Page 98 of The Savage Vow
The morning airin Angarth Keep carried the scent of iron and rain. Nargol paused beneath one of the great archways that opened toward the inner gardens. Her hand rested against the cool stone wall. From where she stood, she could see the top of the orchard beyond the carved stone railings. Lush green leaves shivered softly in the wind. Somewhere in those gardens, Orlena walked the flowering paths. She was not alone. She andAmuleta had become great friends in the short time since they had arrived in Angarth.
A smile tugged at her lips as she thought of the first time her mate had arrived here. Her reaction at seeing Udenia was refreshing. In the weeks since they had come home, Orlena had explored nearly every corner of the capital—the markets, temples, training yards, libraries, and the gardens. Every day she found something new to marvel at.
Nargol pushed away from the wall and resumed walking through the wide stone corridor leading to the council chambers.
Her mate was happy.
That alone made everything they had gone through worth it. Soon, they would be bonded before the clan, but the ceremony would wait until after her sister’s. Magoza’s union with Amuleta was fast approaching. Nargol had insisted that her sibling’s celebration remain the focused event since she was the future chieftain of Aghon. Magoza deserved to shine in her moment.
Afterward, Nargol and Orlena would hold their own private bonding ceremony.
The thought warmed her chest.
She reached the massive carved doors that led to the council hall. Two guards stood watch. They straightened the moment they saw her. They nodded to her and slammed a fist above their hearts in a show of respect. She repeated the motion, and they opened the doors for her.
The council chambers of Angarth Keep was a vast circular hall carved directly into the center of the building. Thick stone pillars were positioned around the room, each etched with the ancient runes representing the clans of Aghon. Torches burned on the walls, their flames dancing in iron sconces that cast long shadows across the polished floor.
At the center stood a wide stone table shaped like two broken rings resting across from each other. This was the official room where the council gathered.
Not like the last time they gathered when they presented as a Council of Clans to stop Magoza from claiming Amuleta. Nargol shook off the anger that still lingered inside her from that night.
Seated around the tables were the leaders of Aghon.
At the head of the chamber sat her father. Tulak leaned forward in his great stone chair, his massive arms resting on the table. Beside him sat her mother, Dura, who was calm, beautiful but watchful of all of the leaders in the room. Her mother was a powerful orc warrior. She complemented Tulak well.
Each clan was represented except for the Ogola clan.
Conversations quieted as Nargol approached. Her sister stood by the wall near their parents with her arms crossed and an amused expression.
“You’re late,” Magoza murmured.
Nargol joined her against the wall. Of course her sister would keep track of what time she showed up.
“Mere minutes. Has the meeting started early?” she asked.
Magoza released a snort.
“I think you were checking up on your mate again,” she said.
“Our mates. They are in the southern gardens,” she replied.
That little bit of information captured Magoza’s interest. She was about to respond, but their father stood from his chair, gaining the attention of the room.
“My kin,” Tulak began. His booming voice echoed through the chambers. “We gather here today to speak of what transpired in the village of Soza.”
Nargol folded her arms and listened to her father recounting the events. He spoke of the corruption within the Ogola clan. How they had planned to erase history surrounding theCydassis’ claim to rule their lands. Of the orcs who conspired against Cardu, then his death.
Of Grat’s betrayal.
Of the attempted alliance with the troll warlord, Rujin.
The council listened in heavy silence. Tulak continued on, describing the gallows in the Soza stronghold and the battle that had followed. Several leaders glanced toward Nargol as he spoke. She held their gazes steadily.
Finally, Tulak grew silent.
“Where is the ancient scroll now?” Yagnar of the Turan clan asked, breaking the silence.
Nargol had filled in the parts her father did not know of. She told of her trip to the Temple of Sprits and how they had stolen the document. She left out the part Sava, the witch, had played and the magic that was used in duplicating such an item. The leaders did not need to know everything that had transpired on her mission.
