The Orc's Rose: Chapter One (deluxe preview)

Chapter One:

I had just enough money to get to the village of Obresh, and then I had to stop.  Obresh wasn’t what I planned, it was still better than where I was. I could start over with a clean slate and no one else dictating my every action.

For the time being, I rented a room at a boarding house called The Little Gem House. The place is constantly filled with people, but they all seem to pretty much keep to themselves. The Little Gem is run by a woman who insists everyone calls her Mama, and she takes the role quite seriously.

I counted my money before leaving for work. Each dollar saved was a blessing, but I wasn’t sure how much I would need to keep going. I put it all away into a small satchel that I then tucked under the mattress.

I had clothes given to me by some of the people I had met.The girls I worked with were especially giving. Some items may not have fit right, but I knew how to sew and mend things to wear. Some tight sleeves or waistline wasn’t an issue.

Once I was dressed, I left my room and came across Mama in the hallway.

“Are you leaving already, Rue?” Mama called out to me one evening as I was heading out. I hadn’t noticed her kneeling down behind a chair nearby, and I let out a small yelp.

“Oh now sweetheart, don’t be so jumpy.” She laughed and came up to me, holding a soiled rag in her gnarled hand. “Is the Odd Strawberry where you’re heading?”

“Yes, Mama,” I said with a breathless cadence. “There’ll be big crowds at the taverns for the next few days, and Mr. Bodkin said it would be worth the extra money.”

“Surprised that a jumpy thing like you works at such a busy tavern.” Mama nodded, her eyes darted around as if trying to find something to do.

“It’s not so bad,” I murmured. “The girls I work with are very nice. And Meggie looks out for me.”

“That’s good!” mama huffed, looking around with a strange glint in her eye. “Meggie was the right friend to make.”

I held a small smile. “She is. Most of us will be working tonight anyways, so I’m not too worried about much, even if it’s supposed to be busy.”

“I guess all these crowds would be on account of the Reaping.”

The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end. Reaping? Was it a harvest thing? Or worse?

I leaned forward a bit. “I’m sorry Mama, but what would that be?”

Mama picked up the chair like it was nothing, moved it aside and looked over the spot where it had been sitting. Had anyone asked me what she was doing I wouldn’t be too sure how to answer them.

“Mama!” I tried to say as sternly as I could. I even waved my little hand at her. “Mama!”

She perked up slightly. “Yes dear?”

“What’s this reaping you’re talking about?”

“The reaping, sweetheart.” She said like I should know. “It’s an old tradition for our orcs. But you wouldn't know, that’s right! It's a right of passage for the orcs. Nothing to worry about, dear. But do be careful of how you interact with them." She stood and walked down the long hallway.

What did that mean?

I scurried after her, still unsatisfied with that answer. “But…what do they do?”

Mama glanced back at me, still worried with whatever she was doing. “They go out hunting for a mate.”

A sense of doom fell on my shoulders. “A mate? Where?”

Mama leaned against the wall and tried to peer in between the cracks. “In town. On the streets.”

My insides seized up tightly and turned as frozen as winter. Anyone? They took just anyone? Is that why the tavern got so busy? No. No, it's okay. It's fine. This probably has nothing to do with me.

“You’re trying to tease me, Mama!” I wanted to go along with her playing, but a part of me believed it.

“I wouldn’t tease about the Reaping. If I wasn’t married to Papa well—” She knelt down again and felt along the floor.

I should have left for the Odd Strawberry, but my attention was captured. I had to know just a little more. “So they can just pick up anyone? And then that person has to be their mate?”

Mama was still searching on the floor, wiping that rag back and forth across the baseboards. “There’s rules to it. And they just can’t pick up anyone. Back in the day sure, when Obresh was failing and everyone was close to either the whore house or the poor house. The orcs saved Obresh some years ago. Back then the Reaping was an arrangement to keep ‘em happy. Now, it’s a fun day for all!”

I failed to see how being picked up off the street and carted away by an orc could be seen as fun. I escaped one arranged marriage, I wasn’t eager to walk into another while trying to walk home. I could do a double shift and sleep at the Odd Strawberry. I could avoid the Reaping all together.

I noticed Mama was still on her knees. “Mama, what are you doing?” I chuckled.

Mama looked up from the floor. “Someone was complaining of mice again!” She huffed. “So I’m going along the floorboards looking for places they could be getting in and out.”

“I see, well, good evening Mama,” I sighed and went on to work.

Just down the street, I saw Meggie waiting for me. I broke into an excited smile to see her. She turned as I approached, her wall of curl hair moving a split second after she did.

“Don’t you look cute today?” Meggie cheered for me. “Aiming for extras tips?”

I shook my head. “No, uhm…this was the skirt you gave me so-” I fidgeted a bit and Meggie’s bright smile grew.

“I know that,” she chuckled. “Come along now. I bet the place is already packed.” I followed along beside her, eager to ask her what she knew about this Reaping too.

“So this Reaping…it’s a big deal?” You asked.

“For most it is.” Meggie turned and looked at me, a knowing glint in her bright eyes. “But you don’t need to worry. Nothing bad ever happens during a Reaping that can’t be sorted out.”

“I’ve only been in Obresh a short time, I’m still getting used to everything around here,” I murmured. “I’m not sure how this works at all. It sounds scary to me.”

Meggie smirked. “You’ve got nothing to worry about. If you’re so worried, all you have to do is tell me, the girls, or even just Mr. Bodkin.”

“I know. I just don’t want to be a bother.”

She sighed. “Rue, i don’t know how they did things where you came from, but here in obresh, we look out for one another. That’s what makes a strong community.” She gave me another big smile. “You have a wealth of friends here.”

I’d never had a friend before, so it felt both wonderful and strange to hear Megie say that to me.

Meggie took my hand. “Now let's go! We’ll get fussed at by Mr. Bodkin.”

I could already see lots of people around The Odd Strawberry. As we made our way through the crowd Meggie and I went inside and went to sign in at the bar. Murmurs of conversation filled the room. They huddled around the warmth of the candlelit tables while the scent of ale and bread whetted their appetites.

“Good evening, Mr. Bodkin,” I said to the man behind the bar.

Mr. Bodkin was a gnarled old dwarf who had retired from mining. He built a special ledge so he could tend the bar. His raspy voice called out with a bright note “Glad to see you, Rue.” The bright note shifted to his usual bossy one. “You two took your sweet time.”

“Oh cram it,” Meggie huffed. “The streets are packed. Give us some slack. Come on, Rue, let’s hop.”

“Actually-” I spoke up as best I could. I turned to Mr. Bodkin again and swallowed down my nerves.  “I was wondering if I could pick up some extra shifts. I could stay in one of the rooms upstairs so I could cover them.”

Mr. Bodkin shook his head. “All full up,” he grunted. “And I’m afraid I wouldn't have anything for you to do.”

My shoulders slouched in defeat. “Oh.”

Mr. Bodkin’s look was of concern. “Sorry Rue. If anything pops up, I’ll alert you first. Now, hurry on up, the place is getting full now.”

Meggie leaned in close to me as we went towards the back. “What do you need the extra shifts for?”

“Just the money,” I fibbed. I hung up my cloak and fetched my apron. I grabbed one of the serving trays, flashing a smile to the cooks and walked out into the bar. A voice boomed over the crowed before I cleared the kitchen

“There’s my Rose!”

My bones rattled at his explosive cry. I looked towards him and his smile was bigger than his own head. He waved me down as he was taking his seat.

“Come over here and let me see that beautiful face a’ yours.” The way one of his tusks was smaller than the other made his smile look crooked when it wasn’t. It was adorable in a rough sort of way.

Surely he wasn’t being cruel like my family had been. But I had heard so much of it that doubt always seeped into my mind no matter what.

Ozren Kogan owned the lumber mill and was a good friend to Mr. Bodkin. He had come into the bar every so often when I first started, but now he came almost every other night. As an orc he had a certain presence I wasn’t used to, but he had become one of those familiar faces I didn’t mind seeing. He tipped handsomely, which I hated to admit I needed.

My guts churned while my bones settled back into place. I chewed on the side of my cheek as I approached him. Mr. Kogan had always been polite, but it was so hard to know what he was thinking. I felt jittery around him despite my best efforts. He was still a big man with broad shoulders, thick arms, and large rough hands.

“Same as always, Mr. Kogan?” I squeaked.

“Look at ‘er, trying to rush me. ” He had a sort of laugh you could have heard from down the street. He would get in these laughing fits and guffaw so hard it would make his belly jiggle. Jovial, I suppose, would be a good word for him. It didn’t help that his hair had these untameable flyaways that added to his boisterous persona.

“You always order the same drink,” I said with a smile. “I think you are a man of habits, Mr. Kogan.”

Those golden eyes of his twinkled as he grinned. “I can admit to that,” he chuckled. “I know what I like. And when I like something I tend to keep it around.”

“Like that old wooden finger?” One of the younger orcs laughed.

Ozren tapped the finger against the table, and it clacked very loudly. “Keep talking like that and I’ll put this finger where it won’t-” he stopped abruptly and looked up at me. “Excuse me, Rose. I forgot my manners for a moment.” He placed a calloused hand upon my wrist.

He cheeks burned as he touched me. “It’s quite alright, Mr. Kogan. This is a bar after all, I’ve heard far worse things.”

“I’m certain, but it won’t be from me,” he laughed. He took his hand back and scratched at his temple. “I suppose you’re right, I will have my usual.”

I chuckled. “Then I will go and fetch your usual.” I turned and quickly hopped over to the bar.

“Keep near Ozren tonight,” Mr. Bodkin told me as he poured Ozren’s drink.

I frowned, looking down at him. “How come?”

Mr. Bodkin’s brow arched. “Because he tips you well and he’ll keep some of the rougher customers at bay.”

My cheeks grew warm. I suppose Ozren would be my best bet for safety. After chopping wood for years his arms and hands were well built. “I’ll try and stay close to his table then.” I took the huge cup of mead back to Ozren’s table and found that he was already trying to arm wrestle someone. He had pushed up his sleeve, revealing his large, scarred bicep. He waggled his fingers, purposefully flexing the wooden one.

“Here you are, Mr. Kogan.” I set his drink down and he turned to me with a grin.

“Ah, my Rose, right on time.” He picked up his drink and guzzled down a good portion of it. He slammed it back down upon the table and turned his attention back onto his targeted opponent. “Who do you think would win between us, my Rose?”

The young orc sitting across from him had a smug expression upon his face. He appeared strong and well toned, but Ozren looked like a beast in comparison. His massive thicket of curly hair made him look like a wild animal who just came in from the forest. There was no way his younger orc was going to stand a chance.

I swallowed and placed my hand upon his arm. “Mr. Kogan, are you really going to pick fights so early in the evening?”

He moved with my touch, letting my fingers settle upon him and pull his protruded arm back. He looked at me with bright eyes and then he burst out into his usual laugh.

“Yer right, my Rose. What am I thinkin’?” He placed a coin in my palm and folded my fingers over it. “I’ll save my strength for the real competition that’s to come!”

I pulled my hand back, clutching the coin tightly. “Or perhaps you take it easy?” I was already trying to plan for a peaceful night, which I knew was farfetched. “After all, with the Reaping coming up, you may want to stay fresh.”

Ozren sighed and rubbed his stubble covered chin. Then licked his tongue up his shorter tusk. “Ah! That’s right. Another reaping, another period of nesting.” He held his chin in his hand and his smile returned. “Never done one of those personally. Never found a reason to.” His eyes then settled upon me, and a warm smile came across his face. “No right person. You understand, my Rose.” He gave me a wink. “But I do dream of the day I find the right one to throw over my shoulder and bring home. Someone who will warm my heart more than just my bed.”.

That did sound sweet, I thought. “If you want such a thing Mr. Kogan, then why not look for them?”

He chuckled and shook his head. “I don’t know, my Rose. Perhaps I’m a bit of a coward. But I am happy living my days and working my ass off.”

“Then why have you still got it?” I teased.

His grin grew and he leaned towards me. I opened my mouth to apologize for what I said when he slapped his hand upon my back and placed two more coins in my hand. He laughed bawdily and rubbed my shoulder.

“Have I finally worn away your thorns, my Rose?”

My cheeks warmed again and I forced out an anxious smile. “A little, perhaps. Would you like anything to eat now?”

Ozren set his hand around his drink and raised it. “Taking care of old Ozren. But no, bring us as much mead as you can carry. All on me. Some of these assholes in here have plans for that reaping, and we’re going to celebrate!” He bellowed. The tavern cheered and applauded his offering, but Mr. Bodkin just rolled his eyes in exasperation.

Ozren turned to me before I walked away. “Do hurry, my Rose. As much as I enjoy watching you walk away, I prefer your lovely face.”

I bit my cheek as I walked away. I took a few breaths to steady myself. The other girls fetched cup after cup to deliver while I stood aside. I was uncertain if Ozren was poking fun at me or not. But how could he not be? I had left home for similar reasons. My existence had become the butt of my family’s jokes. I was teased since I was small for my appearance, my chubby cheeks, my soft belly, and the round shape of my rear and hips.

“Rue, are you alright?” Meggie snapped me from my thoughts and I looked up at her in alarm. “Rue?” Concern was etched upon her face, causing wrinkles to form between her eyebrows.

I placed a smile on my face for her. “I’m fine, Meggie.”

Meggie sighed and went along with it. “Alright, best be on your toes tonight. Things tend to get chaotic the closer the reaping approaches.”

“Why are people so excited about this reaping?”

Meggie shrugged. “It’s fun. And it’s not like it used to be. Back in the old days it was a bit more set in stone. Nowadays couples make a day out of it. Not to say there aren’t still those surprises that happen. But if you’ll excuse me. I see a table that looks perfect for me.” She lifted up her tray and walked off.

I gathered up my courage as I returned to Ozren’s table. Along with the drinks I set out a bowl full of dried, crusty bread tossed in herbs and spices. “Will that be all for now?” I mustered a chipper tone as I spoke.

“For now, my Rose,” Ozren said with a smile. “Thank you for all your hard work.”

I patted his shoulder. “ Enjoy.”

Ozren took hold of my hand as I turned away. I held my breath as he spoke. “Wait a second. You forgot something.”

As I looked back he opened up my hand and placed two pieces of gold in my palm. “I don’t care who orders. You keep our mugs full, and I’ll see you get two more before I go.”

I stared in bewilderment at the gold coins. “I knew you were daft, but not this much. I haven't made this much in a month!”

Ozren grinned from ear to ear, getting a look like an excited child. “I told ya, we gots reasons to celebrate tonight, we do!” He squeezed my hand so my fingers closed over the gold coins. “I don’t like to ask for any sort of special treatment, my Rose. But tonight is a different one. Make me special, won’t you?”

My guts squirmed, but hell, money is money and I needed all I could get. I bobbed my head to him. “Of course I will.”

“If I could eat you up, I would.” Ozren laughed and kept holding my hand. At last, he let go. “But roses ain’t for eating, are they?”

“The thorns would hurt if you did, Mr. Kogan.” I murmured.

Ozren pinched my chin. “You call me Ozren tonight. None of this mister crap. Special, remember?”

“Yes, Mr…Ozren.” I stuttered. “Ozren.”

There was a glint to his eyes as he looked at me then. I couldn’t help but feel flattered under that gaze. “Aye, but it’s prettier when you say it.”

I glanced down as my face grew warmer. “Yes, well, I’ll come back and check on you later.”

I went on about my job, filling steins and fetching food from the kitchen. Between these trips I heard customers talking about the reaping the day after tomorrow. Some of the orcs were bragging loudly about their intentions. Others whispered quietly and cast their eyes upon someone they were hopeful would take them. I didn’t want my marriage to be arranged, but being carted off to another….

As closing time approached Mr. Bodkin rang the bell for last call. The other waitstaff and I traded off between cleaning and customer upkeep. Meggie and I were the only two left on the floor, dealing with stragglers who were either too drunk to hear the bell or had no intention of leaving until Mr. Bodkin made them.

“Tomorrow will be worse.” Meggie sighed, scrunching her shoulders.

I almost hated her for saying that. “How much worse can it get?”

Meggie smiled as if she were proud to explain this. “Because the next day is the reaping, so everyone is gonna be coming to get that final shot of liquid courage. Also, orcs tend to fight once they find out they’re going after the same person.”

She must have seen the look upon my face because she put her hand upon my cheek. “Not to worry. If I notice anything I’ll be with you. And I’m sure Ozren will be near you as well.”

I pouted. “I don’t know why that is.”

Meggie arched her brow, scoffing. “You don’t?”

I frowned. “Mr. Kogan is nice, but surely he has better things to do as a business owner.” I cleaned off a table as Meggie continued to give me that puzzled look.

“Well,” Meggie scratched the back of her ear, parting her thick, red curls to get to it. “I suppose it’s none of my business.”

We finished bussing the tables as Mr. Bodkin was getting rid of the remaining stragglers. After getting paid for the evening, Meggie walked me to The Little Gem as it was on her way home.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Rue. Be prepared for reaping eve.” She waved as she strode away.

My guts churned. I didn’t really want to see how the next evening played out at all. I didn't want to see people being slung over orc shoulders and carted off. It seemed so brutal to me. But I knew it would be good money, so I tried to tell myself it would all be okay. It had to be okay, right?