The Forgotten Chieftain's Wife Chapter 2
After such a long hazardous journey through unforgiving landscapes the Frostwolves finally reached the Horde.
For a month the Frostwolves had marched from the decimated northern lands with little water and even less food. A number had perished unable to endure the harsh physical demands in traveling so many leagues with barely anything to sustain them. Children, the elderly, or the sick were riding most of the wolves. Basically those declared invalid who would never have been able to continue without the proper assistance.
Lyanna, herself, was riding one of these wolves. Her own mount a large female wolf called Midnight had golden brown fur. Midnight's disposition left her the perfect match for Lyanna since she was calm, mild, well behaved, but fierce when the situation called for her to be. To have one of these magnificent animals as her own was a great honor to Lyanna. Midnight could be stubborn at times, but with her experience handling hunting dogs in Azeroth Lyanna was well versed in how to control her.
Their partnership was somewhat an unusual one. Among orc culture when a child was a few days old he/she would play with the pups creating a bond with one of the litter. Through this interaction if a wolf chose you a strong bond formed until one or the other became deceased. On the rare occurrence when a second rider wasn't chosen for the living wolf the creature was left untamable for the remainder of its lifespan.
The bond between Lyanna and Midnight was peculiar leaving some orcs baffled. These wolves were only known to partner with an orc. So the fact one of them picked someone who wasn't an orc is a mystery.
At present Lyanna was strategically wearing a circular shield strapped over her stomach properly concealing her stomach. She could tell Durotan was enormously relieved taken he wanted her to do this. The entire way to the Horde Durotan would literally tense each time she winced in pain or discomfort. Orgrim would tease him mercilessly for it good naturedly, but even he hid his concern behind this façade.
In fact most of the clan were worried for her. There hadn't been an infant born in their clan for a while now. Children are the future for the Frostwolves and since no other females had produced any recently it was a great concern.
A scout, Kurvorsh, sent ahead by Durotan returned a little while ago bringing a report that the Horde was near. The one sign that concurred with the declaration was the sight of fel's darkness roaring in thundering clouds over the camp. Upon catching it Lyanna shivered, despite the hot air, in fear. She'd hoped to never come back to this dreadful place, but to stand by her beloved there was no choice. Midnight shifted beneath her sensing the unease.
Feeling his wife's distress, Durotan said "It'll be all right, Lyanna. Remember I am here."
Reassured a bit Lyanna slowed her rapidly beating heart.
Soon enough the Frostwolves were spotted by the sentries placed on guard at the entrance to the camp. On top of a platform on a makeshift tower one of the orcs blew a horn announcing their arrival. The sound of the horn blowing deep.
The Horde had increased in number since Lyanna had last been here.
Durotan was amazed at everything he found. Every direction he looked there was an almost endless stretch of leather and wood structures. Those structures were the single thing familiar he was witnessing. His gaze came to rest on a field that had been roped off so children from multiple different clans could play freely together. He took in the smells of fires, grain cakes cooking, flames roasting meats, stews bubbling, and the strong musk of wolf fur and orc teased his nostrils. There were the sounds of laughter and music sparking something inside him.
Had it truly been so long since his clan had partaken in such pleasant joyous activities?
"So many clans in one place, Orgrim," said Durotan, observingly. "Laughing Skull, Blackrock, Warsong…all have been summoned."
"It will be a mighty war band," said Orgrim. "Just wonder who's left to fight."
Behind the view of welcoming families and children came those of war. Moving deeper into the encampment more and more hardened warriors stepped into the light. The ring of hammer on metal came from a blacksmith's tent. Other orcs chiseled stones into wheels. Others flecked arrows and sharpened knives. Orcs were training battling one another honing their skills for war. Some of the orcs stopped what they were doing to watch the Frostwolves while the majority didn't bother to spare them a momentary glance.
"Lok'tar ogar!"
"Victory or death!"
"Skull!"
The cries roared in honor of their clans thirsting for battle nearly drowned out the orcs whom announced their presence to them.
"Frostwolves."
"The procession of Frostwolves then halted following their Chieftain ad this call.
Walking around the masses marching up tot them were two tall male orcs. They wore undented pieces of armor on their shoulders and chests carrying spears. These orcs were healthy, well muscled, and strong like every orc in the Horde. These orcs were green the subtle shade far less obvious than he leaf colored hue of Gul'dan's. This was much darker resembling more to the typical brown color orcs usually held.
Durotan failed to recognize these orcs. Judging by Lyanna's reaction she certainly did. On top of Midnight, Lyanna bowed her head hair partially hiding her face in order to not be noticed. Without even asking Durotan knew these orcs must've abused her at some point while she'd been here. Durotan tensed his protectiveness for his wife taking hold as he shifted in front of her trying to keep her from the eyes of these newcomers.
"Who among you is the chieftain," one of them demanded, harshly.
"I have the honor of leading the Frostwolves," said Durotan, stepping forward.
The two orcs appraised Durotan for a couple of seconds before glancing momentarily at Orgrim.
The 2nd one said "You two. Follow us. Blackhand wishes to see you."
"Who is Blackhand," demanded Durotan.
Grinning the 1st orc said "Why, Frostwolf, pup Blackhand is the leader of the Horde."
Now Durotan recalled who he was. How could he have forgotten so quickly? His wife had made it no secret to him Blackhand was the one who ordered her punishments each time she tried to escape or be defiant. She never mentioned him actually leading the Horde.
"You lie," snapped Durotan. "Gul'dan is the leader of the Horde."
"It is Gul'dan who brought us all here," the 2nd orc said. "He is the one who knows how to take us to a new land. He has chosen Blackhand to lead the Horde in battle so that we will triumph over our enemies."
Orgrim and Durotan exchanged meaningful glances. Lyanna had told them of Gul'dan's intentions of taking the clans into battle. Durotan hoped this would've been false. This wasn't to be so. Both orcs held their tongues to prevent saying something neither could retract.
"It is Blackhand who left instructions for when you arrived," the 1st orc said, sneering, "if you had the courage to leave Frostfire Ridge."
"Our home is no more," said Durotan, blunt. "Just as yours is no more, whatever your clan."
"We are Blackrocks," sated the 2nd orc, prideful, chest swelling. "Blackhand was our chieftain before Gul'dan saw fit to give him the glory of leading the Horde." He then caught a glimpse of Lyanna behind Durotan. His eyes narrowed contemptuously when he realized who she was, grin cruel and cold. "Come with us, Frostwolf. Leave the slave behind. Where we go, her filth can't follow only warriors."
That did it.
Durotan was a tolerant orc, but he would not suffer this insult to his mate. Durotan could no longer keep his temper in check.
Durotan snarled "That is no slave. She is my wife!"
There was a pause. Then the two orcs burst into laughter so hard their chests were heaving from their roars. But when they saw Durotan's expression remain unchanged the laughter subsided into a mixture of disbelief and revulsion.
Disgusted, the 1st orc said "What the hell are you playing at taking the slave as your mate?!"
"It is none of your business," spat Durotan. Orgrim took a position next to his chieftain, his weapon casually swung over his shoulder. Realistically this was a pretense. If Durotan simply gave the word he'd take care of these two interlopers for their blatant disrespect.
The last thing Lyanna wanted was for Durotan to get into a troublesome scrap, not so early over her. Making enemies in the Horde where they were vastly outnumbered with no one but strangers surrounding you isn't a wise path.
"My Chieftain," she said, "you and your second in command go and meet with Blackhand. The clan will await your return." She worded what she said with great care. Delicately diverting an all out brawl.
Lyanna never doubted her husband would protest her treatment, but those in the Horde would always look at her and see a slave in place of a respected chieftain's wife. This wasn't ever going to change overnight in their ranks. Too much had happened in this dreadful horrible place.
"Very well. Find us a place to camp then," sighed Durotan, conceding. "I will meet with this Blackhand, of the Blackrock clan."
"A wise decision," said the 2nd orc. "Come." The two then led Durotan and Orgrim away deeper into the encampment while Lyanna took the Frostwolves off somewhere else.
Authors Note:
Surprise!
I know, I know it's been a while. Sorry it took so long to get the next chapter up. In case you haven't noticed I've been occupied with a new franchise and I still am. If any of you are interested in the planet of the ape's trilogy go on and check it out. To be honest I think it's my best work. ;)