by Marcus Sloss
I left the Inn and went to the town center not far away. I found Elan on his steps, well our steps now, chatting away with master trainer Baldwic. Crap, I went to dodge the trainer when Elan called out to me in greeting.
“Sir Gryff, come on over. Baldwic here was telling me of how the transition to peace was easier on Lakeland than here. Can I help you with something?” Elan hollered at me as he leaned against the building.
“Yes, I need you to take this declaration here and get copies made by one of the earth mages. Then post them on the door of the Inn, and town center. I then want a sign with this posted on each barrier exit for each cardinal direction. I am ordering the village go from realm law into war camp law. It will help us control issues and prevent problems. I think after the King's orders I am well within my right.” I said.
Trainer Baldwic grinned at me showing missing teeth. The man was intimidating. Elan frowned but decided to keep his mouth shut.
“Excellent. With the village in this condition, very little order and a big influx of people there are bound to be situations. A war camp means no trial, sets the leadership chain into military command and will help those arriving. A clear set of rules and laws is smart. First smart decision I heard you make. Nothing as dumb as running out to do battle without armor. Or delivering a fatal blow to your opponent, then before he dies you give him a golden opportunity to kill you. I look forward to beating some of your mistakes out of you on the training field. As soon as one is built, of course until then we can train in one of the recently harvested fields. Should be fun times, for me at least.” Baldwic said. Then patted me on the back and left us. I heard him mumbling, then chuckling, then mumbling to himself some more. The guy sounded crazy.
I ensured Elan was clear on his orders and went to find Donnie in the fields. As I left the village upper limits and trotted down the ramp I saw six large piles of dirt stacked in front of the slope. At the far end, people carted piles of earth out of dug out tunnels and off to the fields to dump it. I detoured to the closest one.
The opening was ten feet wide and eight feet tall. Large enough for the big wagon to fit in. The walls were not mud or dirt colored, instead, they were a light gray. This dugout was finished and stocked with supplies, filled with long lasting foods. Good to see they were getting organized. Zack the earth mage tapped me on the shoulder as I studied the cavern.
“Easy enough to make, the hard part is keeping the top from collapsing. With the goblin hearts we got from the bodies today it helped the process immensely. Get me more of those and some time to rebuild my aura and I can make these frequently. I want you to know that ogre heart is the supreme catalyst for an earth mage. We could build a cave big enough for an entire village underground with that thing and with few more earth mages. That is what we were thinking you should do. Us earth mages have been digging down recently in all the cities. With the barrier limiting expansion above ground the only options left are to build taller or dig down. Of course, if you were not in a hurry and willing to not rush the build you could ransom that ogre heart to the city with the highest bid. Probably fetch ten thousand gold if not more for it, of course, you run a risk of a higher noble claiming it as an emergency procurement for the realm and not seeing any coin. I would personally use it and get this place out of the top ten worst locations to visit. You should know it will only be helpful for underground work, and it is a one use item. All the hearts are, not like the other parts that are ground down and then used as a pill or a paste.
“Anyway, if you touch the ceiling and walls you will feel a tough bedrock like material. We are manually digging out the caves to save aura to solidify the structures. It is progressing well but the three of us earth mages are done for the day. We should really stop for now and have the workers sort out the supplies into the six areas.” Zack explained as he slid a hand over the rough interior wall.
“I agree, great work. There is enough space here for people to sleep in too if needed. I have to go see my squire, Donnie.” I said and walked to the fire pit.
Donnie was sharping his blade while sitting on a rock. One of the adventurers from earlier was watching over his work. It was good to see him getting instructions and learning. I took a seat beside him and absorbed the bustle of the area for a minute. He focused on his work and I watched the village.
“Donnie. I gave your mom some gold to resettle with. To be fair it was your gold, you helped get the crown. Before you say you did not do much, it is I who decides such things.” He gave a nod and kept working the edge of his blade. “I am sending you to Lakeland tonight. Here is a note to be delivered to the Duke. I then want you to ask for Trade Master Mont. He will guide you to a tailor for a custom fitting of new armor. It will match mine, which is somewhere in that stack of goods.” I said pointing to the large pile of boxes, crates, and sacks.
“Velia is going to drop you off, get some things then continue on to the capital. She will give you ten gold for spending money. I want you to enjoy your time there. Spend some money in that market, some good shops there. Then once your armor is done fly back to Fernlan. That young lady you have been seeing. I forget her name...” I tried to remember the girl's name. The one who complained about his snoring… I remembered that at least.
“Mina my lord,” Donnie said with a shrug. He was not offended.
“Well take Mina if you want, or go alone. Up to you, please get the armor, and have a good time. I promise there will be plenty of Horde to kill when you get back.” I said and patted him on the back.
I stepped over to the cooked food by the fire. Grabbed some meat and began eating. I was hungry, and I ate a few large chunks of ogre if I had to guess. Tasted great to me. When I was done I saw Bella saying goodbye to Velia, Pipi, and Donnie. I went over and said my goodbyes as well.
I was tired and feeling fatigued from the fight earlier. I figured the massive amount of food was also adding to my need to slumber. I walked around with Bella on my arm for another hour. Helping get to know people and solving minor problems. By the time we entered the Inn, it was dark. Some circles had formed on the Inn floor as people talked in groups. We passed them with good nights and walked down to the basement. Once in the room, Bella snuggled with me and we drifted off to sleep.
CHAPTER 9
Morning sex with Bella was amazing. She took control, got on top slowly to fit me in, and then rode me eagerly to climax. I lasted three times until I exploded inside her. I wanted to go another round when there was a soft knock at the door. When I opened it no one was there.
The small landing in front of our door was stacked high with Bella's stuff from Lakeland. It took a few trips back and forth but I had her stuff moved in. At the top of the stairs in the kitchen was even more of Bella's things. How much did this girl bring with her? I lugged all those chests and crates into our room. Bella, of course, was giddy and started to unpack. She would be busy for a long time without servants to help her. I was content to see her working here instead of the fields. At the end of her stuff, I found my new armor in a crate.
I went through the process of getting fully armored up. My sword and shield were also there and I equipped my weapons. I was ready for battle. Bella ran up, kissed my cheek, and wished me luck. I exited the Inn to the early dawn morning and strolled to the fire pit. Without Donnie around, I was in need of a lackey. Fortunately, I spotted Nate eating a smelon by the fire.
“Morning my lord. These smelons are so damn good. We get the mage grown kind in Lakeland and they do not taste the same. You look ready for battle, shall I gather the men? More came in yesterday should have at least ten to go out with now.” Nate said between bites.
“Yes, have them ready for action. The griffins informed me of where the ogre had a goblin nest beside him. We are going to cleanse it and get the parts for profit. Should be a nice cave crawl, no orcs or anything bigger to be expected. Never know though. I want to be marching within half an hour.” I said to Nate as I reached the pile of fruit and picked out a ri
pe one.
He got up from the log slowly and walked to get the men. I proceeded to dig into a smelon myself. I grabbed a meat snack or three for a trip to the northern fields. I wanted to check on the animals and I had been meaning to visit. I crossed the path between the rows of carrots at a trot to get another feel of my armor. It felt great, and was hardly noticeable. Hopefully, it helped with the fight today. I really didn't want to experience being nearly clubbed to death or a pike to the ass cheek again. Any protection was better than fighting in clothes meant for court politics.
I passed the thin pines that separated the west and north sections and saw the few barns of Fernlan. They were in awful shape. Someone had done a quick patchwork to the fencing of one of the pens. As I got close the wolves howled. The pack raced towards me in defiance. When they smelled the meat I was snacking on they stopped yipping and quieted.
“Sit!” I commanded.
One of the older pups placed her butt down with a rapidly wagging tail. The rest blankly stared at me. I tossed the little lass a piece of the meat. As she ate the rest of the pack sat. Too late. At least a command and response had been established.
I moved on from the wolves. They would need more work before I took them into combat. I viewed the duck pen and saw they were comfortably nesting behind an enclosure. They had clean water and some veggies to eat. To the left of the ducks were the runtlets, most were resting peacefully, a few burrowed for food. Whomever was in charge of these pens and stables knew their stuff and was managing the animals well.
Strange noises erupted from the only standing farmhouse. I hesitantly approached the building with caution. As my footsteps creaked from the wooden patio the ruckus stopped. Curiosity overwhelmed me and I opened the door expecting to find the caretaker in distress. Instead, I sprung free all the monox. Three dozen of those little fuckers bolted past me in a hurry. They vacated so rapidly I stood there like the giant idiot I was. Great, exactly what I shouldn't have done. I didn't have the time or effort to round them all up so I decided to let them remain free. Figured the monox were partially domesticated and some would stick around for easy food. I was right on that account.
One of the smaller monox used its tiny claws to climb up my leather, and down my arm. It tried to steal the little bit of meat I grasped in my fingers. Before I could be robbed I tossed the food in my mouth and the monox turned to glare at me. I broke a small piece off and held it by my shoulder. The monox perched on the shoulder and got the treat. I checked and saw it was an adolescent female based on its size and lack of balls.
Her fur was a light brown with tiny black stripes in it. Her eyes were orange, and her ears had white tips on them. When I left the disaster of three dozen monox roaming the fields she stayed on my shoulder. Well if the creature stuck with me to the barrier I would have to name it. I went back to the fire pit and saw two groups awaited me.
Nate and nine other men dressed for battle waited beside four monox eyeing meat sticks. One of the many people whose names I did not know was managing the fire, food, and snacks. I told them to feed the little guys and grabbed two more things of meat. One for me and one for my shoulder friend.
I went over to Nate and watched as he double checked all the other soldiers. Giving those inspections was probably my job but I let Nate handle it. He had far more experience than I did. I was not about to be one of those know it all leaders who knew very little in actuality.
“Listen up. If you want to attempt to pair with a monox give it a go. As of today, they are free roaming, figure some will wander off but it beats trying to constantly keep them penned in where they are useless. After you are certain you are ready to go, meet me at the western gate. It is where the creek meets the barrier over there.” I said and walked that way.
I did a quick check of my items. No pikes, or greataxe today, I had the sword, shield, and dagger. I wanted to keep it basic for the first time in my new armor. I was confident I was more prepared than normal when I arrived at the western gate staging area. It would be nice to get a bench out here. Added to the to do list. A griffin soared over to the spot where the map was etched into the ground.
“Greetings Earl Gryff, I am Traz mate of Dina. I have done the recon for the last hour. The path to the goblin and ogre caves is clear. A few goblins went to the fish lines recently but have since returned. If anything approaches your position I will let you know. I am off to get a quick bite to eat before you leave the barrier.” Traz said and leaped into the air toward the fire pit.
“Never gets old seeing them get so close to men. Let me do some introductions.” Nate said as he and the group approached.
“You met Frank and Carl. This is Brad of Lakeland, Joey, Markus, Derak, Brad of Riverbend, Walt, and Kyle. We all have some war experience. Some of us are getting back into things, some had been into the wild lands. If you have any questions now is the time to ask. We all have a bow, short sword, and a few choose a shield. Walt and Markus have recently bonded with monox.” Nate said.
I had almost forgotten about the little monox on my shoulder. She sat so calm and quiet. Deb that was her name, short for Debbie. Little Deb ate a hunk of meat and relaxed while I carried her around.
“Welcome to war camp Fernlan. I have some things to divulge before we get started. I have the purple aura and can talk to griffins. Surprise!” I heard some mutters of purple aura, but for the most part, there were somber faces. “My battle skills are awful, I have never trained with any of the weapons I use. Yet I make up for it in raw power, dexterity, and to some extent, luck. If we are going into combat together you should know my strengths and weaknesses. I am in overall command but if you have something to say or some experience where I don't, feel free to give input. Outside the barrier, I am Gryff or Sir, you can save the lordly pleasantries for inside the barrier. The griffin you saw take off as you arrived was Traz, he said we are clear getting to the goblin cave and ogre cave. If he sees any movement from there or from the outside coming toward us he will notify me.”
They looked ready to go so I passed through the barrier and walked down the creek. When we got close to the site of yesterday's battle Deb perked up. Interested in something, not warning or scared. I saw some of the freed monox had arrived out here and we're eating the remains of gore that had been left behind. I wondered when Count Conway had fed these little guys last.
We got to the river and I waded in.
“My lord, were you planning on crossing the river by swimming? Not all of us can swim, those that can would not do so in our armor.” Frank said.
Seven hells, I had not thought about that. I asked for a rope and got one from Kyle. I had him hold one end and dove into the water. Swimming in armor was much tougher than walking in it. My strength and excellent swimming skills got me across though. I tied an end of the rope to a tree and gave a good yank. It was secure, Nate and the rest of the men on the other side stared at me dumbly. As if I was insane to swim in armor across a river with decent flow. Kyle tied the other end onto a tree on that side. The men entered the water and death gripped the rope as they progressed across the river. I took the time to check the fish lines while I waited. Only one had a fish on it. I took it off the line when Deb jumped onto the ground and tore into the fish. It was dead almost instantly. Two monox raced across the rope in a hurry to join Deb in the mini feast. I was a bit disappointed because I wanted the fish but apparently, the monox were starving. I plopped down to watch them eat as the last of our group crossed the river.
We wrung the water off our clothes and poured out our boots to get as dry as possible. Someone grumbled about a bridge and I laughed. Not going to happen. At least not any time soon. The monox cleaned the fish to the bone, Deb gave a burp and then got back on my shoulder. She patted my head in thanks for the fish. It was creepy and weird. Oh well. Vin was unique.
I took point and lead us up the goblin path. It was well worn from them checking the lines often. There were no attempts to hide where they came from. It took about fi
fteen minutes of walking when the caves came into view. I did a quick check with Traz and he informed me the area was quiet.
“I will go into the ogre cave first, see if anything is worthwhile or ensure there is no mate there. Once that is done we go slaughter some goblins. If you cannot kill goblin children time to swim back to Fernlan because things are going to get savage. Wait for me.” I said.
I figured checking the ogre cave was vital to do before getting bogged down in fighting. It would be disastrous to have a female ogre attacking our back lines while we fought goblins. I approached the ogre cave with a crouch walk. I knew I was lacking in detecting things so I paid attention to Deb who was at ease.
The moment we entered the ogre cave a foul stench overwhelmed me. There was the rotting remains of a young war boar sitting by the entrance. Further back was a sleeping area and then some clubs propped against the wall. A pile of bones sat under the dead war boar. A few looked to be from a goblin, a deer, and even some human bones. There was a single sword that had been bent almost in half. It was the only thing I found of value. At most, it could be forged into tools or something useful. I left the cavern and rejoined the men. I tossed the sword on the ground where we grouped. Start of the loot pile.
“Okay ogre cave is clear. How do you want to tackle the goblins, the griffin’s estimate they number close to a hundred? It should be a tight quarter to fight in, but it is goblins we are talking about. Any thoughts?” I asked.
“Goblins never fought on the line or in battles besides in the back doing servant type work. They were always easily run down. In a narrow cave like this I would probably stick the strongest warrior in the front to trample them down. Between the enclosed space and easy opponents, there is no grand strategy here. I would guess the cavern splits at some point and we guard the main exit. It should be easy enough. Maybe next time bring a healer and do not forget your torch if you are going into a cave. I brought an extra torch, here you go,” Nate said and handed me a torch that burned with fire magic.