"You know her?"
"Of course," the Orc replied. "Who do you think used to prepare your bondmate's skins?"
"Come," said Urughar, "it is this way." He took them through the door, the hunter nodding to Skora as he entered.
"Greetings, Kargen," the old woman said. "It has been a long time since last we met."
Kargen bowed his head. "Skora, you honour us with your presence. It is good to see a familiar face."
"Sit," said Natalia. "I shall fetch us something to drink."
"Let me," said Skora. "A person in your condition has better things to do."
Shaluhk looked closely at her tribe-sister. "Nat-Alia, are you carrying?"
"I am."
"This is glorious news."
"Yes," agreed Kargen. "It means Agar will have a sister to play with."
Natalia beamed. "I'm glad you're here, Shaluhk. There's something I need to ask you about."
"Go on," urged the shamaness.
"Something happened to me while casting, and I'm not sure what to make of it."
"How long ago was this?"
"Some weeks ago. I was casting a spell, and I felt a coldness in my belly as if it was turning to ice."
A look of concern crossed the Orc's face. "Did you feel any pain?"
"No, but I have taken care to limit the use of my power since."
"Natalia's been restricting her magic to purifying water," explained Athgar, "and only in small amounts. We thought it best."
"A wise precaution under the circumstances. May I examine you?"
Natalia nodded as Shaluhk moved closer, placing her hands on the Water Mage's stomach. She pressed gently on several places, then looked into Natalia's eyes. "I can not speak for Humans, but if you were an Orc, I would say that all is well. But to be safe, I'd like to cast a spell."
"Go ahead," said Natalia. "I trust you."
"I shall detect life." Shaluhk sat back, sitting cross-legged, facing Natalia. Placing her hands on her lap, she began uttering words of power. A familiar buzz tingled throughout the hut, then Shaluhk's eyes glowed slightly. She gazed upon Natalia's stomach once more, nodding her head. "All is well," she finally said. "The young one's life force is strong and healthy."
"And the cold I felt?"
"I am afraid that is beyond my experience, but I shall consult with Laghul upon my return to Ord-Ghadrak. She is more experienced than I."
Natalia reached out, grasping Shaluhk's hand. "Thank you. It's nice to be reassured."
"Only the best for my sister-child."
"Can you tell if it is a boy or girl?" asked Athgar.
"No," replied Shaluhk. "It is far too early to tell."
"When is the youngling due?" asked Kargen.
"Some time in late winter, maybe early spring if we're lucky," said Natalia.
Shaluhk looked around the hut, taking in the entire contents. "You appear to have done well for yourselves. You have a home now, and a family on the way. What more could you ask for?"
"It's not all good news," said Athgar. "It appears the Church has reared its head again."
"Tell me more," said Kargen.
"At the Ancestors' urging, we travelled north, seeking a city called Ebenstadt."
"I remember it well, my friend."
"It now appears the Church is raising an army to wipe out my fellow countrymen."
"Yes," added Urughar, "and if the Therengians fall, how long do you suppose they will wait to come after us Orcs?"
"Precisely my thinking," said Athgar.
"What can be done about it?" asked Kargen.
It was Natalia that answered. "We suggested to King Eadred it was time to fight, but he was unwilling to take the risk."
"If the Orcs joined in the fight, he might change his mind," suggested Urughar.
"A good idea," said Athgar, "but before we fight, we must learn more about the enemy."
"What are you proposing?"
"Natalia and I will go to Ebenstadt and try to learn what we can about the situation there. If nothing else, it will let us determine their strength."
"Are you sure that is wise," said Kargen, "considering Nat-Alia's condition?"
Shaluhk waved him off. "You forget, Human younglings take a long time to gestate. Nat-Alia will be fine."
"Very well," said Kargen. "And in the meantime, we shall return to Ord-Ghadrak and, with Urughar's help, convince Kirak to support us. Naturally, the Red Hand shall stand with you."
"Do you think we could convince the Stone Crushers to join us?" said Shaluhk.
Athgar's ears pricked up. "Stone Crushers?"
"Another tribe that lies to the south of us. Their mages employ Earth Magic, something which would benefit us greatly in the upcoming fight."
"Are you sure it will come to that?" asked Urughar. "Is it possible this 'Church' will see reason and stay their hand?"
"I'm afraid our experience indicates otherwise," said Natalia.
"You must have had quite the adventure," said Athgar, "bringing the entire tribe across the mountains."
Kargen grinned. "It was, as you would say, quite something. It all started when we finally left Ord-Kurgad…"
By the time each of them finished telling what had befallen them over the last few months, it was quite late. Urughar was the first to notice it had grown dark.
"I fear we have overstayed our welcome," he said. "Your king will not like us within the village confines for so long."
"It's too late to go now," said Athgar. "You'll have to stay the night."
"Are you sure that is wise? It could mean trouble for you."
"Nonsense, you're my guests." He turned to Skora. "Have we room for them?"
"We have furs enough," the old woman replied, "and plenty to eat."
"There. It's settled; you're all staying."
"I must say," noted Natalia, "your common is coming along nicely, Urughar."
The Orc blushed, turning a darker shade of green. "It comes from attending all these negotiations. Your bondmate is a good teacher."
"It certainly helps having other translators," said Athgar. "And now that Kargen and Shaluhk are here, we can start making real progress."
"Not to mention Laruhk and Durgash," added Kargen.
"Don't forget Kragor," said Shaluhk. "He, too, speaks your tongue."
"So many of us," noted Urughar. "The Therengians will not know what to do with us all."
A voice interrupted their discussion. "Athgar, come out!"
"Who's that?" asked Natalia.
"It sounds like that fool, Frithwald," said Skora. "Likely back to do the bidding of his master."
"I'll deal
