Gryff The Griffin Rider

by Sloss, Marcus

  ​ Upright with a decent footing I walked up the weapon until I was at the very end of it. I wanted to test if I could leverage the club head and my weight to make break the weapon free. I prepped my legs, found my center and jumped as high as I could. I went twice as high as any normal man could and when I landed on the club I shot my legs down with as much force as I could.

  Nothing.

  The weapon had a bit of give but those stone hands did not budge to let the weapon free. I tried again, and again. I saw the tiniest of slivers begin to form on the third jump. I was starting to think this Malv guy was a cheat. I was told my purple aura was impressive but here I was using my legs with all my power and having little to no effect.

  ​ Drifa arrived demanding who summoned him. Velia quieted him when she told him he would get paid and to watch for now. I walked down the weapon and got back into the position I had earlier. My feet were on Malv's hips his weapon firmly in my grasp. Before I started I gave the warning to be careful below me and to give me space in case I violently fell.

  ​ I slowly strained as I leveraged the weapon. I used my back, biceps, and thighs to pull with everything I had. I thought I was going to tear my arms out of my sockets when I heard a thundering crack sound. I relaxed my strained muscles and saw that tiny sliver was now a large tear in Malv's stone wrist. I got back into position like before and I did a mighty yank instead of a slow steady pull.

  ​ To my joy and terror, I went flying off the statue with the club in my hands. The joy lasted for about half a second as I twisted my body to take my eventual impact with the hard road. My back made contact and it was excruciating. I screamed in pain and let the club go. It flew until it buried itself into a wall twenty feet away. I hit my head hard as I tumbled across the road.

  ​ I drifted in and out of conscience until I felt that warm awkward tingle flow through my body. My broken body, because that was what I felt I had busted, mended itself together. I was feeling the cobwebs of getting my bell rung when that eventually cleared. Drifa swore at me as he nearly collapsed.

  ​ “By the gods, you crazy man, do you know how much it takes to heal a man with purple aura. No wonder Jak says you always let him pass out when he heals you. At least you are making a man of that timid boy.” Drifa said.

  ​ I rose to my feet and raced to the wall. I grabbed my new club and swung it onto my shoulder. I had done it, sure I had nearly killed myself but that was nothing new. Velia slapped my chest hard, scolded me, and then handed me my shirt. Apparently, I had to make it up to her later for nearly seeing me die. I hoped Smasha was worth it.

  ​ “Well done Earl Gryff. Never thought I would see that… Really any of it, the ordeal was quite the performance. The actual removal of the weapon will join the legend of Malv. You are a very interesting person. Let us continue with our walk to the bookstore before the crowd mobs you.” Tami said.

  ​ I pulled Drifa along with us as we left, asking him for a combat healer. He mentioned he had a friend who was currently in Tent Crossing serving King Horus who might have some more adventurous students. I thanked him for his heals, and asked him to inquire about those combat healers for Fernlan. Velia paid him a gold coin and he almost argued when he saw it was a standard one and not one of the pure ones I arrived with. I shooed him away as we continued down the road into the business section.

  ​ The streets were clean as if a fire mage came by every night. When I asked, that was exactly it. Malvia was known for having a lot of fire mages due to its proximity to the close fire catalysts. It was a natural gather point and the exact reason we were here too.

  ​ Velia and I went into the local book store, while the others waited outside with Smasha. It was musky, dark, and there were books everywhere. Velia browsed the novels, while I looked over the nonfiction. We had brought some gold with us so we had enough to spend freely. I loaded a dozen books onto the counter when I saw the catalyst on shelves in the back. A young man worked the counter, said his father owned the shop. We haggled for a while when he got overwhelmed and went to get his dad.

  ​ “Evening. I am earth mage Strin, and this is my humble shop. I had the lad watching the desk while I caught up on some rumors. Apparently, the Count is having a marital dispute, and Smasha was freed by some crazy tall... So it is true?” Strin asked figuring I was the crazy tall man.

  ​ “I am Gryff and this is Lady Velia. Yes, to the freeing of Smasha part, I guess the Count is having marital disputes too but that is not for me to discuss. Lady Tami is right out front patiently waiting for us but I doubt she would divulge much. I came to buy these books, whatever books interest my lady, and all your catalysts for sale.” I said and pointed to the back shelf that held a few containers and jars on it. “I see one vial of tree worm blood, ten jars of crushed ant chitin, and four tubes of termite paste. I will buy more if you have it. We are building up a frontier village into a town and it is draining a lot of resources. Could always use an extra earth mage, the three we have been nonstop busy.”

  ​ “My son here Timmy is seventeen, learned all he can from his dad. I would be happy to cut you a deal if you get him some real world earth mage experience. Everything you see is what I have for sale. Say fifteen gold for these catalysts and the books.” Strin offered, I countered with fourteen and we shook.

  ​ “You are a man of learning, how come there were no more people with purple aura? It seems like Malv would have had many children.” Velia opined while browsing the books.

  ​ “Well, that is a good question, when humans arrived on Vin four hundred years ago there were no mages. They were born into the population in the second generation, for reasons unknown. Malv was one of the very few to be documented as a purple aura mage. Well, not a mage, more like an aura warrior. The texts that talk of his time mention that he favored... Hmm. How do I say this without offense? Well, he did not favor the company of women. He bore no children and his aura line died out with him. There are a few stories of other purple aura warriors over the years but none as grand as Malv's tale. I take it Gryff freed Smasha from the statue, then he probably has the extra strength, agility, and stamina. Very interesting, you should have someone follow behind him to write your tale at some point. It would be a sought after reading.” Strin said to us.

  ​ “Wait, four hundred years. How can this place only be that old? I need to find the time to study more of the origins of Vin.” I said trying to fathom why a simulated world would have such a short history. It gave my brain an itch that I wanted to scratch but I hesitated for now. Next rainy day I would read all these history books and get some answers hopefully.

  ​ “Some things are a mystery beyond us mortal men. I wish we all had more time to find the answers we seek. I thank you for your business.” Strin replied.

  ​ Velia came up with a stack of books and handed Strin the fourteen gold. While I was lost in thought, Velia mentioned we would take Timmy back to Fernlan with us in a few days and to be ready for when a runner summoned him. We thanked him for his time and exited the store.

  Our group grabbed a snack from a cart and headed back to the manor. We passed the manor gates where Nate and a griffin stood watch. Things were quiet and under control. I asked Lady Tami which room would be best to rest in while dinner was being prepared and she guided us to a large room. We would be staying in the visiting noble quarters, lavish, and excessively decorated.

  ​ I had Frank place my books on a counter by the bed, where I had propped Smasha up against. Velia added her books to the pile and I went about securing the room after Frank left. I closed the balcony and took a thin rope for the blinds to lock the balcony doors shut. I then shoved a heavy dresser in front of the only door. I was shocked no one attacked us on the street and figured our luck was based on the rapidness of today's events. That tonight when it would be reported the Count was hostage there might be a freeing attempt or an attack on me. So I did what I had to, I secured us into our room so we could not be surprised while busy.

&nb
sp; ​ After I finished pushing the heavy dresser I turned around to find Velia naked. She was a marvel and I was beyond excited. Her naked body was smooth, clean, and alluring. Her small firm breasts and flat stomach gave way to her ripe hips. I stripped off my clothes and closed the distance between us. A long sweet kiss landed on my lips. I picked her up off the ground and carried her gently onto the bed.

  ​ I had desired Velia for a long time and there always seemed to be something that prevented this, but not this time. I went down and licked her swollen moist vagina until it was wet. She pulled at my hair.

  ​ I got on top of her and slid my throbbing cock into her. Her slim lips parted and absorbed my whole manhood with a frim squeeze. I kissed her neck as my trusts were timed with her hip movements. We got into unison for a few minutes until we climaxed together. It was sweet and passionate. I kept my softening cock inside her until I plopped out. I knew she liked it rough but this was our intimate moment.

  ​ Tired from the healing, combat, and stress of the day I felt a nap coming on. I tucked my head into her shoulder and passed out.

  CHAPTER 12

  ​ I awoke the next morning feeling starved, my stomached rumbled angrily. Velia had opened a window shade and was reading a book in the early light. She had her heels tucked by her butt as she relaxed on a lounger. I propped myself up on my elbows.

  ​ “Good morning, I can't believe I slept through dinner. Are those our chests? How did you get the dresser moved to get the door open?” I asked.

  ​ “With great difficulty, I thought for certain I would wake you a few times. I ended up taking out most of the drawers to get the weight down. There is a warm breakfast for you, and a cold dinner by that nightstand.

  ​ “Lady Tami has been a gracious host. She asked to let the other wives and children go that she thought were no threat and we allowed it. There was a small angry group that came to the gate this morning at sunrise. Demanding the Count explains the death of their loved ones. It was the family members of the guards who died. They were handled by Lady Tami and a sister wife of hers. They were not able to calm them completely but gave them some closure. She blamed it on a misunderstanding from King Devon and that restitution would be paid to any who could prove kinship to the deceased. She actually went into the Count's treasury and handed out gold for each dead guard. She expects the rest of the families to trickle in for a payout.

  ​ “There is also the matter of the other nobility poking around. They were placated by a promise of an official announcement in a few days. Which is when you probably kill her husband and stick his head on a pike in his front lawn. Besides that, Nate knocked on the door at sunrise letting you know the men would be ready for the day minus a few who pulled guard duty last night. Oh, and more griffins showed up this morning. Looks like most of the Fernlan pride is here. A few took off right away, but I am sure they will catch you up.” Velia said while I ate both dishes with a fervor.

  ​ “Is it normal to sleep this much after being aura healed? I notice I sleep a lot on Vin.” I recognized I had, in fact, been sleeping more than normal, something was different.

  ​ “Yes, well I think yes. I have heard aura use results in tiredness. You probably used a lot of your aura to free that silly club. Then you broke everything besides your neck, ugh. I shudder to think of the three directions your right arm was bent before Drifa healed you. So I think it is normal, but Bella would know better. Speaking of her, I know she is prettier than me with better curves and I will never have large full breasts like Pipi but I am working on getting back to a healthy weight. I promise I will fill out just fine once I am not so skinny with curves in all the right places.” Velia said with a sad expression.

  ​ I realized she was being self-conscious. Sure I could still see some bones protruding a bit when she was naked but it did not matter to me. So I went on a long lovely tangent about how she was perfect the way she was. That I would be happy regardless, but I supported her in finding the image she liked best and not to do so because of me. That seemed to reassure her of her doubt and she ran over and gave me a long embrace. The kiss that followed started to lead to other things when I stopped her. I had a lot to do today, and spending another hour in bed was not on my list.

  ​ I politely declined her baby making request and geared myself in my light armor set. I had the two options with me but I remembered how bloody hot it was by the lava flow. No way was I wearing all that thick heavy leather and metal by that heat. The light chest plate, leather kilt, shin pads, completed by my sword and shield. I grabbed Smasha and had Velia check my armor straps to ensure they were tight. Feeling somewhat prepared for the day I exited the room.

  ​ I walked out to the manor stables where I saw Nate and the men playing a game of dice. They were having a good time and looked ready to go with packs set off to the side. I talked to them for a minute to ensure they did not need anything before I arranged for our flight. Nate, Donnie, Kyle, Marcus, Brad, and Joey were geared up and ready to go, only waiting on me. He made it clear he wanted to fly from the Count's manor down to the barrier exit. He felt it would be too dangerous to walk the streets as a group unless we had the griffins for an escort. If we had the griffins with us why not fly, it was solid logic. I saw Lord Nova not far away talking rapidly with Traz and Dina.

  ​ I approached the trio and waited for them to notice me or finish talking. It was but a few moments when Traz walked over.

  ​ “Ah, politics. Glad I am a simple warrior Gryff. I will be your support today. Lord Nova has Dina and any griffin he can spare flying to every roost in this realm withdrawing all griffins to Fernlan. Congratulations, you are now the number one host of griffins in the Empire. Hurrah, right... Wonder how long your to do list gets now. Or how many assassins the Emperor sends your way. Fret not, we recognize our allies and I will be here to protect you. Sort off... Actually, you are a crazy impulsive warrior, so there will be little I can do, but you get the point. If we can help we will. So what is the plan assuming you have one ?” Traz asked teasing me the entire time.

  ​ “I do, it is a great plan. Fly us to the gate, we leave the city, find the golems, then smash the golems and bring them back. Simple and easy.” I said.

  ​ “You got a cart ?”

  ​ “No, but I will,” I muttered. “Nate! We need a cart!” I hollered.

  ​ “There is one right there Gryff, by the shed, thought of that last night while you slept. And before the griffin bugs you about it, yes we have the proper tools and gloves to handle the bodies. We are only in need of you, your club, and your strength.” Nate yelled across the yard to me. Nate was a professional and it showed.

  ​ “See! All under control, sometimes you merely need to hire the guy who can think.” I replied.

  ​ “That is fair, alright I will start ferrying three at a time to the southern barrier exit point. If you will wait over there with the other humans this will take no time at all .”

  ​ Traz made quick work of getting us to the southern end of the farm fields by the city barrier. His last trip was getting the cart down to us but he handled that by picking it up and flying with it. I hefted Smasha over my shoulder and took point as we walked down the trail toward the lava river. The path was once a road, encroached by the ever rapid tide of nature reclaiming the space. I frowned when I noticed we were kicking up a lot of dust as we traveled. I moved from the dirt path and walked over the shrubbery. The men took noticed and followed behind me. The only thing that knocked dust into the air now was one side of the cart. Nate and Donnie pulled the wagon through the loose dirt.

  ​ I was not paranoid or overly concerned about an imminent Horde attack, I did have Traz overhead watching us. The trees here were thin and sparse with small underbrush so it would be easy to see an ambush from above. We were higher in elevation than in Fernlan, making the early morning sun noticeably cooler. I enjoyed the quiet walk down the long road. A few of the men talked with each other. I verified we had everyone we were suppos
ed to and saw Nate, Donnie, Kyle, Marcus, Brad, and Joey. The rest were on guard duty or sleeping from preforming watch the night before. Donnie swapped wagon pulling duty with me near the hour mark into our march.

  ​ The light cart moved easily for the last half hour. Nate and I talked of his past. I learned he had three wives. He had his true love, which they had been together since a young age. He later married his brother Gregg's two wives when he died in the war. It was keeping the family together thing, and not a sexual relationship. He pressed that point but I was not judging. He grew up in Lakeland, and never wanted to leave. He liked how Lakeland had the ability to travel easily with the river and the woods that surrounded it. He spoke of how he had a house full of children. The oldest son, from him and his true love had died during the war. Not to combat though, they were marching in a valley with steep cliffs and a rockslide triggered. It killed a few dozen men and his boy Ruffus was one of them. He held back tears but got through the story. I got to hear how Ruffus and he trained for years in the woods together, and that those were his fondest memories of his entire life.

  ​ He said he wanted to move his wives and children to Fernlan, but was waiting until there was more to the town. He needed to be certain things would stabilize. He did tell me if Fernlan became the capital for the griffins he expected it to boom in population and I agreed.

  ​ I got to hear a few of his backstories of surviving the war. Duke Riza had been his commander for the two years he was active, and the man had kept his troops alive through the thick of it. I got to learn how the Duke would win a battle than give up lots of territory in retreat when he knew he could not win. It made him unpopular with the higher nobles as the Horde continued to advance, but for regular troopers like Nate, he was the best. Knowing when to retreat and when to fight was a hard talent to master. Nate shared his opinion that he felt the area around Fernlan was about to get much busier with traps and ambushes. Word had probably gotten out about us killing a few orcs, goblins, and trolls. Especially if the Emperor was feeding the enemy information. So we talked over some plans that could work without Fernlan. There was still Xiq and Straddleback. That massive caravan was probably still on the move not far from the outpost.