Page 96 of The Savage Vow
She turned back to Orlena who stood with gaze locked on the bloody axe.
“Go!” Nargol roared.
Orlena jerked her eyes away from the weapon then spun around and ran. Nargol lost sight of her almost instantly as bodies collided across the courtyard. Nargol sprang from the gallows, her feet landing with a thud on the ground. The battle spilled outward through the gates, across the training ground and into the open land beyond. It had been a long time since she had fought beside her family.
The rhythm returned instantly.
An orc lunged from her left. She stepped inside his swing and buried her axe into his thigh. He dropped; she ripped it free and swung upward into his jaw. She grinned and pulled the weapon from him. She swiveled and met another one head-on.
The battleground was a thunder of steel and fury.
Nidani warriors raced forward in disciplined formation. They were the most trained warriors who knew not to give any mercy.
An orc charged Nargol from behind. She swung around just in time to see him twitch suddenly. An arrow punched through his spine. He collapsed at her feet.
“That was a hell of a shot,” Magoza said, appearing at her side. She was covered in dirt, grime, and blood. Her sister was a brutal warrior, and any orc who stepped up to her would suffer.
Nargol scanned the wall.
Then saw her.
Orlena stood on the stone landing of the stronghold’s outer wall.
Bow drawn with a quiver on her back. Her hair whipped in the wind, and she notched another arrow. She released.
The arrow flew true and slammed into the chest of another orc charging toward Nargol and Magoza. He was thrown backward by the force. Magoza followed Nargol’s gaze.
“I take it that is your mate,” she said.
“Yes.” Pride surged through Nargol. Even though she and her mate were going to have a little talk later. Orlena was supposed to have gone and hidden, not join the fight.
Orlena moved with fierce concentration. She was steady, controlled, and deadly. Each arrow found its mark. Each shot protected Nidani warriors.
Grat’s supporters faltered. The Nidani clan was too much for them. They began to flee. Some dropped their weapons and surrendered. Nidani warriors rounded them up swiftly with Makhel leading.
The battle was over.
Tulak strode through the carnage like a war god. His towering figure and the fierce scowl embedded on his face had most shaking in his presence. Blood streaked his leather armor, his axe covered in it as well. In one massive hand, he dragged Grat by the collar.
The traitor’s face was pale green. Fear had replaced the arrogance he’d once touted. Tulak flung him at Nargol’s feet.
“Is this who dared lead a conspiracy against me?” Tulak demanded.
Nargol looked down on the traitor. She didn’t feel an ounce of sympathy for him.
“He is the last of them. He murdered clan leader Cardu, and it was he who has been negotiating with Rujin to come to Aghon.They wanted to unseat you, Father, and have Rujin take over Aghon.”
“Rujin!” Tulak sneered. His eyes narrowed on Grat. He gripped his axe tighter. “You conspire with the troll warlord? Our mortal enemy who almost wiped out our people?”
“They wanted to remove our family from the throne and allow the troll warlord to take our country,” Nargol continued. “Grat and his associates were bargaining with Rujin. For a slice of power of their own.”
“She lies!” Grat sputtered.
She arched an eyebrow at him. Was that truly going to be his argument?
“I—”
Tulak did not allow him to finish. With one clean motion, his axe dealt a swift blow on Grat’s throat. Blood spilled out in front and behind him. His body fell backward onto the ground. It did not take long for him to stop moving.
