the last few bites of meat, tossing the bone over her shoulder. She wiped her hands on her pants and snagged Nargol’s wrist. She stepped forward and lowered her voice. “We are in Soza. Someone may recognize you.”
“I’ll miss on purpose if I must. Let me have my fun.” Nargol snatched her arm from Makhel. She offered a sly grin and spun on her heels. She was entering this damn contest. She didn’t care what Makhel said. She’d blend in with folks. She’d use it as a way to start up conversation.
“You don’t know how to miss.” Makhel released a loud laugh.
