“I can." Talina nodded in the affirmative.

“Torren drew water that day and stored it for quenching a new blade. There is still plenty in the barrel he brought back with him from the well."

“Good. Valise? You're going to have to work with me but I think between that and the results of what we got from the scrying pool we should have a chance at pinning all this on that traitorous bastard."

“Yes, master." Valise nodded; though she Looked troubled by the mention of the foul substance she offered no argument.

“Are the orcs going to bring me before the council soon? I mean, are guards going to come marching to take me away the moment they hear I'm awake?"

“No." Algra shook her head.

“The warchief has placed the camp under guard, but he has given the order to await your full recovery before you are brought to the great hall. Wren didn't like that at all. Ulag stood up to back the war chief's plan, and that sealed it. Everyone knows how much the proving master hates humans, but he saw it as dishonourable to expect an exhausted suspect to put up a proper defence. Wren's usual response of accusing his rivals to be too friendly with humans didn't work on Ulag. So you have some time."

“Remind me to give the old hard-ass a kiss the next time I see him."

“I think if you tried he would break your face. Do not try. I Like your face."

“Good advice. Ok then guys, go get prepped. I think I'm going to have to pass out just a little bit now."

Algra moved swiftly to catch him and Lay him gently on his side as her mate once again lost consciousness. As usual, she looked to Valise with worry in her eyes.

“Just exhaustion. His spirit is recovering well, and there are no lasting effects on his mind that I can sense." The pale elf moved to take up the bucket and the cup from Gregory's bed to place beside it.

Algra nodded, relieved at Valise's calm demeanour. She turned and looked across the way at the ring still gleaming on the pillow.

"I am grateful for whatever force that gave my mate the power to fight his enemies, but part of me thinks that we would all be better off if that thing were destroyed."

“I'm not entirely sure you're wrong, Algra. But I fear that you would have a very difficult time destroying something like that without the assistance of a god."

“The human cannot be allowed to keep an object of such power!" Wren shouted from his spot at the high table in the great hall.

A good portion of those in attendance voiced roars of agreement at the words. It was disappointing to hear so many orcs had been swayed by the argument, but Gregory didn't expect to be welcomed to cheers of adoration. The truth was that the ring scared the hell out of him, so he couldn't blame the orcs for being worried about its potential for destruction.

He hadn't waited weeks to recover. With Wren constantly building his support and sowing fear amongst his people, he would soon be in a position to openly challenge Grolfir in the matter. Of course he was well within his rights to issue the challenge openly, but it was frowned upon in matters of such importance for there not to be some consultation and argument beforehand. Orcs believed that strength ultimately won out, but they also Liked to be informed on such issues before the challenge was put forth.

On top of this was the fact that there was nothing stopping another orc from issuing his or her own challenge shortly after. All that would be required would be that Wren was able to fight without having any hindering injury. This often meant that any potential challenge for leadership usually had to have a majority of support from the most able warriors in order to form a stable leadership. For a society built around the idea of a form of forced subservience, the whole process was oddly democratic.

So Gregory had some time to prepare his own case to put before the elder council, but he wasn't going to give Wren all the time he needed to amass his support. His attack would be made in three thrusts, and he hoped each would carry enough weight behind them to topple Wren from his entrenched position amongst his kin. If they weren't decisive enough, he would likely have to sacrifice a great deal of his own property and prestige to make up the insult to the elder.