A whimper escapes me. At least Grumpy will not let Auglesh and Leviton off. My eyes prickle for a moment and then burning tears flow unchecked down my face.
Will he maim Varguk? Will he keep him in the prisoner cages and toss him over the mountain? Because I swear I will break him free this time. I will escape with him whether my father finds me in the middle of it or not. And both clans can hunt us down for the rest of our lives. I will hide out. And I’m sure with Varguk’s skills, we can be safe for the remainder of our days. We can.
“Your punishment shall be a lifetime sentence. A forever fate.”
My stomach clenches. This is exactly what I feared. He is going to keep him locked up forever. And I’ll be dragged back to our village in the north while he’s barely fed and kept out in the elements.
“You are hereby tasked with the chore of keeping our bridge safe for the rest of her life. Now, I realize that Oshin raised a headstrong daughter.” He glares at my father, who scowls back. “Because of that, I must level the playing field.”
Level the—? What does that even mean?
“And I know that Oshin probably wouldn’t like this,” Brachard barks. “It is up to him as to whether the Blackheart orcs wish to go to war over my decision. But I am exerting my right as Negan’s godfather. I hereby proclaim Varguk, formerly of the Southpeaks, now considered a West Mountain prisoner, shall receive punishment. He is to be matedto Negan of the Blackheart clan to forever protect her, a job he dismally failed the first time. A lifetime commitment to her safety in penance.”
The entire area erupts in chatter, the Southpeaks protesting. And I almost protest until I realize… we’re mated. Without a ceremony. Without anything fancy, which I don’t need, because we’re orcs, not half human. Like my two sisters clutching my hands between them, squeezing my fingers.
I risk a glance at Varguk and he looks floored, his jaw slack and confusion strewn across his brow. Several of the Blackheart males mutter angrily, though they are those who are with Denruk’s crew. But a look passes between my father and Jacovi.
They accept this.
My father steps forward. “I’ll accept your decision only because I no longer consider Varguk a Southpeak. I would never give her to that clan. As you said, Varguk is instead a prisoner of West Mountain. A male cast from his clan because his own father agreed to allow his punishment. His father also agreed to the punishment of his brothers. For that reason alone, I agree with King Brachard’s ruling.”
Hisa and Shalia stare at me in shock. Their eyes are wide, their faces pale. They are as flabbergasted as me. All of us, thinking the same thing. This is too good to be true.
“Now, for the Southpeaks, I will give you ample time to get off our land. You have one moon to get me the pieces of the other two sons. I will allow two more moons for them to heal, and then I expect them to show up in person so I can match their scars to their missing parts.”
“How will I know they will be safe?” King Vronas scowls.
“My word shall be enough. Unless you’d like to call off the bargaining and we’ll declare war here and now? Maim the sons ourselves?”
“No, no,” King Agor says quickly. “Vronas spoke out of turn.”
“All is well, then. I’ll have my guard escort you to the south bridge.”
Everyone else stands stock still as the Southpeaks are guided from the village. Then, in a much looser fashion, the noise starts to pick up.
“We will celebrate my last decree,” Brachard announces. “Because the Blackheart orcs have a long ride home. They need food and ale and a good night’s sleep before they head out. So bring on the feast! We will celebrate! We shall party until dawn!” He raises his fist into the air.
Across the court, cheers echo.
“And someone get our prisoner into the river to bathe,” Brachard scowls. “I can’t have that filthy male presented to my precious goddaughter.”
Chapter Seventeen
Negan:
I BREAK FROM THE others as soon as possible so I can hunt for Varguk.
My… mate.
I can’t believe it.
Hisa, Shalia, and I had huddled together and watched as each member of the Southpeaks was escorted to the edge of the pine trees surrounding Solaya. They rode away and the temporary bridge across the ravine was destroyed when the last enemy crossed. It wasn’t the only way into the village, but it would deter any visits from the south end. With the mountain trails, it takes much longer to travel to the west, east, and north sides.
In six moons, we would see the Southpeaks again. This time, it would be both Auglesh and Leviton present to show their physical punishment. A much longer trip considering they have to travel around the mountain ridge, but at least they were given the grace period to avoid winter.
Searching the bank where many often bathe, I don’t see Var—or any of the males. Could have sworn Grumpy said to give him a river dunk.
Mayhap I’ll go back to the tents. They may have set one up for us. The thought of sharing with him makes me giddy inside. I spin on theball of my foot, ready to race back to the living quarters. He might be there, in a tub, waiting for me to find him.
