"In the same village?" asked Kargen. "How would that work?"
"It is not as difficult as you might imagine. The Therengians are not so different from us, and the more we traded with them, the more accepting of us they have become."
"That is a far cry from living amongst them."
"I admit it would require a lot of planning."
"Yes," he agreed, "but they are not yet ready for such a move, and neither are we."
"True, but there will come a day when both will see the wisdom in it. Changes must start with ideas."
"You are wise, Shaluhk. I am glad you are my bondmate."
"I would hope there is more to your love than just my wisdom?"
He moved closer, reaching out to caress her, but Agar chose that moment to rush into his leg, eliciting a curse from the chieftain.
Shaluhk laughed. "He takes after his father."
"So he does," said Kargen through a wince.
Laruhk soon returned, Durgash and Kragor with him. They settled in around the fire, eager to hear the words of their leader.
"Now that we are here," said Laruhk, "tell us what has transpired."
"The king of the Therengians sent his men to murder Athgar and Nat-Alia."
"I assume they failed?" said Durgash.
"They did," said Kargen, "for Shaluhk and Urughar were there, along with myself."
"And what became of the men he sent?"
"They shall never breathe again," said Shaluhk.
"They got what they deserved," said Kragor, "but you did not call us here just to tell us that."
Kargen smiled, showing his teeth. "I can see you are observant. I have called you here to seek your counsel. I have in mind a course of action, but I need to know if the tribe will follow me."
"Go on," prompted Laruhk, "speak your mind. There will be no judgement."
"We came here seeking a land of peace where the tribe could prosper," Kargen began, "but it appears there is still a threat to us. The Humans are intent on invading the land of the Therengians."
"You mean the people they call the skrollings?" asked Laruhk.
"Yes."
"What of it?" said Durgash. "Let the Humans fight amongst themselves."
"Should the skrollings be successful, they will likely move farther east, into Orc territory, and thus threaten us."
"Better to fight them now, when they are unprepared," declared Kragor.
"My thoughts exactly," said Kargen, "but the Red Hand can not do it alone. If the tribe agrees, I will try to forge an alliance with the Black Axe and the Stone Crushers. Individually, our tribes can not withstand the advances of the Humans, but combined, I believe we can defeat them."
"I understand the idea," said Laruhk, "but I do not understand your reluctance. You do not need the tribe's permission for such a thing."
"I would also ally ourselves with the Therengians."
All three Orcs stared at him with unspoken words.
Kargen continued. "I know King Eadred has not been friendly towards us, but he is acting out of fear. If we can show him we are willing to fight alongside his men, perhaps he will change his mind."
"And if he does not?" asked Durgash.
"Then we will still need to fight. Whether we like it or not, the Humans will eventually spread eastward. The only way to prevent that is by gaining a victory."
Laruhk leaned forward. "But if we defeat them, will they not come back with more men?"
"Shaluhk is of the opinion Nat-Alia might be able to broker a peace treaty with the Church, and I am inclined to agree with her."
"I agree with your reasoning," said Durgash.
"And I," added Kragor.
They both looked at Laruhk.
"Do not look at me. I am the last person who would consider disagreeing with my sister."
"Then it is decided," said Kargen. "I shall invite Kirak and Laghul to visit our hut and lay out our plan before them."
"What can we do to help?" asked Durgash.
"Go amongst our tribe," said Shaluhk. "Seek out their opinions, and gather support for what we must do. If a majority dissents, we shall call a vote. Until then, I will continue with my desire to unite the tribes."
"I do not envy you your task," said Kragor. "I have never heard of such a thing before."
"You forget," said Shaluhk, "to the west, our people have all united in defence of the Humans who live there."
"I wish it were so here," said Laruhk.
"Then we shall make it so, Brother. Great things can be accomplished when we work together."
Laruhk smiled. "She is the smart one, but I have the looks."
Kirak stooped, pushing aside the hides to enter the hut. Laghul, Shamaness of the Black Axe, followed closely behind, her face breaking out into a smile at the sight of Agar sitting there, chewing on the blade of his wooden axe.
"I see he is teething," she said.
"Indeed," said Shaluhk. "Notice how the blade is notched? He has been at it for days."
"Come, sit," said Kargen. "Shall we partake of the milk of life?"
"Such formality is unnecessary, Kargen. We are friends, are we not?"
"Then maybe just drinks?"
Kirak nodded his approval and waited as wooden cups were passed around. He nodded at Agar. "He is growing quickly. Before you know it, he will be going on the hunt."
"I think it will be some time yet," said Shaluhk. "He has yet to grow all of his teeth."
"Do you have younglings, Kirak?" asked Kargen.
"We do: two, in fact. Our eldest is a full-blown hunter while his younger sister still struggles with the bow."
"Having a youngling makes me think of the future."
"As it does for us," said Kirak. "I would like them to live in peace if it were possible. That is why you invited us here, is it not? To discuss the future?"
"I can see you are onto me. I must confess I was loathe to broach the subject with you."
"As I said earlier, we are friends. Let us talk of such things without repercussions. What is it that weighs so heavily upon you?"
"I wish to unite the tribes," began Kargen, "and then offer help to the Therengians against their oppressors."
"What of King Eadred? Is
