“Something is coming,” she said, eyeing me. “I hope you’re prepared.”
Chapter Three
The words still hovered between us, but I forced myself to stay steady.
Her gaze didn’t soften, but it sharpened into attention instead of challenge.
“I know you want to go home, and it doesn’t help that we now have a group coming from somewhere we weren’t expecting,” I continued.
“We didn’t come here to fight.”
“But rushing to go home,” I went on carefully, “would put us exactly where the Priestess wants us.”
That name landed heavier than any weapon.
“She destabilized your lands, created scarcity, and forced movement. She wanted you desperate and cornered. If you go back before the land can support you, you’ll be back where she can use you.”
The orc grunted and scanned her hoard.
“If we act from impatience now…if we create division here, we step directly into her design. We can’t afford a move born of frustration. Not when something else may already be movingtoward us. We will get answers about your land and try our hardest to reverse what was done.”
Keegan stood beside me, silent but unmistakable in his agreement. Nova and Ardetia held their quiet posts behind us
I glanced at my cousin, who was scanning the orcs behind us.
The leader studied me for a long moment, and slowly, she closed her eyes.
When she opened them again, understanding threaded through her gaze.
“I will do my best to keep patience intact,” she said evenly. “I will tell my orcs what you have said. That haste feeds the one who starved us.”
It certainly sounded more eloquent when she said it.
“But,” she added, “it’s best if you return to your Academy. I don’t want anything happening to the one who promises our land back.”
I didn’t bristle.
“Thank you.”
“We will handle the new visitors,” she continued. “This is our perimeter as much as yours. We won’t feed and build off your lands without repayment of some sort.”
Caleb glanced at me, and I met his eyes.
He was ready to stay and stand in the space between.
I gave him a small nod of gratitude
“Caleb will remain,” I said, turning back to the leader. “He will help greet whoever approaches. He speaks on behalf of Stonewick.”
Keegan glanced at me as surprise washed over his face, and Caleb stepped forward.
“If they come with questions,” I added, “he will answer them.”
“And if they come with something else?” the leader asked.
Keegan’s hand brushed mine again.
“Then,” I said evenly, “we will respond together.”
