Returning to the orc settlement…

As she asks around, most Orcs say they last saw Shura and Tarod before the fighting began.

Finally she comes across one Orc who has an arm wrapped in a sling and a patch over his eye. He looks down at the little Orc boy and then back to Saige.

"I fought with Tarod during the attack." The Orc man leans down to Urul's level and meets the little boys eyes. "Your father was a great warrior. He will have a funeral fit for a brave soul such as his." The Orc stands back up as Urul begins to cry quietly. "I have not seen his mother. Perhaps one of the other mothers would know."

Saige’s heart drops and she grips Urul’s hand tighter. She nods to the man and goes to find some of the mothers. Not knowing any words to comfort the child, she just hums a soothing tune as they walk.

As they walk through the village, they come across a small gathering of women and children. Seven mothers are talking amongst themselves while the children run around in circles around them playing some version of tag. At Saige's approach with Urul, one of the mothers gasps and breaks away from the circle.

"Urul! I've been so worried!" She exclaims and Urul breaks away from Saige's hand to run into the Orc woman's waiting arms. They hug for a moment before the female Orc raises her head to Saige. "Thank you for looking after Urul."

One of the children runs up and taps Urul on the back. He turns and giggles before running off with the other children in the ring around the mothers. The female Orc turns her attention to Saige.

"I am Borba. I am mother to Zorlak. Urul and Zorlak are friends." Borba's expression becomes sad. "During the battle, Urul's mother fought back. They killed her. But we take care of our own so Urul will be cared for. Thank you again for bringing him to us. What can we do to repay your kindness?"

The other mothers turn to Borba and Saige waiting for her reply.

Saige smiles as Urul runs off with the other kids, but she is quickly saddened by the news of his mother’s death. She looks to the women for a moment before speaking up. “I need to be better at protecting my friends. Do you think you could teach me how to be stronger?”

Borba turns to look back at the other mothers who are glancing at each other before she turns back to Saige. "We can speak to the men. We are not warriors. We look after the younglings and farm. Our fighting skills are basic defense. But perhaps one of the men can teach you something." Borba smiles. "I will ask the Chief and then we will see what we can teach you."

“Okay! Sounds good to me.” She shuffles her feet for a second then asks, “Is there anything I can help with right now? I want to help but I don’t really know what’s needed.”