“Yes, as you wish.” Vinnakeon responded leading them away.
Hiroki noticed a tear upon Ragrim’s cheek, he cradled Ragrim with his left arm. “I’m okay lad, I’m okay,” whispered Ragrim.
As the War Hogs began leaving Slaver’s Square, they ventured past multiple brothels, the entrance to the brothels were guarded by local henchmen, no doubt they worked for the owners of the brothels and were paid handsomely to keep order within the lucrative establishments.
A vast variety of women were on display, luring in men with their charm and promises of good times, some of the women were topless and allowed would be customers to squeeze and feel their supple breasts before brokering a deal, some women were middle aged with rough looking faces that told stories of hardships and tough times, then there were the young ones, teenagers who perhaps had ran away from home or had no family to depend on, one young girl looked to be no older than fifteen, she was pretty and had brown eyes which matched here short brown hair and she was of a slim build.
The young worker locked eyes with Hiroki and approached him, she forcefully grabbed his arm and placed it in-between her legs. “Three gold coins for the tightest fanny in Cutthroat’s Grasp,” she yelped at him.
Hiroki was saddened and taken back by the unfortunate life this helpless young woman had been thrown into, Hiroki couldn’t help but think She’s no more than fifteen, how has she been driven to this? Using this language, being this forceful, treating her own body like a tool rather than flesh and blood. Hiroki pulled back .“Sorry, not today.”
After refusing the young girl’s proposal he withdrew ten gold coins from his drawstring purse and one small ruby, the young girl looked shocked. Hiroki continued, “There’s enough there for a meal, a warm bed, a place to wash and enough to travel. Find a small village and start again.”
The young girl seemed stunned by the gesture. “Storm’s praise to you swordsman.” She then ran into the crowd until she vanished into the sea of people.
Vinnakeon noticed the gesture, as did Yoshihiro and War Hogs, Vinnakeon seemed pleased. “You’re a good young man Hiroki.” Vinnakeon then spoke to Yoshihiro. “You done well raising this one, you should be proud.” Yoshihiro smiled but did not speak.
Brothel upon brothel stood side by side as they were leaving slavers square and the youth of the workers also varied, Hiroki looked upon a group of children, three girls and four boys, all were under the age of twelve and before Hiroki could take in the sombre sight the brothel door opened. A big brutish man opened the door. The man was easily six-two; stocky and rough looking, his scarred face and yellow teeth led Hiroki to believe he was an enforcer of some kind for whoever owned that brothel.
“Come on ya little shits, there’s work to do. Be nice little girls and boys for our customers today . . . and remember, smile and say yes!” The brute’s perversion made Hiroki sick to his stomach, he felt the urge to draw his sword as he had done at the gates earlier and rid the world of another piece of scum. The man caught Hiroki staring at him, he glared at Hiroki, turned, and slammed the door.
Vinnakeon began leading them up a quite clean pathway to an impressive, grey brick and stained glass keep which boasted giant tapestries and flags signifying the yellow rat and dagger sewn in yellow on black.
“Impressive.” Crow declared as he observed the structure. “Let me guess, that’s where the fat cunt lives?”
Vinnakeon glanced at Crow. “Yes, that’s Darius’s living quarters up ahead.”
Hiroki let his tongue slip again. “Impressive living quarters, living quarters built upon blood, genocide and slavery.”
“Calm yourself, Hiroki,” commanded Yoshihiro.
Vinnakeon echoed Yoshihiro’s warning. “You will do well to calm your emotions on arrival young swordsman.”
“Sorry, I will great elf, I promise,” declared Hiroki.
Vinnakeon was taken back by the way Hiroki addressed him. “Oh, there’s nothing great about me, I’m just an arrogant prick that was sent here as punishment by my elven King and Queen.”
“Why?” asked Hiroki innocently.
“Oh, you’re gonna love this Hiroki,” said Crow playfully. “This story is why we all love Vinnakeon here.”
Everyone laughed, even Vinnakeon who then explained how he had found himself serving a ghastly warlord.
Vinnakeon told of his story from many years ago, he was hired by the elven queen Allastaniel to teach and train her in the art of protective magic such as barriers and force fields, no doubt the type that protected Hiroki from the flurry of arrows at the entrance gate earlier.
Vinnakeon was a renowned warrior on the western Elven lands of Storms Wrath and the queen picked him out personally due to his reputation. The two became close and fell in love, though she was due to marry the king, King Ballamaegon. Vinnakeon could not hide his feelings and pleaded with the queen, he asked her to run away with him and she refused, furthermore she comforted in the king and told him of Vinnakeon’s love for her. Ballamaegon grew wild and furious and the punishment for such an offensive should have been death. To make matters worse, the queen was much older than Vinnakeon, as he was a young man at the time. The Supreme Elven Court ordered Vinnakeon to be banished rather than executed, due to his knowledge, skill and accomplishments in battle which was his saving grace.
He was dumped upon Centre Plate and left to fend for himself, in due course he would cross paths with Yoshihiro and his War Hogs as well as Darius and he had even fought alongside Yoshihiro a few times, though he chose to reside with Darius as he was showered with great wealth and riches for his services, whilst Yoshihiro’s proposal of building a fighting force seemed bland and unrewarding.
Vinnakeon concluded. “And so, I’ve been with Darius ever since, a fair punishment for my indiscretions. Truth be told I do grow bored here, the savagery from Darius has grown over the years and it’s becoming very distasteful. I’ll be leaving soon!”
Yoshihiro and his commanders were shocked. “Leaving? What do you mean? Where are you going old friend?” asked Archie.
Archie’s question was met merrily by Vinnakeon. “I don’t know, I’ve promised Darius I’d stay for this last conquest then I will be off. I desire seclusion and will travel the lands learning as much as I can, I may even use my skills to help others . . . wouldn’t that be nice.”
“Seems as though you’ll be living a knight’s life!” declared Archie cheerfully. His nose began to bleed slightly due to his illness. Archie wiped the blood away quickly, but not before Vinnakeon noticed.
“You should come with me Archie, you're dying, spend your last days exploring new sights rather than bloody fields of slaughter.”
“I have a job to do, the East is coming,” replied Archie.
“So I’ve heard. I’m sure war is on the horizon.”
“When is it not!” declared Yoshihiro.
Vinnakeon and the War Hogs now stood outside Darius' living quarters. The elf clapped his hands and the thick oakwood doors opened and guards at the doors stepped aside whilst Vinnakeon’s private troop of guards that had followed him entered the keep. “Now, shall we enter.”
Yoshihiro spoke once more to his old friend. “You should join us.”
Vinnakeon objected. “My life has been a strange balance of success and failure. On the battlefield I was unequalled and celebrated. Off of it, my decisions in life have been poor. Not joining you years ago was another poor decision, but life is pulling me into another direction now my friend, I cannot join you. I will however savour our time here on this last endeavour. Come, step forward, Darius awaits.”
The War Hogs entered Darius’s living quarters, where the fat warlord was sat on his throne waiting.
Chapter 18:
Darius Kazim
The inside of Darius’s living quarters mimicked that of a great king cheeky bastard. He lives in such luxury whilst his people starve and suffer, not to mention the countless lives he’s slaughtered, thought Hiroki in a private rage.
/> Darius’s abode was that of a great hall, the floors were masterfully marbled and shone beautifully, the marbled floor tiles seemed to have been polished recently, the marble was a mix of black, grey and red, the grey bricked flawless walls bore scented candles in every nook and cranny and the fragrance resembled a sweet smell of vanilla and butterscotch. Up above, mass cast iron circular candle holders hung from the ceiling which further illuminated the great hall and more flags had been erected from the walls on iron poles which bore the yellow rat, more tapestries also hung from the walls further signalling Darius’s dominance. Directly left of the entrance was a great bathing area, the bathing pool was still hot, and steam secreted from the water, no doubt many whores had joined the warlord in this pool over the years. Hiroki had never bathed in such luxury before and couldn’t help but think now that looks appealing! After days of battle and conflict, bathing in such a pool must be glorious, I bet the hot water feels lovely. I’d stay in there until my skin shrivelled.
To the right of the entrance displayed a long grand rectangular feeding table, no doubt Darius would stuff his face here every day to the delicacies of roasted hog, duck, deer, and many other luxurious meats. The table was of dark oak which was held together with black cast iron, the seats were also of a dark oak and cast iron pairing, the seats were high and solid and had suede cushioned arm rests and seats, they were more thrones than dinner seats which infuriated Hiroki more. The rear of the great hall was curtained off with silk curtains however one curtain had not been fully closed, Hiroki stared and could make out what was clearly a large bedding area. The bedding area was large, circular and could no doubt have served well over ten adults at the same time, golden silk pillows and sheets seemed to shine, and silver bowls filled with grapes laid upon the bed. The luxury enraged Hiroki even more. I bet the sick cunt has laid with many in that bed, possibly young kids as well. I wonder if the grand dragon Storm was here, would he tolerate such filth?
The greedy, villainous and fat warlord finally said, “Come now friends, don’t be shy, I don’t bite . . . hard! Come closer and stand beneath my throne.”
Yoshihiro, Hiroki, and the commanders made their way to Darius’s throne as Vinnakeon moved forward slightly quicker and stood to the left of the stairwell that led to the throne. Opposite Vinnakeon stood a woodlander, he stood to the right of the marbled stairs that led to the throne.
The woodlander seemed smaller than Bellethiel, he must have been an inch short of five two, though still bore that trademark dark green skin of woodlanders, his ears were also sharp and pointy, and his eyes were orange. The woodlander was smooth shaven but had his thick black hair tied into a bun and wore brown leather boots, baggy green breeches, a cream tunic and a perfectly fitted brown leather jerkin. The woodlander had a large bow tied behind his back, no doubt like all woodlanders his archery was most probably masterful, and his belt buckle displayed a vast collection of daggers and throwing knives. He looked younger than Bellethiel and bore a more innocent look.
Either side of Vinnakeon and the mysterious woodlander was a marbled set of stairs that lead to Darius and his throne, the stairs matched the colours of the hall floor and shone beautifully, atop of the stairs sat Darius on his throne. The throne was of thick black marble and looked flawless, it was polished so well it shone like a gemstone, the throne seat was smooth and seemed soft and the high marble backrest adjoined to a black marbled extension which bore carvings of rats with daggers in the mouths amongst human skulls that were also marbled. The throne must have been made by a bespoke marble crafter and the design clearly had been chosen by Darius himself.
Having reached the bottom of the marbled steps Darius addressed the War Hogs again. “The mighty War Hogs. It’s been sometime, hasn’t it.”
Darius looked to be the physical embodiment of gluttony and greed. He was a short man that stood at five six, he was fat and hairy chested, bauld and thick bearded and his skin was of a brown complexion which matched his deep brown eyes. Despite his bald head he had managed to grow a long ponytail which reached to just above his buttocks and he sported a vast array of jewellery ranging from rings, necklaces and gauntlets, all were solid gold with carvings of rats present for all to see. Darius’s clothing matched his wealth, he sported short brown boots and his cream baggy breeches were tucked into the short boots, he wore a silk purple jerkin with gold stitching which was opened and revealed his fat hairy stomach and sagging man breasts as well as his broad hairy arms.
Hiroki couldn’t help but notice that despite his weight, he did still resemble a broad build and no doubt he had indeed been a fearsome warrior himself at some point in time, though as with all men who acquire wealth and luxury he perhaps would rather seek enjoyment from dinner tables than battlefields.
Yoshihiro spoke spitefully. “You’ve gotten fatter! It seems as though success has made you weak.”
Darius responded, “Yoshihiro my old friend, it’s good to see you again.” Darius spoke with sarcasm and laughed.
“It’s been many years,” declared Yoshihiro. “The War Hogs rule the centre now . . . just like you used to.”
Darius seemed visibly angered by the statement that he knew to be true. “I’d worry more about the East rather than ruling the centre if I was you!” Darius turned his attention to Ragrim. “And there’s little Ragrim, you're still fat, it makes you look shorter!” Darius laughed at his own joke wildly, much to Ragrim’s dismay.
“Watch yourself Darius!” warned Ragrim. “We don’t fucking serve you anymore ya cunt! Nobody here would care if I stuck my hammer up your shitter!”
Darius seemed to be enjoying himself insulting his guests, he looked upon Crow. “Crow you fucker, I was hoping you were dead! I heard about the curse that witch bestowed upon you! Such a shame!”
“We all have our curses,” confirmed Crow. “I’m cursed to never feel love or father children, I’d still rather be me though compared to a fat bauld fuck like you!”
“You should be very careful, Crow. Don’t forget where you stand. I could click my fingers and have you all slaughtered.” Darius was right, they were in his settlement surrounded by thousands of his men.
Yoshihiro interjected to try and ease tensions. “We are here to discuss your offer Darius, not insult each other. Make this quick.”
Darius ignored Yoshihiro and turned his attention to Jadar. “Oh and look at the lovely Jadar,” said Darius perversely as he seemingly undressed her with his eyes. “you still look like a whore my lovely.”
“A whore that luckily doesn’t get touched by men like you!” hissed Jadar.
“Yes, but I bet your daddy and his friends touched you a few times didn’t they!”
“You fat fuck! Roared Jadar.
Darius laughed hysterically and turned to Archie. “Archie? Is that you? Fucking hell, ain’t you dead yet, you old cunt! I heard about your illness; such a shame, isn’t it.”
Archie, wise as he was, maintained his calm. “Indeed, I’m dying, there’s still some enough time for me to do some good yet.”
Darius expected an insult, he didn’t receive one from the knight, Archie’s maturity seemed to best him. Darius ignored Archie and looked upon Tatsuya. “Tatsuya! How’s work?” Tatsuya didn’t respond, he glared back with hollow eyes, Darius continued, “With your skills Tatsuya, you’d earn a lot of coin working for me, you interested?” again Tatsuya didn’t respond. “Still a man of few words, okay fine.”
It seemed as though Darius had finished with his insults and crude jibes, and he then noticed Hiroki. “Oh, this must be the little boy you rescued, I see you sport a black headband, very impressive, though you were trained by the best!” Hiroki ignored the compliment which seemed to enrage Darius who decided to test Hiroki some more. “You’re a very pretty boy, shame I didn’t get to you before Yoshihiro did, you’d fetch much coin in my brothels boy! Tell me, how can a young man that’s prettier than most girls be so fearsome.” Again Hiroki ignored the vile joust from Darius who was seemingly
becoming more and more frustrated at the lack of interaction from the swordsman. Darius became more perverse. “Tell me Hiroki, what’s in-between your legs . . . a cock or a tight fanny?”
Hiroki lost his cool again. “I tell you what, you cunt, come closer and I’ll show you.”
Hiroki drew his sword, much to the dismay of Vinnakeon and Yoshihiro who had warned him of Darius’s mind games.
“Calm yourself boy,” bellowed Yoshihiro. “Sheath your sword, do not forget Darius offers much needed coin.” Hiroki withdrew his sword and glared at Darius who laughed at the young swordsman. Yoshihiro continued, “Let us not pretend to be friends, state your offer for our consideration.”
Darius scoffed and responded cautiously. “Yes, well before that, allow me to protect myself.”
Darius clapped his hands and a set of solid oak doors opened from the rear of the hall, to Hiroki’s shock, four young warriors began walking towards them, all were women and of a dark skin tone and sported marvellous gold armour and chainmail and all were armed with spears and shields, Hiroki had heard of them, they were the sisters of seasons.
The four sisters formed a line at the foot of the stairs that lead to Darius’s throne, their line adjoined perfectly and put them in sync with Vinnakeon and the mysterious woodlander.
The first woman in the line, whose name was Winter, was stood at five foot four; she was slim, slender and looked quick. She had long white dreadlocks, blue eyes and looked cold and vicious.
The second also had a build of slenderness, although her hair was braided and orange, she had brown eyes and gold ear piercings, her name was Summer, and she stood slightly taller at five six.
A bald headed woman stood next in line, she was of an athletic build and also boasted the same gold armour as well as a shield and spear, her eyes were brown and seemed soulless, her name was Spring, she stood at around five eight.
Last in line was the sister named Autumn, she was tall and reached six feet in height, she had a muscular appearance and her dreadlocks were short and gold, she looked powerful and fearless and glared at the War Hogs as if battle was to commence.
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