Page 13 of The Orc Chief's Baker
“Since when do you follow that whiney Chief Ergoth’s whims?” Hendr demanded.
Brovdir went cold as he watched as Karthoc’s face flattened. His brother’s jaw clenched, his eyes narrowed. His long, sharp claws slunk out from between his fingers. They still dripped with Brovdir’s blood.
“I haveneverfollowed Chief Ergoth’s whims.” Karthoc’s words were low and clipped. “And in this, I only based my decision onhis logic. The only way the Rove Wood orcs can sustain their numbers is through the peace with Oakwall. We cannot risk threatening that peace by thrusting you warriors into their midst. You know how different you are from them.”
“We wouldn’t scare them off!” Ogvick argued.
“It is not worth evenriskingit. Without the human women playing conquest, the conjurers of Rove Wood would die out in just a few generations, and their healing tinctures will die outwiththem.”
“But we have magic wielding warriors now,” Ogvick said.
Karthoc scowled. “Yes, and youallknow that those warriors don’t know how to do a blasted thing with their magic, let alone produce enough healing tinctures to sustain our legions.”
Another tense silence descended as the warriors considered their warlord’s words. Brovdir could see their thoughts on their faces. The will to obey their leader’s commands fighting against the desire for a son.
The crowd of orcs grew restless. Their muscles bunched and flexed. Their feet took steps forward. Their murmuring hardened into mutters of indignation.
Karthoc’s eyes widened just slightly in shock that his incredibly loyal subordinates would argue, but Brovdir wasn’t surprised. Deep in his guts, he’d known which one would win. He knew whichhewould choose if he were in their place. Which one hehadchosen.
“I challenge you, Warlord Karthoc. For the right to at least meet these humans,” Toj said again.
“I will not?—”
“I am done with talk!” Toj stepped forward as the others stepped back. “Fight me or concede.”
Karthoc swung back his fist without preamble and slammed it hard into the stomach of the male. The orc crumbled instantly, gasping and writhing.
And then another male stepped forward.
And another.
And more still.
Every male in the circle stepped forth, ready to challenge the moment Karthoc cut another down.
Brovdir felt a hard pang of remorse in his chest.
He’d preyed upon their kinds’ primal urge to bear sons. To find conquests. The drive to protect and woo and win was instinctual. As ancient and strong as the Fades themselves.
Every male in the clan would fight Karthoc, one by one, despite odds and logic. They would follow Karthoc into certain doom under any other circumstances, but the need to breed was a force the warlord could not fight against.
His brother would have to fight every male in his party to stop this now.
It was no wonder he’d wanted to keep Oakwall a secret from the males.
Karthoc growled low under his breath, fury lacing his every muscle.
“Fine,” he snarled so harshly dread skittered through Brovdir’s veins. “I will find a way for you to meet with the humans of Oakwall Village. But you will obey every one of my orders while we do so.”
Brovdir felt his still stitching body tingling hot withrelief.
His plan had worked.
His brother had conceded to the will of the warriors.
“Yes, Warlord.” A chorus of low voices sounded as the males stepped back.
“And if any one of you steps out of place, Iwillchallenge you. You may be my best warriors, but I will not have insubordination among my males. I’ll cull you the very moment you step out of line.” Karthoc’s tone left no room for denial or hesitation. He meant what he said.
