Page 49 of The Savage Vow
“And if I decided to side with those who conspire against your father, what would you do? Cut my tongue out? Kill an defenseless old woman?” This time it was she who raised an eyebrow.
Nargol smirked.
“You, old woman, are nowhere near defenseless.” Nargol glanced around the small home. It may appear to be cozy, but she sensed the witch’s strong magic. It almost wrapped Nargol up and squeezed her. She landed her gaze back on the witch. It was rare that Nargol read someone wrong. This female in front of them was not only extremely old but very powerful. Nargol breathed in, and she sensed a bit of dark magic floating in the air. “So which is it?”
Sava stared at her for a long while, then her lips rose in a smile.
“Yes, you are just as stubborn as your mother,” Sava said. She sat up straighter and held Nargol’s gaze without blinking. “I shall always back the Nidanis’ claim to rule. Your family’s claim was blessed by the gods. Only those who can beat them in battle with honor can rule. Orcs who are with no honor will do nothing but fail.”
Nargol held back her surprise. Either the female knew of the ancient document already, or she was a very wise orc.
“Good answer,” Nargol murmured.
“Now what you are asking of me is barely a challenge for me. I’d hope since you had traveled all this way, it would have been for something that was more interesting.”
“This would require sacred magic.” Makhel frowned.
“Everything is sacred to someone. That doesn’t make it difficult,” Sava said. She leaned forward. The flames from thefire were reflected in her eyes. “I know the ancient document you speak of, but there is more danger awaiting you.”
“Explain.” Nargol sighed, even though her chest grew tight at the witch’s words.
“The human,” Sava said simply. “She is already in danger.”
Panic surged within Nargol. She flew to her feet and bared her tusks. Her hand dropped to the dagger at her side.
“What do you know about her?” she demanded.
“Enough and more than you like,” Sava replied dryly.
“If any danger were to come to her?—”
“It will not be by my hand,” Sava interrupted, calm. “But you are making enemies, and they will use what leverage they can find. Love is a sharp blade when wielded by the cruel and desperate.”
Silence stretched between them. Only the crackle of the wood burning filled the room. A restless feeling ignited inside Nargol’s chest. Maybe she shouldn’t have left Orlena, but her little human wouldn’t have been able to leave.
She would need to return to Soza soon.
“All magic comes with a price. What do you want?” Nargol asked to break the silence.
“What will you offer?” Sava asked.
“What do you want?” Nargol shot back. She was no longer in a pleasant mood. Thinking of how far away she was from Orlena and how her mate was unprotected put her in a dark place.
“A favor from the chieftain?—”
“I cannot promise that.” Nargol shook her head. She wouldn’t dare include her father’s word in this. There was no telling what the witch would ask of him.
“Then a favor from the chieftain’s daughter.” A smile spread across her face.
Nargol stared at her as her words echoed in her head.
“There has to be something else,” Makhel whispered loudly to Nargol.
She held the witch’s stare. This was necessary in order to save her family’s seat on the throne and for all of Aghon. Was this price too high? At the moment, she had no other choice.
“I agree.”
Sava’s smile widened.
