A silence was met with Jadar’s sobering comment, she was right and turned to Tatsuya. “To think I’d be the one defending you of all people! Please Tatsuya, you will have his head soon, keep it together.”
Tatsuya smiled sympathetically, it seemed as though he knew he was wrong too. “I’m sorry, just staring at him . . . I could see their dead bodies; I could hear the women being raped and seeing him there sat in such luxury—”
Hiroki interjected, “Soon Tatsuya, very soon, he will be dead.”
Vinnakeon emerged from the hall and made his way to the War Hogs. “Okay, let’s get you all away from here, you have a battle to prepare for.”
“Great, another walk-through Slaver’s Square,” mumbled Hiroki mournfully.
Vinnakeon laughed. “Oh don’t be silly, you're all with me now, tell me Hiroki, where would you like to go?”
Hiroki looked confused. “As far away from here as possible, let’s say the beginning of the spiralling path that leads to Cutthroat’s Grasp, I don’t want to see the decapitated heads again either.”
Vinnakeon placed his hand into his robe and revealed a marvellous glowing stone, it was no greater than a stone one would find on a beach, though it mirrored the colouring of a rainbow. Vinnakeon impaled his staff into the ground and placed the rainbow stone atop of the staff. “Now, all of you, place one hand atop of mine and hold it there.”
The War Hogs did as instructed, they smiled, they knew what was coming, Hiroki however could not have prepared himself for more elven marvel and Vinnakeon asked Hiroki to close his eyes.
Having closed his eyes as instructed, Hiroki suddenly became light footed and upon opening his eyes once more his feet seemed to hit the ground with force, a shockwave of green lightning shot from Vinnakeon’s staff and Hiroki found himself at the start of the spiralling path that lead to Cutthroat’s Grasp!
Everyone laughed and cheered except Hiroki, he seemed more shocked than amazed and once he regained himself, he smiled and laughed like an innocent child. “Vinnakeon! How, how did you do that? Was that teleportation?” roared the amazed young swordsman.
Vinnakeon dropped to his knees, it seemed this act of magic seemed most taxing on his body and he struggled for breath but still managed a laugh. “I’m an elf young swordsman, you know of our abilities, though teleportation is fairly new. I’ve yet to perfect it, hence the rainbow coloured stone that gifts more power than normal gemstones.”
Vinnakeon explained the rainbow coloured stones were actually known in the elven lands as Harbouring Stones, these stones can soak up a vast amount of magical energy and unleash the power at an elves request which helps them push their abilities further.
Yoshihiro helped his friend to his feet and spoke to Hiroki. “Any magic is taxing on the body, what Vinnakeon did here is extraordinary, no wonder he’s fatigued.”
Vinnakeon was grateful. “Thank you Yoshihiro. Tell me, where will you go now?”
“My War Hogs are ready, regardless of the brutality these warlords present, we are the superior force. They are two days away, we cannot prepare anything special, there’s not enough time and the land here is open and exposed. We will meet them head on, it’s the only way!”
Vinnakeon readied himself to leave, he bowed to Yoshihiro. “It was good to see you, old friend, Storm's grace to you all.” Vinnakeon turned to Hiroki. “Your legend grows battle by battle and I have heard many folk speak of Yoshihiro’s young disciple. This is a dangerous battle, the giant and the lion are formidable. Hiroki . . . do be careful.”
Vinnakeon parted ways with the War Hogs and made his way back to Cutthroat’s Grasp, he walked slowly and displayed a physicality of fatigue due to the magic he had recently conjured.
Crow turned to Hiroki. “That’s the weakness of an elf Hiroki, remember that. Their magic is powerful but taxing on their bodies, and when pushed to their limits, just like we rely upon hammer and sword, shield and spear, they too must put their faith in Harbouring Stones and magical staffs.”
Hiroki felt he had learned an important fact after meeting Vinnakeon, witnessing the power, though it was just as magnificent as rumoured, it had its weaknesses.
Yoshihiro addressed his commanders. “Two fucking days. I say a feast is due, tonight we eat like kings as I feel we have one hell of battle fast approaching!”
Chapter 19:
Betrayal
The sun had begun beating against the settlement of Cutthroat’s Grasp, the market, Slaver’s Square and the brothels were busy, but everyone bore a look of defeat as they sweated and submitted to the sun.
Frustrated slavers sent their chained victims back to their cages clearly not wanting their human possessions to catch heat stroke and faint whilst in auction, as this no doubt would devalue their worth. Fights broke out in ques within the market as hot sweaty customers grew tired and frustrated whilst waiting to purchase items they desired, even the brothels had begun to see a dip in would be customers due to the heat as seemingly sleep and seeking shade became more important than sex. The brothels opened their rotten timber doors and windows to allow the air to circulate and as a result the vile smells of sweat, sex, cheap perfume and incense swept through the alleys and side turnings drowning the areas in a stench of perversion. Darius’s guards who patrolled the settlement grew angry and frustrated, no doubt walking around in heavy chainmail and half helms must have felt as though they were being cooked alive in their armours, cooked by nature’s chef, the blazing sun. Growing more and more agitated the guards began to take out their anger on prisoners and thieves that were caught red handed stealing from the market, they began beating their prisoners with a frustrating viciousness as if they held out hope that beating the innocent and vulnerable would somehow rid them of the sun, they would not be that lucky.
There was a wide spreading uneasiness around Cutthroat’s Grasp as local inhabitants and soldiers knew of the pending arrival of the giant and the lion, even the guards seemed on edge and rumours of a mass exodus had begun to circulate, to make matters worse loose tongues from numerous guards spoke of leaving Darius and seeking the War Hogs, feeling they’d have more chance of survival with Yoshihiro than that of Darius.
Two guards spoke in private down a quite alleyway that led to the brothels, one guard was young, well-built and tall, he sported ginger stubble that matched his long ginger hair which protruded out of his half helm, the other was equal in age but not of physicality, he was short and skinny with pale skin, dark eyes and a shaved head, both spoke a commoners tongue in a whispered tone.
The tall guard whispered first. “So, I hear the War Hogs are gonna take on the giant and the lion as Darius offered high payment, good for us, we get to keep our heads!”
The short guard laughed and whispered in a tone of relief. “Thank fuck for that! I didn’t fancy going up against that giant, I’ve heard what he does! To be honest with ya, I’m looking to pack this bollocks in. I thought being one of Darius’s guards would be a laugh, I was wrong!”
The tall guard agreed. “I know what ya mean mate. Darius hasn’t joined us in battle for months. He gets fat in that keep of his and spends his days shagging whores while we do all his fucking dirty work. Me and a few other lads are gonna ride off when were out on patrol next, you should join us, we can go wherever we want and start our own clan if need be, you in?”
The short guard smiled and paused. “Give it a few more days, Tawarkion and Vinnakeon have summoned us to Darius’s keep, he wants words with us all, no doubt something big is coming. Let’s see what our next endeavour is, if it's bollocks . . . then yeah, I’m in!”
“That’s a point, I’d forgotten that. We better make our way there now.” The guards readied themselves to venture into the blazing sun for an audience with their leader.
Darius sat upon his throne within his grey walled and marbled floored keep, comfortable and cool, free from the sun’s rays and the day to day struggles that his people are faced with within his settlement. He sat alone in silence,
caressing his long ponytail and reminiscing of the past, he looked down upon his fat hairy belly and placed his hands upon it seemingly in disgust at his own appearance, for once, many years ago he was indeed a fearsome warrior that would lead his men into battle to slaughter, rape and pillage his enemies territories, however now he seemed a shell of the man he once was.
Darius was vile in nature but even villains have emotions and perhaps the humiliation of needing Yoshihiro’s help to fend off a joint threat stirred up unfamiliar emotions deep within him. It wasn’t always like this and Darius knew that, in his slimmer days, some years ago he commanded a respected force and it was Yoshihiro that relied upon him for coin, jewels and wealth as the War Hogs were once small in numbers and vulnerable, however overtime the success had made him weak and fat. Darius knew of the frustrations that grew within his clan, he knew of the numbers of soldiers that were deserting him due to poor pay, mediocre endeavours, and a lack of freedom.
Most warlords and warrior clans roam the open world battling and conquering, living exciting lives as fearless warriors whilst stories of their conquests became legends that defined the clans, however Darius had conquered so much so quickly and thus settled for a more lax life and had done now for many years which was a mistake, the world carried on whilst Darius stood still, he was now vulnerable. Darius had made the mistake of taking his hard-earned luxuries for granted, he hadn’t fought in a long time, nor had he sat down for feasts with his own men and deep down inside, Darius knew his best days were behind him. The hunter had now become the prey and his failings to maintain a once prosperous army and fighting force due to cockiness, comfort and greed ate away at him inside.
Darius rose from his throne, he removed his purple jerkin, cream breeches and boots and made his way over to the bathing area naked, his walk had become more of a waddle due to his weight and the fat around his hips bounced up and down with every step, as did his belly.
Darius dived into the steaming hot pool and stayed under the water for several seconds, upon remerging he bellowed in gluttonous tone. “Whores! Come to me now, your man needs washing and pleasuring.”
A small oak and iron door opened from the corner of the keep and two young girls emerged and began running to Darius to join him and carry out their duties. The room of which the whores emerged from was where Darius kept his favourite sex slaves, there they would wait until summoned by Darius.
The room was small but comfortable, with silk pillows, a feathered bedding area and satin sheets, the whores were also allowed to leave the keep to visit the market, gather meals and to freshen up or use toilet however the truth was both whores would rather remain locked up in that room than have to pleasure Darius who had become a fat pig of a man that secretly wallowed in self-pity.
The two young girls were no older than twenty, one was short and petite with blonde hair, green eyes, and soft skin, the other was of a curvy hourglass figure with long black hair, brown eyes, and seductive ripe lips. They removed their gold gowns to reveal their flawless bodies, their breasts were plump and wobbled upon every step and in-between their legs were well groomed examples of womanhood which made the warlord lick his lips perversely whilst the young slaves stood naked in silence facing the floor at the edge of the mass bath.
“Were ready to serve brave warlord,” said the blonde.
“Well, what are you waiting for? My cock is hard and it’s not gonna fuck itself now is it.” shouted Darius crudely. The two slaves made their way into the bath and swam towards the warlord, they both bore the look of an unspoken disgust for what they had to do. “That’s it girls, I’ve got a big load waiting for ya, it’s been a few days.” It was as if demoralising the girls turned Darius on as much as the sex did.
“would you like me to wash you, great warlord? Spoke the blonde again.
“No, I want you to stroke my cock.” Darius turned to the black-haired whore. “You can wash me today.”
“Yes, great warlord,” replied the whore in a sad tone.
Darius laid back, rested upon the bath edge in a state of bliss, the black-haired whore kissed and caressed him, and she washed him whilst the blonde stroked his cock and bit his ear softly. Darius laughed and groaned, the steam from the hot bath rose slowly into the air and smell from the soap which was sweet, surrounded Darius and his whores.
Darius opened his eyes and looked upon the blonde, she was not smiling and was merely performing her duties like a soulless entity, numb from emotion and clearly disgusted by what she had to do.
“What’s wrong with ya, ungrateful whore. Am I not big enough for you?” hissed Darius.
“You are a large, great warlord, I live to pleasure you. Please forgive me,” pleaded the blonde in a defeated tone.
It seemed as though the warlords insecurities had ran wild with his feelings and meeting Yoshihiro and seeing what he had gone on to achieve and build had infuriated Darius to a point in which he could not control his anger, even the young Hiroki had insulted him in his own keep which stung like hundred hornets and made the warlord realise how he had now fallen from grace.
Darius exploded in a rage; he grabbed the blonde whore by the throat. “You fucking bitch, you dare take pity on me! I could drown you here and replace you in seconds.”
Darius began choking the life out of the blonde slave whilst the black-haired slave screamed in horror. “Shut up you whore, you stupid fucking whores. I’m Darius, the great Darius, nobody insults me.”
Darius had now grabbed hold of both women by the throat, one in each hand and he squeezed, their necks looked feeble and small in Darius’s hands which were more like bear paws. The women’s faces began to turn purple as they struggled and just as Darius was going to squeeze the last breaths from their bodies Tawarkion and Vinnakeon entered the hall.
“Your warriors await you outside Darius, if you’re not too busy that is,” said Vinnakeon in a tone of disgust at what he was witnessing.
Darius released the whores from his grasp. “Get out, both of you. Leave this settlement now and never come back. If I see you again, I’ll have you raped by a thousand men.”
The whores jumped out of the bath, gathered their gowns, and ran, not before Tawarkion halted them. “Before you go, here take this. That should be enough for new clothes.” Tawarkion gave the girls two gold coins each.
“Thank you, kind woodlander. Storms praise to you,” said the blonde. The whores left the keep as Tawarkion and Vinnakeon looked upon the warlord in disgust.
“What?” asked Darius. “You work for me too, at least until the deed is done, then you can fuck off as well.”
“We certainly will be fucking off shortly, I can assure you,” replied Vinnakeon defiantly.
Darius pulled himself out of the bath, water dripped from his ass, rolls of fat and man breasts, it was a sickening site but Darius didn’t care, he covered himself with a black robe and waddled over to his throne, he sat once more and addressed his advisors. “My men, are they all outside.”
Vinnakeon answered, “Yes, Darius. All of them await you in Slaver’s Square. Seventeen hundred, in fact, which is more than we thought. It seems as though local cutthroats and scumbags have joined your ranks. In exchange for safety I’m sure they will serve you well.”
Darius smirked. “Good that’s what I like to hear. The plan is now in motion. That cunt Yoshihiro will meet his end by my hand. I’ll wait for him to battle the giant and the lion and when he wins, as I’m sure he will . . . we will pounce and wipe out what remains of his force and take that fucking power cube.”
“A plan of great bravery,” said Tawarkion sarcastically.
Darius didn’t care and continued, “The War Hogs will be fatigued, their numbers will have lessened and they won’t see me coming. I’ll slaughter them all!”
“A perfect plan Darius, as expected,” declared Vinnakeon.
Darius turned his attention to Vinnakeon. “I know you were once friends with him Vinnakeon. Tell me, can I trust you to ride against him?
I know Tawarkion will, but as for you . . . you have ties with Yoshihiro.”
Vinnakeon responded sharply. “Friend is a strong word Darius. Were merely acquaintances.”
Tawarkion joined the conversation and couldn’t help but ask Darius. “You spoke in a way which led me to believe you will personally join this battle. Is that the case? I know it’s been years since you graced the battlefield.”
Darius rose from his throne, he smiled, a smile of vengeance and bloodlust. “Correct Tawarkion. I have slept for too long. I will lead my men into this battle and take Yoshihiro’s head personally! I will bathe in the blood of Yoshihiro, the giant and the lion. Victory will be mine!” Darius began to dress himself. “Now, take me to my men, I will deliverer this message.”
Darius, Tawarkion and Vinnakeon made their way to Slaver’s Square to rally up the warriors of Cutthroat’s Grasp and prepare them for battle against the War Hogs.
Hiroki sat upon a tree log in a dark forest area next to Yoshihiro, the forest was cool and calm and shielded him from the sun’s rays which was welcomed as the sun had become unusually hot, it was as if the blazing sun was a representation of the fiery battle that was on the horizon against two formidable warlords. Hiroki and his commanders were ready for battle and had equipped their weapons and armour.
Hiroki’s katana, the white sleeper was tied to his waist, his kabuto helmet was white and was imbued with mother of pearl and a pair of jade dragon wings adjoined to either side of the helmet. Hiroki removed his helmet desiring the cool breeze from the shade, the young swordsman began checking his armour one last time, he ran his hands around the smooth white leathered gauntlets and arm spaulders, these too were imbued with mother of pearl, his thick red and white leathered cuirass was firm and protected his torso well, he looked down upon his tassets, cuisses and greaves that also matched the white leather and pearl design and they too also fitted well. Hiroki’s white masterful armour was perfect and was a site to behold as the pearl shone delightfully.
Killing Monsters Page 20