"And I was left for such. If it hadn't been for the Orcs, I would have perished."
"The Orcs?"
"Yes, the Orcs of the Red Hand. You remember Kargen and Laruhk? It is they that found me, and their tribe that taught me the magic of fire."
His statement brought the room to silence.
"You mean to say you are also a mage?" asked Raleth.
"Yes," said Athgar.
"This is glorious news indeed."
"Glorious? I thought you disliked mages?"
"We do, at least those who are skrollings." Raleth cast a glance at Natalia. "Sorry."
"This IS an interesting development," added Harwath, suddenly taking an interest in the conversation. "He must be seen by the king as soon as possible."
"I'm afraid I don't understand," said Athgar.
"It has been generations since there were Therengian mages. We thought all the lines died out decades ago. If you are as you say, then this is a monumental discovery."
In answer, Athgar held out his hand, palm upward as he canted the magical words, calling on his inner spark to produce a small green flame.
Raleth and Harwath both stared, awed by his display.
"Well, mage or not," said Anweld, "he needs some food. Now stop gaping and pass out some of that stew."
Harwath tore his eyes away, going to gather some bowls while his brother kept staring.
"What else can you do?" asked Raleth.
"Nothing without risking burning down your house," said Athgar, "but I can assure you I was taught well."
"Yes," added Natalia, "he was taught by the master of flame."
"Master of flame?"
"Yes, Artoch, the Orc he was talking about earlier."
Raleth's face grew troubled. "Are you saying the Orcs can use this type of magic?"
"The Red Hand could," replied Athgar. "It's how they got their name."
"We've had some problems with the Orcs in this region," Raleth continued. "Could they have the same ability?"
Athgar took a moment to think about his response. It would do little good to admit he had spent time amongst the Black Axe tribe, so he gave a noncommittal answer. "Yes, it's possible."
Raleth rose. "I must warn the king. I fear we may be heading into a conflict that could destroy us."
"We shall be happy to meet him," said Athgar, "should he wish it, of course."
"I'm sure he will," said Raleth. "In the meantime, I suggest you eat. You'll likely need your strength." He left the hut, leaving the rest to consider his words.
"Tell me, Skora," asked Natalia, "what is King Eadred like?"
The old woman sat in silence awhile, obviously struggling to answer. "He is a man dedicated to his role as king, but he lacks the decisiveness required of a leader. He is, however, exceptionally knowledgeable about the history of our people."
"A history I'm very interested in learning," said Athgar.
"Naturally," said Skora, "but you have yet to finish your tale. You talk of being saved by the Orcs yet have not told us how you met your wife."
"We met in Draybourne," offered Natalia. "He was trying to save me."
"Trying?"
"I'm a full-fledged Water Mage and had the situation well in hand. Unfortunately, I took him for one of my attackers and injured him."
"Once she realized her mistake," added Athgar, "she looked after me while I healed."
"She sounds like a remarkable woman," said Skora. "And it's nice to see she's someone worthy of you."
"I don't know about worthy," said Natalia.
"Nonsense. It's plain to see you're meant for each other. A much better match than Melwyn."
"We met her earlier," said Natalia. "What can you tell me about her?"
"What's there to tell? We managed to escape the slavers, then wandered in the wilderness: her untrained in the hunt and me too weak from hunger to do anything. We were near death by the time we made it out of the mountains."
"Melwyn was not untrained in the hunt," said Athgar. "She was blooded before I was."
"Is that what her father told you?"
"Are you saying it's not true?"
Skora shook her head. "My dear boy, you were blinded by the passion of youth. Melwyn was no more successful than you were. The difference was that her father looked out for her. It was his spear that brought down the deer, not hers."
"How do you know?"
She tapped her nose. "I know things, but in any event, it's of no consequence. You have found your true love. That is all that matters."
"Skora," said Natalia, "if we are to stay here, will you help me with this child?"
A smile broke out on the old woman's face. "I would be delighted to. I shall gladly become part of your household."
"Household?" said Natalia. "We're not nobility."
"It's a Therengian term," explained Athgar. "It's more of an informal family."
"Like we are with the Orcs?"
"Precisely."
"Very well," Natalia replied, "welcome to the household, Skora of Athelwald."
The old woman cackled. "It is not yet set in stone. I'm afraid the king may still have need of me."
"Then we shall have to see if we can change his mind," the Water Mage insisted.
Raleth opened the door.
"Back already?" said Anweld.
"The king wishes to see the newcomers," he said.
"Excellent," said Harwath. "When?"
"Immediately."
The younger brother looked at their mother.
"Well, don't just stand there," she said. "We mustn't keep the king waiting."
They all made their way to the king's hall, which lay only an arrow's flight away. It was large by Athgar's standards, though not as grand as the great hall of the Orcs. Inside, they found quite a few villagers standing around their king, peppering him with questions.
At their entrance, two guards moved to intercept them. The commotion drew everyone's attention. King Eadred took his seat upon a plain, high-backed chair covered in furs.
"What have we here?" he asked.
"This is Athgar of Athelwald, my king," said Raleth. "The man of whom I spoke earlier."
The king lounged on his throne, scratching his light brown beard. His long hair hung to his shoulders, but he wore
