“Seven hells, bison shits, by the gods.” The curses poured forth from the gathered humans. The griffins jumped with joy and excitement. My head suddenly was overloaded with griffin talk. There were endless requests to try shooting a fireball from the assembled griffin. That lasted a few minutes and was only enhanced in torment level when the griffins from below joined the chorus.
“Enough!” I shouted.
I looked crazy because everyone was actually quiet from the shock of the spell. I was the only one with the loud nagging of the griffins. I rubbed my temples in frustration.
“Clear the plateau. I need Krix and the fire mage team to make some small vials for all the griffins.” I said as I look over our golem goo inventory. There were wooden keg barrels of the stuff stacked behind the fire mages. There must have been a few hundred containers filled with the catalyst. More than enough to spare. “Let them shoot fireballs to their hearts content for now. I can always get more golem blood later but we clearly have a surplus. Let them have their fun, and when there are fewer lives at risk we will move up to testing the vole blood. Alright for the rest of us we get that rare third meal today ladies and gents, lunchtime.”
∞∞∞
The ceremony of making Strin a Baron had ended and it was a rather dry affair with minimal attendees. I did see Prince Rodriq excitedly talking to the Duke. I was glad he was happy with his transition. I exited the court chamber and walked to the stable outside. I was looking for a ride up to the plateau. I started to get a little nervous when I noticed the area was mostly clear but I saw a few griffins guarding the gate. I called out to Traz and instead, Dina arrived with her pink tipped feathers.
We exchanged pleasantries and in a few moments, we were up above the city and landing. The fire mages were still working. Three were dissecting the rodents and extracting the vole’s parts. A half dozen were constantly loading vials for the griffins to test. A set of rocks had been moved where the trees used to be. Griffins of all colors and sizes were slinging fireballs down the range. It was impressive and frightening.
Lord Nova raised his resting head when I arrived. He did a rapid, twisting, shake of his body that griffins tended to do when they were waking from a nap. I waited as he approached.
“Do you know how hard it was to tell female mages we wanted their catalysts to try? Let me say it was impossible, and we gave up that effort early in the war. Now with you, we can finally progress forward with our talents and magics. Today is a big day for my species, and the fact you made it come to fruition will not be forgotten.” Lord Nova said while he looked down at me. “Let us test the vole blood, and then I have a volunteer here. This griffin is named Xar. He will go out into the wild lands and see if throwing a fireball at the Horde triggers the peace accord magics. It is always sad to see these tests fail if they do, but we must know.”
I had been thinking about that myself. If the magic was in the same category as a bodily discharge then it should be allowed. They were not touching the ground in the wild lands or dropping combat personnel. If it violated the accords the contract magic would turn him to ash by disintegration.
I agreed that we should proceed. There were far fewer people up here for this test. Dina placed herself between me and Lord Nova. Even the fire mages stopped their work and hid behind cover.
There was no count down, or warning. Lord Nova was handed a container of vole blood and then he cast a spell. I never saw its release, but I did see the effect. The rocks that had been target practice melted to slag. The fireball was a lava ball and it left an utter trail of destruction on where it hit. Dirt, tree, grass, rock, and all else were melted down into a baser liquid form. The result was a growing river of lava. As the lava ball died off the magma cooled and steamed. We watched as within a few minutes an outer shell hardened.
“Scary stuff Gryff, I could melt this city of Malvia, no problem, with a single vial. I barely used any there and my aura is still nearly full. Very scary. I have slain over a million Horde, but with this, I could burn billions. Enough talk get a vial Xar, go burn that orc settlement to the south. Use the golem catalyst. I want to send humans to salvage the bodies for meat. May the creator watch over your soul.”
Lord Nova said.
Of course, I started thinking in my head the amount of work that fetching the dead bodies would take. How many carts, how many trips with limited people. I got lost in that thought when Lord Nova told me to get on Dina.
I did as he said and got in Dina's saddle. I then ordered Krix to load up Xar with as many vials as he could in a conductive manner.
I watched as a large glass container was stuffed under the saddle on Xar. Krix said the pressure against his body should hold it fine if he flew without excessive movements. He pulled the test glass back out and poured golem goo from a cask filling it. He worked the gem shaped glass container under the saddle again until he was satisfied.
Xar gave a nod to Lord Nova and as one… The griffins bowed in respect. Xar held his head high and flew off out of the barrier. Dina and I glided behind Xar by a few hundred feet. I was nervous, Dina was nervous, the entire clump of griffins were nervous. When I glanced back there were over fifty of them in the air watching us fly.
The river took a soft turn and then straight by the settlement. There were only a few hundred orcs in this village. I saw no warg riders or trolls. Only orcs and goblins. They had their traditional hide huts and large fire pits throughout. There were a few defenses erected with wooden spikes and a small trench. Warriors trained, female orcs herded children, and goblins fetched water. It was similar to the orc city north of Fernlan, merely smaller.
Xar flew over the village once and was ignored by the residents. He stopped his flight a few hundred feet in the air and channeled the spell. I watched as his two front paws formed a tiny every growing fireball of lush oranges and reds. The twirling circle of magic only grew until he rapidly released the energy.
As the fireball streaked toward the ground it continued to increase in size. A few goblins pointed at the approaching doom but nothing was done to stop it. There was no shaman here to erect a defensive shield. The ball hit the dirt and spread in an inferno of death. The impact site formed a crater and everything inside it was ash. The circle of destruction spread which caused the rest of the village to catch fire. On the outer edge a few goblin who had been fetching water dove into the river.
They were the only survivors. Well them... and Xar. I was right in my assumption. The Horde who had made the accords did not know the griffins could cast offensive magic. Therefore they did not include it in the agreement. Xar had destroyed hundreds of orcs and goblins in a moment. We had hundreds of barrels of this catalyst and there were tens of thousands of griffins still left alive. The implications were astounding and this was not even with vole blood. Contract magic was how the Horde maintained order, for them to make a mistake on this scale was jarring.
I cried out in joy. Xar joined me in our celebration happy to be alive. The griffins back at the base camp sent fireballs into the sky. It was a telling moment. This was the turning of the war. If the peace accords dropped we were set to push the Horde back. If they stayed in place we could purge the lands around our cities in defiance. Even stop the spreading invasion that continued south.
∞∞∞
I had flown home to Fernlan that night. Two dozen griffins helped me bring back my people and supplies. Lord Nova had sworn me to secrecy, and then I forced everyone who saw the griffins cast magic to the same secret. I did not think it would stay hidden but I hoped those that heard would dismiss it as wild rumors. While we were heading to Fernlan across the Empire the casks of golem goo were being hidden. Lord Nova said we must prepare thoroughly before we went on a full scale attack. There were people far more important than me who would be making big decisions in the coming days. I went back to my home to build while they strategized.
I could not have been happier either. Our flight of griffins arrived well aft
er dark, and we got to surprise Velia in our bed. Luckily she had the foresight to purchase a second and third bed. They were far more comfortable now. I squished my way into the middle of my three beautiful wives and went to sleep.
There was no nightmare that night, and I awoke to someone trying to shut the door quietly. The hinges creaked showing their age. I did not mind, it was Pipi probably going to get Vern or us some breakfast. I decided to rise and cook for once. Something I rarely did.
I went into the Inn's kitchen and made some scrambled duck eggs with runtlet chunks. I brought the delicious dish that I kept picking at to Velia and Bella for breakfast in bed. They were so appreciative that they tried to seduce me. I was interested but made them a deal. The next bedroom adventure would be all of us together. I thought it was only fair, all the girls got private time, but now we could figure out how it would work when everyone was together. They teased fake pouts, then got ready for the day. It was cute to watch them get ready by torchlight and little mirrors.
I donned on my heavy armor because I was going to be somewhat cool compared to the lava. I figured the extra protection was nice. If I had to go swim to get fish for whatever reason I could always get naked but the raft should work fine. My to do list for this morning was to gather the fish while it was still cool out. Then when the sun came out in full force I would start to hang torches in Dais for lighting.
I gave my two lovely wives who were doing each other's hair a kiss goodbye. I strutted out of the Inn and into the early morning sun in a great mood. The blazing ball of gas was cresting the horizon to illuminate the village. I got to see how much change had occurred since I was gone. The plots that were partially cleared were now fully cleaned up. No hazard buildings still stood. The structures that remained had evidence of recent repairs with clean wood contrasting old wood. When I got to the ramp to the western fields I saw the shacks were all replaced with a few sturdy small houses that decorated the land. My half shed was removed and a proper barn had been erected. The space for my manor was cleared and construction started.
The tunnel to Dais was enlarged. A nice sign over the entrance displayed the name of the cavern. Wide doors were open allowing entry. To the right of that, the dugout that Lydia had birthed her cubs in had a cloth covering. I could hear the gentle noises of the cubs. It was still early morning so I let them be and meandered through the field towards the eastern gate.
A map was posted much like a displayed sign. There was a fire pit and some benches that indicated a place to plan before braving the wild lands. I ran a hand over the wooden map and marveled at its details. The entire little briefing area was another stark change to what Fernlan used to be. There was so much progress here. Including a wind and watermill that had propped up on the creek. A sawmill beside it. The entire village was now a town and that was not including Dais.
I was excited to go down and visit it. To check on the progress and start putting illuminating torches to bring light to the cavern. I dropped that thought and prepared myself for exiting the wild lands. I rang the little gong that hung by the map. A griffin I did not recognize landed a few moments later.
“Ah, Earl Gryff, I did not expect you. Una has been leading her men out into the wild lands as of late. They normally start the day after the first meal. I am Wina, of former Malvia pride. How may I assist you this morning?” The female griffin Wina said. Her feathers were light blue and she had a dull yellow swatter ball.
“A recon of the river where I set my fish lines please and any details of the area I need to be aware of,” I said as I ran my hand across the finely carved map in awe.
“Well, a team of six ogres has moved into fields west of here. They have been staying back from the barrier in the hopes you or someone from Fernlan wanders too far. Every time they get too close to Una and her team we warn them back to safety. On the eastern side, a team of large orcs has been setting traps all-around key trails. It has made traveling into the wild lands more dangerous, and more often than not the Fearless Company has been forced to retreat. If I had to guess you killing that chieftain has caused the word to reach some of the elite squads. They are hunting aggressively in the area. To the far north, there are massive armies vying for dominance of the orc city. Up to five chieftains are battling over that location to establish a winner. The old residents have already been overrun and slaughtered. It is not clear who will win as the fighting still continues. Thousands have died in the combat up there. Much has changed in this area since you have been gone.”
I struggled to stay focused. The thought of killing six ogres raced in my head. I had the fast firing ballista, it would maybe kill two or three. Yeah, it could hand that many, what to do about...
“Hey, you in there?” Wina said while waving a paw at me.
“Sorry, yeah. Doing some planning. Was thinking about...” I was interrupted.
“Before you go too far, Lord Nova sent word that if you go charging into a bad situation all us griffins can do is scare tactics or fake attack runs. We will not be using fire magic right now. King Horus and King Aves intend to hold meetings here in the new griffin capital. They are wanting to unlock all the magic they can from all the different auras before exposing more to the Horde. There is no if and or buts. There is too much on the line. Consider the destruction of the orc settlement your big climactic event for the next few weeks. The griffins and humans have figured out enough to make progress with or without you. Not saying they do not value you, but you are only one man. So before you charge off to attack six ogres with an inferior slow weapon, yes I have seen your mobile ballista, do not. Go get some fish and I can keep you safe and warn you if something approaches. Thanks, Gryff, you are the best.” Wina said sweetly as if speaking to a toddler.
I... but... awww. I was a little heartbroken. I imagined how much good six ogre hearts could do and my murder thoughts took over. She was not wrong though. I inhaled a deep breath, nodding my acceptance and defeat. I had a full agenda already today.
I checked my gear before I left. I was in full combat armor, with short sword and shield. My purse was on my end table. I looked around for Deb but the little monox was nowhere to be seen. Even the wolves were missing, probably still sleeping. I did have my fish stringer though and some bait in the form of mystery meat.
I was ready. I left the barrier with the tingling feeling and Wina launched into the air to scout. I decided not to grumble and walked down the creek toward the river. I did not want to linger out here with the increased activity. Wina would warn me if something approached but no point in taking too long on my task. I picked up a slow run and arrived to the river’s edge quickly.
I checked the first line I had set. It was still and calm. That changed as soon as I pulled on it. These lines had five hooks on them and getting the entire catch in was a struggle. There were four fat ratfish that I landed on the shore. They flopped around loudly and I was doing my best to dispatch them quickly.
“Excuse me.” A voice said from behind me. It was clear and concise, spoken with an odd accent. I figured one of Una's men was behind me and kept working. I wondered why Wina had not said anything.
“Excuse me, I come wearing the white for a talk. Do you accept my term of truce for negotiation?” The voice said.
Okay, clearly not one of Una's men. They had the drop on me, well enough to kill me if they had wanted. So I was decided to stay calm and keep stabbing at the constantly flopping ratfish.
“I agree to your terms. I am Gryff, Earl of Fernlan. Well met stranger,” I said.
“Great, peaceful talks may commence. I am Virtue, Shaman Master of the planet you humans call Vin. I have heard word of you from the Emperor. You slew one of my chieftains. I paid handsomely to get that crown back. More than a hundred thousand crowns. Failure does not suit me or those who serve me, hence the battles that rage north of here. Oh, make sure that griffin does not warn the others when she sees me.”
“Of course, I have heard of the battl
es to the north. Always good to get the best leader for the job right. You do not fear the griffins?” I asked testing if he knew of the fire magic. As we talked I moved to the next fish line, still keeping my back to the shaman. I figured if he was not going to kill me least I could do is keep getting the fish for the village. Three fish this line.
“The accords protect all the Horde from those savage beasts. I swear if they were never here I would not have to talk to that stupid Emperor of yours. Which brings me to my point. You have caused me great trouble Gryff. Less so about the Horde you have killed. And more about the power you have stolen from your Emperor Salvoni and his son King Devon. Getting the griffins to rebel has left them lame as leaders. I wanted to come in person to congratulate you. You have destroyed my plans and solidified the griffin and human relationship. King Horus will be the new person in charge soon, and he will not truce talk to me. This is, in essence, my goodbye to the winning side for now.” Virtue said.
I gilled the three ratfish on the stringer sensing the shaman was done with his talk. I had very little to say, maybe a few questions. I decided to face him and when I did the unexpected happened.
The shaman shouted in surprise when he saw my face. I raised my empty hands knowing how strict contract magic was. I was confused but wanted to be clear I posed no threat.
The shaman carried a glass staff six feet long. A black catalyst swam in the top half and a white catalyst danced with sparks in the bottom. His robes were white, clean, and fancy with frills and curls. Besides his sunken golden eyes and green skin he looked human. He raised a shaking unsteady arm and pointed at me.
“I had you killed on Earth, not even a year ago. How is this possible? It could only mean... No, she would not have, but... The griffins... Could it be, yes it must be? We must retreat... Yes surrender here and strike elsewhere... Or we can bring more... The contracts will forbid it though.”
Gryff Boxset Page 39