Page 86 of The Savage Vow
Nargol didn’t want to take her with her. Orlena shouldn’t have to see any of this. She should be back home in Udenia in the stronghold, where she would be safe.
Once they were done, she whistled for Torch. Now they would need to ride to see the clan leader.
The stronghold rose from the edge of Soza like a stone tooth forced up through the earth. It was not as grand as Angarth Keep—nothing could rival the sweeping battlements and towering spires of her father’s hall—but in a village as small as Soza, Cardu’s show of power was imposing.
Built from the dark-gray mountain stone, each block had been cut and stacked with brutal precision. Thick outer walls sloped slightly inward, designed to resist battering. Narrow lit windows punctured the upper levels positioned for archers rather than light.
A watchtower rose from the western corner, and banners bearing Soza’s insignia hung limp in the air.
Everything was too still.
Nargol slowed Torch with a subtle shift of her weight. She studied the scenery.
It should have felt alive. A stronghold always carried movement with guards rotating, servants scurrying across the courtyard, villagers visiting, children running around…
This felt off. Where were the people who should be here?
Orlena shifted in front of Nargol and glanced over her shoulder at her.
“What is it?” she whispered.
Nargol shook her head. Her gaze landed on the guards stationed near the entrance. There were six visible. Two flanking the main doors, two on the elevated walkway above, and two positioned near the center of the courtyard.
The energy was all wrong.
They each stood rigid, muscles tense, their eyes sharp. When they noticed Nargol approaching, they looked at each other first.
A flicker of uncertainty shared between them that sent alarms blaring inside Nargol.
Torch’s heavy steps thudded against the packed earth as they drew closer. The scent hit Nargol next. She picked up on the faint metallic hint in the air.
Blood.
She scoped the area and didn’t see any signs of it. One of the guards stepped forward.
“Turn around and go back to where you come from!” he shouted.
“No.” Nargol’s single response garnered the same reaction as before.
The guards eyed each other again.
She brought Torch forward to a few feet away from the entrance. She leaned close to Orlena’s ear. “Stay on Torch for now.”
Orlena gave a slight nod. Nargol slid from Torch in one smooth motion. Her boots struck the ground softly. Her hand came to rest on the hilt of her dagger. She was adorned with her weapons. She wouldn’t dare come here and not be armed.
“Do you know who I am?” she asked boldly.
The guard’s gaze zipped to Orlena, then back to her. It was easy to read that he did not recognize her.
Behind him, another guard adjusted his grip on his sword. Nargol lifted her chin and scented the air again.
Yes, she picked up the hint of blood, but where was it coming from?
“Who commands within?” she demanded.
“Cardu, of course. State your business.” The second guard strode forward.
The tension heightened. This one was bold to think he would be able to keep her from going inside the building.
