Page 23 of The Iron Oath
But now she could guess.
It had to do with his mate, Gelisha. The beautiful human was protective of her mate’s belongings. The way she’d reacted when Magoza stood by the mantel where his axe was resting spoke volumes. Even though he was no longer here, she would still defend her mate’s memory with honor. Magoza had recognized it immediately. She’d had much respect for the seasoned warrior. He’d been a wise orc who had transitioned to the afterlife entirely too early.
Had her father known about Xagok’s hidden family?
Magoza pushed open the heavy doors and entered the room. The study was lit with sconces burning flickering flames. The windows that lined two sides of the walls allowed some light to come in, but seeing as how the twin suns had yet to rise, not much light was filtering in through them. The room was quiet and peaceful. There were times that she liked to come here to focus and reflect on important matters.
The decor was bold with dark colors. Shelving lined the walls filled with leather-bound books whose stories held centuries’ worth of history. Her father was found to be sitting in one of his favorite chairs in the corner near a window. The chair next to him was vacant. She walked across the room to join him.
“Ranhos,” she said to acknowledge him.
He lifted his head from the book he was reading and offered her a smile.
“Magoza. Please come sit with me.” He motioned to the empty chair.
She arrived there and dropped down into it. The leather chair was comfortable and offered plenty of cushion. There was afootstool next to it that she used to put her feet up when she was here to relax.
But at the moment, something told her that this was not a personal visit.
“Reading anything good?” She nodded to the book in his hand.
He barked a sarcastic laugh and shook his head. He placed the book on the table in between their chairs.
“Not really. Brushing up on our family’s history. There was a story my grandfather used to tell me of his father and uncle. For some reason, a dream came to me last night of my great-grandfather and uncle. When I saw them in the dream, it reminded me of you and your sister,” he said.
“The tale of Darful and Rogdul?” Magoza faintly remembered him sharing tales of their family when she and Nargol were children. Her sister was the one who was more in tune with their family history. Magoza knew the battles and wars like the back of her hand.
“Kraz.” He nodded with a grin. “One day I’m sure there will be tales of the great Magoza and Nargol that will be passed down in the history books.”
“If only I will be so lucky.” That would be a great honor to have her story documented for all future generations to read about. She could only hope that her tale would be worthy of bedtime tales told to little orcs. History was important to her people. If they didn’t know where they’d come from, how could they know where they needed to go in the future? Or prevent making the same mistakes of the past?
Tulak leaned back in his chair and eyed her. The laughter in his eyes and lips slowly disappeared. Now he was the great chieftain sitting before her. She straightened, awaiting what he would say next.
“I hope you are well rested, daughter. In two days the trials will begin,” he announced.
She jerked her head in a nod. She hadn’t forgotten. Orcs from all over Aghon had begun arriving in Udenia. This would be a brutal event where she would need to win. There was no room for doubt or failure.
“You know I have been training my entire life for this.”
“I know. You and your sister have made your mother and I proud.” He pushed up from his chair and stalked over to a large window. He folded his hands behind his back as he gazed out on the view. “I have faith that you will win the trials. Our family has ruled these lands for centuries. There shall always be a Cydassi on the throne.”
Magoza stood abruptly and slammed a fist on her chest above her heart. She was proud that his faith was in her. Her parents had always encouraged her and Nargol, and there was never a day where she doubted her parents’ love for her. It was she who needed to prove herself.
For the Nidani Clan.
In honor of Nogora, Magoza would lay down her life for her people. If only she would be able to one day serve Nogora in the afterlife, but that day would be far from now. She imagined herself old and gray with plenty of children and grandchildren surrounding her as she transitioned to the afterlife—with Amuleta at her side.
“Have no doubt that I will follow you in your footsteps,Ranhos,” she said.
He turned and glanced over at her. He gave her a nod. “Your mother has been in talks with our closest allies regarding a mate for you.”
“What?” Magoza blinked. After winning the trials, she would be free to choose her mate, but she had thought she would have a choice in the matter. Her mind raced. Amuleta was the only onefor her. She was her fated mate. Magoza felt it as if the gods had come down here themselves and placed Amuleta in front of her.
“She has narrowed it down to three candidates. At the celebration of you winning the trials, there will be a presentation of mates for you.” He crossed the room and came to stand in front of her. He rested a hand on her shoulder and met her gaze. “She has done good by you. The families that are all offering their daughters for you have all agreed to our terms. The final say will be yours.”
“But, Father, I thought I had a say in who I choose as a mate?”
“You do. From the three who will be presented for you.”
