Gryff The Griffin Rider

by Sloss, Marcus

  ​ “The will of the gods is not for you to know all, it is for you to have faith... Or some shit like that. Tell you what. You and your nine men what is your merchant company called and how much am I paying you?” I asked.

  ​ “The Fearless.” They said as one and for the first time I was impressed by the group. They finally did something worthy of a tad bit of respect. Then Una spoke. “Six months at fifteen gold a head. Was the best deal I could get?”

  ​ “Perfect name. I tell you what, how does forty five gold a head for six months sound but I am cashing in your favor right now. You see those fancy warhorses over there. You are going to do something fearless and save twenty of them. You will go weaponless, yes weaponless, and ride north with them. An extra thirty gold each for a two day ride. Less if you do not make camp which should be easy with two per rider.” I gave my offer.

  ​ Una scoffed. “You want us to ride horses to Fernlan. Weaponless! You are delusional. The Horde is everywhere north of here. Ninety gold a person, assuming you can afford it. Which I doubt you can. We will not go a copper lower. This way you can abandon your stupid notion...”

  ​ I cut her off. “Done, ninety a person to move two horses north per person. Count Conway, I see you over there listening. Do you witness the contract?” I asked as I shifted in direction towards him.

  ​ “I do, great deal on the horses too. The Duke will be thrilled to hear some will be saved.”

  ​ Una grumbled and two men went to leave. She quickly tripped them up, scoffed at them, told them she was telling their wives secrets and then hauled them back into the group muttering but cowed. That woman sure had a way with people.

  ​ “We will get your horses to Fernlan, so help the gods if I lose a single man or you refuse to pay I will haunt you for eternity. Let us get out of here and get prepared. Stupid man was supposed to reject my ninety offer.” Una proclaimed and with that, the group left.

  ​ I turned to the Count who had paperwork for me. The horses were a gold each but assured me they would be free. The former knights and nobles they belonged to were not short on money to see them go to a good home. He pestered me with how I would feed them but I told him I had a plan. That he was always welcome to visit them on the frontier, as were the former owners. Visitors were always a good thing. Maybe get Melina some business at the Inn. We haggled over the monox, but I got a fair deal on them. I added a dozen of the tamed wolves. They were big dogs and the idea of a few on the manor, and a few for hunting sold me on them. The runtlets cost more than everything else combined, by a lot. I ended up spending forty gold for the whole breeding stock of monox, and twelve gold for the wolves. It was a hundred and twenty gold for the stupid little pigs. I was bitter but I got over it. They would breed quickly and help with garbage food, not that much of that existed with a starving population.

  ​ We shook hands and I bid Count Conway goodbye. My trip shopping today had proved eventful and satisfying. Now I need to head to the roost and ask the griffins about moving some bison. The sun was nearing dinner time when I safely made it through the slums and into the proper city again. I was excited for this day to be over, get a good night’s rest, and get home.

  CHAPTER 8

  ​ “Lord Gryff! Did Lydia tell you, she thinks the cubs will come any day now?! I am so excited. She also mentioned your promotion, congratulations .” Lirkon said from behind the roost wall. It was less of a wall and more of a fence with spaced horizontal planks.

  ​ I viewed the inside of the roost to see the former Cern group of griffins on the field. I noticed they all had riding harnesses on. There was a thick leather that covered most of their backs, giving room for the wings. It contoured down the sides of the body around the chest of the griffin. Below the chest, there were large anchor points to balance weight. Somehow I had thought they would talon carry everything for hours. This made more sense.

  ​ All across the back wall of the staging area were supplies stacked high. I saw Bella and a team of servants stacking her stuff. There was Zack and his cart being guided to a spot for unloading. His cart was closed up and a large bag on his back. An all female crew of griffin handlers were working on getting the next load ready for flight. I saw sacks big enough to hold a man being filled. Besides those were square pads were being loaded then weight balanced. I noticed more commotion as the refugees from Fernlan unloaded in the middle of the field.

  ​ “Greeting Lirkon and pride. I am excited too, interesting times for Fernlan. Thank you all for bringing the refugees. I know there is going to be a lot of flying to shuttle supplies and personnel. I see you went to Cern for your harnesses. I promise the rest of the war boar to all you fine griffins.”

  ​ “We want some too! ” Lord Nova said with desire. Damn, griffins loved war boar.

  ​ “Yes, two of our pride decided it was safe enough to stay and help scout for the new leader there. They are working with the hunting parties today in an effort to meet the quota. We got our harnesses because eventually our talons cramp and we drop things. In advance, I must warn you. Today was when we planned on getting most of the trees removed. Lydia arrived and said there was too much work here for Lord Nova alone. So here we are, if you will excuse me, I need to get our cargo unloaded and some water .” Lirkon said. The griffin lifted up into the air with mighty jump and burst of his wings.

  ​ People flooded by me as I walked past the gate into the roost. Lyna and her two daughters passed. I got a defiant stare but she kept moving. Right inside the gate, I saw Melina and Micka asking where I could be found. I was surprised the Inn owner was here in Lakeland. I gave a clap of my hands to alert them I was behind them.

  ​ Melina handed me paperwork. “That Velia got the better of me. Did you know she could bargain better than most? I did, and I still made a deal with her. Here is the title to the Inn. I always told myself I would die in it. Yet, I heard I could escape the starvation and dirt. Someone had struck a deal for refugees to be allowed south. Six months ago, seven hells... two months ago we would have been turned away. I am thrilled to be in civilization again. You owe me fifty six gold. That includes the supplies I ordered which I don't need and you will.”

  ​ I jumped with a fist pump. “Yes! I get a room. I mean I would have eventually but I got a bed last night and I never want to go back to sleeping on dirt. I will happily settle the debt. Bella!” I hollered to my wife. She was flustered, messy, and looked tired.

  ​ “Moving sucks, I never want to go through this ordeal again. Ugh, I have acquired so much and I have no idea what I will need so I brought it all. What can I help you with?” Bella said.

  ​ “I figured you were going back to the palace. Here is a hundred gold marker. Give Melina, this lady here.” I said and gestured toward the old lady. “She is owed fifty six gold coins, pay her sixty please it would make us both happier. Melina could you wait over there while I discuss something between Bella and Micka. She will be over there shortly Melina.”

  Melina went over to an area away from us with a smile.

  ​ “Bella this is Micka, Micka, Bella. This is Donnie's mom, and without Donnie, I wouldn't be in the position I am in. Take her with you and give her ten gold. Take the rest of the marker and break it into mainly silver and copper for Fernlan. Here is another hundred marker, we should turn this into gold coins.

  ​ “Micka, I promise to look after Donnie, I plan on making him my official squire. One day he will be a knight. When things stabilize in Fernlan we will send word for you to visit. Maybe even return to work. I understand wanting to get out for now.”

  ​ Micka looked at me with sad eyes. “Yes my lord. I thank you for the gold, and for helping Donnie transition into becoming a man.” She said then walked over to Melina.

  ​ “History?” Bella asked. I shook my head no. There really was nothing there. “I will get these ladies their due and then convert some coin for Fernlan. See you this evening my lord. I am almost done packing but running out of time. I have to prepare for o
ur wedding ball tonight. Try to look dashing my husband.”

  ​ I watched the three women walk toward the palace and grinned. I got the Inn. I was so, so, happy about that. It didn't solve all our housing issues. We were gaining more workers than we worse losing villagers. I would have to order Elan to open up the town center for sleeping. I was curious about how he would handle me being his new lord. I knew I had enough on my plate that I needed him there to help run things. I hoped I could find a way to have a smooth transition.

  ​ “Lord Nova, why do griffins refuse to fly bison? The females produce milk, the meat is delicious, and I would like to have some in Fernlan.”

  ​ “Earl Gryff, there is at least five flights of goods, tools, and personnel remaining. That is with the pride that recently arrived to help. We have enough to move without you adding more, please. We refuse to fly bison because they are near our weight capacity. We can haul them, but at a great risk. It is not worth it. Before we could have done so for a favor to you. But if we sprain a wing or tear a muscle there is nowhere we can land safely. It is beyond risky.” Lord Nova was animated as he said this, he raised a mighty paw and pointed at certain areas on his body to emphasize his point. “I recommend using a boat, ten water mages and go against the current. Or take them on the ground. We have seen caravans leave from here, go south and return. ”

  ​ “That is a good idea, the second one. I have some adventurers called 'The Fearless' moving horses north. If they are successful maybe I can use them to move a herd of bison. Probably charge me all the golds in the empire though. Alright thanks for the explanation, and I would never endanger you or any of the pride for something as trivial as milk. I could always have them hosted here and ship meat and milk to Fernlan or trade for it. Sorry thinking out loud.” I tended to zone out when I processed logistics.

  ​ I told the griffins to enjoy the evening, thanked them for their tireless work, and left for the palace. There was a steady stream of people going from the palace to the roost carrying varying things. Either supplies I had ordered or some of Bella's things. There were no animals on this road, the griffins probably spooked them. It was clean and neat. The bushes that lined the stone path carried a fragrant flower that smelled nice. I was wondering what to do next when my stomach rumbled. Find Lily, eat dinner, and then get ready for the ball. Hopefully, my armor was fixed so if I got stabbed I had some protection because you know, that apparently was common at noble events.

  ∞∞∞

  ​ Lily and I ate an early dinner. The chefs were busy preparing food for the ball and shooed me out. So I sent in the little starving girl that was skin and bones. My stomach thanked me later. It was some creamy mashed potatoes. I was on my third bowl when the Duke found me.

  ​ “One of the cooks mentioned you were here. Busy day for us both from what I hear. Lily is it?” Lily nodded with a shy expression while tucking her chin into her chest. “Why don't you run into the gardens? I have a present for your father there waiting for him.” Riza said. When Lily was gone he unfurled a note that was on a small piece of paper.

  ​ “This was from our King. King Horus. He commends you on your capture of the crown. Gave you the same orders I gave you. Then he commends us both on defending against the traitorous attack. Thanks you for your service to the realm, and says he may visit the north for a hunt soon. The note also mentions a reward once the crown reached the Emperor. If I had to guess when he arrives here or Fernlan he will have payment in hand.

  ​ “All in all a good note. The crown is now his problem, we got a job well done each. My orders were no different than his. The King is a decent man, a great warrior. You should like him but who knows. Alright come with me, I got one of your dowry presents waiting.”

  ​ The Duke and I walked from the dining hall, through a hallway, and out into the back gardens. There was Lily, Trade Master Mont, and the tailor who fitted me yesterday for my current outfit. Wrapped over an armor stand rested an intricate full body armor set. This had my heart going, the helm, chest piece, leggings, gloves, and boots all matched in a perfect woodland pattern. I raced over to it and inspected the gear.

  ​ Lily went to talk and I shushed her, I was in the zone and no one was to interrupt me.

  ​ The helm came off the stand and into my hands. I saw the first layer was a thin cap. I took it out of the helmet and it smoothly slid over my hair fitting perfectly. I now knew why the tailor had taken so many extra measurements yesterday. I covered my head with the final layer that was thick and sturdy metal. I noticed someone had painted the woodland theme on the metal. It held a facial cover that gave more than enough room for my nose and was attached to a hinge. I pulled the clasp until it locked the cover firmly in place. I had full vision and could easily breathe. My eyes were exposed as was most of my nose but I loved that I didn't have reduced vision. I hardly noticed the weight, either the metal was light or my strength played a role. I jumped up and down then looked sharply left and right. The helmet jostled until I noticed a loose chinstrap at the bottom. I got that secured and the helmet was on tight. The only issue was my hair, other than an odd clumping and needing a cut it was perfect.

  ​ I removed the helmet and stripped to my undershorts. Some coughs were noticed but I cared not. I shimmied into the pants on first. The first layer was thin padding to protect the skin from metal. The pants went from right above the hip bone to below the ankles and were secured by a thin belt. Tightly knitted chain mail went over the thin layer. Which was followed by a thicker, tougher leather, which had the pattern for blending imprinted on it.

  The chest was a single piece that slid over my head to cover my torso and arms. It followed the same layout as the pants. Thin cover, then chain mail, followed by camouflage thick leather. The thick leather was for slashing protection, the chain mail for slashing and piercing. The boots were fairly standard and would blend in with the forest. The gloves were a thin tan leather, so tight they felt like a second skin. Nicely made but no protection besides from scratches.

  ​ I equipped the entire setup and started to warm up. I did some stretches and light exercises. I noticed a few things instantly. My weighted helm was a pain because of my hair, so the hair would have to go when I found time. The next was it was silent. I expected the chain mail to make jingles, clanks, and other metal noises. Finally, while it was oversized slightly for extra movement, it felt tight when I did limber stretches. Well, mainly the chain mail did. I was loose and ready to test the suit of armor out.

  ​ I sprinted down the garden path toward the low wall that separated the grounds by themes. I felt the weight but it was manageable. I planted my right foot on the top of the three foot tall wall and spun myself into a backflip. I was unable to stick the landing smoothly but recovered enough to stay on my feet. I was in a long section of short grass with flowering fruit trees. I tore into a dead run feeling grass give way beneath my feet. My agility and strength led me to speeds I normally could only dream of. I loved Vin!

  ​ I slowed myself down and trotted back to my awaiting crowd. I thanked the Duke profusely. I told him this was exactly what I needed. He was quietly impressed by my maneuverability and was glad I liked the extra protection. Least he could do for his daughter was to help protect her new husband. The armor I arrived in was simple, its design meant for formations and long marches. This was more for sneaking around the woods on short trips that resulted in violent clashes.

  ​ I gave my thanks to the tailor and Trade Merchant Mont. I made sure to inform them both I would need at least one more for Donnie, which I would be sending here soon for a fitting. I took my leave and headed back to my quarters to freshen up.

  ∞∞∞

  ​ A short nap was followed by me dressing in a fancy button up shirt. The button and loops were larger with tight hand stitching. The pants were flowing and roomy. It was not my normal style but I would fit in. It was nice to have another change of clothes. My dirty set was gone, meaning someone had managed to get in my room to cl
ean them while I slept. Seven hells as they say on Vin. I was looking forward to having a dog... well wolf guarding me. Maybe a trap on the door, the evil voice in my head laughed at the implications.

  ​ I managed to find the ballroom with relative ease and in good spirits. I saw a platter of food before the entrance and picked at the snacks on the tray. I never knew how busy it was going to get, or if I would get my meal cut short by a knife. I watched as people entered the lively event. No one was announced as people streamed in. It was an hour after dark, meaning I had slept for a while. I ate the entire tray of fried mushrooms in a sweet sauce. They were delicious. A servant scoffed at me when he went to grab the tray for his rounds. Oh well.

  ​ I entered the ballroom to a loud... Crack! Crack! “Sir Gryff, Earl of Fernlan, Groom of the Bride Lady Bella. Honored guest of Duke Riza!”

  ​ I grumbled then put on a smile and did a wave. During my competing days, crowds had become normal so I was at ease. I strolled across the ballroom floor cursing myself for not entering by leaping the balcony. I probably could have pulled it off. The Duke sat in his chair of honor, I bowed to him, and Lady Rain laughed at my improper form. I deserved that. She sat behind the Duke in the third wife's chair. Only the one chair and seven chair were empty this time. That showed how special the event was.

  ​ Bella arrived at my side looking fantastic. She wore a white dress that went to her knees. Her long blonde hair was straight and flowed freely. Around her head was a green crown of stems with no flowers. A single lily in full bloom was over her heart and mild cleavage. She glowed with a radiant beauty while her eyes sparkled with intensity.

  She curtsied, the Duke launched into a moving speech, and then the festivities erupted anew with joy.

  ​ I got to meet her entire large family. The greetings were often rushed and chaotic given the noise and sheer volume of people. I was well received. The only person I did not see was Una, which probably meant her earlier antics got her off the welcome list. It was Bella's big day after all. We danced, we snacked, and we sipped our drinks. I kept the wine to a minimum. At one point a lady got so drunk she crawled behind the tablecloth and fell asleep under the table. A few minutes later a man with dark hair and a neckbeard called for a Lady Theresa. I helped him find his drunk wife. That was the most exciting thing that evening.