Page 78 of Faeling
Although his alliance with Hrothgar and the fealty of these eastern tribes would all need reinforcing to solidify the way he desired, this very night, the orcs were, if only in name, unified. For the first time in over one-hundred years, Vallek had done something no other chieftain, Balmirran or otherwise, had accomplished.
His kingdom, a new dawn for his people, began this verynight.
That truth rang in his ears louder almost than Ulrich’s good cheer.
When Ulrich passed the flask back, Vallek found but a sip remaining. That was all right. He enjoyed a cheerful, chuckling Ulrich, for such a thing was so rare these days.
Stronger than the usual fare, the mead Vallek kept in his flask was perfect for the road when he might not get his customary one goblet. Two swigs of the flask was the same as a goblet in Balmirra, and Ulrich’s flushed face was proof enough of that.
With his second so jolly, perhaps now was an opportune time to sort out another of his challenges.
“I knew this day would come,” Ulrich was saying, “felt it in my heart, I did. Knew since we were boys that we’d do something great.”
Vallek grinned fondly to think of those two orclings conscripted into Mordis’s army. They had little to live on but hopes and dreams then.
Look at them now.I hope the old bastard chokes in the afterworld when he finds out.
“Ravenna knew it would happen,” Vallek said. “She saw the tribes coming round.”
Ulrich grunted, his cheery face falling. “Easy enough to predict. What other choice did they have?”
Maybe so, but Vallek hadn’t put it past any of the tribes to go out with a fight. These kin had valued their independence so much, they left the last orcish kingdom in defiance, eking out a living in these craggy foothills rather than moving forward with the rest of their kind.
Watching Ulrich from the corner of his eye, Vallek asked,“Why do you dislike her so?”
His second grumbled, waving him off. “Let’s not talk of her tonight. There’s far more important things to speak about.”
“No, Ulrich. I want to know.”
Although he seemed rather unsteady in his seat, swaying slightly from side to side, Ulrich stilled long enough to glower at Vallek.
“She means nothing good,” Ulrich said finally. “She’s trouble. And the people will never accept her.”
The people, or you?
Twisting the cap onto his flask, Vallek said, “Well, they will have to one day soon. I mean to take her as my wife.” She deserved no less. As his mate. As Ravenna.
There was still so much he’d yet to know about her, but this, at least, he was sure of—his beast had chosen well. Perhaps it was political catastrophe, but Vallek doubted he’d ever find anyone more suited to him than his devious, sassy hellion. There was likely something wrong with him that he looked forward to finding how she’d undermine or thwart him next, that he lived for her cutting tongue and sweet bite.
Ulrich reared back, his usual tact dampened by drink. “You ask too much of the kin. Accept a halfling queen?Never.”
Pinning his friend with a stare, Vallek replied, “I won’t give them a choice.”
Not sensing the danger in the calm, serious way he spoke, Ulrich shook his head. “You’ll ruin what we just built! Can’t you see? She brings nothing but trouble.” Waving his arm to gesture vaguely west, he insisted, “Give her to those fae. Reopen the border. The people would love you for it—a peacemaker, a prosperity-bringer. History will remember you as the greatestchieftain the kin have ever known!” Ulrich rocked forward unsteadily, catching himself on Vallek’s shoulder. “Don’t give it all up for a halfling whore.”
Vallek peeled his lip back from his tusks, slashing them through the air in warning. “Watch yourself, my friend.”
But Ulrich was too irate, pointing a finger at him accusingly. “You’re thinking only with your cock. We’re so near the end—you can’t just throw this away for a tight cunt.”
Vallek’s arm sprang forward to fist Ulrich’s tunic. “You won’t speak of her like that. She’s mymate.”
The other orc’s nostrils flared, a bit of clarity returning to his hazy eyes. “Go back to Hrothgar. Take one of his kin to wife. If you must keep the soothsayer, fine, but do this for our people. Our kingdom. For everything we’ve worked for.”
Vallek bared his teeth. Gods, how had he not noticed how often Ulrich saidourkingdom,ourplans,ourwork. Vallek wasn’t insensible to all that others had done for him, especially Ulrich, in making this unification into a reality, but he didn’t care for the way his friend laid claim to it. Nor how he disregarded and insulted Ravenna.
Ulrich couldn’t have done what Vallek did. He didn’t challenge Mordis, too scared for his own skin. He didn’t woo the politicians and chieftains and rival leaders. Ulrich hadn’t the charisma, cleverness, or ambition to be king, let alone bring together all the tribes and clans.
And yet the way he spoke, Vallek might as well be snatching the throne out of Ulrich’s hands.
