by Ajax Lygan
Her inferno of rage ebbed to an ember as she remembered why they were here, why she’d saved the man from the goblin camp, and why she’d traveled hundreds of miles to understand who he was.
She wanted redemption.
Riika rolled her wrist into her arm, bringing her other arm underneath Wildfang’s jaw. Grabbing onto her own bicep, she placed her other hand behind her foe’s head. She pulled her shoulders back until she felt the Chieftainess go limp.
With a dusty thud, Wildfang’s body hit the ground.
Brimmaw rolled her over, confirming her condition. “Riika Treehammer wins!” the orc shouted to the cheers of the crowd.
Tempest turned to see Alfonso jumping up and down with his hand out to several of the other IRC members as they handed him bags of coin. Wasting no time, Tempest ran over to Riika and began healing her. With Riika covered in blood, he grabbed onto the back of her neck, his hand slipping in the sweat. He pulled her close and kissed her deeply.
“Um, what was that for?” she asked, grinning after she pulled away.
“I’m just proud of you,” he said, leaning up on tip-toes and kissing her again.
“Well, if I knew winning boka ok’tar would get me this much attention from you, I would have done it a long time ago.”
Tempest chuckled and shook his head as he walked over to Chieftainess Wildfang’s still form. Her tribesmen had brought down a pillow and placed it under her head. They were busy washing away the blood from her lips as she wheezed, fighting for each breath against the weight of her own body.
The tribesman moved out of the way as Tempest kneeled next to her. Her entire torso was black and blue from Riika’s few hits. It emphasized to him just how strong she had gotten since their bonding.
“Y-you’re Eminence, i-if Chieftainess Wildfang dies…”
Tempest cut off Brimmaw’s blubbering words with a raised hand. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to let that happen.”
He reached out, examining the damage to her body. It looked like Riika had crushed her insides. The she-orc’s sternum and several of her ribs had compound fractures, piercing both of her lungs as well as several other major organs. She had internal bleeding all over, and Tempest was certain if he didn’t do something soon, she didn’t have long. Luckily her heart was still beating, although erratically.
He took his time healing her, scanning through her body multiple times to ensure he’d gotten everything. When he opened his eyes, he found the Chieftainess was awake, staring back at him.
She leaned onto her elbow and waved a finger at Riika. “She’s stronger than we were told.”
“Based on the look of your insides, if she hadn’t been holding back, we wouldn’t be speaking.”
“Oh, of that there is no doubt. It’s a shame she wouldn’t join us.”
“Yeah, I doubt she would be interested in what you had planned for her.”
“Why? Leading her people would be a great honor.”
Tempest rubbed at his face and leaned back, looking sharply at the Chieftainess.
“What, you thought she was going there to do something else?” she asked, eyebrow raised.
“Uh, yeah, we were told you wanted to breed her.”
Chieftainess Wildfang looked back at her tribesmen, who joined her in a hearty laugh. “I don’t know who started this rumor of us breeding our people like cattle, but we’re a matriarchal society. I’d sooner chop off the men’s balls than let something like that happen. Now, we do encourage breeding through monetary rewards and the offer of healers, but no one is forced upon anyone there.”
Tempest smirked and shook his head before offering his hand to the Chieftainess. She clasped his hand and used his weight as leverage to rise with him as he stood.
Riika approached her seconds later and extended her arm. “That was a good fight,” Riika said.
“Please, that was a farce of a display,” Chieftainess Wildfang said, clasping Riika’s arm. “I knew it was over in the first ten seconds.”
“As did I.”
“Although, now I’m even more interested to see how you wield a blade.”
“Maybe we should leave that for another time,” Tempest suggested.
“Agreed, the day is not over, and I think we both still have much work to do.”
21
Sons of Dorthomir
The excitement of the exhibition soon transferred over to the dinner service. The walls of the bottom floor of the tower opened to reveal ad hoc tables and pillows for seating. It was then that Tempest realized the wooden guide rails that crisscrossed on the ceiling of the main floor allowed for the sliding walls and doors to glide around and create open or private spaces. The guide rails halted on the back half of the main floor where the entrance to the hot springs began.
Tempest, Ella, and Riika took in deep breaths of the smells from the nearby kitchen as they entered the new dining hall. Patrons, who were now flush with coin thanks to her victory, offered celebratory congratulations and drinks to Riika as they passed by. Tempest caught a waving hand followed by two others as they looked for an unclaimed table.
“Do you two want to sit together with Alfonso, Alyndra, and Saïgra?” Tempest asked.
“I’m fine if we just want to sit together,” Riika said as she clicked her teeth and furled her lip as she looked over at the group.
“What was that?”
“Jealousy,” Ella smirked.
“Of Alyndra or Saïgra?” Tempest asked. “And why would you be jealous of either of them?”
“Alyndra’s just a little miss perfect,” Riika said, crossing her arms. “She’s completely gorgeous, does everything right for her people, and everyone adores her. Plus…” Tempest jerked his head and his hands as he waited for her to finish her statement. She looked down at her, rolled her eyes, and leaned over. “Plus, she had you before me.”
Tempest heart jumped into his throat as he froze. He had forgotten to tell Ella and Riika about him being with Alyndra and Saïgra, but Riika’s last statement was incorrect. In the event of starting a scene, Tempest grabbed Riika and Ella and took them out of the dining area around a nearby corner. Riika and Ella were both tilting their hands as Tempest looked to make sure the coast was clear.
“So, tell me what you just told me?”
Riika crossed her arms and looked away before speaking. “I was just upset that she had you before me.”
“That’s not true though. I don’t know who told you that.”
Riika squinted her eyes, and she looked down at Ella who was already lowering her pointed ears. “You told me…”
“I know, I know, I am sorry,” Ella said, cowering, raising her hands up at her. “I had heard them going at it, and I thought it was important for you to know before we made our decision to stay. You can get very possessive and I wanted to make sure you understood this was a common thing with Aspects.”
“I’m standing right here, you know,” Tempest said, placing his hands on his hips. “I’ll have you know that we didn’t get very far before you interrupted us.”
Ella crossed her arms and turned away from them both. “Well, I am sorry I was wrong, but it was important to make sure you were certain.”
Riika was swaying side to side with a big smile as she noticed Tempest and Ella looking up at her. “Huh? Oh yeah…whatever…”
“Not whatever,” Tempest said, placing his hands on Riika’s and Ella’s shoulders. “I need to talk to you both about what happened yesterday. Alyndra, Saïgra, and I…”
Riika wrapped her arms around Tempest and Ella, squeezing them both into her breasts. “I am just so happy right now,” she said, squeezing them tighter, causing them both to flail their arms as they struggled for air.
When she let go, Tempest grabbed onto Riika’s arm as the blood rushed back to his head and he felt lightheaded. “I am glad you’re happy, but you didn’t let me finish.”
“Yeah, you banged Alyndra, and Saïgra, that’s old news. I’m starving though, let�
�s go get food.” Riika patted her stomach and began walking back toward the dining room.
Tempest turned to Ella and pointed his thumb behind her.
Ella’s response was just to shrug.
“I-I don’t get her sometimes,” Tempest said chuckling.
“Neither do I, but she’s happy, and that’s all that matters, I guess. Thanks for telling us like you said you would, but just know we’re likely to know immediately after it has happened.”
“How?”
Ella tapped her nose as she walked past him.
Tempest followed Riika and Ella, thinking about his cleaning routine as they made their way to the table where Alfonso, Alyndra, and Saïgra sat. The food was displayed family style with large dishes of cooked fowl, rice, and bottles in the middle of the table with large spoons for scooping. Riika was already scooping food onto her plate as she sat. As Tempest bent down to sit at the end of the table, Alyndra called out to him.
“Oh, Tempest, come sit next to Saïgra and I,” she said, scooting away from Saïgra and patting the floor next to her. “We need to discuss the status of the proclamations.” Tempest stood and walked around Saïgra, crossing his legs as he sat. Alyndra and Saïgra worked in unison, setting his plate and scooping food for him as they whispered.
“The simple things first,” Alyndra began. “Saïgra has full support from the IRC members to join the council, which is great because that means she’ll be able to cast a vote on the decisions tomorrow.”
“Congratulations,” Tempest said, turning and hugging Saïgra. “That’s super exciting.”
“It is,” she said, blushing. “I honestly didn’t think it would go so well.”
“No one can deny the power of the Firegrove,” Alyndra said, winking at her. “But you made a lot of good arguments today. I was completely impressed by how natural you took to the role of emissary. If I may be so bold, I think you would make a great Queen, Saïgra.”
Saïgra snickered as she finished pouring Tempest’s drink. “I’d say don’t tell the Queen that, but…” The three laughed at the small jab as Alyndra continued.
“Outside of that, all the purchases and acquisitions have been approved. Alfonso just made himself a King.”
Tempest looked over at Alfonso, who was busy telling stories to Riika and Ella. His expressions were brighter than before, and his laughter was more exuberant. He must feel like he is on top of the world, Tempest thought. Tempest began digging into his meal as Alyndra handed him his spoon. He watched her count on her fingers as she spoke.
“That leaves just a few things on the table. There’s the territory issue between Halairim and Ubi, with the majority currently leaning toward Halairim. Halairim’s wish to continue to pursue The Cessation, which many are for. There is the Shieldbreaker brothers of Dorthomir situation of getting access to the resources of Dorthomir which is tied into the Chief’s ask to stop the pollution of Lake Sanguin, depending on how you look at it. Currently, the pollution efforts will fail tomorrow unless the Dorthomir situation is resolved. Finally, which this is really your decision, whether or not you want to break the orc tribe’s curse.”
Tempest had nearly finished his plate by the time Alyndra had finished talking. Not that he was starving, he wanted to get it over with so he could focus on the issues at hand. After downing his drink, he wiped his face before turning to Alyndra.
“I spoke with Empress Poliko earlier. I asked if she was willing to compromise, and she was, in a way.”
“What did she say?”
“She said she’s not willing to give up territory, but she’s willing to lease land to everyone for commercial purposes. Do you think that would work?”
“Saïgra, what do you think?”
Saïgra was shaking her head already by the time he looked at her. “Halairim already has an overwhelming majority. There’s no way she’ll take the deal. The only option I see would be to get enough votes to allow Tempest to veto and the secondary vote to fail with a two-thirds majority. You could also issue your own proclamation as well.”
“What would be a fair proclamation in response?”
“If it were me,” Alyndra spoke up, pointing her finger at herself. “I would compromise. Halairim wants more water, so double the current offering space, and if they need more, then Ubi can lease it to the kingdoms as needed.”
Tempest turned to Saïgra, who nodded in agreement.
“Sounds good. I like that plan.”
“Hold on,” Alyndra said, grabbing Tempest’s shoulder. “You still need more than a third of the votes. Myself, Saïgra, and Alfonso are sure fits, but you’ll need more than that.”
Tempest leaned back on his hands as he looked up at the ceiling. He thought about the various people he had met so far, who he felt he could win over, or that would be at least open to the idea. “Chieftainess Wildfang, Chieftain Thunderhoof, and Viktor Van Jütenheim could all be options.”
“Why those three?”
“Chieftainess Wildfang was already appreciative of me healing her after the battle. She could have easily died without my intervention. She also wants me to break the curse. I could use that as leverage to get her support.”
Alyndra took a deep breath and stared into Tempest’s eyes. “I understand that, but I want you to consider the consequences of each of these. There is a reason why the orcs had the curse placed on them. They are like a hybrid hive of locusts and wasps. When unchecked, they ravage landscapes, raping and pillaging. At one point, no one thought they were going to be stopped until Cratus stepped in. I mean, look what Chieftainess Wildfang and Riika did earlier. That’s a constant occurrence in their tribes. You could doom the planet to the same mistake.”
Tempest folded his shoulders forward as he considered Alyndra’s words. He raised his brows, looking up at Saïgra as he felt her hand rub the top of his back.
“Hey, just trust your heart. No matter what decision you decide, we’ll still be with you, right Alyndra?”
“Of course,” she said, smiling. “I just want you to be cognizant of your actions is all.”
Tempest straightened his body and nodded. “I appreciate it, and I’ll think about it some more as I go through the motions. Chieftain Thunderhoof would be ideal if I can talk with the two brothers. Viktor and I spoke yesterday, he offered to help with anything if I need it.”
“If you can get the brothers back on board, I think you could swing even more people to your side. Viktor on the other hand…he’s a nice man but I doubt he’ll do it for free, even though he implies it.”
“What do you think he would want?”
“Beats me,” she said, shrugging. “But whatever it is, I’m sure it’s something only you would be able to give him.”
Tempest nodded, poured himself another glass, and downed it in a few chugs. He rolled to his knees and stood from the table, soliciting responses from Riika and Ella.
“Where are you going?” they asked in unison.
“I have a few dwarven brothers I need to unite,” Tempest said, smiling and pointing to the courtyard. “Don’t worry about me, just enjoy yourselves.”
“Would you like us to go with you?” Saïgra asked, subtly draping her hand around his leg.
“No, you all enjoy each other’s company, and I’ll catch up later.” Tempest waved his goodbyes and turned with determination in his eyes. He had limited time, and the decisions stacked the odds against him, but he was not taking no for an answer. He had learned stubbornness from Riika and planned to use it, should the need arise.
He had seen the two bands of dwarves set up camp when they first arrived late at night on the first day, taking opposite sides of the courtyard. The tents stood out due to their massive size, taking the place of six similarly structured tents from the smaller races. Tempest surmised their size was why they only brought two guards apiece, which were standing at attention when Tempest approached. The two men bowed, recognizing who Tempest was.
“Dimitri, you have a visitor,” one m
an turned and shouted through the tent flap. Tempest was thankful for the man as he didn’t recognize which brother this tent belonged to. Dimitri’s blonde sideburns and blue eyes were easily recognizable as the dwarven male peaked his head through the tent chewing on a hunk of meat. His eyes went wide as he pulled his head back in and Tempest heard the sound of spitting.
“Your Eminence, what a pleasant surprise,” Dimitri said, holding open the tent flap. “Please come in and make yourself comfortable.”
Tempest walked in, listening to Dimitri loudly whisper at his guards, hitting them in the gut, at the lack of awareness to Tempest’s presence.
Even with the tent’s size, there was little inside save for a bedroll with a traveling pack laying on it, a foldable chair, and the plate of food sitting on it.
“Care for a drink?” Dimitri asked, pointing toward his pack.
“Nothing for me, thanks, I just ate.”
“What can I do ye for?”
“Well, I’m hoping I can help figure out a solution to the Dorthomir problem.”
“So, they finally brought out the big guns then,” Dimitri said, pulling a bottle from his pack. He grabbed the plate from the chair and was about to sit before he paused. “You don’t mind, do you?”
“Not at all,” Tempest said as he began walking around the room. “I’m hoping we can come to some sort of agreement given the conditions we spoke about earlier. Based on the will of your father, he wishes for you both to rule Dorthomir, correct?”
“Aye.”
“However, you tried selling it to King Khenba, which you knew your brother would never agree to, yet you brought him here under the false pretense that you would agree to rule it with him?”
“Aye.”
“I guess I am confused on why you would do that? You know it was going to fail from the start, so why the display?”
Dimitri smiled as he chewed on the hunk of meat. He took a swig of his cup before putting the plate down, wiping his hands together. “Simple, I wanted to see what he would do.”
“That’s it?”
“That’s it,” he said, leaning in his chair. The dwarf settled on his knees, rubbing at his hands as he spoke. Tempest could tell by the change in his tone over the length of the speech he was unhappy. “See, Ulthir and I have been at each other’s throats since we were kids. He was the honorable and reliable one. While I was…a bassa. Da’ in his ultimate wisdom was always trying to bring us together. The more he tried, the more we wanted to tear each other to shreds. When he died, he played his ultimate card. One last move to try to bring us together, and well, you know how that went.”
