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But no matter. I’m there for Tessa. I do not care if they do not like me.
Tessa turned to them and handed them a bag of food. I had swiped some of our supplies, some dried meat, vegetables, and roots.
I wonder how often they eat healthy, balanced meals.
Probably not that often.
Tessa’s father had fixed the roof after the first time I destroyed it. This time, I did a lot more damage.
I can see that a load-bearing wall of the small house took a hit. An entire window has also shattered from the force of ripping the roof off the structure.
The house, though small and built from random pieces of material, was well constructed.
It was structurally sound before I came along. It’s clear that Tessa’s father is a good builder.
I can hear Tessa and her mother speaking from where I stand. The older woman is happy about the food, and while her father grumbles, I can hear him making a fire.
Their happiness over a simple bag of food is painful.
Camp Shadows is quiet. Everyone is inside, having supper and preparing for the night.
I know they dare not make any noise for fear of angering the orcs. I know the orcs are nearby.
A thatch of trees grows several hundred steps away from the village. The orcs are just beyond there. They can feel my presence and are waiting for me to leave.
So that they can come and kill little infants.
My stomach twists with anger, but I shake my head violently. I have to keep a clear head. I will drive the orcs away for Tessa in exchange for the book.
Then I have to leave.
The thought of leaving makes my heart sink into my stomach.
But you have no real choice, do you?I think.
After having done several rounds of Camp Shadows, I have found everything I need to fix the roof. I have also found some extra material to fix the wall.
Hopefully, this will help Tessa’s father see me in a good light.
Not that you care.I tell myself.
When I return to start fixing the roof, the air is fragrant, rich, and spicy with desert herbs.
Tessa and her mother laugh and sing along to some nameless song. Her father grunts something in response to his wife and daughter every few moments.
I allow myself to grow in size and then start piecing the roof back together. I finally finished putting the roof back together using a combination of wood from tiphe trees and binding it with sweetgrass.
Then I move over to the wall.
“Are you coming to eat, Varzig?” Tessa’s voice is soft in the evening light. It’s dim outside, but I can see her quite well.
The lines of her face have softened from laughter, and her eyes sparkle, reflecting the light from the flames.
Her hair hangs in unruly waves to the middle of her back, and her mouth stretches into a smile.
I have to swallow several times before I can speak properly.
“I’m just finishing up here.” My voice is gruff and harsh when I speak. And again, I want to kick myself when she flinches away from me.
