Rise of the Warrior of Everfen

Chapter 59: Dishonorment

Cold Hammer said, "For awhile there was little of that, but now that tensions are rising between orcs and humans again, it's been occurring more frequently." Ever since Chief Gussten executed two humans six months ago.

Lohke stood up, "I don't want such talk happening at all. Sheobulf is ours, she is one of us. If anyone questions her, or your pairing, as your chief and Great Chieftain, I want words with them."

Erinne laughed, "We appreciate it, Lohke, we really do, but it is fine. The last thing we need is more fighting over a human. Leave them be, one day they may see me for who I truly am."

He sighed, but he didn't look happy at all as he agreed. "Fine, I'll leave it be. Back to the matter at hand. Are you sure you wish to go?"

"As you said, an orc crossing the border right now would be in danger with every footstep. Let me go, if I can settle matters, we may yet have them join us. Write to Wren, tell him I'm coming. We will end this matter before next month's end if I have my way."

.      .      .      .

Erinne was vaguely nervous as she walked into the tavern. It wasn't until she crossed into human territory that she'd realized danger lurked for her here just as much as any orc. Her clothes were entirely orc made and it showed. They were different than the finer linens that humans wore. The humans noticed, too, staring at her, giving her threatening glares. She'd had to remove her hood just so they could see she was human. Still, they gawked. Even as she rode into a town where orcs had done a lot of trade, they kept their eyes on her with mixtures of hate and curiosity.

As she glanced around the inner cabin, she spotted a man behind a counter and made her way towards him, her cloak drawn tightly about her to ward off the chill in the air, made warmer by a fireplace burning hot against one of the walls. As she reached the counter, the man looked at her and narrowed his eyes on her clothes before she spoke.

"I am here for the meeting with—"

"I know who you are. They've been expecting you." He motioned behind him. "In there." She swallowed at his curt tone but moved around the counter, hiding her discomfort as she swept aside the curtain that blocked the back room.

As soon as she pushed it aside, there were eyes on her and her discomfort grew. She was far less welcome here than she'd thought she would be. They were all humans here, after all, she'd expected that would give her some leeway in feeling welcomed. The last six months hadn't been well for the mindset of both races. Once again, she started to feel like she was stuck somewhere in between them, a feeling she hadn't had since the start of the treaty.

She took in the people in the room as she let the curtain fall closed behind her, nervousness flitting in her gut, but then she laid eyes on two familiar men and a smile spread across her face. "Khash," she greeted him, trying not to show too much joy in the wake of the reasons for this meeting. It might offend the others that had come.

Khash was quick to return the smile as he made his way to her. "Lady Erinne," he grabbed both her hands in his, squeezing until she could feel the warmth of him sinking through her gloves. The second man she reocnized from Wren's own king's guard, Farswar, who had never been her greatest friend, but she was pleased to see him nevertheless.

"Farswar." She acknowledged him with a gentle nod but Khash had yet to release her as he brought his cheek to hers and then stepped back, still clutching her hands.

"It has been too long, milady."

For a long time they'd caught up regularly at towns and villages looking to establish trade with the orcs. Wren often sent Khash in his stead when he couldn't come himself, which was more often than not. It'd been much longer since she'd seen Wren than when she'd last seen Khash. The warlock's abilities were highly valued when they were attempting to build and develop trade.