Gryff Boxset

by Sloss, Marcus

  While I waited for the girls to arrive I went to work on a pine still full of branches. I clenched the greataxe halfway down the shaft so I could use it in close proximity. I removed multiple limbs in a single hack. The process was easy for me, the branches severed cleanly and quickly. Donnie was having trouble so I stopped him.

  “Alright, Donnie, change of work for you. As I clean the trees you stop the branches from floating away and pile them over there.” I said point to the collection of limbs he had started.

  Lily and Lyna arrived, giggling with each other.

  “Lily, Lyna, glad you heard my call. I got work for you. I need that pile of branches bundled into something that could work as a roof. We got the goblin guts saved from yesterday? If so can we use those or would we need vines?” I asked Lyna.

  “The guts were saved but it takes a few weeks to fully process them. They have to be hand cleaned, then a flower compound is applied to them, then finally they have to be stripped and fully dried. It will be weeks before they can be used. There are some vines over by the trees near the potty pits. Can I take your sword to chop them up?” she asked.

  “Works for me, take about an hour of gathering vines. Hopefully, between you two, that should be enough to get these bundled for tonight.”

  I went back to work on severing branches from the trunk. I slowed the pace a bit as I noticed Donnie surrounded by wood. I was going to take a break when Jak bounded to us with an immense grin.

  “Two gold for the year, she wanted five at the start. I think it is a solid deal, an inn in Cern would be ten times that in price. Who names an inn the Inn? What can I do to help?”

  “Velia has my purse still, grab the coins from her after dinner and explain why. As for work, I am moving faster than Donnie can keep up. Jump in beside him and he will explain what to do.” I told Jak.

  We got into a rhythm for the next hour and made excellent progress. As I was cleaning up the last tree Lily and Lyna showed up. The woman struggled as she pulled a large amount of various sized vines. The little girl carried far less but endeavored to haul as much as possible. Both Donnie and Jak got out of the water and helped them. The trees were cleaned and we had our vines now. Without being told what to do the girls began grouping similar sized sticks and weaving bundles.

  “Donnie go to the tool pile and grab three shovels if we got them. Meet me over by the griffin when you get them. Let’s go Jak, don't worry about Lydia the griffin. She will not harm you. I think I cured her hatred for men.”

  “Blood boiling hatred sure, but I still dislike men. Yet, since I do need you, and don't hate you, the Jak human will not be harmed.” I was told by a very distant Lydia.

  “Yup, you are safe Jak. Apparently, griffins can hear a normal conversation for hundreds of feet away. Uhh... I want to build a structure where you are laying at Lydia if you would be so kind as to move in any direction.

  “Since we don't have the new tools and parts unpacked yet we will build something simple for now. Well, that and I want it done quickly. We will use posts in the ground two for each corner. Then stack the logs horizontally, alternating thick base trunk to thin tree top. The four posts will hold the trees in and we can pack the branches to fill gaps. The average tree is thirty feet tall so we will build it that long and wide. Eight trees tall and then the hard part will be adding the top.” I said

  Lydia moved away from the open spot by the fire pit from last night and went under the tree where we slept. Donnie showed up with three shovels once we got to my desired spot. I took the shovel from him and marked a circle. The widest tree was only two feet in diameter. So I measure out two feet and marked another circle.

  “Jak dig this hole, Donnie dig this one. I will be back with a log to get the proper length.” I told them.

  I jogged back over to the creek. I plopped into the water and crouched down. I moved an averaged sized tree onto my right shoulder. I wrapped my right arm around the middle of the log and used my left hand to lock the trunk in place. I stood up feeling my feet sink into the soft mud of the creek bed as I fully supported the additional weight. Taking my first steps forward the front of the log quickly shifted down and crashed into the ground. The sudden transfer in the weight caused me to lose balance and I splashed face first into the creek.

  Ugh... I hope no one saw that.

  I got myself above water and began sweeping the mud off my body with my hands.

  “We saw that, are you okay?” Lyna said. Her freckled face showed genuine concern.

  “I am fine. Lesson learned, will carry them across my back with both arms for better balance.”

  This time I lifted the log across my back instead of facing forward. I balanced it by putting more length on the treetop side and was happy when it stayed steady as I raised it from the water. The weight was heavy and I grunted but it was manageable. Lyna let out a whistle as I passed the girls making the bundles.

  “Whoa, do you have magical strength?” Jak asked and stopped digging. He ran up to me causing me to stop mid haul. The man closed his eyes and placed a hand on my chest... Awkward. I was about to tell him I don't bat for that team when I felt a pulse of tingling shoot through my body. “By the gods, you do. Your aura is incredible. Even Master Drifa's green flame is a tiny ember compared to your purple inferno!”

  The man was clearly excited and this caused Lydia to get up and approach me. Which caused Jak to scream like a little bitch and hide behind the wagon.

  “Tell the weakling I mean him no harm. I want to verify your aura.” A mighty talon with incredible sharpness was pressed into my chest softly. I felt a small amount of pain as it broke the skin and blood trickled down. Lydia closed her eyes and a new sensation racked my body with pain. I barely managed the log as I screamed from the brief torment. “Apologies for the pain, the weakling is indeed correct. You show no signs of talent other than strength. Never will you throw a fireball or be able to magically heal. Yet your strength, agility, and dexterity is many times greater than a normal human. Your aura is so strong even your bones glow. You are an interesting specimen Gryff, my coming here is already worth it.”

  I had figured as much, and I was disappointed I only had enhanced physical attributes. Magic sounded super awesome and left me a bit jealous. Oh well, I would make the best of what I had.

  I walked over to the dig holes and dropped the log off my back. I lined the length up with the holes and made a straight line with the log. A few feet from the other end I drew two new circles. As I had busied myself with work I noticed Lydia had gone back to resting and Jak had poked his head out from behind the wagon. Velia and others, alerted by my scream of pain were running over.

  “Jak come over here and heal my chest.” I then cupped my hands to my mouth. “False alarm ladies, no need for concern. The griffin and I were merely testing something and well... It hurt.” This seemed to alleviate most of the concerned widows besides Velia.

  She reached me before Jak and inspected the rip in my chest. “It is not deep, why would she do this?” Velia asked.

  “To find out that I have magical strength and probably magically strengthened body too. I wonder if my kids will have super strength?!” I said as my eyes lit up with excitement.

  “Probably will. This gash will be healed in no time, stand still.” Jak placed his hand over my chest. “When those of us with a talent aura have offspring it is common for them to have the same trait. My father has the green aura, my mother nothing, and my brother nothing. My father gets sick at the sight of blood so he never utilized his aura like I do. And... Done.”

  I looked down at my chest after Jak removed his hand and it was smooth like before. The only thing that showed was the blood trail that had escaped earlier. Okay... Having a healer was awesome.

  “Did that drain you or are you extra tired now?” I asked him.

  “My healing aura is big enough to handle a few minor cuts before it needs time to recharge. The bigger the injury or severe
the sickness the more that is required. There are a few potions that make it so I can keep going but they require rare parts. Which are exceedingly expensive.”

  “Alright team, enough of a show. Back to work, we got a lot to do before the sun sets in a few hours.” I said to everyone.

  I went and marked four more holes for each side of the building. With all the hole placements indicated I left and began the hard process of hauling the trees from the creek to the building site. Seeing as how anyone could dig the holes I let Donnie and Jak work on that. I had moved five logs over when Lydia excavated the remaining marked holes with her talons. I thanked her but she remained silent and went back to napping. With the pits done, Velia sent Micka and a young woman called Pipi to help move logs.

  Pipi had dark brown hair, hazel eyes, and soft exquisite features. This young lady was a knockout, and I was drawn to her immediately. While Velia was pretty and the girl you desired to meet your family and friends. Pipi was the girl you were excitedly nervous to be around because she was so sexy. Her tight little body had near perfect curves that were reduced from lack of food. Even with her thin frame, she had a large bust. Probably really large bust when she was a healthy weight. Pipi was shadowed by a four year old son. As she sauntered my way Velia guided the little boy back with her.

  It took Pipi, Donnie, Jak, and Micka to hoist a single log. They struggled with the carry the entire time. To help them I hustled at a light jog. When they would reach the shed site I would take the log and place it in the dug holes. Once the twelve holes were filled with standing bracing logs I told them to stop. I then had them fill in the holes around the logs to ensure they were anchored nicely and stood straight. Once I saw them understand what needed to be done I kept my fast pace. I was coming down to the last of the logs when a dinner break was called by Velia.

  Evening meal was a small amount of leftover rations that I donated from yesterday. I knew I was already burning more calories than eating. I swallowed my pride and ate the awful chunk of mystery food. Stupid smelons not being ripe. I should have stayed out longer and gotten a real meal. Fancy pants griffin decided to comment on the horrid smell of the rations. After I told her she had eaten our dinner yesterday she was silent. I didn't waste much time with the meal. I went to the well, greedily gulped half a bucket worth of water and jogged back to the last of the logs.

  It was a full team effort at this point to beat the sinking sun to complete the shed. Ten people were lifting logs and stacking them on top of each other in between the tall posts. When I arrived with the final log to the site all that was left was eight logs for the roof. The issue was getting them on top of the structure. We could slide a log up one wall but it always lost balance before it reached the next. Lydia saw our struggle and decided to help. In a few minutes, she had picked up, lifted and placed the eight logs as cover. Everyone thanked her profusely and she asked for a few unripe melons. Which were happily given. Jak left for the Inn for the night with a promise to meet me for breakfast.

  The larger kids climbed up the logs and took the bushels that Lily and Lyna had made. They shoved the bundles in open spaces to fill the gaps in the roof. I reached down and tossed them onto the roof with ease. It was only eight feet high. When the kids said they were done, I grabbed a high point and leaped onto the roof. I made it no problem with one pull-up jump. I inspected the roof for any improvements I could make before the sun finally set. It would need some clay and more branches but it was good for tonight. I would consider the three walled shelter mostly done. Sure it needed patching where lots of wind got in, same with the roof. The floor was also prone to get muddy since it was dirt but it could be improved with little effort.

  “Everyone listen up! I want to thank you all for the hard effort today. I will work harder tomorrow on food but for tonight let us sit around a fire and listen to stories of the past.” I said to the gathered group.

  As the night wore on the fire died down and the storytelling stopped. The kids went to bed and shortly after it sprinkled with a cold rain. A leak in the roof forced our group into a dry corner. Lydia came into the shelter driven in by the rain. She took up the other side of the covered area. We welcomed the heat coming off of her. While I got smothered by women clumped together there were no attempts at more adult things that night. We were exhausted and sleep took us quickly.

  ∞∞∞

  I was roused by soft lips kissing my neck. Ahhhhh... I got up quickly confused by what was going on and woke a few ladies. I noticed a disappointed Pipi. Wait... Pipi, who knew, would have figured the one kissing my neck would have been Lyna or Micka. As I stood there flustered by the situation, I noticed a lot of ladies check out my kilt where my boner pitched a tent.

  “Back soon, lots of work to do,” I said and sprinted off to the potty pits. Ugh, this place stunk. Maybe I could hire a fire mage to visit weekly and burn the smell away. Add it to the list...

  I did my morning business and by the time I arrived back at the shelter, the sun creased the horizon. Everyone was awake and preparing for the day. Pipi approached me and cupped my bicep.

  “We want you, you shouldn't fight it so much.”

  “I super have the hots for you and believe you are one of the most luscious women I have ever laid eyes on. I believe there are more than a few of the widows who do not desire to be entwined to us while we fuck. Let’s respect that for now okay. Which reminds me.” I took her hand off my arm, kissed her cheek, and gave her ass a firm squeeze. Her four year old son gave me a stare of anger. Oh well, I will work on that one later.

  I did a loud “Yee Yee!” Why... because I felt like it for getting everyone's attention. With a loud voice, I began my announcement.

  “Tomorrow I will travel to Duke Riza in Lakeland. I will be going to hire a number of specialists. The first will be a few builders. Over by the far western boundary wall, where the creek enters in the tree section I plan on building a manor. A manor with dozens of rooms. I want a large kitchen, dining room, bathhouse, and more. I will let the builders design and erect it. I will be moving into it and some people have shown interest in moving with me. I will also have these shelters here fixed for those who wish to stay here.

  “I need to know if there is anything in the need list after we purchased all the supplies yesterday. Also, make sure nothing spoiled from the rain last night. We need to move these supplies out of the wagon to avoid the axles breaking from the weight. I look forward to seeing some new clothes on all of you.

  “Next, I will also be trying to hire more adventurers to help me hunt for food. I will be seeking out a weapons trainer as well, not only for me but for anyone in the village. And finally not sure if it’s possible but finding a fire mage to burn the potty pits once a week.” The fire mage comment got a cheer and clapping. I guess I wasn't the only one who dreaded going poo.

  “If any of you can think of a special hire that would greatly improve our lives or have a special request from Lakeland let Velia know. Make a list today, check with Velia if we can afford it, and get it to me tonight or tomorrow morning. Today I am going to do nothing but hunt for food in the wild lands. I am starving and before I start to weaken from lost muscle mass I will do whatever it takes to keep my food intake up. Know that I am very motivated to see everyone's faces a little plumper with health.”

  Velia came by my side and Pipi faded away. She was clearly the alpha female here. I respected that.

  “My lady,” I said with an awkward bow.

  “Good luck today hunting. Remember if it is food or you, bring that tall handsome man back instead of the food... Got me Gryff?” Velia said sternly.

  She grabbed the front of my armor below my neck, pulled me down with a force I wasn't expecting and planted a deep long kiss on my lips. When she pulled away I was standing there dumbly kissing the air alone. She swiped a finger over my lips and walked away.

  “Ladies Rule!” one of the women yelled.

  I noticed Donnie off to the side
waiting for me. He was also armed for the wild lands. I waved him over and we walked over to Lydia who still slumbered in the shed. The mighty beast opened an eye at our approach and I noticed Donnie move behind me. At least he didn't run and hide like Jak.

  “What is so urgent you bother me at sun up human Gryff of Fernlan? I heard you address your villagers. Will you place a roost by your manor? These current accommodations are not satisfactory.” Lydia said to me.

  “Any roost built would be of wood, so let me know what you would like and we can work from there. Assuming you are planning on staying here in Fernlan. I dared to bother you because I need help finding food. Preferably not the Horde that is waiting to ambush me. If you could fly over the eastern and northern fields I would appreciate it. We can meet at the eastern boundary when you are done scouting.”

  “If you share what you catch with me I will happily scout for you. Please remember I am heavy with cub or cubs and can only expend so much energy looking. If you can prove you can support my cubs and me by feeding us enough to stay healthy I will gladly work with the builders to design my own roost and call Fernlan home. For reference, those six goblins will last a month for a full grown griffin using minimal exertion. The arm you feed Lirkon yesterday will last him a few days even with a short flight. So the task of keeping us healthy and feed is not as daunting as I make it seem.”

  “Deal. We will try our best. The two of us will be waiting for you on the eastern boundary to hear what you find.”

  A good idea came to me suddenly. “Donnie run to Velia, tell her to add chickens to the list!”

  “Chickens?”

  “Yeah about this tall lays eggs, has wings but doesn't fly far, and digs in the dirt for bugs,” I said showing the height with my hands.

  “The only egg laying birds I know of are ducks and fleece. Ducks are common, Lakeland should have some for sale, but the fleece is rarely a farm animal. The old farmer Parka who worked the northern fields handled the village livestock. When the war was near the end and we got raided everything was stolen by the Horde for food... Including him. Well since then there have been no animals to farm. Smart thinking sir, the ladies would love some eggs. I will go run and tell Velia and momma right away. Where should I meet you?”