“First, it is my wish to consult the shaman known as Borika. I would also accept the eyes and ears of any shaman who was present on the night of the ambush."

"I sit on the council, I shall-" Wren began, but it was his turn to be interrupted.

"In order to show what I have discovered, I will need those with experience of the fight in question. Elder Wren, your knowledge is renowned, but alas, I fear you slept through the fight in your tent and would be an unsuitable candidate for what I require. I thought Elder

Kozash or perhaps Elder Urgin might agree to bear witness. I remember their prowess in the fight clearly."

Gregory strongly suspected that Wren had not been stricken with the same enchanted sleep that much of the camp suffered with that night.

The time was just not right to openly accuse him yet. That didn't mean he couldn't point out that Wren had slept through a fight whilst others had gone into battle on his behalf.

Urgin would have been his ideal candidate to bear witness. He was the oldest orc in the camp, and had become so entwined with the magic of the jungle that parts of his skin had turned into bark, and his fingers were tipped with claws. Borika had suggested the names, and Urgin had been her mentor. The old orc also happened to have developed the concept of minding his own business into something of an art form, so he was utterly impartial. Kozash, on the other hand, was within Wren's sphere of influence, but also noted for his fairness, and often remained silent whilst the elder slipped off into one of his anti-human rants.

“I'LL do it," Urgin grumpily shuffled from his place. He didn't sit at the high table, but his presence had been requested at the great hall as a witness to the battle.

“May I also bear witness?" Kozash also stood, with curiosity having gotten the better of him.

“You may," Wren agreed before Gregory could.

Alright, Gregory thought to himself. The more the merrier.

Urgin had already covered over half the distance to Gregory by the time

Kozash had stood up, and though he glowered at the other shaman, he decided not to waste the journey, creaking his old bones toward where

Gregory stood. Borika soon stepped up from behind him to offer her own support. As he glanced back towards her, he caught sight of his pack.

The Dragons had not gone to their seats, and each stood behind him ready to offer their own support to their alpha at a moment's notice

It was a sign of great respect as well as trust, and he felt a good deal better about himself as he turned to face the high table once again.

“Bring the water," he ordered.

ULf and Ulla immediately nodded and ran to the rear of the hall to carry a hefty barrel of water together to place before the shaman

“What is this?" Urgin grunted.

“Elder, this is water taken from the well the day before the attack happened."