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“You have not offended me, Nails. Thank you for the apples.”
I continue through the town, and the response is the same. The orcs are a bit subtler in their demeanors than the humans, but the fact remains that they are all treating me differently.
The day was hot, and I stopped in the shade of a birch tree, leaning my back against the rough bark. I use a rag to mop sweat from my forehead when I hear two orcs talking on the other side of the tree.
“You think the chief will not wander any longer now that he’s taken a mate?”
“I wouldn’t think so,” replies the other, who sounds a bit older. “His mate will not stand for him being out and about all the time. This could be a sign that our chieftain has matured at last.”
A wry grin crosses my face. I had not expected the effect to go quite this far. I suppose it does represent a massive lifestyle change for me to have taken a mate.
Only, the mating is not for real. Well, the mating act certainly was. I feel warmth spreading through my body just thinking of the night I’d spent with Paige.
But our being mates is only a ruse. Only Laney knows the truth, so far. I fear that it will make my people angrier if they should find out the truth.
I stop by a small orc home on the outskirts of the city and rap on the door. A moment later, the timbers creak, and I’m faced with the careworn features of a middle-aged human woman. She seems startled to see me.
“Chief Jovak? What are you doing here?”
“I have come to ask you a few questions about Moldar, your missing mate.”
Her face clouds over with worry.
“He’s been gone for over a week, vanished without a trace. I don’t know what I can tell you that I haven’t already told Rolar and the others.”
“I know this is hard for you, Amy, but please, indulge me. It could be that you might remember some small detail that you neglected to mention before.”
She nods and steps back, allowing me passage to her humble home. I see a great stuffed chair by the fireplace. Its worn areas suggest Moldar liked to sit there in particular. Their children have long since reached adulthood and moved out into their own houses, making the home seem rather empty. I feel she must be terribly lonely.
“Would you like some tea?” she asks.
“Just water would be fine.” I can’t imagine drinking a hot beverage after having been out in the sun for so long.
She brought me the water along with a plate of sliced tomatoes and a fat wedge of goat cheese. It would be rude not to take at least a small bite, but the cheese and tomato are surprisingly great together. I refrain from taking another bite and instead fix her with my gaze.
“Amy, did Moldar say anything about where he was going that day he vanished?”
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “I think he was supposed to patrol the western forest. That’s what Rolar said anyway.”
I nod. Rolar is likely right about that.
“And was he acting strangely? Any disruptions in his sleep or odd behavior?”
“No,” she says, shaking her head vehemently. “He was just like he always was. A little bit grumpy, but he always meant well. Now he’s gone, and I’m all alone ….”
She covers her face with her hands. I stood and put my hand on her shoulder.
“I will do everything I can to get him back, I swear.”
She nodded and wiped her tears. I found out precious little from her or any of the others I interviewed. All of the loved ones of the missing warriors say the same thing ... nothing stood out as strange before they disappeared.
That rules out depression, madness, or discontent with their lot. Also, any kind of conspiracy where the missing warriors were planning a coup. That had been one of my concerns.
Unfortunately, the more I investigate, the more certain I am that something sinister has happened to our missing brethren.
I coordinated efforts with my warriors and sent out a dozen search parties. I even drew back from our border defense, though I am loath to do so. It might leave us open to an enemy scout or even an attack, but if we don't find out what happened to those missing warriors soon, I fear that there could be trouble.
I head back to my home, and when I open the door, my jaw drops open.
