The sisters of seasons got their names thanks to the seasons of which Darius had taken them in when they were born. They were from poor nearby villages whose parents had sold them for coin as they could not afford to raise children. Darius, at the time had a desire to acquire a personal guard to protect him and conjured up a plan to train a small group of children from birth to be his loyal guard, they were well trained warriors and would lay down their lives to protect Darius, though they knew deep down inside they were slaves, despite their status and privileges.
The mysterious woodlander stepped forward and said, “My name is Tawarkion, I’ve been advising Darius for some time now as well as gathering intel and advising of battle strategies.”
“Yes,” bellowed Darius. “My woodlander friend here has been of good use. A wise investment indeed.”
Tawarkion seemed to cringe at Darius’s comment, he continued, “An unfortunate union of two rival warlords has seen them set their sights upon our lands and our efforts alone will not be enough to fight back the threat that awaits.”
Yoshihiro knew what was coming. “So, Darius needs our help!” The fact seemed to enrage Darius, though he knew it to be true.
“Yes,” replied Tawarkion. “We are in need of your fighting force, furthermore one of the warlords has come into possession of a famed power cube, I trust you know the legend of these artefacts?”
Jadar stepped forward and said, “Of course we do, though we believed the cubes to be of myth, a child’s story told at bedtimes around the map to keep children happy.”
Tawarkion responded in an unfortunate and serious tone. “If only, brave hunter. I specialise in scouting and tracking, some time ago I managed to sneak into the warlord’s territory, I’ve seen the cube in all its glory with my own eyes.”
Before Jadar could respond Ragrim spoke inquisitively. “Tell me woodlander, we know of how Vinnakeon came to serve Darius, but what of you? Woodlanders are secretive and rarely leave The Forest of Deep Green. How have you come to serve at Darius’s side?”
Tawarkion told a story of how he had been ambushed whilst on his way to Dwarven Peaks to acquire dwarven crafted bows and arrows, he managed to escape but was badly injured and stumbled upon Cutthroat’s Grasp.
The story seemed plausible however Hiroki and his fellow commanders rightfully had their doubts. Yoshihiro spoke to Hiroki telepathically. “I don’t believe this story; it seems as though the woodlanders have spies planted in places other than the East. Perhaps they wanted information regarding the Centre Plate as well as the East. We will humour this story for now, but I doubt this Tawarkion chap was stupid enough to get ambushed. Don’t forget, woodlanders are master spies and scouts.”
Tawarkion continued his story. “Darius was kind and provided me with much wealth and luxury for my services and botany skills upon rescuing me. As you know, life outside of our great forest is tough for woodlanders, I wanted to return the favour to the great Darius. I have lived here happily ever since. I will be leaving once Darius’s rivals have been eradicated.”
“Enough of this bullshit! I haven’t bought you here to riminess about the past,” roared Darius, who no doubt wanted to state his claim, and so he did.
Darius told of two famed rival warlords who had joined forces to invade Darius’s lands and spread the rewards between themselves.
The first warlord was known throughout the Centre Plate and was referred to as a monster, he was known as the Bronze Giant and controlled a territory known as The Blood-Soaked Lands. The Bronze Giant was a mountain of man, stories told of how he stood at seven feet tall and was broad, muscular, and athletic. He wore thick heavy bronze armour in battle and wielded a giant bronze battle axe. The Bronze Giant was barbaric and slaughtered and tortured for fun. It was rumoured that upon Seizing entire villages all the women over fourteen years of age were sent to him and were raped and murdered, the more unfortunate ones were also kept as pets in cages and tortured, much to the giant’s pleasure. The giant’s face was said to be disfigured and his skin was allegedly covered in wart-like scales due to an unknown skin condition. The giant has made much wealth selling land and villages that have been ransacked by the monster, similarly to Darius, he sells slaves too.
Tawarkion spoke again. “I snuck into a small village some way from here two months ago. I witnessed the horrors of the giant’s conquest. He kicked down the door of a small household which harboured a husband and wife and their two children, both girls, both under ten years of age.”
Vinnakeon interrupted. “You don’t have to tell this tale again Tawarkion.”
“I do,” declared Tawarkion glumly. He continued, “He beat the parents while the children hid in the corner, then he tore the head off the husband's shoulders with his bare hands, I’d never seen such brutality. He made the mother strip, then he raped her in front of the children, when he was finished, he dragged her outside, hung her upside down and chopped her in half with his axe. I will never forget that sight, the axe tore through the women smoothly and easily as his men cheered. The giant roared and signalled his men to re-enter the house, the two girls . . . were . . . they . . . were raped as well then thrown into a mass fire. The giant burned all the villagers to a crisp and after, in the morning, I saw him feast on their charred flesh.”
This story was met with silence that seemed to linger for some time, even the wicked Darius bore a look of sadness.
Winter stepped forward; her blue eyes locked onto Yoshihiro. “The giant also controls a clan one thousand strong, combining that force with his new allies and you see don’t you, we cannot match this.”
The orange headed sister, Summer, also pleaded with Yoshihiro. “We need your help, great swordsman, combined with the other warlord they will have a force of over two thousand strong, we do not have those numbers.”
“Correct,” replied Tawarkion. “Our army boasts fifteen hundred, they are more brawlers and ambush experts than warriors. Aside from myself, Vinnakeon and the sisters of seasons, we do not harbour great warriors here. We are a clan of rough and ready brawlers, nothing more.”
Darius displayed a look of great frustration which seemed to please Yoshihiro who could not help but poke at his nemesis. “The great Darius, you once prospered and ruled with fear, it seems as though you have gotten fat and soft. You have focused too much on your brothels, slavery and child exploitation, your army has gotten soft, fit for only ambushes on the weak. I could march my hogs here now and take this town!”
“The you will have to face me!” barked the sister known as Spring, she seemed fearless and well drilled. Her spear and shield seemed firm and as her bald head shone in the sun that protruded through the stain glass windows of the keep, she seemed to smile, clearly excited by combat.
The gold dreadlocked sister known as Autumn stepped forward to diffuse the aggression. “Please, all of you, let Tawarkion finish his story.”
Hiroki addressed Tawarkion. “I have a dear friend who is also a woodlander. I know of your scouting and spying skills as well as your archery and blade wielding abilities. I trust you gained knowledge regarding the second warlord who the giant aligns himself with?”
Tawarkion smiled, nodded and continued, “Yes, the second warlord is equally as deadly, though he has his own methods of evil. His name is Jerome Gillie, though you may have heard him referred to as The Raging Lion. Allow me to explain.”
Tawarkion told Hiroki and his comrades of The Raging Lion, a man who rides a giant land lion into battle and who controls a territory not too far from Darius.
Jerome Gillie or The Raging Lion as some call him, made his wealth by ambushing would-be travellers on the long-isolated roads and mountain passes. Jerome and his clan would stalk large convoys which carried all types of goods and when the time was right, when the convoys were far from help, the Raging Lion would pounce.
Jerome charges into battles and raids mounted on his huge lion, the lion's roar is said to be ferocious and can be heard many miles away. Jerome leads th
e charges and attacks all in his way, slashing and striking all beneath him from the saddle of his lion, those who escape Jerome’s attacks don’t escape the Lion. Jerome can dismount and command his lion to attack his foes and tear them limb from limb, which he has done on many occasions. The lion is said to be the size of a destrier horse which is unusually large, even for a land lion. The lion’s eyes are red, his fur is a dark brown, and his mane is rumoured to be blood red and is thick and long. Many witnesses have told of how with one strike of its paw, the lion lacerates and dismembers the flesh of men and can bite through a man’s neck effortlessly with its ferocious jaws.
Jerome does not strike the same intimidating appearance as The Bronze Giant but still boasts a respectable build and size. Jerome stands at one inch shy of six feet, broad and muscular with a necklace displaying human skulls, he is of a dark skin complexion and dresses in attire made from animal fur which consists of a long baggy white jerkin made from wolf fur, a thick brown kilt made from bear hide, boots and gauntlets of brown leather smothered in bright orange fox fur and he wields a silver longsword masterfully.
Jerome resides in his territory known as Lions Pass, a rough area that adjoins a small mountain range and he commands a force of fifteen hundred, most of which also mount upon land lions. Jerome and his savages attack quick and swift and have pillaged many convoys regardless of whether they are guarded or not, The Raging Lion is also a famed slaver, he takes women and children to auctions across the map to be sold for coins and gems.
As Tawarkion had finished detailing the two warlords Archie interjected, “So yes, we can all agree the foes are fearsome and a combined force of two thousand five hundred cannot be scoffed at, however I have a question. Tell me, how have these warlords come into the possession of a power cube?”
“You beat me to the punch old friend, my thoughts exactly,” echoed Ragrim.
Tawarkion bore a look of dismay and continued, “The Raging Lion discovered the cube deep within the mountain ranges that adjoin to Lions Pass, obviously he had no idea what it was until one of his slaves saw the artefact and informed him of the myth.
Since then, his raids have decreased and he now spends his time deep within the mountains looking for more, his slaves are no longer sold either, instead he forces them to work the mountains digging and exploring.”
Darius gazed upon the War Hogs, Hiroki could sense an uneasiness as no doubt his future weighed heavily on Yoshihiro’s decision. “So, Yoshihiro, are you up to the task? Can you handle this?”
“What are you offering me for this Darius? And how many men will you send into battle?”
Yoshihiro knew Darius’s men were not warriors and would be useless in an open battle, he perhaps asked the question to agitate the Darius some more.
“None, I’m not risking my men, that’s why I’ll pay you handsomely. You have a force of over three thousand. You can win this, you cheeky cunt! I can’t risk my numbers.”
Hiroki seemed angered by the lack of effort from Darius, he joined the conversation passionately. “You ask for the world but offer very little, fat warlord. I think Yoshihiro was right, perhaps we should march upon you before the giant and lion do, we could take this settlement and all you're worth.”
Darius roared with rage. “How dare you, you cheeky fucking insect! You speak to me like that in my own quarters. If Yoshihiro wasn’t here, I'd cut your tongue out!”
Tawarkion sensed yet again a voice of reason would be required, and he announced the reward Darius was yet to offer. “One Thousand gold pieces, a chest of rubies, two flawless diamonds and you can have the lands that belong to the lion and the giant. All we ask is you slay them both and bring US the power cube.”
A silence befell all in the great hall as Yoshihiro pondered on the thought, he drew his sword and stared into the diamond carving of the butterfly which laid upon the hilt of his sword, it was as if Yoshihiro knew the War Hogs only had one more battle left in them as no doubt the East would invade in months to come and threaten the entire Centre Plate.
Yoshihiro had made his decision. “Darius, you have yourself a deal, and don’t worry, your men can stay here as they won’t be needed. We will make haste and spend our time preparing to meet the warlords head on.”
Darius bore a look of pending bad news. “Sorry Yoshihiro, there is one detail I forgot to mention. Tawarkion here ventured out some days ago and confirmed the warlords have begun their march already. They will be here in two days!”
“You fucking pig!” roared Yoshihiro. “You could have warned me via the pigeon you sent days ago! You just tell me now!”
Vinnakeon interrupted. “Yoshihiro, Darius here didn’t think you’d accept, he wasn’t going to send the pigeon at all to make this offer, however had he not, you would have crossed paths with them anyway and a battle would have been inevitable.”
To Yoshihiro’s frustration, he could not argue against that, Darius had indeed thrown Yoshihiro a lifeline, though be it for his own selfish gain.
“Two days,” mumbled Yoshihiro. “Two days . . . fine, let us leave.”
“I will accompany you to the gates,” declared Vinnakeon cheerfully who perhaps wanted some more time with his old friends.
As the War Hogs began leaving Darius bid them farewell. “Yoshihiro, remember . . . this is our last dance. When this deed is done, never again will we speak.” Darius grinned. “I will be here waiting, try to stay alive.”
Yoshihiro did not speak and continued his departure, Jadar spat on the marbled floor. “That’s what I think of you Darius. Have one of your slaves clean that up.”
Darius glared at Jadar, it was obvious he would love nothing more than to take her head and as the War Hogs began to leave Hiroki turned to see Tatsuya had not left, he seemed enraged, surely he had not lost his cool and had decided to end Darius’s life now. Hiroki began to panic. No Tatsuya, not now, don’t kill him now!
Tatsuya stepped forward and began walking towards the warlord, his eyes were filled with rage and his fists were clenched with an aura of vengeance.
“What’s wrong Tatsuya? Lost already?” laughed Darius. “The door is that way.”
Tatsuya halted and said, “I couldn’t help but notice a stall in the marketplace, they were selling herbal remedies and potions, one was named Throats Whisper and was said to soothe breathing conditions and aid people short of breath. That’s a very rare concoction and the ingredients are hard to find. Tell me Darius, where did you find this?”
An uncomfortable silence befell the great hall once again and Yoshihiro looked on with dread, Hiroki looked upon Ragrim and Jadar who looked defeated and seemed to had accepted Tatsuya was to make his move now, Crow and Archie’s postures were tense, and Archie had since placed his sword hand upon the handle and seemed to be ready for action.
Darius entertained Tatsuya's question. “When you rule the roost Tatsuya, everything is within your grasp. Women, food, wine, I have it all, why should medicines be any different?”
Darius seemed to be uncomfortable and rose from his throne, the sisters of seasons aimed their spears at Tatsuya who began taking smaller steps towards Darius.
Tatsuya retorted. “Don’t treat me like a fool Darius, I’m a ninja, botany, poisons and herbal remedies are our craft, nobody else’s. Tell me, who did you steal them from?”
“Enough Tatsuya!” pleaded Yoshihiro, though his words fell upon deaf ears.
Tatsuya pressed again. “I saw the names of certain poisons for sale too. Cobra Kiss, Mambas Goodnight, Scorned Widow, and Icy Breath. These are bespoke poisons only known by the ninja clans of Dragons Continent, I will ask again, how did you get them?”
“Who the fuck do you think you are? The sisters of seasons will impale you here for your indiscretions,” bellowed Darius.
Tatsuya seemed possessed as he stared upon the man he had waited years to kill for the slaughter of his family. Again, he pressed Darius. “One of the potions took my interest, it’s called Pixie Kiss and it's used to sen
d children to sleep when they're unwell. It’s strange, I thought I invented that, I don’t remember misplacing my book of ingredients anywhere.”
Another silence befell the entire hall and Darius looked to be nervous, the sisters of seasons now seemed ready to attack, their golden spear heads were razor sharp and shone brightly as they were pointed at Tatsuya, their shields were grasped firmly into a defensive position to their fronts and all the sisters had taken their battle stances, slightly leaning forward with their weight behind spear and shield.
Darius spoke, his undertone reflected a boiling rage and his eyes now seemed hollow. “Are you accusing me of something, ninja?”
Tatsuya ran his fingers along his belt, caressing the shuriken throwing knives, he then stepped back. “Maybe I’m mistaken. Perhaps another ninja passed through and sold the ingredients to the stall owner. We ninjas live in secret within the shadows and I’ve made many enemies. Perhaps one of my fellow ninjas stole from me and took my book; it’s been missing for some years. Within this space of time somebody could easily have stolen my knowledge that was written down. It can’t be helped, farewell Darius.”
The looks of relief on everyone’s faces was clear and the atmosphere shifted dramatically as the War Hogs left the great hall.
The War Hogs had found themselves outside Darius’s great hall once more and Yoshihiro scorned Tatsuya. “What were you fucking thinking Tatsuya, I told you soon, very soon vengeance will be yours.”
Archie joined in. “Tatsuya, that was most unwise, the plan could have fallen apart there and then.”
Shockingly, Jadar leapt to Tatsuya’s defence. “The fat bastard murdered his family, perhaps were the ones that are wrong here. To expect Tatsuya to remain calm whilst staring into the eyes of the man that killed his family was unwise.”
Killing Monsters Page 19