"I really need to know what just happened there."

“Well, it would seem that the warchief has lit a fire beneath your feet." Emmet did not address Gregory as "master" for the first time.

“The punishment for Freddie's escape would undoubtedly have fallen on Valise's head had you not stepped forward. It was a brave thing to do. The punishment for freeing those who have been cast to the pits is a public beating and lashing. It is a humiliation for orcs and a painful one to be sure but for humans the act is nearly always fatal."

Gregory could immediately see why. Orcs were incredibly tough by nature and their greater size and strength would have made them more resilient to the punishment. A human facing what would take an orc to within an inch of his life would be a damn certain death sentence.

“You almost faced such an ordeal yourself. It seemed that Elder Wren was ready to order it when the warchief spoke up. ALL orcs must prove themselves as warriors in a ritual that is aptly named the Proving Before this, all orcs are considered to be children. Children cannot be held accountable or responsible for what you were to be punished for."

"So he saved my ass?"

“Indeed. Yet children are also not allowed the responsibility of owning others until they have faced the Proving. Therefore Grolfir has taken Bolut away from you, along with me and the rest of what you owned. Including Algra. I expect that your possessions will be returned once you have passed the Proving."

“And what is it? The Proving I mean."

“It is a challenge of battle. You will be made a part of a pack and you will fight against other packs until you are proven worthy to be deemed an adult."

“I have to fight orcs? Lots of orcs?" Emmet nodded.

"I think I need to go Lie down." Gregory lowered his face into his hand. " Then I'd be grateful if you'd hit me over the head with something hard and blunt."

“I'm sorry, my friend. I'm afraid you cannot give me orders any more.” Emmet reached out and gave Gregory's shoulder a consoling pat.

"So I've lost everything? Algra, too?" 082 387%

“Not exactly. The warchief commanded that we remain to care for you. Therefore you can avail yourself of anything in the camp and we're obliged to help, but you cannot actively order us to do things any more. Though, I'm sure that most of us would be happy to help you anyway. Just don't ask me to bludgeon you to death in your sleep.” Emmet smiled.

“As for Algra, I would say she is worried for you. She lost her last mate, you know? She believes that it was her fault that he was killed."

“And I just nearly got myself executed.”

“I doubt that she approves of the idea of you being beaten to death,” Emmet conceded.

“Well I'm not exactly crazy about the idea either y'know. Fuck, this day has just taken a god damn nose dive. I thought Freddie was a pain in the ass when he was alive..." Gregory suddenly stopped himself. Someone was dead. It was hardly the time to make jokes about it.

"I would suggest you go to her and apologise. Such distractions as nearly getting yourself killed cannot stand in the way of her affection for you."

Gregory looked back to his tent. "Thanks Emmet."

"Of course." “You know, I'd just gotten used to everyone around here calling me master." Gregory's mouth curved into a slightly ironic smirk.

“Perhaps you would settle for friend for the time being?" Emmet suggested.

“Actually, I think I like that better. I'll see you Later." With that, he turned away from the old man and approached the large tent that he called home for the time being.

Before passing over the threshold into the confines of the canopy, he stopped and lifted his hand to rub his fingers over his eyes. His world had succumbed to a fresh sort of insanity in the past hour that was all together different from the sexy craziness he'd yet to get used to. It didn't matter of course. Janette needed him. Algra deserved better. So he'd be there for Janette and, if need be, he'd make himself better. Of course he wasn't sure how the hell he was going to make himself good enough to face even a young orc warrior in an open fight before the morning, but that was a problem for another time.

With a deep breath, he lowered his hand before opening his eyes and stepping forward. He saw Janette settled upon the bed. She had fallen asleep in the comfort it provided whilst Valise attended her. Algra was stood on the other side of the room divider. Gregory saw her there, staring at the chest of her former possessions. As usual, her expression was unreadable, but Gregory guessed the thoughts that might be running through her head. None were particularly comforting.