The building they entered was different from the rest buildings in the town. It was larger, sturdier, and built from a mixture of bones and heavy wooden beams, reinforced with iron. Thick, animal hides hung over the entryway like curtains. Amukelo shot Eliss a look as if to say, Be ready for anything.
Ahead, they saw a set of massive doors flanked by two heavily armed orc guards. One of the soldiers leading them stepped forward to speak with the guards.
"These humans claim to know Naguk," the soldier said, his tone skeptical but professional.
One of the guards raised a brow. "Know him?" he grunted. "Never heard of any humans with him. But there's talk he was saved by a human recently. If it's them, let them explain."
The second guard snorted but nodded, stepping aside as the soldier pushed open the heavy doors. Amukelo cleared his throat, glancing back at Eliss. His look was clear: Brace yourself.
Inside was a massive wooden table, around which a dozen orcs were gathered. Most were standing, but one orc sat in a high-backed chair at the center of the room. All eyes turned toward the newcomers.
One of the soldiers stepped forward and addressed the seated orc. "Naguk, these two humans claim to know you," he said. "We suspect they've crossed the border illegally, but they somehow knew your name. We thought it best to check with you before taking further action."
Naguk leaned back in his chair. "Humans?" he said with disbelief. "What are you talking about? I don't know any—"
His words cut off as the soldier stepped aside, revealing Amukelo and Eliss standing awkwardly at the back of the room. Naguk's eyes widened slightly in recognition.
"Ohhh," Naguk said. "Amukelo! And…" He hesitated, clearly not knowing who Eliss was. "…uh, Milena, right? What are you doing here so early? I thought you were joining us in a week."
Amukelo let out an awkward laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, uh, about that…" he began, trying to keep his tone light. "We wanted to wander around the town a bit before meeting up with you, but, uh… well, we didn't know that wasn't allowed, and, uh, we got caught... Or, I mean, accused of coming here illegally."
Naguk leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Ahh, I see," he said with a knowing nod. He turned to the soldiers and waved a dismissive hand. "They're with me. No need to do anything. Leave them here."
The soldiers exchanged a glance, clearly surprised by this turn of events. One hesitated, looking as though he might object, but thought better of it and nodded. "Understood," he said.
Then one of them turned to Amukelo and Eliss, offering a short bow of respect. "Apologies for the inconvenience," he said gruffly.
Amukelo, still chuckling awkwardly, replied, "Oh, no problem. Thanks for checking." He shot a quick glance at Eliss, who was now exhaling deeply as though the weight of the world had been lifted off her shoulders. Her reaction earned her a questioning look from Amukelo, but she ignored it, staring at the ground trying to avoid any looks.
With a final nod to Naguk, the soldiers stepped back and exited the room, leaving Amukelo and Eliss standing in the middle of the room.
The room was silent after the soldiers left. Naguk, still seated at the head of the table, leaned back, his scarred arms crossed over his chest. He studied Amukelo and Eliss for a moment. Finally, after ensuring the soldiers were far enough away, he broke the silence.
"So…" Naguk said, "Will you explain what is happening?"
Amukelo straightened slightly, squaring his shoulders. "We came here illegally," he admitted. "Our rank is too low for the border requirements, but that's not because we're weak. It's because we haven't worked on it. We didn't have the time to focus on climbing the ranks."
Naguk nodded slowly. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could speak, a sharp voice cut through the room.
"You shouldn't even let those humans stay here," a female orc barked from the far side of the table. As she jabbed a finger toward Amukelo and Eliss. "It was clear from the beginning that they came here illegally."
Naguk raised a hand, silencing her with a calm but firm gesture. "Be quiet, Ghak. This young human saved my life. It's only natural that I help him now."
Ghak wasn't so easily dismissed. She stepped forward, and said. "But didn't you say that it was transactional? That he didn't help you out of selfless intent?"
Naguk sighed, his expression briefly softening as he glanced at Amukelo. "You're right, Ghak. It was transactional. But still, I was killing his people, and he decided to spare me, how could I throw him in prison after that? What sort of leader would I be if I discarded someone who's proven himself loyal?"
Ghak's lips curled in disdain. "They deserve it! They crossed the border illegally, and you know how delicate our situation is. The first signs of a potential alliance with humans, and this is the chaos they bring? We need to maintain order, Naguk."
Naguk exhaled deeply, leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table. "You're not wrong, Ghak," he admitted. "But still…" He gestured toward Amukelo and Eliss. "I can't, in good conscience, let them rot in prison. Besides, they don't strike me as troublemakers."
"Yet," Ghak interjected.
"Enough!" Naguk said sharply, raising his hand again to silence her. The room went still, and Ghak's jaw tightened, but she didn't argue further. Naguk turned his attention back to Amukelo and Eliss.
"We're short on people," he said, his tone shifting to something more conciliatory. "If you don't want to risk further trouble, I have a proposition. Do you mind helping us?"
Eliss, who had been watching the exchange, opened her mouth to speak, but Amukelo quickly raised a hand, stopping her. He could feel that whatever she was about to say, would only make things worse. He gave her a quick, meaningful look before addressing Naguk.
"What do you need our help with?" Amukelo asked.
Naguk's expression remained serious as he leaned back in his chair. "You see," he began, "in our nation, we have something called the Council of Ten. Ten orcs rule their respective territories, and together, they make decisions for the entire nation."
"But recently…" Naguk paused. "One of those orcs died. And it happened here, in my territory. Now, different tribes are scrambling to gain power, influence, and sabotage other candidates." He exhaled sharply. "And it just so happens that I am one of those candidates."