The negotiations with the tribes had continued, but the first signs of real progress were when Athgar led a group of Orcs into Runewald bearing goods for trade.
Eadred's displeasure was evident to all, but the rest of the village was ecstatic, particularly over the herbs and medicines they brought. In exchange, the Orcs received wool and cloth along with the arrows Athgar had made.
On a particularly chilly day, Athgar was sitting before the hut carving a bow of his own design. As he sat, whittling away the wood, a shadow loomed over him. He looked up to see Melwyn.
"Hello, Athgar," she said.
"Good morning, Melwyn. Is there something I can do for you?"
"May I sit?"
"Of course. Can I offer you something to drink?"
"No, thank you."
She sat opposite him, silently watching as he worked.
"Did you come seeking a bow?" he asked.
"I am no hunter."
"Then what is it?"
"I was curious what had happened to you after Athelwald," she said. "I took you for dead when I didn't spot you amongst the survivors."
"And so I would have been if it hadn't been for the Orcs. Kargen and Laruhk pulled me from the ashes of my hut."
"And now you are a Fire Mage. How did that come about?"
"I was taught by the Orcs."
"It changed you."
"For the better, I hope?"
Melwyn avoided his gaze. "I'm still undecided on that."
"Are you happy, here in Runewald?" asked Athgar.
"I am not unhappy."
"That's a guarded reply."
"I'm very careful with my words," she admitted. "It has served me well here."
"Why have you come?" he asked. "To visit me, I mean."
"I'm trying to understand the hold this skrolling has over you."
Athgar set down his bow, pointing the knife at her as he spoke. "I will not have you talk that way of Natalia. She is my bondmate, and I love her deeply."
"Only because you have never been with another. What could a woman like her offer that you cannot find with me?"
"Compassion, for one thing."
Her face turned crimson, and she opened her mouth in anger, but he cut her off.
"You see only the worst in people, Melwyn. You were happy to be rid of me, but now you see me as a way to advance your station. Imagine, Melwyn, wife to a Fire Mage!"
"And what's wrong with that? Surely it's not too much to ask that a Therengian breeds with his own?"
"It's precisely that attitude that led to the downfall of our people," said Athgar. "It's not us and them; it's about all of us, together, living in harmony."
"That's not the way of the world, and you know it."
"Do I? Who's to say it cannot be so?"
"History," she said, "or did you forget we were conquered?"
"I've forgotten nothing, but things will never change if no one has the courage to try. Remember, I've lived amongst the Orcs and know they are little different from us."
"They are brutes," insisted Melwyn.
"They might say the same of you," he replied, his voice rising. "If you give them half a chance, I think you'll see friendship has its advantages."
"Your woman has corrupted you."
"We are partners, Natalia and I, not possessions. It might be different in Runewald, but don't you remember Athelwald? Men and women were treated with respect there. What does one have to do to be received the same here?"
"That is simple," said Melwyn. "Get rid of the skrolling."
Athgar rose to his feet. "Whatever we had between us is long dead, Melwyn. You must come to grips with it. Whether you like it or not, Natalia is my wife. Now begone, I have little time for such talk."
She rose, calming herself as she straightened her dress. "You will live to regret this, Athgar."
"No, I am at peace with it, as you should be."
Melwyn turned, walking away without a single glance backward. Athgar sat once more, trying to calm his temper.
"Was that Melwyn?" asked Natalia, coming out the door.
"It was, though I would have preferred otherwise."
"She still loves you."
"No. She craves power and influence and thinks she would gain status as the wife of a Fire Mage."
Natalia displayed a hint of a smile. "How do you know that isn't what I want?"
"You're far more powerful than I. It would be a step down."
"Hardly that," she said, taking a seat.
"How are you feeling?"
"Uncomfortable. You?"
"I was doing well until Melwyn showed up," Athgar admitted. "Now I don't know what I am."
"Do you still care for her?"
"Only as a fellow villager." He looked her in the eyes. "We grew up together and were childhood friends. It wounds me to see the contempt in which she holds you."
"There are only a few in this village that are so inclined," she said. "The rest have come around."
"I understand you've been particularly useful of late."
"Yes, purifying water for ale."
Athgar looked at her in alarm. "I thought we decided not to use your magic?"
"It is little effort, and I am careful to limit my power: a technique I learned from the master." Natalia leaned forward, kissing him.
"Very well," he said as gruffly as he could manage.
"I've noticed you seldom meet with the king anymore."
"He still uses me to translate, but it appears I am no longer part of his inner circle."
She laughed. "Were you ever?"
"No, I suppose not."
"We should visit the other villages," she said. "You know there are five of them in total."
"Five Therengian villages," said Athgar. "Who would have thought? Are they all as big as Runewald?"
"They say Thaneford is even larger. Should we relocate there?"
"Perhaps, in time, but I don't think it's a good idea just now with a baby on the way, do you?"
Her hands went to her belly. "I suppose not."
"In any event, I've plenty to keep me busy here. My arrows have been very popular with the Orcs, and even some of our own villagers have
