Fire: Becoming the Orc Queen by BE Brouillard

Author:BE Brouillard [Brouillard, BE]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-11-09T16:00:00+00:00

21

Tariq

The circle of stones has stood for centuries beneath the old oaks. It’s where we meet now, my senior council and I. When I arrive, each elder is standing beside one of the six giant granite chairs that surround the open space in the center. I step into the circle and wait for silence.

“We welcome King Tariq Firestarter,” our court secretary announces. “Welcome also to Timmir of the Dark. Welcome, Aidurn, Lord of the Marsh. Welcome, Zydus the Quiet. Welcome, Bridrod Gentleheart. Welcome Nirem the Powerful.” He runs through the names of each elder in turn, waiting as each nods their head in acknowledgment. When he is done, he turns to face me as they all take their seats.

“I greet you, Elders,” I go through the ritual that has been repeated by countless generations before me.

“We greet you, King Tariq,” their voices answer me as one.

My traditional red cloak swirls around my legs as I look around at them; I’m never comfortable in clothing – even this – but sometimes it’s necessary, particularly here in the Circle of Six. I dip my head, then address them. “I thank you for giving me leave to complete my tasks. I know that the threat on the frontline grows by the day. But I am pleased to report that talks with the Orc Queen went well. She has agreed to provide military support against our enemy.”

There is a murmur of approval.

“How much support can we expect, Lord Tariq?” Nirem asks.

“A full battalion will be at our disposal.” I glance over at her. “But there will be four more companies standing at the ready if we wish it.”

Nirem presses her lips together, but I know that she’s pleased. It’s more than we’d hoped for.

“Very good, my Lord. You have served us well.” Bridrod smiles at me. I can’t help smiling back. While Nirem is warlike, Bridrod is as gentle as her name.

Another voice breaks in – it’s Aidurn now. “And will they be able to get here in time? You were gone for almost a week, yet the Orc court is barely a two-day march. Has Queen Bagrak moved the headquarters of her army?”

“Nothing has changed. I was given a task in exchange for her allegiance.”

“A task?” Timmir asks. He’s leaning back against his seat, his hands clasped on his lap over a belly that’s grown a little round. It might be time for our Lord Timmir to join the fighting ranks again.

“The queen had a small problem she needed attending to that required some discretion.” I’m not sure how to phrase this because Bagrak hadn’t given me much detail herself. “They had business with a traveler on their borders whose companion was a threat that needed to be…removed.”

“Removed? But why would they need that?” Aidurn’s brow furrows.

“It wasn’t my place to ask.” I shrug. “It was a simple task, and it cemented the alliance, so I did it.”

“And where is this…companion you ‘removed’?” Bridrod seems troubled.

“She’s fine, my Lady. In my quarters as we speak,” I reassure her, thankful I can answer this honestly.

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