The Orc's Consort I: Born of Blackwater

Chapter 13 - King of Deception

Chief Bloodborne

That morning, I rose before the sun after a sleepless night. I felt the crushing weight of the lives entrusted to me. I should have been thinking of warfare, but the only thing on my mind was the touch of Brenna's hand in mine. What is wrong with me? I had only known her for less than two days, but she had found a way to surprise me and sparked my curiosity. I had every right to hate this woman, yet I found myself distracted by her.

I could have any woman I wanted, but none have intrigued me like she did, the daughter of my enemy. I could not explain it. Many women had flung themselves at me only because of my rank. Brenna did so literally. She had not thought her plan through, but her fighting spirit had caught my eye. Of all the women I could have become interested in, I had to pick this one. I have always found a way to make things more problematic for myself than needed. Could I consider myself an orc if I did not enjoy a good challenge?

The air was thick with the scent of iron and leather as the horde prepared for an imminent battle. War drums echoed through the mountains, signaling the call to arms. We had no intention of going to war with Blackwater, but if they want it, we will be ready to administer it to them. I tightened the leather straps to my armor, sinching the seams of it flush with my body, leaving no openings for a blade or arrow to find my flesh. I saw myself in the aged cheval mirror from across the room. I carefully examined the battle-worn armor, which exuded strength and authority.

I put on my helmet and prepared to lead. This day may very well be part of my legacy. The crushing weight of the entire horde rested on my shoulders. I had to protect them. I will guard them with my life. Every able-bodied orc residing in the castle was to ride with me today. I instructed the ones living in the village, protected in a valley north of the castle, to stay put. Humans have been under the impression that our numbers were few; that is what we wanted them to think. We were going to show them who they were messing with.

I began to recall the trials I undertook once Chief Solomon was nearing old age. The trials included various tasks used to determine one's skill, not just in battle. I was one of the few who were allowed to challenge Chief Solomon in combat. I wanted to become chief to make a difference for my people. Despite my ambition, I quickly learned that vision was beyond my reach. There was no direct way of mending the haunting effects of the war on Urangar.

I tightened my utility belt around my waist and stepped through the archway into my armory. I examined my assortment of blades before picking one I recently sharpened. I sheathed and tethered it to my belt. I grabbed the hand of my war hammer and lifted its familiar weight. Despite it being an auxiliary weapon, it was my weapon of choice because it was the most adept at cracking through armor. I doubt I would not need it, but I donned a sheave of arrows and grabbed a crossbow. If there were to be any fighting today, I would be on the front line up close and personal. I would not have it any other way.

I pushed open the heavy wooden door that separated me from the long corridor of the upper north wing. I stopped at the identical door across the hall from my own. Is she awake yet, I wondered? I could not know for sure unless I checked in on her. I had the mind to do so. Without thinking, I began to close the gap between me and her door until I stopped dead in my tracks. I had been so distracted by my curiosity about her and my frustration with Blackwater that I had neglected to recognize the irony between my two worries. She still knew nothing about what was going on. What would she think of us, of me, if she knew our plans? She would surely hate me. For some reason, I cared what she thought of me. Gods, why must I do this to myself?

I was not prepared to tell her what was going on. She had just now seemed to come around last night. I intended to talk to her about what happened at Blackwater the day she came. After seeing Blackwater at our doorstep, I barely had answers myself now that things had evolved to this. I pulled my attention from the door and walked through the long, dark corridor. It was nearly silent other than my footsteps echoing off the stone walls. Living on one of the highest floors had its perks, but these stairs were murder. I walked to the main floor and through the vestibule to the front entrance.