"He means well," said the master of earth, "and the addition of your tribe would certainly make us stronger."
"He is generous," said Shaluhk, "but our Ancestors have sent us here for a reason. I can not believe it is to join your tribe." She bowed her head slightly. "I intend no offence."
"And I have taken none. You must do what you think is best for your people, just as Zahruhl does."
They reached the gate to the village where Karag waited.
"Are you ready to return to your people?" the hunter asked.
"We are."
"Then let us go. I would have you there before dark."
They took the vote that very evening. There was much discussion, for the exodus had taken its toll, and many wanted nothing more than to settle down and resume a semblance of normality. Long into the night it went, Kargen taking care that everyone had a chance to say their piece. The motion for the entire tribe to be absorbed into the Stone Crushers was easily defeated, but the next decision proved more difficult. After much discussion, it was decided that each Orc would decide for themselves whether to follow Kargen and the Red Hand or to remain behind under the leadership of Zahruhl.
With a heavy heart, Kargen led seventeen Orcs to the village of Khasrahk the next morning. Rugg met them at the entrance, ready to embrace the new members of his tribe.
"I shall look after them," the master of earth promised.
Kargen said his farewells. The parting was not an easy one. He had known them all for his entire life, but some were old and feared they would never see the final destination of the Red Hand, while others worried about their younglings' futures.
"The village is well defended," said Gralun, an ancient warrior, "and we can live out the rest of our lives here in peace."
Kargen put on a brave face. "I wish you only the best, old friend. Take care of yourself."
Shaluhk hugged Gralun. "May the Ancestors look over you and keep you safe."
"And you," the old Orc replied.
They started back to their camp, their footsteps weighed heavy by responsibility.
"Our tribe is diminished," noted Kargen.
"Yes," Shaluhk agreed, "but not defeated. It shall rise again, Kargen, with you at its head."
He looked at her as they walked. "You are always looking forward rather than back. A trait I greatly admire."
She smiled at the compliment. "It is my duty, as shamaness, to look to the future. You, as our leader, must look to the present."
"And the past?"
"Is behind us," she added, "where it belongs."
"And so we are on the move once more. Will this journey never stop?"
"Have faith, bondmate. The summer is ending. Let us hope the autumn will bring our tribe the rewards it seeks."
They walked in silence awhile, and then Shaluhk saw the look on Kargen's face that she recognized so well.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked.
"What makes you say I am thinking?"
"I know that look; you have knit your brows."
"I do not knit my brows."
"If you say so, but you know I am right. Now, what is it you are thinking about?"
"The tusker," Kargen replied.
"What of it?"
"It would make a terrifying weapon, would it not? Imagine if we could break it to the saddle?"
"We do not use saddles nor ride beasts," said Shaluhk.
"WE might not, but the Humans do. I wonder if our Ancestors ever rode?"
"It is said that young Orcs of the Black Arrow would ride large wolves."
"Black Arrow? I do not recall that tribe."
"Nor would I expect you to. They live far to the west."
"Is this the same west that has Human allies?"
"It is," said Shaluhk. "They are led by a chieftain named Urgon. He, like you, saw the wisdom in working with the Humans."
"And did his tribe prosper?"
"It has, and it continues to do so."
"Then he is lucky. The relationship between Humans and Orcs here has been one of near-constant strife."
"Athgar has shown us another way," Shaluhk reminded him.
"Yes, but his village was destroyed, its people scattered to the ends of the Continent."
"Much like our own, generations ago."
Kargen looked at her, deep in thought. "That is true. I had not considered it. Perhaps this journey is a trial of sorts."
"Trial?"
"Yes, to test our resolve. If that is so, then we will emerge all the stronger for it."
"Now that sounds more like the Orc I love," said Shaluhk. "Tell me, my bondmate, where will we settle?"
"That remains to be seen. For the moment, we will content ourselves with travelling north until we contact the Orcs of the Black Axe. From them, we will learn more of this area, allowing us to finally locate a place to call home."
"And we shall have other Orcs to trade with. Something our tribe has not done for generations."
Kargen turned his gaze south. The village of Khasrahk was far too distant to see, yet in his mind, it was clear. "Our fellow tribe has much to offer. I see the wisdom in Gralun's choice, but it is not for me."
"Nor me," said Shaluhk, "though I do wonder if the bonds we have forged this day may bear fruit in the future?"
"In what way?"
"Imagine if Ord-Kurgad had been protected by walls of stone. The attack would never have been attempted."
"I think you discredit the Humans too much. They would have still attacked but would have required much larger numbers. Still, your observation gives me thought. Maybe, once we settle, we will ask for help securing our new village."
Shaluhk warmed to the idea. "We could exchange shamans."
"You are my bondmate," said Kargen. "I would not send you to another."
"Then they can send their people to us, to be trained in the healing arts."
"Yes, and we shall send Orcs to them to learn the secrets of the earth."
"It seems our future is bright with possibilities."
"It is," said Kargen, his smile lighting up his face. "Now, if only we could find our new home!"
An Ill Wind
Autumn 1104 SR
As the heat of summer finally gave way
