Page 88 of The Savage Vow
“Lower your weapon,” Grat said.
“So you went ahead and killed Cardu,” Nargol snapped.
“I told you he was just a puppet, and believe me when I say he got what had been coming for him.” Grat snickered.
“You will pay for taking the life of a clan leader,” Nargol said.
“And who will charge me? Certainly not you,” he replied.
Nargol’s pulse thundered her in ears. She was furious that not only had he been a step ahead of her, now here she was, surrounded by these orcs with her mate.
“Oh, you will pay, Grat. Mark my words,” she promised.
“There is nothing you can do, princess. I have sent word to Rujin. He will be welcomed here as an ally,” he boasted. He stood tall and proud of himself.
Nargol shook her head. He was a fool.
“You would invite trolls into Aghon? You think he will be an ally? He will kill you just as he will any of the orcs who will stand against him,” Nargol spat.
“He offered a compromise,” he said.
“Rujin will do nothing but deceive. I hope you didn’t believe any of the promises he’s made you.” She raised her dagger andpointed it at Grat. She released Orlena’s hand and reached for her other knife.
The bowstring creaked tighter.
Her hand paused.
“If you do not comply and drop your weapons, your little human will wear an arrow through her small, pathetic heart,” Grat said softly.
Nargol’s world narrowed to Orlena’s face. She stood very still, but her eyes?—
Held no fear.
Only trust in Nargol.
Slowly, she lowered her dagger to the floor.
“I will comply. Release her,” Nargol said.
“Oh, no. You are mistaken.” Grat laughed.
The guards surged forward and kicked her blade away.
“You will serve as examples. We will let the village see what becomes of traitors.”
Hands seized Orlena.
“Nargol!” she cried, dragged away.
Something inside Nargol fractured. She lunged toward Orlena and the orcs who dare lay their hands on her mate.
“Release her. I will cut your fecking hands off for touching my mate!” Nargol roared.
Warriors accosted her. They tried to restrain her, but she fought them off. She threw two aside, then a third slammed a fist into her ribs. A fourth locked iron bands around her wrists, and multiple orcs wrestled her down to the floor.
Nargol glanced up and was able to see a glimpse of Orlena through the feet surrounding her. They tightened the shackles, and she ignored the pain that lanced her wrist. They stripped her of all of her weapons. A knee pressed into the center of her back, hands sliding over her legs in a final pat down.
“Take them to the dungeons,” Grat ordered coolly. “Tomorrow, they will hang. A proper welcome for Rujin.”
