[Queen of Orcs 01] - King's Property by Morgan Howell Page A

afternoon, when the shieldron halted near a hapless peasant’s hut. The family was either very poor or had been warned of the army’s approach, for their larder was nearly empty. Only the officers ate well that evening; everyone else had porridge. It was twilight when Dar and Neena approached the orcs’ encampment bearing dinner. As they entered the circle of branches, Dar whispered, “The orcs are acting strangely. Be prepared to run.”
    The two women halted before the seated orcs. “Saf nak ur Muthz la,” said Dar. Food is Muth la’s gift.
    “Shashav Muth la,” said the orcs in unison. Thanks Muth la.
    Dar whispered to Neena, “Don’t serve them yet, I have something else to say.” Then Dar addressed the orcs in their own tongue. “Urkzimmuthi say me no mother. Then no mother gives you this food. No Muth la. No mother. No food.” Dar whispered to Neena. “We must go now.”
    “Why?”
    “They’re angry. Now come along.”
    When the two women turned to leave, Kovok-mah shouted, “Stop!”
    Dar shouted back, “Thwa muth. Thwa saf.” No mother. No food.
    Kovok-mah rose, puffed up his chest, and roared. “Run!” shouted Dar to Neena, who required no further encouragement. She dashed off. Dar stood her ground. As Kovok-mah strode up to her, she thought he might kill her.
    “Serve us!”
    “Steal this food!” answered Dar. “I will not give it to you.”
    Kovok-mah raised his sword, and Dar closed her eyes, expecting to gaze next upon the Dark Path.
    “Why?” asked Kovok-mah. “Why are you doing this?”
    Dar opened her eyes. Kovok-mah had lowered his sword. “Because you cannot have it both ways. You want me to serve, yet say I’m no mother. If that’s true, then the hairy-faced washavokis can serve you. I’m tired of it.”
    Kovok-mah asked quietly, “What do you want?”
    “All must say I am mother. Then I will serve.”
    For just an instant, Dar caught a hint of a smile on Kovok-mah’s face. He turned and spoke to the orcs in their language. Dar could follow little of what he said, but she assumed by the length of his speech that he wasn’t commanding his comrades, but rather trying to persuade them. When he finished speaking, the orcs said in unison, “Ther nat muth.”
    Kovok-mah turned to Dar. “They have said you are mother. Now, will you serve?”
    “Hai.”
    As Dar dipped the ladle into the kettle, she felt the eyes of the orcs upon her. She wasn’t naive; she knew her victory was a small one. But it’s still a victory .
     
    When Dar returned lugging the empty kettle, she was met by Taren. “What happened with the orcs? Neena was scared out of her wits.”
    “What did she say?” asked Dar.
    “That you said somethin’ that riled them.” Taren shook her head. “Dar, your tongue stirs up trouble.”
    “Not this time.”
    “How can you say that? Neena said they almost killed you.”
    “They wouldn’t do that. Orcs respect women.”
    “I’ve seen them slay plenty,” said Taren. “Maybe they’re fond of their mothers, but they’re not fond of us. If you hang around them long enough, you’re goin’ to get killed.”
    “You don’t understand.”
    “I do,” said Taren. “You’re scared of men, so you run to the orcs. You’d be safer with your own kind. Murdant Kol’s not so bad.”
    “I can’t believe you’re saying that!”
    “Maybe you don’t fancy men, but don’t jump from the pot into the fire. If you’re careful, you won’t end up like Loral.”
    “Care is useless when others run our lives.”
    “So men look to their own wants first,” said Taren. “Why would orcs be any different?”
    “I’m sure they’re not,” said Dar. “But they want different things.”
    “And what might they be?” asked Taren.
    “Not our bodies,” said Dar. She looked thoughtful. “Perhaps it’s our blessing.”
    Taren snorted. “You’re daft!”

 
    Fourteen

    It was mid morning when the thunderstorm hit, instantly drenching everyone. The road filled