Angelika rose and Hiroki followed her lead to a bed of warm dry hay, Angelika took both of Hiroki’s arms as she laid down and this motion moved him, he laid on top of her and they kissed again. Hiroki began undressing, Angelika removed her cloak and tunic, her breasts were firm and her body was curvy, she was perfect. Hiroki began licking her breasts and slid his hand down her black leather trousers, stroking in-between her legs softly as she groaned.
Angelika whispered, “Don’t think of such evil tonight. Be with me, be one with me now on our last night of peace.”
They both made love into the early hours of the morning.
Hiroki and Angelika woke early in the morning, they were both naked and laid upon a mass bundle of hay, they were covered by their wolf pelts and were warm. The singing of birds was heard signally the early hours of the morning.
“I dreaded this moment, I wish we had longer,” groaned Angelika.
“Today is a big day, we can take my horse and be back at camp with enough time to bathe and meet Yoshihiro . . . we should make our way now,” whispered Hiroki reluctantly, he was clearly in love and in a state of bliss.
Upon dressing the two set off back to camp on the big strong destrier Hiroki had acquired. They stopped at Angelika’s tent first. Both of them dismounted, and Hiroki felt a great deal of sadness saying goodbye; even if it was just for a few hours, as they were to meet again soon.
They kissed passionately and cuddled tightly, and every time they kissed Hiroki felt his stomach grow lighter and his heart beat faster. “Right, go and wash smelly! I’ll see you at the commanders meeting,” whispered Angelika lovingly.
Hiroki gazed into her piercing blue eyes as she smiled seductively, she’s beautiful, no she’s perfect. I love her, thought Hiroki. This is one more thing to fight for. A future for the innocent, a future for the oppressed and a future for friends and loved ones.
Angelika disappeared into her tent and Hiroki returned the horse to the paddock then made his way to his tent.
Hiroki’s heart was still beating fast as he entered his tent, Thunder was in a deep sleep on his bed, Hiroki laid beside Thunder who began to wake due to the feeling of Hiroki’s presence.
“Thunder my friend, today is the day you and I start to carve our own stories of legend. We will carve our legacy with blood, katanas and dragon fire.”
Hiroki maintained his smile but turned his thoughts to the morning meeting with Yoshihiro and the tough goodbye that awaited him. He could also sense a battle was on the horizon!
Chapter 14: Mustangs
Today was to be the most important morning of Hiroki’s life, and he knew it. It was time to meet Darius which meant ultimately planning his assassination and murdering one of the most notorious warlords on the Centre Plate, then there was the departure of Astaroth and Bellethiel, Hiroki knew he had to hold back the tears and emotions when wishing his friends farewell as any emotion would be seen as weakness. I don’t know how long a journey east will take, but I do hope they make good speed and stay safe, thought Hiroki.
Despite all this, the young swordsman awoke with a smile, still thinking of his night with Angelika, he could still smell her scent that seemed to linger around his neck, tantalising his senses, he could still feel her soft lips kissing around his chest and the groans of pleasure still echoed within his head.
The morning sun had risen and graced the moorlands of which the War Hogs were camped on seemingly acting as nature's morning clock, the sun was bright and had pierced through the fabric of Hiroki’s tent which woke him gently. Hiroki rose from his bedding area and made his way to an oak bucket filled with water, he splashed his face and the water was welcomed as he began wiping the sleep from his eyes with a face cloth. Hiroki turned to realise Thunder had left. I'm sure he woke early to hunt or fly. I’ll see him shortly.
Noise began building from outside Hiroki’s tent and battle songs were heard, it seemed as though the warriors had fast recovered from their ravenous celebrations during the night and were preparing for another endeavour. Horses were heard grunting and running as the warriors began mounting their steeds and moving on and the sound of timber hammers were heard which led Hiroki to believe tents were also being disassembled, the War Hogs were on the move!
Hiroki dried his face and tied his black headband in place, a fresh black kimono was hanging in the middle of the tent which had been washed and smelt of honeysuckle. Hiroki smiled as he dressed, he liked the black kimono as it was the trademark colour of Yoshihiro and similarly to Yoshihiro’s, Hiroki’s all black kimono sported the War Hogs’ logo on the back. Hiroki picked up his sword, the famed white sleeper and slid his feet smoothly into his oak geta sandals before taking one last look around his tent.
The War Hogs had been camped upon this moorland for many days and it always saddened Hiroki when it was time to leave, he didn’t know why this upset him as he was a member of a roaming tribe of warriors and was use to travel, perhaps the days of peace here had soothed him slightly and he had now had a taste of what peace felt like. Hiroki began making his way to the entrance of his tent and then he halted, just outside he heard what sounded like a group of horses practically standing in wait who is that? Has Yoshihiro sent for me?
Hiroki exited the tent eagerly to see what awaited him, and to his shock, a fresh-faced, chirpy and cheerful woman had been waiting to greet him. She smiled warmly.
“Morning Hiroki,” spoke the horse breeder merrily, to Hiroki’s shock it was Jadar’s new lover Jessie!
Hiroki was lost for words and the shock was visible on his face, he regained his composure. “Jessie, what are you doing here?” Hiroki didn’t want to sound rude and continued as he found Jessie to be quite pleasant. “Not that I didn’t want to see you . . . I mean . . . I’m surprised you came on your own. Most people would steer clear from a traveling clan of warriors!”
Jessie laughed as she removed her red bandana and it seemed as though they had been friends for years, this was perhaps due to Jessie’s friendly demeanour, she relaxed Hiroki and was a joy to be around. Her innocence and pure heartedness were somewhat of a rarity. Jessie was dressed well, she still wore her knee-high black leather boots from the night before however this was now matched by brown leather trousers, a white tunic, and a brown leather jerkin.
“Well Hiroki, your two friends Astaroth and Bellethiel visited my village some days ago. They enquired regarding some of my horses and wanted to purchase the best ones I had to offer, they mentioned they were traveling far and only the best horses would suffice. I’m here to deliver them but thought I’d stop off and see you too. Your comrades pointed towards your tent.”
“Oh, I see, that’s fine then.”
Jessie joked. “Yes, surprising really. Who would have thought murderous warriors could be so friendly and helpful!”
Hiroki laughed and continued the conversation. “Well, we’re not all blood drunk. I think we're a new breed of warrior, violent and murderous but polite and respectful.”
“A new breed indeed,” cheered Jessie. “So, your friends were right to come to me for horses, normal Palfreys and Destriers won’t do, what you need is something a bit better!”
Jessie made a valid point, the horses used by the War Hogs were mainly destrier horses which were ideal for battle but somewhat questionable for long term travel. Hiroki turned to gaze upon Jessie horses, five of the most beautiful stallions he had ever seen stood in wait.
The horses were big, muscular, and calm, it was clear Jessie was indeed a master horse breeder. “Whoa,” gasped Hiroki in shock at the perfect specimens. “I’ve never seen destriers like this before . . . they're perfect.”
“Oh Hiroki, you have much to learn, young one. These are not destriers, these are mustangs!” Jessie boasted boldly with pride.
Hiroki had heard stories of mustangs for many years, he’d never imagined he would be this close to one. Mustangs are powerful, fast, and strong just like destriers; however, the mustangs descend from the wild. They are h
ard to train and domesticate, but if successful it’s been proven mustangs outperform any other breed of horse known throughout the land, their wild nature is in their blood and their aggression levels are higher and thus harder to train.
It takes a careful programme of capturing wild mustangs, breeding them, and raising the young ones in a way that promotes their wild traits. Capturing, breeding, and training mustangs is thought to be the hardest art of horse breeding and very few people have been successful at this craft.
Jessie beamed with pride and joy for her horses. “Come, let me introduce you!” yelped Jessie playfully, and before Hiroki could answer she had pulled him too.
Hiroki was marched towards the five horses and their magnificence seemed to increase the closer he got.
First up was Dash, he was stocky and long with a mix of tanned and white colourings, his mane was long and white and neck thick and firm. Second to be greeted was Rogue, this beauty was grey with white spots and her mane was also white however it was braided expertly. She also had a white stripe along her nose and blue eyes. The third mustang was another female named Shiba, her body was grey much like her long mane and her head was white, her eyes were black and seemed to glow as Hiroki gazed into them and kissed her. The fourth mustang was called Gervais, he was big and brown with a white stripe along his nose and his four legs were also white half a meter up. Hiroki liked these leg markings as it looked as though the horse wore socks. The last horse in line was called Brutus, he was the biggest and looked like the alpha male. Brutus was black with multiple white markings and a white stripe along his nose, his legs looked like tree trunks and his muscle mass was exceptional. The mane on Brutus was long and black and Hiroki could imagine the incredible site of this horse running at top speed through open fields. Hiroki couldn’t help but think the mustangs are incredible, no doubt Brutus will suit Astaroth due to his size.
Hiroki turned to the proud Jessie. “I’m rarely lost for words . . . there perfect Jessie. Come, I’ll take you to the commanders, Astaroth and Bellethiel will be there.”
The mustangs were equipped with saddle bags, saddles, and stirrups and all the pieces were crafted in black leather, the horseshoes were clean and perfectly fitted, Hiroki noticed a symbol which had been welded into the horseshoes. The symbol was a horse’s head with a dragon wing behind.
Jessie saw that Hiroki had noticed this. “Oh that’s my symbol.” Jessie confirmed proudly. “I weld that onto all the horseshoes of my mustangs, it’s proof of my stock. That’s a horse’s head and the wing of a dragon, I’d like to think it’s the wing of the first grand dragon Storm.”
Hiroki gave Jessie and acknowledging smile and the two began to make their way to the war tent, this is where the commanders met before every endeavour to discuss plans and tactics.
Hiroki led Jessie and her five mustangs to the war tent, Jessie followed closely behind whilst guiding her mustangs. The horses walked proudly and gracefully and nearby warriors stopped what they were doing to gaze upon the magnificence of the steeds. The sun was on full show way up in the sky and it seemed as though today was to be warm. Tents were being dismantled and the War Hogs were indeed preparing for travel.
A broad-shouldered young warrior approached Hiroki, the warrior was also tall but looked no older than twenty-five and had a common tongue. “Were moving west from here to make a blockade, Darius claims some other warlord is gonna invade this area. Yoshihiro is gonna meet him soon to discuss payment for our protection services.” the young warrior then ran off to join a group of warriors who were allocating rations.
Hiroki noticed a look of fear on Jessie’s face. “Don’t worry, your village will be safe. We're here now, the War Hogs will protect this territory.”
Jessie displayed a look of relief and said, “You're very young to have earned a black headband aren’t you Hiroki, you must be a very skilled swordsman. I had heard stories of the War Hogs over the years . . . the feared band of warriors ridding the Centre Plate of evil . . . for the right coin of course!”
Hiroki detected a slight tone of spite in that comment, he knew it was warranted though as Yoshihiro rarely offered services for free, it was different now though, Yoshihiro was a changed man. He responded and tried to make light of Jessie’s comment. “Well it’s all irrelevant now with the East preparing to invade. The centre will need to put aside personal gain and unify if we're to survive any invasion!”
“Agreed!” said Jessie boldly.
As Hiroki and Jessie made their way through the camp the warriors numbers began to dwindle, and the once busy moorland became increasingly sparse as the War Hogs had commenced taking down their tents to move west. Hiroki looked down as he began to slide slightly, the once green lush grass had turned to clumps of moist soil due to the War Hogs occupying the area over time, the mustangs still maintained their balance and had no trouble navigating the uneven terrain.
Jessie had begun to speak of Jadar, Hiroki had dreaded this conversation. “So Jadar . . . I take it she’s not the commitment type? I kind of get the feeling there’s no space for me in her life. I wish she was a bit more honest.”
Hiroki knew Jadar was a womaniser and preferred more casual encounters than long term commitments. “It’s difficult Jessie, you know Jadar is travelling warrior, she probably doesn’t want to break your hurt. As warriors we could die at any time in any battle. She hasn’t had the easiest of lives either, she’s tough to say the least!”
“She used me for sex didn’t she!” declared Jessie glumly.
Hiroki felt Jessie’s sadness and knew she had taken a shine to Jadar, he tried to cheer her up. “I think you're quite the catch! I’ll tell you what, if Jadar doesn’t want to know, I’ll find you a man instead!”
Jessie laughed playfully. “Yuck! No thanks! Been there, done that! Between you and I, men lack the stamina of women if I’m honest!”
Hiroki blushed. “I probably couldn’t argue with you there!”
“You should come and work with me on my farm, that’ll get you in shape!” declared Jessie playfully.
Jessie had a calming aura and cheered Hiroki up, she was of a jolly nature and Hiroki liked that, it was a distraction from conflict which is all he had ever known.
“Okay Hiroki, I won’t bore you with adult talk anymore. Promise me though, you’ll visit my village, it’s nice and peaceful and there are lots of young girls that would be perfect for you!”
Hiroki responded playfully again, he wanted to visit Jessie’s village anyway, due to the mustang breeding. “Deal! As soon as I’m able, I’ll be there, I promise.”
Hiroki and Jessie had made it to the war tent to find everyone standing in wait. Ragrim waved and indicated Hiroki to make haste.
Angelika, along with the remaining Cursed Bastards were outside the war tent, Astaroth and Bellethiel donned black hooded cloaks, a wise choice of clothing when trying to stay hidden on a spying mission. Yoshihiro must have been in the tent and was nowhere to be seen.
On their approach Jadar looked shocked to see Jessie again and glared at Jessie who in turn glared back, clearly Jadar had no desire to see her again after their night of passion, Hiroki couldn’t help but think Jessie knew that and had decided to deliver the horses personally to spite Jadar, as well as claim her coin.
Hiroki and Jessie, along with the five mustangs joined the elite commanders of the War Hogs who stood outside and awaited Yoshihiro’s arrival.
Chapter 15:
A Shocking Goodbye
“So, who’s this then?” spoke Ragrim in his usual warm welcoming tone.
Crow was quick to notice Jessie’s beauty. “If you’re looking for a good time, you’ve come to the right place. My name is Crow, but the women call me dragon cock!”
Everyone laughed at Crows crude predictable banter, even Tatsuya smirked. “More like little cock!” bellowed the ninja.
Before Jessie could answer Jadar interrupted abruptly. “Her name is Jessie and she’s leaving now.”
Jad
ar’s rudeness infuriated Jessie and this was visible to everyone. Astaroth and Bellethiel looked uncomfortable as they were eagerly waiting to inspect the mustangs Jessie had bought for their journeys. To everyone’s surprise Jadar’s rudeness was matched equally by Jessie. “Fuck off Jadar, you don’t speak for me!”
“Watch your tongue, if you want to keep it!”
Jessie seemed enraged and jousted back at Jadar, her threat didn’t seem to faze her! “Oh, I’m sorry, I’m good enough to sleep with but not to talk too!
Tatsuya roared with laughter, he and Jadar were far from friends and Tatsuya certainly didn’t want to miss a chance to enrage her. “You filthy cow Jadar! And to think everyone thinks I’m the monster around here!”
The tensions seemed to reach boiling and as Hiroki prepared for a skirmish amongst his friends Yoshihiro emerged from the tent!
“Quiet all of you! You're being rude in front of our guest!” Yoshihiro’s command seemed to register with his commanders who bowed their heads and spoke no more. Yoshihiro continued, “You must be the horse breeder Astaroth and Bellethiel were telling me about, I thank you for your efforts. Excuse Jadar, she’s a loyal and fierce warrior but lacks manners and respect.”
Jessie smirked. “She lacks bedroom etiquette too!”
The commanders began giggling again, much to Jadar’s fury. Crow whispered into her ear. “Fuck me Jadar, that’s one hell of a woman you snagged there! Fancy a three way?”
Before Jadar could respond to Crow’s crude proposal Yoshihiro scolded her. “Jadar, you can fuck who you want but as this horse breeder here has acquired the finest mustangs in the lands for your comrades, whilst I’m here you will speak to her with respect.” Yoshihiro glanced at Jessie and smiled before directing his attention to the five mustangs. “Everyone, come let’s look.”
Everyone descended upon Jessie and her mustangs; the commanders were infatuated, and it seemed as though they too had never seen such excellence in horses.
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