“As to the ocean, I know not. There was never any talk of ports being sacked by some tentacle monster so I would assume no, but the portal spawned on land. There may be divisions of water creatures waiting to conquer a water planet. There is still so much we do not know as to the how and the why. There merely is what we can do to win, and what we can do to survive. I do know the trolls can swim, the orcs and goblins build rafts, and the ogres normally ford rivers with their height. The massive cyclops never leave the portal area. So I do not think some unseen Horde creature will attack you from the river. That does not mean some natural predator will not though. You should ask the locals about that. Hope that answered your question.”
“I could only imagine what the sight of some creature that big being torn to shreds and plummeting to the ground. How did they stay in the air when they were weighted down so heavily?”
“They had some type of gas sacks under their skin not too deep below the surface. We found these and popped them and down the creature went. The Horde feeds them some type of bloated fish that stunk so bad it overpowered the natural odors of the orcs and such. It was horrible, we figure the whales ate the fish when they surfaced and it kept them out of the water. Then evolved into flight at some point. Who knows, they are not native to here, and could be a creation of some mastermind cyclops.”
That gave me something to think about. I tended to like rational explanations of my surroundings, yet sometimes there were none. I thanked Traz for his history lesson. I asked if he could do another ring around the village to see if any new threats were looming in a half hour. I beckoned the wolves and monox to follow and we exited the western gate when we felt the tingle of the barrier.
A nice breeze flowed to counter the midday sun as we moved down the creek towards the river. A few clouds dotted the sky and I enjoy the leisure pace. When I reached the river I realized the raft was still there which meant I would not have to swim. I sat on the rock that the ogre had placed himself on before. I unpacked the fishing hooks and gut string spreading them out over the rock.
I took my time and placed a dozen single lines with three hooks on each. I baited each hook with some meat I brought with me. When the wolves and monox saw I was feeding the meat to the river they dispersed. Apparently, I was good for food and not the company. It was simple work, and I enjoyed it. The rain from yesterday had made the earth slippery and soft. I meandered down the river’s edge being careful with each step. I tied each line set to a tree on the side of the river closest to the village. If I could avoid swimming or using the raft I would.
I then took the raft over to the goblin side of the river to get those lines moved. Once on that side I watched and waited for any signs that I was not alone. When I saw no footprints or any evidence of the Horde I went to the old fishing lines.
I pulled in four of the common local ratfish and gilled them on the handy stringer I had bought at the market. Much easier to carry the fish with. I remembered how awkward it was with the javelin. On the last line, there was a particularly ugly spiked fish on the hook. I lifted it out of the water and onto the muddy shore. It flopped around and then almost landed on my foot. I backpedaled to avoid the likely poisonous fish when the mud caused me to slip. My arms caught my body within inches of the spikes.
I knew that was too close. I quickly got up and abandoned the fish on the shore. The line, fish, and hook were not worth the effort. I went back to the raft and returned to the village side of the river. Grateful at the near miss.
“Gryff, I have great news. Ten miles west of here a troop of two dozen trolls are fighting a war boar even bigger than the female you found. It looks to be a male and is the largest I have seen yet. All the griffins are very excited for you to go kill the trolls and claim the war boar. Please, also Lydia said pretty please, Lord Nova also said he would like some war boar. It would make a great feast.” Traz said in excitement.
Well so much for my quiet afternoon. It was already an hour past midday. Moving ten miles at a run would take me roughly two hours. That is without a cart... I started to do the math before I gave him a reply. It added up to us being hard pressed to make it back before dark.
“Traz I would love to catch the trolls unaware and put an end to them, but I would never make it back in time for sundown. Plus the trolls could be long gone with their prize by the time we get there. The Horde sees better at night than us humans, not to mention it would take even longer to chop the boar up. I mean...” I was explaining to Traz when he interrupted me.
“Silly human, you have horses now. Ride out there and run down the trolls, they are simply ranged fighters. They are tall, lean, and excel with a bow. Besides the goblins, they were the only thing the humans could kill easily if they reached them. That was always the key, and part of the reason us griffins avoided them in most engagements. They get two shots on a charging enemy and I will be there to try to make it less. Trolls are rear line archers, horrid fighters in a pitched close quarter battle. Your warhorses will have you and your men at such a big advantage. Have one of the horses follow your trail with a wagon. You may not know much about the human war horses but they are fast and sturdy. Easily do twenty miles in an hour, in a good sprint forty, and you only need to travel a little under ten! Lord Nova is pushing the Frontier Knights to the west gate right now. I called a warning cry to Una and the Fearless. They will cross back into the barrier any moment if not already. All we need is you to hurry back. Stay in that armor it will help the horse carrying you.”
I realized he was right of course, the griffins having far more battle experience than me. It was a solid plan. Ride out, run down a tired unit of trolls who were probably dealing with wounded from fighting the war boar. Then stealing the kill if it was dead or finishing the war boar off if it was wounded.
My fishing lines were set and I had the four fish on the stringer slung over my back. I raced to the barrier following the creek path. The cleared trail made it easy to get up to a good running speed. It did not take long for me to see Nate and the nine other warriors on the western gate. There were four griffins behind them.
“I do not like being herded by these griffins my lord. It is unnerving. What is so pressing?” Nate said. He had all twenty horses with them each carrying a saddle.
“The griffins have informed me there is a party of about two dozen trolls fighting a very large war boar ten miles west of here. They assured me a good cavalry charge would easily win the day, especially if we catch them unprepared. So we will hurry out there and hopefully smash them mid fight or at the end of the battle. Then we will use our warhorses to run them down. If things get bad I will signal a retreat.
“Okay one horse for everyone, the rest can stay. Frank, head over to the carts and hook one up to haul behind us. When I say the griffins really, really, want the boar meat... understand they go a little crazy over it. If you cannot find our trail Frank, which following behind ten riding horses should be easy, one of the griffins will help guide you. If you see one flying a few feet above you going a certain way, follow him or her.
“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 half hour 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 the creature apart. The horse missed the second troll 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 launched 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. The trolls feebly fought back trying to use bows as clubs, but 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 the troll went under the horse's legs. Nate ran him over next 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 perform 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 Fernla
n. 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 heavy weight. 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 arrowed 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.
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