Killing Monsters

by R T Islington

  Angelika and Hiroki held each other tightly, for Hiroki this must have felt like eternity until Angelika pulled away to mount the great mustang Gervais and ride off.

  Gervais began to ride off, taking Angelika to unknown lands not before Angelika turned and spoke words that would cut through Hiroki’s heart but strangely heal it too. “I love you Hiroki, stay strong and on my return, we will marry.”

  Angelika covered her face within the hood of the black cloak to hide her tears and Hiroki stood still, planted into the soil as if it were quicksand that was about to swallow him up, he may have even wanted that.

  Hiroki watched on as Astaroth, Bellethiel, Angelika and Jessie rode off into the distance, the four of them shrouded in black hooded cloaks, they gradually faded away, far off into nothingness, they were gone and their journey into the East had begun.

  Yoshihiro emerged from the tent. “The goodbyes are over now boy, come, let us plot Darius’s murder and rid the centre of another piece of scum!”

  Chapter 16:

  Assassination

  Hiroki began making his way to the war tent, the war tent was the biggest type of tent that would be erected when creating mobile encampments and for good reason, as within the war tent Yoshihiro would lay out plans, battle strategies, secretive missions and in this case, a very high profile assassination.

  Darius Kazim was one of the most ruthless warlords known throughout Centre Plate and was feared by most, even by rival warlords. Darius commanded a well-rounded and skilled mobile army which was used to unleash unspeakable suffering on the innocent. That being said, Yoshihiro and Darius had worked together before.

  Many years ago, when the War Hogs were small in numbers, not wanting to dirty his own hands, Darius paid Yoshihiro and the War Hogs in mass riches to annihilate Darius’s competition and rival warlords, clearing the way for Darius to rule over local lands and villages, it would be fair to say the War Hogs handed Darius the keys to power. Yoshihiro despised Darius, he was a monster, that being said Yoshihiro needed the riches Darius offered as payment to build the War Hogs, Yoshihiro also knew that as much as he disliked Darius, the bounties offered by him often ended up with him killing other equally wicked beings and this served as another small reward for serving a monster.

  Darius was a mass raider and invaded small villages and settlements, upon successful raids the villages and settlements would surrender to him and pay a tax on everything they make, sell, and grow bringing in vast wealth. Darius’s brutality didn’t stop with the takeover of villages, any village that refused would be slaughtered and the empty land sold off, bringing Darius more wealth, he was also a child trafficker and kidnaped children to be sold as slaves and much worse.

  Darius ruled with an iron fist and Yoshihiro had to watch on for many years as he was unable to take down the tyrant until he had grown his own fighting force which took a number of years, the relationship between the two over the years had also soured as Yoshihiro began to refuse certain endeavours requested by Darius as the War Hogs had now begun to prosper and grow, the War Hogs had been grown into a mighty force high in numbers and skill which presented new and different opportunity’s from many other races and settlements. Darius grew angry, bitter, and wary towards Yoshihiro as Yoshihiro’s fighting force could no longer be matched by Darius, the Centre Plate began telling stories of the mighty War Hogs and their battle triumphs which further enraged Darius.

  One fateful night when the two met, Yoshihiro refused to aid Darius in a joint venture. A heated argument arose, and Hiroki, though a young boy at this time, still remembered the words bellowed out from Darius. “I fucking made you Yoshihiro! When you and your hogs were nothing you worked for me and my coin, you fed off scraps. Now you have the cheek to refuse my propositions! I should have killed you years ago when you were nothing but a lone swordsman with big dreams.”

  Yoshihiro turned to Darius. “You're right, you fat fuck, you should have killed me . . . but you didn’t. Now, I the great Yoshihiro command the most feared mobile clan of warriors in the lands and you can’t touch me, you're nothing now, nothing but a fat bitter jealous ageing old man.”

  “How dare you! You Rat!”

  “Don’t pretend our partnership didn’t benefit you too, I slaughtered your competition and put you in a position of power . . . Our sadistic, monstrous, and murderous natures benefited us both and now you sit in your throne with no threats, you should stick to what your good at which is abusing children! One more thing, if I see you again, I will eradicate you.”

  That was many years ago and seeing Darius verbally beaten by Yoshihiro still brought a smile to Hiroki’s face.

  Hiroki approached the war tent and stared at it reminiscently; he could recall most meetings within in it, when Yoshihiro would mastermind their next attacks and targets, Jadar and Tatsuya would argue over strategies whilst Astaroth tried to keep the peace. Crow would sometimes stroll in late, drunk, and smelling of womanly scents from mad nights of passion ,and Angelika and Hiroki would giggle and hide under the table when they were kids while the adults cursed and debated. Golden days, thought Hiroki.

  The war tent was of a long rectangular frame with a cloth roof which was ideal for mass meetings, the fabric of the tent was black and there were four flags situated on all corners of the tent which boasted the War Hogs Sigel.

  Hiroki looked back on the once prosperous encampment that dominated the lush green moorland. The days of peace were nice, but back to reality now, I guess. And as Hiroki began to enter the war tent, he saw Thunder flying towards him in the distance.

  Thunder looked different somehow, he hadn’t grown in size or changed colour, but in fact, for the first time it looked as though Thunder had mastered flight. The young dragon flew towards Hiroki at tremendous speed however Hiroki could sense he would not need to cushion the dragons landing this time and as the dragon approached, he spouted a magnificent burst of green dragon fire that was not like the usual feeble spots of fire that Hiroki was used to seeing, this burst of fire was of a maturing dragon growing in power.

  Thunder landed and rubbed his head against the right side of Hiroki’s torso. “I was hunting,” boasted Thunder proudly. “I did as you said, I stayed away from the sheep on the farmlands and hunted elk in the woods, they were delicious.” Thunder boasted a smile that was no different to an excitable child.

  “Well I’m glad you enjoyed your feast! I hope you're full Thunder, you need to eat and grow big and strong, especially if you’re going to be a grand dragon. Well done for staying away from the farms too. I still remember when you ate all the sheep on that small farm and Yoshihiro had to pay all the farmers! Yoshihiro looked furious.”

  Thunder and Hiroki were laughing hysterically at the distant memory until Hiroki continued, “I couldn’t help but notice you’re flying a lot better now which is good, and your green fire looks stronger.”

  Thunder responded, clearly happy with the praise. “I’ve got to get better at flying, I’ve been practising. I want to join you in battle one day and burn our foes to crisp. All dragons have green fire . . . don’t they?”

  Hiroki was becoming more comfortable at the thought of his dragon taking to the battle field, he knew with the unavoidable eastern invasion it would only be a matter of time, though deep down inside he wished he could send Thunder far off to unknown lands to be free from war and live in peace.

  “Well, Thunder, you see, a dragon's fire can be many different colours, but green is special. Only the grand Dragon Storm has ever had green fire so that makes you rather special too.”

  “So, can I join you in battle?” asked Thunder wishfully, he didn’t seem interested in the stories of green fire anymore.

  Hiroki had noticed that the young dragon had been showing a keen interest in battles and war and seemed to be drawn to it. “Well as I said, I may have a special mission for you soon. I don’t trust Darius at all, and I may need you to watch my back on this!”

  Thunder’s smile grew and his golde
n scales began to glow as if the dragon's excitement was triggering a deep rooted power. “If he tries to hurt you, I’ll kill him,” warned Thunder who seemed to be maturing day by day and displaying signs of a dragon's natural battle prowess, before the conversation could continue, out of nowhere a mighty roar was heard!

  Hiroki looked up, he was not afraid and had heard this roar before, it was the mighty Davorin. The gigantic dragon flew down from the sky at such speed Hiroki could feel the force of the wings moving from the mighty dragon and Davorin crashed into the ground a few hundred meters away from Hiroki and the war tent. The ground vibrated and the wind blew against Hiroki as if a mini storm had hit Hiroki head on.

  Davorin said, “I’m leaving, I’m due to return to Swordsman Shores, not before saying my goodbyes.” The commotion had been heard by Yoshihiro who came marching out of the war tent to investigate. Davorin continued, “You have exceeded my expectations Hiroki, to think I’d see you with a black headband, you are a shining example of a true swordsman and hope you continue to grow. Become the greatest, I eagerly await stories of your next endeavours . . . and remember, visit me on Swordsman Shores one day, you’ll find many gifted swordsmen on these lands to test yourself against and many wise teachers.”

  “That would be an honour!” declared Hiroki.

  Davorin turned his attention to Thunder. “Remember young one, learn, grow, train and control your power. There is something emanating within you, I can feel it. You may be the dragon that saves the world and rids it of evil . . . just like Storm did. The bond between the two of you is key.”

  Yoshihiro came marching over, he was angry. “What’s the meaning of this Davorin! Hiroki, I told you to get in the tent, we have much to plan, you too Thunder, and as you're so eager to burn down enemies with your green fire, I may have some good news for you, yes that’s right, I heard you talking!”

  Davorin interrupted the aggressive tirade from Yoshihiro. “Yoshihiro, if you’re going to go through with this plan of yours and kill Darius, I suggest you attack sooner rather than later, kill him swiftly, burn down his settlement and take no prisoners . . . you know of the monsters that serve him, show no mercy.”

  “I don’t need advice from a dragon Davorin, I have this well thought out, within days Darius will be dead, I guarantee it,” declared Yoshihiro.

  Davorin roared with laughter, the bond between Davorin and Yoshihiro was clear for all to see, Davorin had known Yoshihiro since he was a child and trained on Swordsman Shores. “I bid you all farewell and you too Yoshihiro, I shall return to Swordsman Shores . . . oh, I almost forgot . . . apparently if my sources are correct, he’s been seen again Yoshihiro, you know who don’t you.”

  For the first time in Hiroki’s life he saw Yoshihiro look somewhat uneasy, Yoshihiro said, “Let me guess . . . the swordsman? Don’t be silly, he’s dead.”

  There have been tales for some time across Centre Plate of a lone swordsman who has bonded with a grand dragon named Zen. This unknown and mysterious swordsman is said to be a sword for hire who pursues certain customers. The stories tell of this swordsman offering his services to hunt down and kill evil warlords, rapists, murderers, and child abusers. Nobody knows the swordsman’s name, but he flies across the lands unleashing Zen’s dragon fire on the wicked and evil and if he senses the foes have respectable combat ability he calls off Zen and seeks to end their lives via sword duels to the death, seemingly testing his own swordsmanship. It’s not known what this swordsman desires, though he is celebrated and revered by all, especially the innocent. He's a beacon of hope for many.

  The grand dragon Zen is said to be the biggest grand dragon in all the lands. Its rumoured Zen has a wingspan of one hundred and ten meters with only the legendary Storm allegedly being bigger who has long since mysteriously disappeared. Zen’s scales are of a snake like pattern with multi circular colours, the core colour of the scales is black but there are also circular gold, red and green patterns throughout his body. The gigantic wings on Zen are red and when blasting red fire his wings are said to glow. Zen’s eyes are red, and he has a trio of horns at the top of his skull which glow different colours depending on his mood. Zen is often seen soaring through the sky and his roar is said to be as loud as thunder.

  Davorin could sense Yoshihiro becoming agitated. “Yoshihiro, search your heart, you know the stories are true . . . you don’t believe he’s dead, do you? He is a powerful ancient being, I doubt you could have killed him!”

  “Enough!” roared Yoshihiro. “You have no right to talk about him to me. Let the past die Davorin. I killed him!”

  Davorin replied sarcastically. “Well maybe I’m wrong. I’m sure it’s common to see people with green hair and golden eyes!” Hiroki sensed Yoshihiro’s anger and fear, it didn’t stop Davorin from continuing. “Yes, it must have been somebody else, and yet I wonder, what would he do if he saw you . . . if he was alive!

  “I’d kill him again! You know of his evil Davorin. I did what was needed.”

  An awkward silence befell the group until Davorin spoke again. “Yes, you did. I know he was your friend but be careful. You can run from your past but if it chases you, it’s no longer the past and becomes destiny.” Davorin turned to Hiroki and Thunder. “Farewell. I’ll see you again, I’m sure!”

  Davorin took to the sky, his wings flapped and sounded thunderous as gusts of mighty wind propelled him into the sky. Yoshihiro, Hiroki, and Thunder watched on until Davorin disappeared into the distance, the guardian of Swordsman Shores had left.

  Yoshihiro turned to Hiroki and Thunder and sombrely said, “I’ll explain another time, please, enter the tent.”

  Hiroki could sense a sadness in Yoshihiro, he and Thunder did not speak, instead they entered the war tent as their leader commanded.

  The war tent was exactly how Hiroki expected it to look considering this tent was practically Yoshihiro’s command post. The tent was clean inside, there were gold seats with red suede seated paddings and arm rests, no doubt these had been acquired after successful raids and as tokens of payments, some chairs also had gemstones embedded into the gold framings, arm rests and legs. Towards the far end of the tent was a makeshift oak table that was well kept, it had been expertly sanded down, on the table laid a detailed map of Centre Plate, Hiroki recalled many meetings around this table with Yoshihiro planning methods of attacks against multiple enemies. Around the table were tree trunks that had been masterfully forged into seats, they too had been sanded down, shaped, and even had back rests shaped for maximum comfort. In the far corner of the tent were several giant oak chests, there was so much gold, gems and precious artefacts in the chests that the lids could not shut and therefore all the riches were on show symbolising the wealth acquired by the War Hogs due to successful battles, it didn’t matter that the chests were not closed as nobody would be brave or silly enough to try and steal from Yoshihiro. Throughout the tent there were multiple wooden mannequins which were dressed in different kimonos and battle armours, one mannequin displayed golden eleven armour, another steel knight’s armour, and another after that boasted thick heavy armour cast out of meteorite. One mannequin caught Hiroki’s eye, is was covered by a woman’s kimono, the kimono was purple and displayed patterns of pink cherry blossoms falling from a great tree, this was Vanya’s kimono, Yoshihiro’s love, though he had not seen her for much time, perhaps he harboured hope that the beautiful elven warrior would return to him.

  Before he could think of Vanya anymore, he turned to Yoshihiro and the commanders, and Thunder had already made his way to them and was sitting next to Ragrim. The commanders were sat cross legged in a cushioned seating area in a circular formation, the area was soft with many cushions and silks providing much comfort for when long discussions were to be had and Hiroki thought sensibly, Well, if they’re not standing by the table looking at maps, there can’t be a mass battle of the horizon . . . a simple assassination it is, then! And Hiroki joined his warriors and sat cross legged next to Yoshihiro in the cir
cle.

  Yoshihiro pulled a small note from his pocket. “I received this some days ago via a pigeon sent by Darius. He requests our help to wipe out two rival warlords who have joined their forces to attack him and take over his lands.”

  “But we're not going to!” said Tatsuya abruptly. “We're going to kill Darius instead!”

  “Don’t be so fucking stupid, why would we do that? He’s nothing to us now. Let the fat old man die!” barked Jadar arrogantly

  Tatsuya glared at Jadar bitterly. “We are going to kill him . . . I’m owed, aren’t I Yoshihiro.”

  “What’s he talking about Yoshihiro?” asked Archie with an uneasy tone. Hiroki knew what was coming, Tatsuya had told him of the fate that befell his family and the pact made with Yoshihiro.

  “Tell them,” commanded Tatsuya sombrely.

  Yoshihiro rose and addressed his commanders. He told them of Tatsuya’s story and that Darius had murdered his family many years ago, the story had the same impact on them as it did Hiroki and though Ragrim, Archie, Crow and Jadar despised Tatsuya, the shock and heartache at Tatsuya’s tale was apparent on their faces. The silence was deafening and seemed to linger for minutes.

  Jadar, who hated Tatsuya the most, was the first to respond. “Tatsuya, I’m rarely lost for words. Why didn’t you say?” Tatsuya didn’t respond.

  Ragrim rose next and approached Tatsuya, he patted him on the back like a friend, this was perhaps the first time in Hiroki’s life he’d seen anyone show acts of kindness towards the poison master and assassin. “I’m sorry, I truly am. I’ve always known Darius was a monster, just never thought one of us would have fallen victim to his monstrous actions.” Again, Tatsuya didn’t speak.

  Crow rose, he seemed enraged, it was like the death of Tatsuya’s family was a declaration of war, a long overdue declaration. “Fuck it, I’m in! that may have been years ago, but we the War Hogs stick together. This is about honour and brotherhood . . . and of course, an evil fucking warlord that needs killing!”