Page 4 of Obeying the Orc
I was shocked the first time I saw the girls dancing provocatively, but after visiting Faircross a few times, it seemed as natural a sight as the sun rising over the mountains. Though my former flock in Lannus would be scandalized if they knew I’d visited an establishment such as The Sweet Siren, I didn’t believe those who worked in the tavern were any more of a sinner than I was.
“I’m headed into town, Dalton. Might stay for a few days, actually. Could you keep an eye on my claim?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
“Thank you.” I fixed my hat back in place. “Can I pick anything up for you at the mercantile?”
“No, but if you visit the tavern, give Floura my best.” He smiled, revealing crooked yellow teeth.
“Which one is Floura?”
He sighed and looked to the sky. “She has dark eyes and golden hair, but you’ll know her by her personality. Talk to her for a minute and you’ll feel as if the sun is rising.” He sighed again.
“I’ll see what I can do.” I swung up on my horse. “Good day to you, Dalton.”
“Good day, priest.”
I bit my tongue and rode away from my neighbor’s claim.
A few of the paths in the foothills were nearly washed out, and I had to take care in guiding Telrud around the dangerous patches of mud and rock. The trip that normally took four hours took six, and it was late afternoon by the time I reached town.
After I crossed the bridge over Winding Dragon River and reached Faircross, I left my horse at the stables, trusting Telrud would be well taken care of. Next, I stalked down the street to the mercantile. I ordered cornmeal, salt beef, rice, dried fruit, flour, coffee, tea, spices, and other essential items, as well as some mining tools that would take weeks, if not months, to arrive in Faircross.
Though I had more money than I knew what to do with, I saw no reason to sit idle in my cabin. As long as my claim yielded even the smallest flake of gold, I would keep at it, panning in the nearby creek and hardrock mining in the caves too.
Once I completed my transaction and arranged to pick up the in-stock items in two or three days, I found myself unsure of how to spend the next few hours. Directly across from the mercantile stood The Sweet Siren. I glanced out the front window. The tavern beckoned me.
During my first visit to the establishment, I’d wondered if I had completely lost my senses, but I’d told myself I’d simply gone inside because it was the only place one could get a good meal in Faircross, aside from The Bluebird Inn of course. After a few drinks though, I’d found myself staring at the females, at the beautiful sirens, as I imagined taking one upstairs. I’d passed out drunk before reaching a decision.
Perhaps tonight. Or even right now.
Did I dare?
What would my friends and family in Lannus think?
What would Emalise think?
It didn’t matter. I would never see any of them again.
I’d come to Faircross on a lark, not caring if I struck it rich or failed miserably at mining.
A new life. A life far from the pain and guilt from losing Emalise in childbirth. That was what I’d wanted.
The ghosts from my past had followed me, however, all the way to my homestead on the mountain.
Would the ghosts ever leave?
Would I ever find peace?
Still inside the mercantile, I moved down an aisle and idly gazed at a row of canned jams. Walking around the aisle, I came face-to-face with…
Blue eyes.
Wavy auburn-gold hair.
Full, sensuous lips.
My breath stopped short.Gods, have mercy. I took a step back and tipped my hat to the beautiful young human female. A pretty blush stained her cheeks as she stared up at me. Was she fully human? I wasn’t certain. Her delicate, almost ethereal features, suggested a fae ancestor or two.
