"You are to be judged by the tribe this very day. If you pass, you will stay with us. Otherwise, you will be banished."

"I haven't had time to prepare," Athgar objected.

"Do not worry, my friend," said Kargen, "I have volunteered to speak in your defence. You need only be present. Now, let us get you to your feet, shall we?"

Athgar nodded his head, and Kargen took his hand, pulling him up into a sitting position. His head swam a little, then everything began to clear. He swivelled in his bed only to find his legs dangling. The furs on which he lay were placed upon a wooden shelf that lined the edge of the hut, half a leg above the dirt floor.

As his feet touched the ground, he felt the cool earth beneath him. "My clothes?" he asked.

"They were badly burned," responded Kargen, "but Shaluhk has made you a fine new set."

"Who is Shaluhk?" Athgar asked.

Kargen's face darkened a little, the telltale sign of an Orc blush. "She is Laruhk's sister," Kargen explained, "and has been helping to look after you. She is in training to be a shamaness."

Athgar looked down at the crude tunic that covered him, the sewing was coarse, but the skins were warm.

"We have boots for you as well," said Kargen, offering up a pair.

Athgar, once again looked down, this time at the soft heeled boots, admiring their sturdy construction. He pulled them onto his feet, surprised at their comfortable fit.

"If you are done admiring yourself," said Kargen, "it is time to go, the tribe awaits."

"Very well," said Athgar, "let us be off."

Kargen led Athgar through the doors of the great chieftain's hut, the largest in Ord-Kurgad, which housed a rectangular fire pit running the length of it. Members of the tribe sat three deep around the burning fire. Athgar was used to seeing his own people gather, particularly after a hunt, but to have the entire village within this one structure was surprising. He had heard of buildings this large in faraway Human cities, but had never seen one of such size before.

Kargen guided him to a seat at the top end, near the chieftain, but along the side of the fire, rather than at its end. That position was reserved for the shamans, Uhdrig and Artoch, Kargen told him. Opposite them, across the fire, sat Gorlag, a look of displeasure evident on his face.

Kargen leaned in close to talk quietly to Athgar. "That is Gorlag, our chieftain. He will argue against you this day, while I argue for you."

"How is the winner chosen?" Athgar asked.

"It will be for the tribe to decide by a count of stones. The shamans act as the hosts. They are forbidden from voting and are to be impartial."