Page 43 of The Iron Oath
“I agree. Never has this ever happened, and we will remind Aghon who we are.” Dura turned to her mate. “Do you think?—”
“We shall see. I agree. This has never happened before, and I know this was not our villagers. These were orcs from outside, and I plan to get to the bottom of it.”
Amuleta settled back against her seat, filled with worry. The carriage rocked as it began moving. She reached for Magoza’s hand again, needing to feel anchored. Now doubt entered her mind. Magoza was to prove herself to their people so she could be in line for the throne next. If the orcs of Aghon were so against Magoza mating a half-breed, would that cost Magoza everything she had worked her entire life for?
SEVENTEEN
Magoza stepped downfrom the carriage. Once her parents were secured at the stronghold, she immediately took Amuleta to her mother. Her anger was simmering inside her. Just think, if she had been a tad bit late getting into the view box, those orcs may have gotten their hands on Amuleta. She bit back a growl, her fists clenched at her sides.
“Spread out and check the perimeter. After what happened today, I don’t want to take any chances someone has discovered my mate’s home,” Magoza barked.
The protective detail who had traveled with her dispersed without a word. Each warrior was someone she trusted implicitly.
“I don’t believe we were followed.” Aguk came to stand beside her.
Amuleta had let herself into her home and had left the door open slightly.
“Better safe than sorry. We shall collect my mate’s mother and any possessions they want to take with them, then we will return to Angarth.” Magoza strode toward the cottage. After their afternoon, she didn’t want Amuleta out of her sight forlong. She arrived at the door and paused. She inhaled sharply to try to rein in her emotions. It was imperative that the human accompany them to the keep. She gave a few taps on the door. “May I enter?”
She pushed the door open farther and glanced inside. Amuleta’s urgent voice floated through the air. Magoza didn’t see them in the living room or the kitchen that was visible. They must be in the sleeping quarters.
“We have to go to Angarth,Banhas. It is not safe here,” Amuleta pleaded.
“This is my home. I will not go,” Gelisha snapped. She came barreling around the corner. She stopped immediately when she took in Magoza in the doorway. She eyed her wearily.
Amuleta appeared behind her mother with a curious expression.
“Do you bring word of Xagok, warrior?” Gelisha asked.
Magoza blinked at first then remembered a conversation she’d had with Amuleta. This must be what she had described when Gelisha was in a confused state. The human peered at Magoza with no recognition in her eyes.
“No, my lady. I don’t have word of the commander,” Magoza replied softly.
Amuleta sighed and moved to stand in front of Gelisha.
“The villagers are upset about things. They are not happy with me or that I’m not a full orc?—”
“That doesn’t mean they get to run us out of our home. We have lived here for solars. They have not harmed us at all. They can whisper and talk all they want about us. When your father returns, we will discuss this. He will keep us safe.” Gelisha moved to sit in her chair by the window.
Amuleta released a frustrated sigh and followed her. She knelt in front of her and took her hand. “It may not be for long.Father wouldn’t want us in danger. The chieftain has invited us to his home. Just until everything settles down,” she said softly.
Gelisha didn’t look convinced. “The chieftain?” She turned away and gazed at the window.
There was a change in her almost immediately. Magoza stared in shock as Gelisha turned back to Amuleta.
“The chieftain allowed your father to die. You expect me to believe that he will help us? No. We are not going,” Gelisha snapped.
“But,Banhas?—
“Lady Sesh. A band of angry orcs tried to kidnap Amuleta at the trials. They were very intent on taking her and probably would have harmed her. We do not know where they came from or who they are. Think of your daughter. The stronghold is the only place I can guarantee she will remain safe,” Magoza said. She entered the living room, unable to remain silent any longer. Gelisha was apparently as stubborn as they come. But would she continue to resist if she knew how much danger her daughter was in? “My parents and sister bravely fought this angry mob to protect Amuleta.”
“Is that true,danhas?” Gelisha’s eyes grew wide. Her hand shook as she reached up and cupped Amuleta’s cheek.
Amuleta gave a short jerk of her head. A pained expression crossed her face.
“Magoza is correct. I was so scared, but the Cydassi family and their warriors protected me. Now they want us both to come with them so they can extend the same to you. Please,Banhas. Ranhoswouldn’t want you in danger.”
Magoza beat down the anger that filled her to hear that her mate had been scared. Once she was back at the stronghold, she would go see the orcs who had been taken into custody. Someone was going to pay for scaring her mate and attempting to take her.
