"Yes, and they've been having trouble with Therengians, or Torkul, as they call us."
"Do you think they might be survivors from Athelwald?"
He gave it some thought. "Possibly, but my understanding was that only a handful escaped; the rest were sold off as slaves. I doubt a dozen Therengians would prove much of a threat to an entire tribe of Orcs."
"There's something else going on here," noted Natalia. "They are obviously familiar with your people. Could there be another village around here somewhere?"
"I never thought of that, but it would make sense. Athelwald couldn't have been the only village left."
She reached out, touching his arm. "Do you realize the implications of this, Athgar? You may have found your people!"
He smiled at the thought. Ever since the loss of his village, he had searched for them. Now it seemed likely the search was coming to an end. Could they finally settle down and live in peace? He became aware of Natalia's gaze and was left feeling guilty. Was this what she wanted? He was suddenly struck with a sense of melancholy, a look not lost on his companion.
"What's wrong?" she said. "You should be happy."
"What of you?" he asked.
"What of me? Whatever do you mean?"
"What do you want? You were raised in the Volstrum. Would you ever consider settling down in a backwards village?"
"I am content when we are together," she said, "wherever that may take us. I think it is our destiny to live amongst your people. Maybe it's why the Ancestors sent us here."
He shook his head. "It would be nice, but I don't see it that way. Something is wrong here. There shouldn't be such animosity between the Orcs and the Therengians."
"Then perhaps THAT'S why we're here, to heal those wounds."
"Perhaps," he replied, though in his heart he knew it was unlikely.
Urughar soon returned, dropping two wooden bowls before them.
Natalia picked one up, breaking out into a big smile. "Orc porridge, one of my favourites. You know Shaluhk used to give it a hint of maple."
The Orc looked at her in surprise. "Shaluhk?"
"Yes, she was the Life Mage. Sorry, I meant Shamaness of the Red Hand. She's also my sister."
"What is she talking about," asked the Orc in his own tongue.
Athgar made the quick switch to Orcish. "She is a tribe sister to Shaluhk, who was trained by Uhdrig."
"Uhdrig," said the Orc. "Now, that is a name I am familiar with. You should talk to Laghul. She would be most interested in your tale."
"Could you arrange such a thing?"
Urughar broke out in a grin, showing his sharp ivory teeth, then he left the hut, leaving Athgar and Natalia alone once more.
"Did you understand any of that?" he asked.
"A little," she replied. "I take it he's going to bring the shamaness?"
"Yes. Hopefully, she can verify our story. The Orcs can communicate over long distances, can't they? Do you think she can contact Shaluhk?"
"I wouldn't count on it," said Natalia. "The tribe is likely on the move."
"That won't matter."
"It won't? Isn't a moving target harder to find?"
"No," said Athgar. "My understanding is that Spirit Magic works regardless of range or position. It has more to do with how familiar the caster is with the recipient."
"But how would this Laghul be familiar with Shaluhk if they've never met?"
"I have no idea, but they learned of things across the Sea of Storms, so they must have some way of doing it. Unless you're suggesting they can travel great distances by magic?"
"Don't be ridiculous," said Natalia. "You'd need a magic circle for that."
"A magic circle?"
"Yes, aren't you familiar with them as a Fire Mage?"
"I can't say I am. The Orcs don't use them as far as I'm aware."
"Not even circles of stone?"
The blank look on Athgar's face told her all she needed to know. "Never mind. Perhaps it's beyond their understanding."
"They are an intelligent race," said Athgar, growing defensive, "and they've used magic far longer than Humans."
"I meant no offence, but their history is an oral one, isn't it? I would imagine the complexities of using a magic circle would be hard to pass down in such a manner."
"Can you use such powers?"
"No, I was never taught the spell of recall. They reserve those types of things for the more experienced mages in the family."
"I can see why," he mused.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Such a spell would be particularly powerful. It could be used to get into all sorts of mischief."
"We're talking about experienced mages here," she added, "not children."
"Is there a difference? We've both seen first-hand how power can corrupt people."
Natalia's features softened. "You're right, of course. Not everyone is capable of protecting such a secret, and it could wreak havoc on a country's ability to defend itself against a magical attack. They are probably better off without it."
"The Orcs have a unique perspective on magic. It is always used with the utmost care. Something most Humans don't seem to worry about."
"I'd have to agree with you there. All of my training taught me to unleash my full power whenever casting. It was only after meeting you that I learned proper control."
"Why do you think that is?" Athgar wondered. "Humans unleashing everything, I mean."
"Ego. It's well known most Fire Mages like to display their prowess. You're the only one I've ever met who controls his magic. It's what sets you apart." She smiled. "It's also one of the things I treasure about you."
"So what do I do when Mortag comes for me? Do I show him my full potential or hold back?"
"I can't make that decision for you. You know the Orcs better than I. Which approach do you think would be better?"
"I'm inclined towards control. It is, after all, their way."
"There, you see? You had the answer all along."
Now it was Athgar's turn to smile. "True, but it took your encouragement to help me see it."
"That's what I'm here for, amongst other things."
"Other things?"
A grin
