Page 100 of The Savage Vow
“Are they all wanting to stay here?” Nargol couldn’t help but ask.
Orlena had been worried sick about the women, and now that they were safe in Udenia, she had checked in on them.
“They are free to remain here as long as they wish,” Dura said. She shrugged. “Or they may be escorted safely to any other town or village they choose. Two have chosen to leave and want to begin their lives elsewhere. Another has begun training among our healers, and one has found work with the stable masters.”
“The Turan clan offers safe harbor should any wish to settle in our territory,” Yagnar spoke.
“The Jungshen clan offers the same.” Ragash inclined his head.
“Aghon thanks you.” Dura smiled faintly.
The tension in the chamber eased. Nargol was pleased that it would seem that their leaders were becoming more open to humans.
Tulak stood once more and motioned for Nargol to come forward. She pushed off the wall and walked to the center of the tables.
“My second daughter has returned from Soza, not only victorious, but bound by fate,” he proclaimed.
A trickle of curiosity moved through the council. Her father nodded to her.
She turned to face the council and exhaled. She tilted her chin up, proud of what she was going to say. The weight of theroom’s attention settled on her shoulders as she stood in front of the leaders.
“While in Soza, I found my fated mate. Her name is Orlena Blackwell, and she is human.” She paused and made sure she met the eyes of each of the leaders. It wasn’t so long ago that Magoza had stood there, defending her right to claim Amuleta. Nargol tilted her chin up and continued. “I claim her before this council and Aghon.”
Silence held the chamber for a long moment. Sakgu pushed his chair back and stood. The older orc glanced around at the other leaders then switched his gaze to her.
“The Dhogurd clan has learned a hard lesson when it comes to fate and mates. No one should intervene when it comes to what the gods have designed. I, on behalf of my clan, accept your mate.” His voice echoed through the chambers. His gaze soon moved to Magoza. He gave her a nod, sitting back in his chair.
Her sister eyed him then returned the gesture.
“The Turun clan agrees,” Ragash said.
Soon each leader voiced their acceptance of her claim on Orlena. Something in Nargol’s chest eased. Her parents sat pleased in their chairs.
It would seem that all of the leaders had learned a serious lesson.
“Since no voice stands against it, I am pleased to announce there will be a second bonding ceremony at a later date. We will send out official notice once plans have been finalized,” Dura said.
Nargol directed a small smile to her mother.
Magoza strode across the room and came to stand next to Nargol in front of the council.
“Reports have arrived from Makhel,” she said.
Nargol’s attention sharpened. Makhel had been assigned to track troll movements along the borders since the battle of Soza.
“Rujin gathers forces beyond Aghon’s northern border.”
The room fell silent.
“And?” Nargol murmured.
“His army remains across the neighboring lands, and they are growing,” Magoza said.
“We will not be caught unprepared.” Tulak’s meaty fist slammed down on the table.
They were already preparing. Warriors were being stationed along the borders. The clans would begin preparing defenses. For this, all clans would put aside any issues they had with each other and work together for the sake of Aghon.
“There remains one final matter,” Tulak said. He stood and walked over to her. He rested his hand on her shoulder and gave her a squeeze. “Our armies require leadership now. I name Nargol Cydassi of the Nidani clan as General of Aghon.”
