Killing Monsters

by R T Islington

  Bellethiel began speaking to the horses, he closed his eyes and green aura surrounded him whilst he spoke telepathically. Woodlanders have the ability to communicate and speak to animals and Bellethiel seemed to be exercising his powers, upon opening his eyes they glowed green as he harnessed this magic. “I’ve never seen a woodlander before.” said Jessie who seemed mesmerised by Bellethiel.

  Astaroth was stroking Brutus gently, horses were Astaroth’s favourite animal, he turned to Jessie. “Young lady, these mustangs are perfect. You clearly have a gift for this.”

  “Thank you, Sir,” said Jessie softly, she was clearly intimidated by the hulking gargoyle as most people are.

  Ragrim laughed merrily. “What dwarves are in the world of blacksmithing, you seem to be in horse breeding! A fine fucking job Jessie, there perfect!”

  Archie approached Jessie and bowed before her, this was a knight's bow, a mark of respect. “Jessie, none of us want to see our fellow brothers begin this journey, that being said with steeds like this, I can see the terrain will pose no threat. Your remarkable at your craft.”

  The vast compliments seemed to have had an impact on Jessie, she began blushing, clearly overwhelmed by such praise. She locked eyes with Hiroki who gave her an encouraging wink of the eye.

  Crow, Tatsuya and Jadar stayed back. Tatsuya clearly didn’t care and was more interested in taking the life of Darius, he knew this plan was to be set in motion today and Crow only showed an interest in drink and women.

  Jadar glared at Jessie, infuriated by her arrival and praise, her rage showed, Crow couldn’t resist another opportunity of banter. “So Jadar, that stable woman is quite the looker. Nice and plump, lots to hold onto if you know what I mean. If ever she decides to give up on women, I might have a poke!”

  Tatsuya and Crow’s laughter was bellowed out loudly prompting a stern look from Yoshihiro who was also engrossed in the inspection of the horses, needless to say the laughter soon stopped.

  The inspection of the mustangs was complete, and all seemed well, Hiroki felt the time of goodbye had approached however the method of payment was to be discussed.

  Yoshihiro addressed Jessie. “What would the price be for such magnificence?

  Jessie pondered for several seconds and responded, “Well I’m the best at what I do, and these are mustangs. You’ll find no better horses for a journey eastward. One hundred gold pieces for each horse, five rubies and five emeralds.”

  Jessie’s offer was met with silence, Yoshihiro smiled and stroked his chin whilst in thought. “No . . . you deserve more and you're selling yourself short. Crow bring me my satchel.”

  Crow brought forward an aged brown leather satchel that was placed beside the war tent and handed it to Yoshihiro. Hiroki was intrigued to see Yoshihiro’s counteroffer and to his amazement Yoshihiro presented Jessie with a glorious diamond that was the size of a baby’s head. The diamond was perfect and shone in the sunlight flawlessly causing Jessie to gasp.

  “Horse breeder Jessie, this is your payment. I take it this will suffice?”

  Everyone seemed shocked, though not surprised as what had become apparent is that a superior horse was priceless. Jessie eyes began to well up, she knew this diamond would secure the future endeavours of her family. “Thank you great swordsman. This will suffice however it will merely be handed to my parents as I won’t have time to enjoy such wealth.”

  “And why is that Jessie?” asked Yoshihiro curiously.

  “Because, great swordsman, if Astaroth and Bellethiel will have me, I’d like to accompany them east.”

  “Is that so!” Yoshihiro seemed surprised.

  Everyone seemed to gasp, and even Crow was lost for words, why would an innocent farming girl want to undertake a life risking journey? Before anyone could interject Jessie continued to explain her reasons, Hiroki could sense that she was also selling herself too, selling her worth to the most fearless warriors known to the Centre Plate.

  Jessie advised that though the mustangs were well trained, an experienced horse hand would make the journey easier and she was also proficient with map reading and traveling. Jessie reached into the saddle bag of Dasher to reveal numerous detailed maps that seemed to back up her claims.

  “You can’t go,” bellowed Jadar spitefully, “You can’t fight or use magic. This isn’t a trip, this is a dangerous mission to gain the upper hand on an invading evil. You’ll end up getting killed or raped or maybe even kidnapped by a warlord.”

  “Nobody is fucking talking to you!” bellowed Jessie, she turned back to Yoshihiro. “I’ve spent my whole life training and breeding horses and I’ve journeyed before. I once travelled all the way to Oceans Kiss for precious metals and I know how to read maps and set up camps. I have a knowledge of the lands and know of most villages and their cultures and traditions. Astaroth and Bellethiel are great warriors, but travellers they are not! Their chance of survival and speedy travel will be greatly increased with me.”

  Yoshihiro smiled, clearly impressed by the bravery of this simple farming woman. Yoshihiro addressed them all. “I made clear my anger at Astaroth and Bellethiel’s decision to leave during this time of uncertainty. I do not wish to see my brothers risk their lives without me there, yet I understand the task at hand. The east will invade soon, and we must be ready and arm ourselves with as much knowledge as we can regarding this evil.”

  “I’ll get them to and from quicker than anyone,” pleaded Jessie.

  “Well, I would like my men back by my side as soon as possible.”

  “You have my word!” assured Jessie.

  Yoshihiro continued, “A gargoyle and a woodlander traveling alone will draw mixed attention, having a human alongside them may mellow certain minds.” Yoshihiro turned to Jessie. “You know you may not survive this, there is evil around every corner, yet there you stand. Your skills may not be combat based, but they will be valuable, nonetheless. I’m sure my brothers will be very lucky to have you guiding them. I approve this act if Astaroth and Bellethiel have no objections.”

  Astaroth and Bellethiel stepped forward, smiled, and nodded. Bellethiel spoke first. “It will be a pleasure to have you around, no doubt I can learn much from you!”

  The brutish looking gargoyle approached Jessie; he caressed her soft face with his giant hand which looked as though it could fit around her entire skull. “Thank you Jessie. We will look after you on this journey, you and your mustangs.”

  As all agreed, another voice was heard. “I’ve decided . . . I’m coming too!” yelped Angelika!

  Hiroki felt his stomach turn and it felt as though Angelika’s words had pieced his heart. Angelika continued with enthusiasm. “I want to join you! I’m a mage, many years ago the first mages bounded together to help fleeing mages from the Eastern Plate escape and come to the Centre. Astaroth and Bellethiel are combat experts, but I’m sure you’ll need some mage magic too!”

  Time seemed to be standing still and Hiroki felt his world crashing down at the thought of losing his first love, the girl he had lost his innocence to, the mage Angelika Storm.

  Yoshihiro, having accepted the departure of two of his commanders, surprisingly accepted Angelika’s request. “There are five horse and three travellers. I’d say there’s room for one more. If you want to do this Angelika say your goodbyes and make haste. I can’t smother you your whole life.”

  “We will need to stop off at my village first for supplies,” warned Jessie.

  Astaroth responded, “That’s a good plan, we can then plan the journey in more detail.”

  Yoshihiro approached Angelika, Astaroth, and Bellethiel. “My comrades . . . be safe and don’t try and be heroes. Remember this is a spying mission, get as much intel as you can and return to me.” Yoshihiro embraced the leaving commanders and then disappeared into the war tent.

  The commanders began saying their goodbyes and embracing each other except Tatsuya who spouted a parting gesture before joining Yoshihiro in the war tent. “Don’t trust anyone
out there and try to stay alive.”

  Crow threw himself at Astaroth and Bellethiel. “You fucking crazy fucks!” said Crow playfully as he tried hide his sadness. “Remember to come back, I can’t handle all the women of Centre Plate alone.” Crow hugged them all before he too left them to enter the war tent.

  Archie stepped up next to say goodbye to the parting commanders. “Knights honour and remember . . . keep your wits about you. What you’re doing is brave and could save the Centre Plate so don’t be too risky!” Archie then entered the war tent.

  Ragrim and Astaroth were the first two commanders in the War Hogs, their bond and friendship was strong and for the first time that Hiroki could recall he saw Ragrim’s smile vanish and give way to a more sombre expression. “Astaroth, you big fucking lummox, why d’ya have to get me all emotional now. Come back quick brother.”

  Astaroth knelt to reach his dear friend and Ragrim Hugged Astaroth and seemed to disappear within the gigantic muscular frame of the gargoyle, Angelika and Bellethiel joined in, and as sad as Hiroki was, he could not help but smile, a smile of love and pride towards the warriors he had grown up with. Ragrim wiped the tears from his eyes and made his way to the war tent to join Yoshihiro, Crow, Archie, and Tatsuya.

  Hiroki waited patiently for his turn to say goodbye and as he approached, Jadar had beaten him to it. Jadar threw her arms around Astaroth and Bellethiel. “You two fucks . . . be careful and remember, any danger and you leave at once.” She turned to Angelika. “Look at you all grown up and brave.” Jadar then whispered into Angelika’s ear. “Don’t forget to say goodbye to Hiroki . . . I think he . . . you know, the whole pathetic love thing.” Jadar then made her awkward and inevitable approach to Jessie who was preparing the mustangs.

  “Now what?” asked Jessie. “More abuse?”

  Jessie turned and before she could speak anymore Jadar grabbed her face with both hands and kissed her passionately. “I’m sorry Jessie, I’ve been a cunt. When you come back, I promise I’ll visit you and your village, who knows, if a time of peace emerges maybe I will jack this life in and be with you. The two of us in a cosy cabin deep in the woods undisturbed, now that sounds like bliss.”

  Jessie smiled and laughed, her smile was of relief and love for the beautiful hunter she had fallen for. “Of course I’ll come back you fool, I can’t die if I have you waiting for me.” Jessie and Jadar kissed again until Jadar painfully broke away and made her way to the war tent, not before looking back and taking one last look at her lover.

  The time had come for Hiroki to say his goodbyes, he approached Jessie first. “Goodbyes are never easy are they, don’t do anything silly Jessie, what you’re doing already is brave enough. I’m looking forward to seeing you again, I will definitely visit your village too and buy myself a horse, sorry my mistake . . . a mustang!”

  Jessie laughed and threw her arms around Hiroki. “You’re a nice boy Hiroki, I can sense many challenges ahead for you, but you're special, you’ll be fine.”

  The two new friends hugged again, and Hiroki made his way to Bellethiel, his feet sank with each step towards his best friend.

  Bellethiel greeted Hiroki with sarcasm as he fed one of the mustangs a couple of carrots. “I know, I know, say it Hiroki. I’m stupid, this can wait, we should go together.”

  “No brother, that would be selfish of me.” Hiroki and Bellethiel embraced each other tightly, it was as if Hiroki felt if he squeezed enough, Bellethiel would submit and decide to stay, Hiroki knew this would not be the case and continued, “It’s strange, were a travelling band of warriors and yet it’s not easy saying goodbye. I never thought I’d go a day without you by my side. You’re my best friend Bellethiel . . . if anything happened to you —”

  Bellethiel interjected sharply, his smile and merry voice was enhanced to put Hiroki at ease. “Hiroki, were not children anymore, we’re men and serve under the great Yoshihiro. If it was not a journey to the East, it would have been something else that pulled us apart.

  Bellethiel whistled and his beloved forest owl Zeke leapt from his perch and flew over to Bellethiel, he landed on Bellethiel’s arm, a thick brown leather glove protected his skin from the sharp talons of the gorgeous bird of prey.

  Bellethiel pulled out a glowing amber stone from his pocket which was the same size as a marble, a gold necklace adjoined to the amber like ball, Bellethiel bestowed it upon Hiroki and placed it around his neck.

  “What’s this?” asked Hiroki as the amber glowed.

  “Now Hiroki this is important so listen. That’s an amber stone of connection, amber stones bond with the spirits of animals and we woodlanders harness that connection. If you keep that around your neck, I can reach you telepathically. I can speak into the ears of Zeke and that stone will illuminate and you’ll be able to hear what I’m saying and talk back too, though it doesn’t last long then its power diminishes and cannot be used again for many days.”

  Hiroki gazed into the glowing amber. “Woodlanders! You people truly are an incredible race.”

  “Connecting magic with animals and nature, only woodlanders can do this . . . see we might be small, but we have our uses. I will keep you updated and warn you of any danger, it’ll be like I haven’t left you at all.”

  “Okay deal. You better keep me in the know brother, and if you’re in trouble, I’ll come for you right away.”

  Hiroki smiled and stared into Bellethiel’s green eyes, deep down inside he still felt sadness, but he had to allow his friend to make this journey.

  Woodlanders had fallen to persecution hundreds of years ago and were nearly wiped out by elves in a planned genocide, perhaps Bellethiel wanted to venture east to prevent anything like that happening again, perhaps he felt it was a calling, after all it would be ironic if a small woodlander like Bellethiel from a race viewed to be weak and pathetic by elves could end up saving and readying the Centre Plate from invading eastern forces.

  Astaroth had mounted on the biggest mustang Jessie had acquired like Hiroki envisioned, the big mustang named Brutus, he rode over to Hiroki to say goodbye and as he approached Hiroki laughed and spoke to his elder. “Astaroth . . . as soon as Jessie showed me that mustang, I knew it would be perfect for you. It's big and looks fearless, you two seem to be quite the partnership already. It looks calm with you; it must be your gargoyle aura.”

  The gentle giant smiled and spoke to Hiroki, the young boy he had helped raise. “From a young age, Hiroki, I knew you’d grow to be strong. I can sense battles on the horizon, you’re ready for the task at hand and alongside Yoshihiro, you will be formidable. The elders of my tribe always warned me of an impending invasion from the East, I take this journey to honour them. We will return from the East and fight it together, young one.”

  “You’ll avenge them too Astaroth, we both will.”

  Astaroth shook Hiroki’s hand and began to ride off into the distance to meet Jessie and Bellethiel, not before turning and speaking one last time. “Angelika awaits, I know you have feelings for her . . . say your goodbyes, I promise I’ll keep her safe.”

  Jessie led the line ahead as any guide would. She was mounted on Shiba and also led Rouge, who followed closely behind. Bellethiel was atop of Dash who rode alongside Jessie and Astaroth rode Brutus and followed at the rear, Hiroki noticed Bellethiel handing a black hooded cloak to Jessie, no doubt stealth was the main emphasis of this mission.

  Hiroki turned to Angelika who was ready to mount the last mustang Gervais, she had a look of inner despair, she knew leaving Hiroki after their night together would have hurt him. Hiroki made his way to the love of his life to say his goodbyes.

  Angelika was now also dressed in a black hooded cloak as Astaroth, Bellethiel and Jessie had, the blackness of the cloak was fitting and seemed to represent the feeling of Hiroki’s heart as all he had loved and grown up with began leaving him.

  Hiroki, eager to speak, took the initiative. “Angelika . . . why?” she didn’t respond and was clearly saddened, Hiroki continued
, “You know how I’ve always felt about you, after last night I thought we could begin our lives together, please tell me you feel the same.”

  Angelika kissed Hiroki, her lips were still as smooth as silk and her skin remained flawless as Hiroki caressed her face. Angelika then spoke and explained her reasons. “Hiroki, You have always had your path, you were to be Yoshihiro successor, apprentice and protégé, even at this young age your skills are legendary and people often tell tales of the blonde swordsman that trained under Yoshihiro. I’m a great mage and have also won battles but I need to walk my own path too and answer my own callings. If I can help warn every one of the East and pre-empt an invasion, then I will walk that path and lay down my life to protect lands that I love.”

  Hiroki spoke again with his heart laid out, open for Angelika to see. “But you could have given it some more time, then I could have gone with you, we all could have. If something was to happen to you.” Hiroki paused, he was about to reveal his inner nature. “Sometimes when I’m fighting, I feel a darkness, a darkness that I’ve seen in Yoshihiro and many enemies. Sometimes it feels the darkness will consume me and as my rage takes over in battle it’s your face, your voice and your being that holds it back. I don’t want to succumb to the monster inside me.”

  Angelika held Hiroki’s hands tightly as if it was to be the last time. “Even if I weren’t going east, I would have left one day anyway. I’ve always dreamt of training with the most powerful mages in Aura Haven, the mage homeland, I would have eventually left to go there.”

  “You’d be safe there though, no danger.”

  “The darkness in your heart, it can be removed, you have humanity Hiroki and you’re not a cold-blooded killer like Yoshihiro. You have bonded with a dragon. Little Thunder may be a grand dragon one day then you’ll be a swordsman of legend!” Angelika leaned into Hiroki for one final kiss and then whispered, “If the darkness in your heart grows strong, remember the mage philosophy . . . evil always succumbs to serenity.”