I come around to Anna’s side and offer my hand. She takes it without hesitation, her grip firm despite the tremor I can feel. Together, we walk up the wide steps and I open the massive carved doors.
Inside, we pass through the main hall with high beamed ceilings, a stone fireplace large enough to roast a whole deer, and long tables and chairs where the commune gathers for celebrations.
Anna’s eyes are wide, taking in the scope of it. She saw this yesterday, but I suppose it’s still a lot for a small human to take in. There are no images of this lodge out in the greater world. Humans are never invited on commune ground, only brides are allowed inside. Meetings with humans always take place in human spaces and we keep
I guide her down a corridor into a smaller conference room. Her hand tightens in mine as we reach the door. I pause and look down at her. “Ready?”
She takes another deep breath. “Yes.”
I open the door.
The conference room is comfortable with a large table, orc-sized chairs, and a big screen on one wall for video calls. Windows let in natural light. Rogan Overlook made sure this space wouldn’t be intimidating.
Four orcs are already seated at the table, and they all stand when we enter.
Rogan Overlook, our leader, is at the head of the table. He’s Whelan’s father and has a calm authority that puts people at ease. Kelt is here too, having beaten us back from my cabin. Urdan sits beside him, a massive orc with grey-tinged skin. He’s one of our senior security members, quiet but deadly competent.
And surprisingly, Rothgar is here. The old orc rarely involves himself in commune politics, preferring to stay in his cabin with his cats. He normally represents all the unmated, seniororcs, a respected member of the orc council. His presence means something, a show of support that Anna probably doesn’t understand yet.
“Anna,” Rogan says warmly, stepping forward. “Welcome. It’s nice to see you again this soon. Thank you for trusting us with this.”
His voice is kind, almost grandfatherly, and Anna relaxes slightly beside me. “Thank you for having me,” she manages.
Kelt nods respectfully. “Ms. Lee. Good to see you again.”
Urdan’s voice is deep and gravelly. “We’re honored you’d trust us with your story.”
Even Rothgar gives a nod of acknowledgment.
I pause to introduce my female to the gruff, older male, then I guide Anna to a seat and settle beside her, close enough that my bare shoulder nearly touches hers.
Urdan brings over a tray with water, coffee, and orc brew. Anna takes a glass of water with shaking hands and sips carefully.
Rogan speaks again. “We’ll be connecting with the Irontrees in Truckee shortly. But first, I want you to know that you’re safe here. Whatever you tell us stays within the orcs in this room or with the Irontrees in Truckee, it will go no further. We’re here to help, not judge.”
Anna nods, her hands steadier now.
Kelt moves to the video screen and starts setting up the connection. It takes a moment, but then the screen flickers to life and there they are—my cousins in California.
Chapter Nine
Keric
Garlen Irontree fills most of the frame, wearing a shirt in the human style, massive even through a screen. He’s mated now to Ellie Willis, Anna’s best friend. Beside him are Jonus, Dane, and Aldar. Members of my family line who’ve relocated to Truckee, California to establish Garlen as the world’s first orc professor teaching at a human school.
These are the orcs who helped me to protect Anna initially. Jonus helped me get her safely out of that bus station and onto the private airplane for the flight across country. Good males, every one of them.
“Anna,” Garlen greets her. “You made it safely. Good.”
Jonus grins. “How’s Maine treating you?”
Anna manages a small smile. “It’s beautiful. Different from California.”
They give her quick updates, letting her know that Ellie and Zoe are safe and secure in the house. Extra security is in place. The school Principal has been notified of her absence and thereis a long-term substitute teacher already hired to take her place at the Academy for however long she needs to be gone. Even the Bloodtree clan, formerly known as Crimson Tusk, is helping with patrols.
Anna looks surprised but pleased. She’s starting to see the scope of this help she’s getting is not just from me, and not just in this commune, but it’s from our network of orcs across the country coordinating to keep her safe.
Rogan calls the meeting to order. “Anna has agreed to tell us everything about the conspiracy, the evidence, and the danger she is in, because she understands we need to know all the details to protect her properly.”
