Eadred turned his gaze on Natalia. "And who is this skrolling?"
"Natalia Stormwind," she replied, her back straightening.
"She is also a mage," added Raleth.
"What's this now?" said the king. "You spoke of one mage, not two."
"My apologies, my king."
Eadred rose from his seat, moving closer to examine the newcomers. He was a tall man, easily a head taller than Athgar, and yet he didn't command the room the way Kargen did.
"You," the king said at last, "are one of us"—he turned to Natalia—"but you are a filthy skrolling." He spat on her, causing her to flinch."
"My lord," a voice spoke up.
The king turned to see the source, a smile breaking across his face. "Lady Melwyn, you grace us with your presence."
"This man, Athgar," she said, "we were, at one time, betrothed. I beg you let us return to that arrangement."
The king turned his attention back to Athgar. "Is this true? Were you at one time promised to the daughter of a chieftain?"
Athgar found himself at a loss for words. Melwyn's father was no chieftain, just another hunter in the village, no more a man of influence than his own father had been as a simple bowyer.
"That was long ago," he finally managed to squeak out, "and I am now bonded to another."
"Only in the custom of the Orcs," added Melwyn.
"The Orcs?" roared the king. "What treachery is this?"
Athgar had enough. He took a step back, calling forth his arcane power to conjure a flame in his hand. The green fire flickered, drawing everyone's attention, including Eadred, who drew back in fear.
"Natalia is my wife," Athgar declared, "whether you accept her or not. And she carries my child."
A hush fell over the room. Athgar struggled with what to say. He had acted impulsively, and now he regretted his actions. How was he to now end this without bloodshed?
"Why do you hate the Orcs so much?" asked Natalia, finding her voice. "Surely they have done you no wrong?"
"They deny us what is ours," said Eadred.
"I think you'll find the land was theirs long before you arrived."
"What would you know of such things? You are an outsider!"
Natalia felt a rage building within her. "I am a Stormwind!" She let loose with her power, pointing at the firepit. It quickly frosted, extinguishing the flames, and plunging the hut into near darkness, leaving it illuminated by Athgar's flame alone.
As she finished her spell, she felt a coldness enter her stomach, and then a wave of dizziness overcame her. Skora caught her arm as she wavered, steadying her.
Athgar took a step forward, causing the others to back up farther. He turned his attention on the extinguished fire, and the flames leaped to life once more.
"So," said the king, "it is true. The bloodline lives on. Mages have returned to the Therengians."
"Returned?" said Athgar.
Eadred appeared eager to make amends. "Come, let me tell you of our people's history, for they are your people as well."
"What about me?" asked Melwyn, her eyes wide with fear at the magical display.
"Athgar has made his choice known. You shall have to learn to live with it." He looked back at Athgar. "Shall we?"
Athgar nodded, taking Natalia's hand and guiding her to his side. They both sat, Skora adjusting the furs for the expectant mother.
"Tell me," said King Eadred, "what do you know of our people?"
"Very little, I'm afraid," admitted Athgar.
"Our ancestors carved out a kingdom the likes of which has never been seen since. We were mighty warriors then, with a rich culture based on trade. A far cry from our present circumstances."
"What happened?"
"Amongst our rulers were powerful mages much like yourself. They were the glue that held the realm together."
"If that's true," said Athgar, "then why did it fail?"
A sad look crossed the king's face. "Our history tells us it was the skrolling mages that defeated us. As the realm grew, so did its diversity. Soon, these outsiders curried favour with the king and wormed their way into his confidence. This is what led to the corruption of the ruling class. Then the thanes started fighting amongst themselves, weakening the kingdom even more. Once we started down that dark path, we were fair game for our enemies. The skrolling lands picked us apart bit by bit until we finally collapsed."
"These skrolling mages you spoke of," asked Natalia, "were they Elementalists?"
"That would be for the bard to recite."
"Can we call him?" asked Athgar. "I should very much like to hear what he has to say."
"Very well," said King Eadred. "Send for Dunstan."
"I am here, my king," came a soft voice.
"Make way for him," the king commanded. "Come, tell us of the fall of Therengia."
"Of course, sire. Shall I accompany it with music?"
"No," the king added quickly, "just the words if you will." He leaned in close to Athgar. "His singing isn't what it used to be."
The bard began. "It is said that, at its height, there were no warriors more feared or respected than those of Therengia."
"I suspect that was before the widespread use of heavy cavalry," said Natalia.
The king looked at her in surprise. "What would a skrolling know of such things?"
"I was trained as a battle mage," offered Natalia. "And as such, I am familiar with the history of knighthood."
"Gods' teeth," said the king. "Knights are a scourge on us."
The bard interjected. "May I continue, Lord King?"
Eadred waved him on.
"At the height of their power, the alliance covered an area half the size of the Petty Kingdoms."
"Alliance?" said Athgar. "Who were they allied with?"
"Why, the greenskins," noted Dunstan.
"What's this now?" said the king. "I don't remember hearing that before?"
"You never asked, my king."
"I think you're making this up."
"No, my lord, I swear to you the tale is just as written. I have told it many times before. Surely you remember?"
"I do not remember Orcs being mentioned."
"They are not, my lord, at least not directly. The ancient poems speak
