The Orc's Consort I: Born of Blackwater

Chapter 23 - Restless

Brenna Blackwater

A Few weeks had passed, and Jasper was still gone. I had not heard anything from him either. I was so worried that I had to find something to keep busy, but I was too afraid to walk about the castle and grounds by myself after what happened. I ran my fingers across the scar on my scalp. It had nearly healed and wasn't noticeable under my hair. I looked at the same dull grey walls. Gods, I need to leave this room before I lose it.

Despite my nervousness, I forced myself to go downstairs to the Great Hall. I rarely went there before because of the crowd. It was terribly loud from rambunctious orc warriors and the traditional drums. I walked to the back of the hall and through a doorway to the kitchens. I felt somewhat responsible for the war, knowing it was my father's doing. Maybe I could find a way to help out around here. I had not officially met Helena, but I had seen her once before, and Jasper had spoken about her often. I didn't initially see anyone, but I could hear shuffling from somewhere in the room. "Helena?" Then I saw her head poke out of a pantry at the back of the room.

"Yes, dear? Is there something you need?" She went back to digging through the cupboards.

"Oh- no. I was actually hoping to ask you a question." Helena poked her head back out and looked at me, intrigued. "I was wondering- if you needed help in the kitchens?" She continued shuffling around the cupboard. "I only ask because I feel like I should be doing my fair share of work. I don't want to be treated like a princess here. I only wish to learn and help. It would beat sitting in that room all day."

Finally, Helena stepped down from a chair she had been standing on. I had not noticed it because it was behind the door to the pantry. I could see that she was nearly a foot shorter than I was and a bit round. She shuffled over a pot on the counter, unscrewed the lid off a jar she had retrieved from the cupboard, and sprinkled some of the contents into the pot. "Now I see why Jasper likes you so much," she smiled. "Of course, you can help out. I'm not one to turn down a willing pair of hands. You can start today. Jaspers told me you're good at tending fires," she winked as she saw the embarrassment on my face. "Go ahead and put that pot over the flames for me, love."

***

It had been nearly three months since Helena began teaching me how to make different salves and other remedies in the kitchen. Sometimes, we would even go out in the valley and wooded areas around the mountains to gather herbs and other plants. Helena had been overwhelmed with the request for medicines and other supplies because of the war. She did not deal directly with the wounded and sick, but she did help make a good bit of the medicines for the healer. She kept me busy during the day, and I learned more about the Orruk culture through her.

Nighttime was a different story. I could not help but toss and turn and think about Jasper. In these three months, I had not seen or heard from him. I prayed to the gods he was okay. I wasn't sure if there was no word on him or if no one wanted to tell me. I was too afraid to ask after Sten had spoken to me before he left. No one had been rude, but I was worried the others were also upset with me.

Helena had been very kind to me throughout the whole ordeal. She was a mother figure to many of the orcs and women here. Helena had a patient heart but put people in their place in a hurry if necessary. She even went as far as to fix my green dress. Jasper had asked her about it before he left, which made me feel even worse. She removed the cape, cleaned it, and even made it fit better. I refrained from wearing it for a while out of guilt but eventually gave in.

The only negative side to working in the kitchen was bringing food to the Great Hall. I didn't mind it for the most part, but that woman spent much of her time there. I learned her name was Paige. I had to admit that Paige was stunning. She had silky ebony skin and black curly hair. Her eyes were also black as coal but glittered like the night sky. I honestly felt sick near her. I was undeniably jealous. I envied her looks, her freedom, and the fact that she and Jasper had been together.