Page 59 of A Curse So Vile

“Just look at the Heartlander and tell me I speak false,” the man named Anders replied.

“Whether you spoke truth or lies, you did so rudely.” The woman’s face pinched in confusion, her nostrils flaring outward. “Is that new blood I smell?”

“Yes,” the man said, “but that’s not as concerning as why they’re here.”

The woman’s face paled. “And why is that?”

“Apparently, the Ossorians are up to something.”

“That’s not funny,” the woman spat.

Anders gestured to Cole. “Don’t look at me. It’s he who said so, and now he’s demanding to speak with Orrick.”

“Then let us make haste.” The woman started forward, leading the way.

As they moved through the dwelling, they were greeted by the curious stares of man and wolf alike. Even children stopped playing to gawk at them.

“What even is this place?” Dorthea muttered under her breath. “It rivals the intricacies of Gryndar.”

They were brought into a room with a large table where several men were gathered, all of which were enormous compared to the people of the Heartlands, but not so much to Cole.

The biggest among them wore thick furs and a helm with two giant horns coming out from both sides. His face was marked with scars and he was missing at least two fingers on his right hand. By his description, he must be Orrick.

He looked nothing like a Dusklander, who were known to be thin to the point of being sickly. Instead, the horned man looked like a warlord of Cresite Terras, and his sheer strength set Cole ill at ease.

“Who are these people and why have you brought them to me?” the man said, his eyes narrowing on Fiona.

“The man speaks of the Ossorians,” the woman said.

“Words matter not,” Orrick returned, his face betraying no emotion.

“I assure you, these words do,” Cole said, his tone edged with fury.

Orrick looked at the woman who’d lead them. “Arianna, take the girl and get her settled. She’ll be hungry, no doubt, and in dire need of guidance.”

The woman nodded. “It will be as you say.”

Cole brought his arm protectively around Fiona, hugging her close. “My sister will not leave my side.”

Orrick’s brow narrowed. “Do you think we seek to harm her? If that is so, why bring her to us?”

Before Cole could answer, Dorthea said, “Let them take her. This is her place now. Brenna said as much.”

Murmuring erupted from the gathered men.

“Brenna, you say?” Orrick cocked his head to the side. “Is she the one that turned the girl?”

“Surely she would not,” another said.

“Leave us,” Orrick commanded, and his people exited the room. All except Arianna, who was looking anxiously at Cole.

“Take the girl,” Orrick instructed. “If this man wishes to live another day, he’ll bother you no more.”

The woman smiled at Fiona. “My name is Arianna. May I have your name?”

“It’s Fiona.”

Cole let the woman escort Fiona out, not because he was afraid, but because he was sure they meant her no harm.