Orcs: Bad Blood by Stan Nicholls Read Free Book Online Page B

lightweight scuffles.”
    A wheezing orc staggered out of the tavern, gobbing teeth.
    “You’re game, then?”
    “Sure.”
    “So what next?” Haskeer asked.
    “We round up the rest of the band and put it to ’em,” Stryke decided.
    Haskeer wrinkled his craggy brow. “Strange to think of the Wolverines re-formed.”
    “If they want re-forming,” Coilla said.
    Nep and Gleadeg were easily found; they lay insensible in the tavern, alongside Breggin. Zoda and Prooq were fishing with
     spears a little way upriver. Reafdaw was helping build a longhouse as part of a service to the community edict imposed by
     local elders, following an affray. Eldo, Bhose, Liffin and Jad were with a recently returned hunting party. Calthmon was discovered
     drunk on the steps of a hostelry and required dunking in a nearby rain butt. Orbon and Seafe, like Stryke, had mated, and
     were at their lodges, coddling offspring. Vobe, Gant, Finje and Noskaa were traced to a regional tourney they were competing
     in. Toche and Hystykk turned up in a felons’ compound, the result of a little horseplay involving riot and arson, and had
     to be bailed.
    Stryke explained the mystery of the human who came through the portal, and outlined Serapheim’s message. There was some discussion,
     but a surprising degree of unanimity, despite Coilla’s doubts. Much as they relished their hard-won freedom, all felt jaded
     and welcomed the prospect of a mission.
    By late afternoon, Stryke was ready to begin a new search. Recruits were needed to replace those lost in the Wolverines’ previous
     battles and bring the warband up to strength. He set about tracing a half dozen likely prospects he’d had his eye on.
    Word got around that something was afoot. That evening, a curious crowd gathered at the clearing where Stryke mustered his
     troop.
    Several of the Wolverines’ mates were there, too. Thifzarr came, wearing the flaming crimson headdress Stryke first saw in
     his visions of this place. They stood away from the others.
    “And you’re sure you don’t mind?” Stryke repeated.
    “Would it matter if I did? Don’t look doleful, you know you’re desperate to go.”
    “Don’t put it that way. I’ll be back. It’s just —”
    She stilled his lips with a coarse finger. “I know. You don’t have to explain an orc’s instincts to me. I’m only sorry I’m
     not going with you.”
    He brightened, relieved at her reaction. “That would have been good. We’ve never had the joy of fighting side by side. I’ve
     always felt it’s something missing from our union.”
    “Me, too. Couples should spill blood together.”
    “We will,” he promised.
    “Be careful,” she said, suddenly serious. “Stupid thing to say. But I’d like to think the kids’ father’s going to be around
     as they grow. Don’t take risks, Stryke.”
    “I won’t,” he lied. He looked round. Haskeer had got the Wolverines into a semblance of order. To one side, another, smaller
     group shuffled their feet and looked slightly self-conscious. “I need to get started.”
    She nodded, and he went to his band.
    “Heads up!” Haskeer bellowed.
    The company straightened their backs.
    “I’m glad you all volunteered,” Stryke told them. “We always worked well together, and we can do it again.” His tone hardened.
     “But let’s get one thing straight. This is a well-ordered fighting unit. Or it used to be. We’ve all back-slid a bit while
     we’ve been here. Got soft, some of us. Sign on for this mission and you’ll be subject to military discipline, just like before.
     I’m in charge, and there’ll be a chain of command.” He shot a sideways glance at Haskeer. “Anybody got a problem with that?”
    Nobody had.
    “At a time like this we remember fallen comrades,” he went on. “Kestix, Meklun, Darig, Slettal, Wrelbyd, Talag. They all died
     serving this band, and we should never forget it.” He paused. “That means we don’t have our full quota. So I’m