Page 21 of The Iron Oath
“That would be nice of you.” Amuleta took Gelisha’s hand in hers and gave it a squeeze. “Wasn’t that nice of her to help me today?”
“I’m sure the commander had better things to do than frolicking around in the woods collecting herbs and berries,” Gelisha said.
“It was my pleasure to spend time with your daughter today.” Magoza turned her amber eyes to Amuleta whose face grew warm at the meaning behind her words. “But I shall not stay too much longer. I don’t want to intrude on your privacy.”
That appeared to satisfy Gelisha who went back inside the cottage. Something was definitely different about her, and she was sure they would have a discussion about it once Magoza had left.
“I do appreciate you carrying those bags for me.” Amuleta motioned for her to follow Gelisha inside.
Magoza brushed past Amuleta as she went inside before her. Her breath caught in her chest at the closeness of the orc. How could she act normal in front of Gelisha after what they had done?
She motioned to the table in front of the sofa. Most of their furniture had been handmade by her father. He had been a talented craftsman. When not training as a warrior, he’d liked to use his hands and create beautiful woodwork. Had he been alive, she was sure he would be able to sell his work.
“You can put them down on the table,” Amuleta said.
Gelisha had taken a seat in her favorite chair by the fireplace. Magoza placed the bags down and faced her.
“You have a beautiful home, my lady,” Magoza said. She froze in place, her eyes locked in on the mantel above the hearth. Hermouth dropped open slightly as she edged toward the hearth. “How do you have this?”
She arrived in front of it and paused. On the wall was her father’s war axe. It was Gelisha’s prized possession. The one last piece of him that they cherished aside from his memory. Her father had loved that axe, and the stories he’d told at night were never meant for a young girl like Amuleta. Gelisha would scold him plenty of times that his war tales were too graphic and gory for Amuleta’s young ears.
But Amuleta had loved every second of it. She would smile and lean forward as her father became animated with the tales of fighting great battles.
“That is none of your business,” Gelisha exclaimed. She pushed up from her chair and moved in front of Magoza. Gelisha tilted her head back to meet Magoza’s eyes. “Don’t touch it.”
“What do you mean it’s none of my business? I know exactly who this axe belonged to and I want to know why it’s here,” Magoza demanded.
“Again, none of your business. Amuleta, it’s time for your guest to leave,” Gelisha snapped.
Amuleta flew across the room to her mother’s side. This was not how she’d imagined the day going. She honestly didn’t know what to expect, but this certainly wasn’t it.
“Banhas,” she started, but Gelisha shook her head.
“I said she needs to leave. Now.” The determined tilt in Gelisha’s chin was a clear sign that Amuleta shouldn’t go against her.
Amuleta stepped forward and snagged Magoza’s wrist. She gave a gentle pull to guide her toward the door.
“Come. I think it’s time for you to go,” she said softly.
Magoza jerked her head in a nod, allowing Amuleta to lead her out of the cottage. It wasn’t until they were outside with thedoor shut that Amuleta let out a deep breath. Magoza walked a few steps away from her and paused with her hands on her waist.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what has gotten into my mother. She’s normally very nice and welcoming to strangers, even though they aren’t very nice to us?—”
“Xagok Sesh was your father.” Magoza’s statement stunned Amuleta.
She stood frozen, staring at her back. Her father had died with the secret of having a mate and child hidden away. She inhaled sharply and lowered her gaze.
This was why Gelisha acted the way she did. Even with her husband long gone, she was still trying to protect him. Amuleta took a few steps away from the house. She wrapped her arms around herself and glanced at the beautiful blue sky. The twin suns weren’t as high as they had been earlier. It was late afternoon, and soon she would need to help put supper on.
Just hearing someone utter her father’s name brought a smile to her lips. She closed her eyes and tried to conjure the last image she had of him. It had been the final time he’d left them. He was off to do the chieftain’s bidding. He’d had a wide grin for her as he’d hugged her goodbye. The two of them had a tradition. He lifted her in his arms and demanded a big hug from her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and squeezed as tight as she could. He shouted that she was too strong for him, and she fell into a fit of giggles.
“Come back to me, Ranhos,” Amuleta whispered.
“Always, my love.”
Her vision blurred with unshed tears. Life wasn’t fair. Why did it have to be her father who was killed in battle? He had always promised her that he would return to her no matter what.
“Was Xagok Sesh your father?” Magoza asked again.
