I told Walt and Markus to see if their monox could find any more caches of gems. Deb began to hiss at me and held out a paw. I patted my body then froze. What was I looking for? Only one thing these creatures wanted. Food. I went over to the body pile and cut off a baby goblin arm and threw it at Deb's feet. She did a sort of happy dance then took the arm and ran off. I did not complain, I was happy not to have her eating it on my shoulder. I tucked the goblin sack of gems into my belt and kept stacking bodies. In the end, no more gems were found, some raw freshly dug ore was, and the crude weapons were piled high. There were a few nice swords in the mix, from when or where was anybody's guess. When everything was searched, sorted, and ready to go we vacated the cave.
We hauled the bodies from the cave to the river in fifteen minute trips. It thoroughly sucked, and I was exhausted before we even crossed the river. It took hours. The sun was at its peak when the raft was built. A lineup of carts and a few unarmed villagers were ready to help haul back bodies. That gave our hard working group a sense of relief. We used the rope to guide the raft back and forth. The trips were slow, and due to the size of the raft, we were limited on how many were hauled per journey.
I had emptied the goblin fish lines of four fish and baited the hooks with goblin chunks. No point in leaving them unused, they were ours now. I still had to find the supplies I bought from the fishing vendor and prepare a day out here. Would make for a less stressful job than dragging bodies back home.
It seemed like we took a hundred trips and it was near nightfall when the last landing was made. I stank, I was tired, and I was hungry. The final leg before Fernlan went smoothly and I felt the tingle of the barrier once again. I was happy to be home. I made my way to the fire hauling a cart full of dead goblins. It was past evening meal time and I decided to forgo a bath and found a nice spot to sit. I stripped down to my thin layer of my armor, the chain mail and thick leather tossed to the ground. The armor had done well today, protected me from stabs and a slashes. It was nice to have the fancy set, and I was curious how it would stand up to the stronger orcs.
Elan came and stood by me as I relaxed. “My lord, more people arrived today and progress was made in the village. Plans for a bathhouse and your manor await your approval at the Inn. Phen the man who maintains the animals mentioned that the monox were released today. I assume that is what you wanted. He wanted to know if we should release the wolves too. There are more issues but I handled most of it for you. I see we have another large haul to sell at the market, I will get a team on sorting the parts.” Elan said while handing me routine paperwork that needed signing.
“Thank you Elan, I appreciate that. Send a runner to Phen, tell him to set the wolves free, and have a team pile some goblin for them to eat. I see most of the monox have returned.” The little creatures had formed a group by the fire pit where food was being handed out. They darted between people asking for scraps. “Get all these meat eating animals well fed, we got more than enough goblin and ogre to go around. Plus we have stored food I bought for us humans that will only last so long. So feed the animals until they want no more. I need to find a new runner, with Donnie going into combat training and Lily gone I got no one to fetch things or run messages. Seen my wife Bella?” I said as I did a quick scan to try and find her. I knew sometimes I could not find things right in front of me but I could pick Bella out easily from her lavish outfits, and lovely curves.
“Bella is sorting things in your temporary residence. She enlisted some help from the cooks you hired. I was able to get some new adventurers to help prepare the evening meal. Tomorrow is the collection day. I got that sorted. It is ready and waiting at the northern road right inside the barrier. Even if they do not come we will be ready. I will see to fattening the animals if you will excuse me.” Elan said and took his leave.
He didn't help me find someone to be a runner. Looks like I needed to hire outside the village or find someone who had most days free of work to do things for me. Nate came over with a stick of meat and a smelon. I gladly took them and he returned with his own.
“A couple of lessons today, for both of us. Little more preparation would go a long way. It is one thing to kill the enemy, it is another to move them. That was some grueling hard work. Still was good to get another win. If we keep this up we will be able to retire from only a year of killing Horde. My wives are going to be thrilled when I go home now that we have more money. Thanks, Gryff, not every day you get a shitty offer that turns into a gem... did you like that pun?” Nate said with a laugh and an elbow jab at this play on words.
I rolled my eyes and munched on my food. The howl of the wolves being released caught my attention. I stood and walked to the pile of meat set aside for them. It was stacked goblin bodies that had no heads, no hearts, no hands, and no feet. The wolf pack darted to me in a blur. I growled at them when they got close, and the alpha stepped forward. He accepted my challenge. Instead of pinning him and making him submit, I appealed to his other basic nature. His hunger.
“Sit,” I bellowed with authority.
The entire pack sat. It took a moment but even the pups joined by placing their butts in the dirt. I reached down and tossed body parts. I threw the entire pile until there was only a nasty bloodstain left. There was lots of growling at first, but because there was an excess of meat the noises sifted to rapid eating. The snapping of bones made me pause to think of how weak the goblin structure actually was. I shrugged the thought off and choose to return to eating my own food. I smashed my hands against my leggings to clear them of blood and grabbed another stick of meat.
“I hope they work out, I felt bad leaving them there to turn into stew meat. If we keep killing Horde like we are I may have the rest of them flown up. Maybe the Duke was right, get them a chance to live out here. If we stop feeding them they won't roll over and die, they will leave to find food. I will pen a letter tonight, maybe work a deal with Count Conway.” I said to Nate.
“Conway is a good man, my wife's brother works for him. Never had a bad thing to say about him, you know that is a good employer. Damn look at them eat, those wolves were hungry. There is Phen, the thin short man, baldie. That one,” he said pointing. “He is feeding them more. Good animal handler, you probably are paying him more than me.”
“I am sure one day when I get time I can learn everyone's name and go over how much this is all costing me. In the end, it doesn't matter. I would pay more... wait until the next contract to ask for it. I got no desire to hide away and retire, I am right where I want to be. On the frontier making a difference. I happen to need more help doing it. The size of this village and the limit on warriors exiting the barrier ties my ambitions down though.” I said in thought.
“Well, we did exceptional today my lord. We reduced the world of some goblins, fed some starving animals, and made some money doing it. The work was hard but rewarding, I see why you like this little village. I am off to bathe in a cold dirty creek. I heard something about a bathhouse needing your approval. Wink, wink.” He patted me on the back before he left.
I got up and leisurely paced my way to the Inn. It was nearly dark when I entered the building. Jak sat at the bar talking with Zack and some people I didn't know. That is when it dawned on me. Una should have been here by now if she left yesterday morning and rode all night. I stepped back out of the building and asked for a report on their progress. Lydia had an answer ready for me. They were a few hours south and safe. The horses had been eating a lot, slowing them down. They tried to go through the night but the animals forced them to let them eat. It made sense and I thanked her for the report.
I went back into the Inn and high stepped my way to the bar in an effort to avoid people and gear sprawled everywhere. Zack and Jak greeted me as I approached.
“This is your new employer, Earl Gryff. Boss this is fire mage Lamont, air mage Eona, and water mage Tarkon.” Zack said introducing us.
“A pleasure to have you all here, nice to see we are
well represented on the mage front. Which of you has the most war experience?” I asked. While I talked I vaulted the counter to get behind the bar.
“That would be me, anything I can help with?” Lamont asked.
“If I were to tell you the griffins were breeding specifically with the idea the peace accords will break. Or that there will not be a renewal in fifteen years. What would you say?” I asked the group with a quiet tone. I knew in the future a private meeting room would be required, but my quarters were busy and it was loud enough to currently mask most conversation in the bar room.
Lamont had curly red hair and lots of dark freckles. He was an older man but still in his prime, forty if I had to guess. He had broad shoulders that spoke of keeping fit. A mean scar went from his cheek to his ear on the right side of his face.
“That the empire is not on the same page. Our mages receive less and less tutelage. The mage academy is more selective, and prestigious than ever. If the accords break or expire, and the griffins disappear, we humans most certainly would lose. I did hear the Emperor is building a fleet to expand onto the freezing southern ice shelves. I wrote it off as a silly notion then.” Lamont said.
“It is my understanding that we need to be prepared. I tell you what Lamont, do you trust Zack?” I asked.
“Known him for a decade, not much of a fighter, more of a scholar. Well read though, we go to each for favors and conversation over the years. I was surprised to see him here on the frontier, but I suppose the barrier keeps him safe while surrounded by Horde. No offense Zack, you being around fighting has never been your thing.” Lamont said.
“None taken, I find fighting causes me to freeze up. I do not wish to die, so I flee to safe zones. As for trust, Lamont is a trusted mage of Duke Riza and has worked for King Horus. Would be hard-pressed to find a better man to trust.” Zack said. They gave each other cheers of a mug and took a long pull. I went to the cups, grabbed one and poured myself a glass full of ale.
“Yum, this keg was on Melina's list. We need to find another barkeep now that we have people visiting again. Off topic, so give me a moment.” I reached into my belt and pulled out my marker bag. It was soaked in a mix of river water and goblin blood. I plopped it onto the bar and opened it. I pulled out five hundred in markers. Then thought on it and pulled another five hundred out. “Gross. I need to find a rag to clean the bar after. So much on my to do list.”
“I Earl Gryff of Fernlan, hereby name Lamont Master Mage of the Fernlan mage academy. You may choose your council as to how you see fit.” I formed two fingers into a pretend sword and did the knighting routine.
“I do not understand,” Lamont said with a confused face.
“You are going to create a mage academy here. These thousand gold coins should help with supplies, personnel, and teaching staff. We will use this village as a minor academy to the capitals major academy. Those rejected can come here and train. It has a win win effect. I get mages hungry to test battle magic, they get schooling denied to them.” I pulled in close to the group. So only they could hear me. “And while you are bringing in students and supplies you will get your hands on all the catalysts you can for the griffins.”
This had their attention.
Eona the air mage with curly black hair and soft features spoke up. “I like the idea, I know many students denied from the academy in the capital. This would give them a place to learn and prosper.”
The others nodded in agreement and mentioned it would fill a need in the mage community.
“I think I get it. You want to make a small war front academy. This will not anger many because it is fighting goblins and orcs, where the real academy is the study of magic. Not adventuring. While doing so you want to teach the griffins as well. It is an audacious plan. I would need more than a thousand. If I tell the Duke and King your plan and fears of peace falling they may chip in too.” Lamont said quietly.
I reached into the purse and pulled out four thousand in markers and added it to the thousand.
“By the gods, did you rob the Emperor himself,” Jak said.
“No, I merely sold him a crown. A magical crown that the Horde made to allow chieftains to collect food from villages like Fernlan. Dumb orc was trying to tame a war boar and I killed him when he charged me in a challenge. So that is why I have the gold. Serves me no purpose sitting stored away somewhere. Not to mention we got a hefty amount of goblins and these gems today.” I said and then spilled the gems onto the table. They were also wet with river water and goblin blood.
“Not sure what they are worth but they will go south to the capital as well. Speaking of which what is the name of the capital?” I asked.
“You really are not from this world as the rumors say. I will be leaving for Lakeland first thing tomorrow, and then I will visit King Horus in Tent Crossing. I will be picking up more mages as I go to help teach and build this new academy. I will need a letter that provides your sworn statement on what the griffins are doing and why. The capital in Deltan, it is about a nine to ten hour flight from Lakeland, depending on the griffin. I got a lot of planning to do, and when I get back I should have a training plan ready for your approval. If you fine gents will excuse me I need to go get some pen and paper from Elan. He has great deals on things I hear.” Lamont said.
I grabbed the paperwork that needed my attention from the bulletin board and left behind the bar after saying my goodnights. I walked down into the basement and found the door locked. I unlocked the door and entered to find Bella moving items still. The place looked like a bomb had gone off and what exploded were woman things. Dresses, jewelry, music boxes, and some dolls were everywhere. The only spaces that had survived the mess were the table and the bed. I was about to protest when Bella smelled me.
“Out, out with you. Go bathe then come back. Wait, is that the blueprint for our manor and the bathhouse in your hand. Approve those first, then go clean up.” Bella ordered. She had one hand on her hip the other pointing at the table, demanding I approve better quarters and a luxurious bath. She was adorable, the frontier brought out a different side of her cuteness.
“Yes my lady,” I said and she stuck out her tongue.
I signed the paperwork and Bella handed me my only other set of clothes that were not armor. I managed to make it to the creek and back without being stopped. I was exhausted from such a tiring day.
∞∞∞
The next morning started with rain, and not a gentle downpour but the kind that you wanted to stay inside for. I had planned on getting smelons, setting fish lines, and doing some recon. Instead, I waited under the barn the wolves lived in and watched the north road. I was observing to see if the food we had set out was going to be collected. It was boring and slow. My only entertainment was the food I brought, and it was a lot of food. Pretty much all I could carry from the Inn’s kitchen.
All around me relaxed wolves and monox. Most had swollen bellies so large it was a wonder they still were hungry. A few of the monox rested on the wolves. It was weird they were so content with each other. I guess the fact that I had been nonstop feeding them, put them at ease. I dug out my brochure on river fishing I bought in the Lakeland market. It was a dud, I mean the trotlines were pretty cool but I wanted something that I could handle from the shore on one side. The end result was, get a line, get a hook, and use bait. Wait and if lucky get a fish. Oh well, it was cheap.
One of the wolves perked up and growled. This launched both groups of animals into aggressive postures. Una approached trying to stealth up on me, not this time. I gave out a light chuckle at her miserable look. She was drenched in rainwater and looked angry as well... Una. I said nothing to her and went back to my brochure pretending to ignore her after I calmed the animals.
“My lord your stupid horses arrived safely. They all belong in a stew, a nice warm yummy stew. We had three orc scouts follow us at different parts of the travel north but none attacked. Tell you what though, I should have asked for mo
re. The men bitched nonstop, the horses fought to eat the entire way. Then this morning the rain starts with a vengeance and when we finally reach civilization the best this shit hole has to offer, is a damp cave. No bed, no warm fire to sit by, no manor wing or anything. A fucking half full cave to escape the rain. So I said let me talk to the Earl, and Bella comes out looking all pretty and dry. I got removed from the Inn shortly after. I really need to work on my temper.
“Well, what are your orders Sir, Earl,” She asked with a sour attitude.
“You want to work or rest? Or restive work? I am working right now.” I said as I spread my arms open in a revealing fashion.
“You mean feeding the pets food, please... that is something even Bella can do. What are you really doing here?” She had her hands on her hips now.
“I am watching that covered crate out there on the road, three hundred plus kilograms of food. Almost the entirety of this village’s near slave labor work. I killed the orc who used to come get it, he wore a fancy crown that let him in to accept the food. We have surmised that it is probable, your dad's words not mine - that no one shows up today. Or if they do they realize they can't get in and bugger off.” I said.
“Let me start a fire in here, I promise not to burn down this shitty structure, though it probably needs it. When was the last time this was repaired? Actually, look at the ceiling there was a fire in here at one point. I am going to strip down a bit and let my clothes dry off. I promise I won't try anything sexual, I am tired and desperately want to get dry.” Una said.
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