“For the rest of us ride behind Traz, he will pick out the best route for us to use. Should be able to keep a steady run going. When he speeds off and does a circle over a specific place that is him telling us where to charge. We go in hard and violent. Go for a trample, and another short charge if able. After that hack and slash in melee until the battle is won. Everything I know of trolls is they are ranged specialists. We remove that range and use the horses as an advantage.
“Hurry up, every moment matters. Mount up and we can discuss anything we need to as we ride.” I said and then picked out a close warhorse.
I stuck a foot in the saddle and leaped onto the horses back. The saddle was worn in and comfortable, some noble's old seat. I was immediately grateful for it, and we had not even started to ride yet. I ensured my shield was firmly on my back and felt the fish. Those got tossed to the ground, to worry about later. Deb left my shoulder to eat the fish, so much for taking her with me. My sword was tucked nicely onto my belt, and I did not bring any ranged weapons. I saw some javelins on Markus' back and rode over to him and grabbed two out of his container. I fit them in loops on the saddle and did a double check of myself, yup I was ready to go.
“Deb I need you. I promise more fish later.” The monox looked up at me with cheeks stuffed full of fish. Her demeanor shouted attitude at me for interrupting her snack. She did oblige though and jumped to my boot and then crawled up to my shoulder. I had no leg protection on this armor set so her little claws drew blood on the way up.
“Frank, go get the cart, now. Then ride as hard as you can behind us without breaking the damn thing.” I said and the man huffed at being left out but followed my orders and took off to get a cart. “The rest of you keep up,” I said then dug my heels into the horse's ribs.
After two plus days of getting fat while walking up here, the horse bolted with energy. It was nothing as thrilling as riding a griffin but it was pretty awesome. I also became very aware of how loud a running horse was. I had this crazy notion we would be able to talk while the horses ran. Nope...
Oh well, the plan was simple. I am sure it will go to seven hells the moment we make contact but that was to be expected.
We passed through the pine forest and into rolling hills with tall grass. The horses tore up the ground and our group quickly fanned out to stay in fresh dirt. The thin strips of the vegetation beat at my exposed legs. It seemed like every time I went to battle I was in the wrong battle set. I forgot my shin pads and my legs burned with minor sharp cuts. There was little I could do besides grimace and push on. We arched over a narrow small creek with a jump and cut between pines.
I was able to keep a clear view of Traz the whole time. We cut north a few minutes into the pines to avoid something he could see. The horses thundered on and we made great progress. Not even fifteen minutes of hard riding had passed when Traz shot off and circled a place not too far off.
I yanked my shield off my back and grasped a javelin in my right hand. The pines ended into a wide open low bush field. It was heavily grazed with firm soil. In the distance, I saw the trolls.
There were twenty on their feet, helping move some wounded or dead. The ones that were free of helping others were throwing spears or launching arrows at Traz. He was racing right over the trolls getting them to cower in fear, yet when he never attacked or landed they fought to take him down. We closed the distance quickly, with most of the trolls oblivious to our charge. When the attention shifted to the thundering sound of our warhorses I tucked myself low.
The first volley that raced at us was uncoordinated. A few arrows came close and a horse neighed in pain but stayed with the group. After that first volley, I threw the javelin I was holding. I hurled the mini spear with blinding speed. It caught a troll in the gut and sent him to the dirt in a tumble. My shield came up for the next volley. This was a big moment for us. The enemy was more prepared and knew this was their best shot, literally and figuratively at victory.
Fifteen arrows flew in toward us and I closed my eyes anticipating pain. I heard a whoosh and felt a mighty gust try to pull me off my mount. I opened my eyes and saw Traz had come low and used his belly to take the majority of the arrows into his hide. I could hear him screech in pain but I had no time to focus on him or the fact that Walt had been dismounted right beside me.
I brandished my sword and my war horse knew exactly what to do. It lined up the most trolls it could and raced straight for them. We slammed into the first troll with a sickening thud, the horse's hooves tearing apart the creature. The second troll the horse missed but I slashed it in the face with my sword. Our charge faltered as the fighting turned into a melee. My warhorse was amazing. It knew exactly where to go and how to position itself. I cleaved deep into the back of a troll facing Nate. We spun fast and punted a troll a dozen feet with a mighty rear kick. I grabbed tightly onto the saddle as the horse shifted so much force to its back legs. As fast as it happened we were on to the next victim. I stabbed a troll in the neck who was panicking from being pressured by Joey's advance. It was a brawl at this point, and the horses were a major advantage. They feebly fought back trying to use bows as clubs, and it was no contest. In close, they were cut down to the last.
The horse spun us around looking for another creature to brutally murder. A lone troll was getting away that must have fled at the start of the fight. Nate, one of Brads, and I all raced to run him down. Brad got to him first and under the horse's legs, the troll went. Then Nate ran him over too, and then my horse and I further squished the dead body.
“For the Empire!” Nate screamed.
“For the Empire!” The rest of the men bellowed.
“I still need a fucking healer in each of our companies,” I said as I trotted over to Walt. Deb hopped off my shoulder and began to eat bits of gore that had splattered the battlefield.
“Before you ask about me needing healing I will be fine. I used a gust of wind to slow the arrows before they hit me, I am sorry I could not get them all. Oh, I just noticed, healing is beyond him anyway. ” Traz said and rose into a high circling orbit to preform lookout.
I noticed that Walt was not moving. He had a nonfatal arrow in his shoulder, the fall from the horse killed him somehow. I called Nate over and he informed me Walt had two wives and four children. We decided we would give him a quick burial out here in the field. I promised to find the rest of his family and see if they would move to Fernlan where I could help them. If not the contract had me pay them a certain amount of gold over the sign on. I would have to look it up to see what I owed his family for Walt's sacrifice.
My first friendly fatality, it sucked. I had not expected this, so far healing had always saved the day. I was conflicted between the realities of war and the wistfulness of bringing everyone home alive. I puzzled over what to do next and decided instead of wallowing in the sad, I had to move on.
“We find the boar yet. I am going to start chopping it up, I see Lord Nova guiding Frank this way. It should only be ten minutes before they get here. Let the horses eat while we pile the loot. Nate, I want you to get a grave dug for Walt. When it is ready you will say something, not sure what, but you knew him better than I.” I said.
“They downed it over here my lord. We already started trying to remove the limbs. Damn thing is huge though and it has a hide that is thicker than a bisons. Tough work.” Joey said.
I took my horse over to Joey and got a good eye on the war boar. It was different from the female in it was a few hundred pounds heavier, a foot longer, a few inches taller, longer tusks, and huge balls. What was with males and massive balls on Vin. I wished I had my greataxe to remove the head. Instead of brute force, I carved chunks of meat with the others.
We got two limbs and the ribs section off the body. The guts, organs, and useless parts were spilled off to the side. They would be loaded this time to feed the runtlets, wolves, and monox. It took five of
us but we were able to flip the remaining portion of the beast. The work started again and was almost finished when Frank arrived. It went so much faster this time around with better vision and more people.
Frank had brought the wagon instead of a small cart so there was more than enough space to separately place the boar from the remains of the trolls. The trolls were in bad shape, I noticed at least eight that had been trampled into partial mush. At least seven of the trolls took head damage which made sense because we fought them with a height advantage. I had no idea what good trolls were for spells or potions. I am sure someone would tell me and unless some mage in Fernlan wanted the parts I would send them to the capital market.
We got everything loaded and ready to go when I called the men over to where Walt was buried. Deb ran back up to my shoulder.
“Nate here is going to say a few words for Walt. I promise I will honor my contract to him and I promise to try to help his widows and children find a home for free here in Fernlan. It is what I would offer any of you and I know it does not bring the man back but I hope it does help. Alright, Nate go ahead.” I said.
Then Nate told a few stories of Walt and how he will be missed by his family. After the short eulogy, we started to head home. I took Walt's horse and hooked it up to the front of the wagon to help Frank's horse tow the heavyweight. The wheels groaned in protest from the added downward pressure but rolled forward. We passed through the field and back into the pines. Then over the tall grass and back into the pines near home. We finally crossed the barrier right around dinner time.
A whole team of griffins were waiting for us inside Fernlan. They eyed the dead chunks of war boar with intense gazes. I called a halt to the wagon and was going to throw some meat out when they promptly informed me it needed to be cooked. To please bring it down into Dais, by where the griffins were sleeping at night. A large fire was already going down there and a fish stew had been prepared for us humans.
Donnie greeted me with Una. I got to hear about their battle on the eastern boar trail. The ambush never worked for the orcs. The Fearless Company surprised the ambushers with a distraction. They used Una pretending to get hurt from a trap not far away. As she cried out in distress the orcs were shot from their perches high in the pines. Three died before the remaining orcs realized they were being picked off and the rest tried to run north. Two of the enemy broke legs jumping from their high tree spots. The last took an arrow in the back. The commotion caused the other orcs in the area to charge in, oblivious to the danger. They were decisively bowed down. It was an easy win for the Fearless Company. By staying at range, and taking their time they eliminated every threat without any injuries.
They told me about the boring work of picking the two smelon trees. When they were almost done a squeaking monox lead them to a small grove of fruit trees. The clump of trees was not far from the oat fields to the southeast. They got as much fruit as they could when a griffin warned them back to the village.
I then explained our fight and how we had lost Walt. That the trolls were weak fighters, easy as goblins to kill once in close. I did warn that they had deadly aim and that we were lucky they did not have orcs or ogres defending them.
The conversation lasted until we got to the massive fire that burned deep in the cavern. Large chunks of war boar were spit onto sharpened logs and dangled over the flames to roast. I was handed a large bowl of fish stew. It had carrots, onions, and potatoes in it. I was ecstatic to eat some vegetables, I had always liked them, and they were rare on Vin. These were from the crate that never got taken. The entire community was at the feast. Bella had helped prepare the stew, it was nice to see her getting to know the people. It made me happy to see her adjusting so well. She had not complained once about the condition of Fernlan in comparison to Lakeland.
The tables and chairs from the Inn along with the benches from the town center had found their way down here. Bella even had her mother's chair pulled up to the table we dined at. I had a light mug of ale, a hearty bowl of soup, and a wonderful dinner conversation. After dinner, the congregation of people did not disperse. Calls to hear of today's battles rang out from the crowd. Una told hers, while Nate told ours. They both were told with class, without boasting, and Walt was remembered in a drinking salute.
Bella told me how the Duke's wives used to handle sending condolence letters during the war. She had seen how it was done and informed me she would personally go to Lakeland to deliver the news. She said that she would also relay any news I had for her father when she left. I patted her hand and thanked her.
I found myself drifting into thoughts of tomorrow's project when Zack approached us at the table. He carried a torch and stood with Fae and Patti.
“My Lord, my Lady, if you would be so kind as to follow us. We have had a long day but made significant progress.” Zack said and waved us over.
I got out of my chair and held a hand to Bella to help her rise. As we stood others took notice and stood too as if to say goodnight to us.
“Let me be clear, I am no noble at heart that yearns for formality. When I do leave events it as an ordinary man. Now, the earth mages have worked tirelessly all day on the business sector of our new home Dais. So come with me and let us see what they have finished.” I said to the crowd.
We moved as a blob, a hundred plus people chatting away. The shuffle of feet echoed off the walls along with the chatter.
“Hey Zack, is there any magic that can help with the echo in here? And we killed two dozen trolls today, are they used for anything special?” I asked.
“The noise yes, well sort of, I guess it depends. As you can tell that answer is conflicting. An air mage can dampen the echoes in chambers but the spell is intensive in catalyst and requires a constant aura. My advice is to wait until the structures of this small city are built before you take such actions. You will be surprised how much of the echo is reduced when there are walls and buildings everywhere. As for the trolls, none that I know of that help earth mages. They are probably closet to an air mage since they utilize the wind so often but they are not creatures with magic abilities. Eona would know better, she is your air mage. I last saw her at the Inn today though, she could be in this crowd. I can use goblin, ogre, and shaman hearts. The shaman heart if I add to any spell increases its effect. They are a buff catalyst in that way. Not to physical stats they are applied to spell power.”
I remembered meeting her with Lamont. She had been quiet and gave little input, to be honest, I am not sure what she did here at Fernlan. Then I realized that the Horde shamans used air magic to form shields and divert projectiles. I would need to dig into her contract or ask her if she was able or willing to go into combat. Speaking of combat I spotted Jak not far away talking to one of the widows with no children. Kira, if I recalled her name right. I let go of Bella's hand and got in step with Jak who was so busy chatting failed to notice my proximity. Kira did though and gave a cough and a nod at me.
“Gryff, my lord what can I do for you?” Jak asked.
“I need two combat healers, I figured I would offer you the job of one first and see if you had anyone you would recommend for the other spot.” I watched as the young man worked it through his head how best to deny me. He had blanched at the initial offer of going back into combat.
“Master healer Drifa had many apprentices and those who recently graduated to journeymen, he ran almost a little school. It was hard to find a green teacher, let alone one that was half decent at relaying skills and information. I heard the griffins were going to pick up the Cern riders tomorrow, I could make the trip and inquire for two combat healers. I fear I am not cut out of the wild lands, I do admit I tried, and in a pinch can help. But I rather do like Fernlan, and I do good work taking care of the day to day healing that is needed. Plus with me and your excellent healer of a wife, if the combat healers use too much aura in the field we can help them once inside the safe
zone. Master Drifa always said a combat unit can never have too many healers.” Jak said in explanation.
“I would have to agree with Master Drifa then and thank you for going to Cern for us. I appreciate you trying to find two combat healers. If you cannot find them, then I shall have to send a note to the capital to the mages academy.” I said.
I hooked my arm back into Bella's and listened to the conversation in progress.
“We have used seventy three goblin hearts today. The griffins kept swapping out to help us keep our aura reserves from falling too fast. It is right around this other side of the ramp, and... Here we are.” Patti said to Bella.
There was no awe inspiring sight to behold, it was far too dark for that. There was a barely illuminated wall with an entry arch but no gate.
“A wooden gate will need to be added at some point here, built by hand of course. Zack and Fae go ahead and light up the district ahead of us so we can see, while I describe what we are passing. Quiet down everyone, the tour is about to begin.” It took a few seconds for the group to silence but it did. “Welcome to what we have termed the business district. Immediately on our left, you will see a cart and animal storage area. This is extra big because we had the space. On the right is a small guard shack followed by a general storage rental space. On the left is the start of the larger business buildings. You got a blacksmith section, a tanner section, a clothing section, and a few generic buildings for general item sales. Across from these is the large market, we expect it to take some time to become fully occupied but again we are not lacking space.
“Next on the left and right are buildings for food production and dining. Not that we are trying to get rid of the evening communal meals, but eventually these will see a lot of use. Especially in proper places to prepare food. The next area is our two schools, one for little kids to be taught letters and basic things. The other school on this site will be for older kids to learn life lessons and skills. Beside each school will be an attached library. The space is empty for now when we get enough books. In the next section, we got the bathhouse going, unfortunately, for now, it is cold. We need extra lava stones to heat it, they have been added to the bulletin board on the ‘to buy list’. Water mage Tarkon did what he could with his limited catalysts and was able to purify all the river water we were able to tunnel down here. The water goes into the baths crystal clear and clean. It also is diverted to the front of the building for people to fill water containers and to fill troughs for cart animals. The used dirty water drains down into a lower water table. On the other side of the road from the bathhouse is a proper toilet building. The backside of this toilet house is connected to the garbage dump. All the air here is filtered into stacks with the help of our air mage Eona. The garbage and poo, yes try to not to giggle too hard, is burnt into vapor and that air is vented into stacks. We obviously need to do some testing and get fire mage Lamont back before we allow these two buildings to go into production. We have the lava rocks to burn the waste but not the mage to ensure it is done properly and effectively.
Gryff The Griffin Rider Page 28