Page 142 of The Orc's Captive Bride
Despite everything, Khorrek felt his mouth twitch. Almost a smile.
These are my people now. My allies. My family.
Strange thought. He’d never had family. Had never been allowed connections beyond his fellow weapons.
But looking at Egon and Lyric. At Thea. At the determination in all their eyes.
Family. Yes.
“When do we leave?” Egon asked. Voice resigned. Accepting.
“We have ten days,” Thea said. “But we’ll need time to prepare. To plan. To coordinate with Ulric.”
“And to train,” Khorrek added. “If we’re going into Kel’Vara, we need to be ready. Need to know the plan perfectly.”
“Agreed.” Egon’s expression was hard. Focused. “We’ll need to move through the city unseen. Get to the Obsidian Keep. Perform the ritual. Get out.”
“Simple,” Lyric said dryly.
“I didn’t say easy. Just simple.”
Thea looked between them. Worry and determination warring in her expression.
“I’m sorry. I know this isn’t what any of you wanted?—”
“Stop.” Khorrek turned her to face him fully. “This is what needs to be done. And we’ll do it. Together.”
“You’re sure?”
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”
Egon made a sound. Quiet approval.
Lyric smiled. “The Old Gods chose well. Both of you.”
Thea adjusted her glasses. Nervous gesture. “I don’t know about gods. But I know about magic. And I know this will work. If we can just?—”
The tent flap opened. Ulric entered. Jessamin beside him.
The massive orc king surveyed them all. Sharp eyes missing nothing.
“I hear we’re planning something dangerous.”
“When are we not?” Egon muttered.
Ulric’s mouth curved. “Fair point. Tell me.”
CHAPTER THIRTY
Ulric listened thoughtfully and Thea and Lyric explained their plan.
“Why do you believe this will work?” he asked when they were finished, his voice neutral.
Lyric hesitated, then said quietly, “Because the Old Gods are behind this, and I can feel their guidance.”
Silence filled the tent and even Ulric looked surprised before his eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
“The Old Gods,” he repeated, his voice still carefully neutral.
