Killing Monsters

by R T Islington

  “I took your ears so cannot hear your own wicked words in the afterlife.” the ninja then grabbed Darius by the cheeks, he opened the mouth of the warlord and cut his tongue out, he stabbed at it and sliced it clean through then threw it to the ground.

  “I took your tongue so you cannot order barbaric acts in the afterlife.” Tatsuya then withdrew his blade as Darius remained paralysed, gargling blood and choking on it as the blood travelled down his throat, seemingly drowning him with his own essence. Tatsuya drew his pair of sharp black sais. “And now, I will take your eyes so you cannot see where you walk in the afterlife. You will stumble around with no hands, death, mute and blind.”

  With one thrust, Tatsuya stabbed through the eyes of Darius with his sais. The sharp steel pierced through the eye sockets through to the back of the warlord’s skull, and Darius was no more.

  Tatsuya rolled over and laid upon his back next to the monster that had plagued his mind for many years. The vengeful ninja smiled as he gazed up at the stain glass windows, the sun shone through and the rays kissed him, it seemed as though they were cleansing his soul, soothing the years of anguish, and now he had avenged his family, he smiled. “It’s done . . . I’m free.”

  Chapter 24:

  Our Own Kingdom

  Two months had passed since the War Hogs seized the settlement of Cutthroat’s Grasp, along with the elves, Yoshihiro and his men had also hunted down and slaughtered the remaining men that served Darius and fled, Silva patrolled from the skies too, scorching any fleeing henchman that were unfortunate enough to cross his path. The elven attack force was sent back to Storms Wrath to inform the king and queen of their victory and the possession of the power cube which remained with Vanya, she had not left Yoshihiro’s side as of yet and remained with him and his War Hogs.

  Outside of Cutthroat’s Grasp, signs of Darius’s demise was made obvious, the spiralling path that displayed the heads of the warlord’s victims atop of spikes were removed, the path itself was flattened and reshaped completely, the path was dug up and ploughed with the help of strong shire horses, and instead, all the remained was freshly dug soil, the path was now empty, flat and bare, however Tawarkion had advised the villagers of Cutthroat’s Grasp on what seeds could be laid in the fertile soil. Woodlanders have detailed knowledge on forestry and plants, Tawarkion had envisioned a lush green field of flowers and giant oak trees replacing the path of spiked heads, the greenery and flowers in years to come would be a monument to those who lost their lives to the wicked warlord. Upon being freed, many slaves, peasants, children and former whores volunteered to help dig up the path and create something new, all happily offered up their services in thanks to those that freed them, and after several weeks of unified labour the peasants could now look upon the bare flat path and see fresh green shoots of new plants and trees growing, this spiralling path would indeed be replaced by a meadow of wonder.

  Tawarkion stood in the centre of the open field with Ragrim, the two had organised and oversaw the destruction of cruel spiralling paths and helped the villagers lay down the foundations of a new meadow. The dwarf and woodlander stood proud, side by side, watching villagers planting tree seeds and watering the shoots sprouting from the soil.

  Tawarkion gazed upon his hands that were covered in soil and mud, he placed them around his nose and inhaled deeply. “The smell of fresh soil, I love it. It reminds me of home,” said Tawarkion happily.

  Ragrim laughed, he smiled, as he too gazed upon the field that would become a lush woodland in years to come. “This will blossom into a lush woodland; nobody will ever know that cunt Darius ruled here. A fertile woodland will be a fucking great replacement, never again will these poor bastards have to gaze upon the fucking horrors that were here before.”

  “Agreed. It was a pleasure to help, these last few weeks have been most rewarding.”

  Ragrim turned to Tawarkion and asked curiously. “So where will you fucking off too now? You know there’s a place for you in the War Hogs!”

  Tawarkion graciously declined the invite, as he did some days prior when Yoshihiro asked him to stay. “I was sent to serve Darius by my king and queen, to spy and gather as much information as I could about the Centre Plate outside of our forest, I must return. I have much to report.”

  “And after?”

  “I will advise my king and queen accordingly. Yoshihiro has told me of the threat from the East. The centre must unify, I will request unification and aid as much as I can, no doubt you’ll be asked to attend our great forest homeland and meet my king and queen!”

  The thought of visiting the Forest of Deep Green seemed to excite Ragrim. The woodlanders’ homeland was secretive and rumoured to be beautiful. “I’ve heard tales of the woodlander forest, it sounds incredible.”

  “You and the War Hogs will be the first outsiders to ever be permitted access to our homeland, it's truly a defining moment for us all.”

  “Fucking right! So, this is goodbye?”

  Tawarkion turned and mounted a brown palfrey he had in wait, he shook Ragrim’s hand. “Ragrim of Dwarven Peaks, I bid you farewell. I’ve informed Yoshihiro of my departure and said my goodbyes to Vinnakeon.”

  “See you around, stay safe and storms praise to you,” said Ragrim thankfully.

  Tawarkion turned his horse and rode off into the distance leaving Ragrim happy and content. The dwarf looked upon the newly made field, his heart was warm with hope, the dwarf dared to believe that maybe, just maybe, what was achieved here could be the first of many achievements of unity upon vanquishing evil.

  Vinnakeon stood outside the gated entrance of the settlement with Archie, over the last two months the two wise warriors helped with feeding the poor and healing the sick. The two of them worked admirably, supplying medicines to the sick, handing out food to the children and hungry, and providing clean drinking water from local streams and wells, streams and wells that Darius had claimed his property and executed anyone who dared to sip the slightest drop of water from these sources. Archie had recovered from his wounds and broken ribs that he suffered at the hands of the Bronze Giant, thanks to Tawarkion’s healing remedies. The wise knight was keen to help the people rid their minds of the wicked ruler, he ordered the War Hogs to tear down, remove and burn all flags and banners that bore the yellow rat. All evidence of Darius’s rule was extinguished, the black banners with the red hog now took its place as the settlement became the War Hogs domain.

  Cutthroat’s Grasp was of fair size and well protected by stone walls, with freedom and unity, hard work, and fair rule. Archie envisioned the settlement expanding and becoming a mini kingdom, and he smiled to himself at the thought of such a pleasant vision.

  Vinnakeon was now ready to walk his own path of seclusion after helping his friends, he had also rid the map of a tyrant and felt he now had his closure.

  The elf turned to Archie, his friend of many years and said his goodbyes. “Well, my time is now. It was good seeing you again Archie, I hope you and your men turn this settlement into something grand.”

  Archie turned and embraced his friend. “Are you sure you don’t want to stay?”

  “No, my fighting days are behind me, I will however seek out as much as I can regarding the East on my travels, whatever I find I will send to you.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “The mountains south of here, they adjoin a forest and waterfall . . . perfect for seclusion. I’ll remain there to gather my thoughts then begin my travels on the Centre Plate.”

  “So, you’ll be a lone wanderer?” laughed Archie.

  “No, that sounds sad. I merely want to travel and discover and learn as much as I can about other cultures and races . . . the cultures and races my elven people deem to be lesser than themselves.”

  “Yes . . . your people really do know how to remain hated!”

  Vinnakeon laughed, Archie’s comment was true. Vinnakeon turned and mounted a stocky destrier, he also led a fine young mule which carried artefacts
and the elves possessions, no doubt much magic was stored into the saddle bags and side satchels of the mule who carried the load effortlessly. “Until we meet again brave knight Archie.”

  “Knights honour my friend and stay safe.”

  Vinnakeon set out on his own journey and path of self-discovery.

  Yoshihiro stood in the centre of the great hall within the stained glass keep, Darius’s throne had been removed, Hiroki asked for it to be dragged out, the black marbled rat throne served no purpose now the wicked ruler was dead. The hall was empty, the former warlord’s flags and banners had been removed, the sisters of seasons were dead and no longer guarded the hall and no sex slaves served within the great hall anymore, as they were now free, it was oddly quiet.

  Yoshihiro smiled, the quiet seemed to please him and he looked around to think of ways in which he would change the interior appearance and décor of the great hall. As he looked around, flashbacks plagued his mind of when he had set out on his journey and served Darius in this hall many years ago, he would regularly take on bounties and missions that seemed suicidal, however the swordsman and his hogs always came back alive, richer and stronger, it seemed like a lifetime ago.

  “Well, you finally did! This dream of yours, building an army and forging your own kingdom . . . it’s all coming together,” whispered Vanya as she approached the swordsman from behind and wrapped her arms around his hips. The two had not left each other’s side since they were reunited and their love for one another had only intensified since their reunion. Vanya continued, “How does it feel? You planned this many years ago on Swordsman Shores.”

  Yoshihiro smiled reminiscently at the thought of his boyhood dream. “It hasn’t sunk in yet. It will do in time, sadly however, there is no time. We must prepare for the East and I must meet all the races as soon as I can.”

  “Surely you can plan where your throne is going to go! There’s a lot of space here!”

  Yoshihiro despised thrones and the kings, queens and warlords that sat upon them, ruling over all who trembled beneath their power, that was not Yoshihiro’s style, nor did he respect those types of leaders. Yoshihiro always believed his skill as a swordsman would be enough to lead and empower people, he was right. “You know full well I will have no need for a throne,” laughed Yoshihiro. “True leaders are forged on battlefields, not behind kingdom walls!”

  Vanya withdrew the power cube from her satchel, the cube began glowing and illuminated the great hall. “So, are you ready to go? It’s time to hand this over to my king and queen. I sent my attack force back home to inform them of our victory and the cube . . . they're probably growing inpatient!”

  “They can wait a few more days, they need to learn patience!”

  “Patience? They’re a king and queen, they don’t know the meaning of patience.”

  “I bow to nobody! They must wait!”

  Vanya sighed in frustration. “Well, as you won’t fly with me atop of Silva, we're going on foot, that adds a few more days. Please, can we leave!”

  Yoshihiro smiled; the thought of angering the elven king and queen pleased him, he also knew traveling on foot would enrage Silva who hated being away from Vanya. “There’s no way I’d fly atop of Silva. That dragon hates me, I’d be burnt to a crisp or eaten alive!”

  Vanya laughed and kissed Yoshihiro passionately. “Don’t worry, I’d protect you! Anyway, I wouldn’t let Silva kill you, you’re good in between the sheets, so I’ll keep you around!”

  “Glad I have my uses!” laughed Yoshihiro. “Okay let’s go.”

  Yoshihiro whistled at Jumbo and called out to his lion, Jumbo had grown used to his name, the lion roared and rose, he joined Yoshihiro’s side as he and Vanya departed. As they left the keep, all their provisions had been packed and carefully loaded onto two fine mules that were young and healthy. One mule was brown and stocky, the other was black and slightly taller than its counterpart, both their eyes sparkled with life and seemed happy with the loads upon their backs, the loads were light as Yoshihiro certainly didn’t want to stay in the elven lands for long! Vanya whistled to a palfrey that had been readied for her, the palfrey was white, as was its long mane, it stood sturdy and proud.

  “So, what happens here while you’re gone?” Asked Vanya curiously.

  “I’ve said my goodbyes, Ragrim, Archie and Crow will oversee things until I get back. I’ve placed Jadar in charge whilst I’m away.”

  “A fine choice! She’s a mighty warrior! And Hiroki?”

  Yoshihiro smiled. “I put that boy through brutal training his whole life. I’ve asked him to rest and enjoy this moment. I did, however, ask one thing of him.”

  “What.”

  “Hiroki had a horrific start in life, just like the people of this settlement. I’ve arranged an audience with the thousands of now-free slaves, whores, and peasants of this town in Slaver’s Square. I’ve asked Hiroki to address them all.”

  “To what end?

  Yoshihiro paused and thought, and then he smiled. “I’ve told him to tell them . . . to tell them that they're free and can walk their own paths. They can also stay here and help build a new kingdom, a kingdom that can grow and prosper into legendary status!”

  Vanya smiled and gazed into her lover's eyes. She whispered, “I’m sure they’ll all stay. You freed them, besides, who wouldn’t want to join Yoshihiro’s mighty clan!”

  Yoshihiro mounted upon Jumbo. “Oh and one more thing! We’re renaming this settlement, as a reward I’ve let Hiroki rename it!”

  “Oh, and what name has he chosen?

  “War Hog Lock!”

  “Very fitting! Soon the entire map will know of this kingdom.” Vanya mounted her palfrey and led the two mules. “Come let us leave!”

  Not long after the swordsman and the elf left together they heard a roar; it was Silva’s call and he descended upon them from the sky and addressed them. “I have searched your path towards our elven lands, all is clear and quite Vanya.” Vanya descended from her horse and approached her dragon, she caressed Silva lovingly whilst the mighty dragon glared at Yoshihiro hatefully.

  Yoshihiro couldn’t resist some spiteful banter. “Oh it makes me so jealous, mighty dragon, when the woman I love gives you affection. Please it hurts, make it stop!”

  Vanya laughed at the taunt from Yoshihiro. “That’s enough boys! Let’s be nice today.”

  Silva responded to Yoshihiro as spitefully as he could. “The journey isn’t far, try to keep her safe, you pathetic human!” Silva began to rise and make his leave. “I’m looking forward to this meeting with the king and queen, all the superior elves laughing at you, like the sword wielding simpleton you are.”

  “Fuck off Silva.”

  “You may not even survive; I’m sure many elves would gladly slit your throat while you sleep.”

  “Okay, enough Silva!” declared Vanya.

  Before Silva took flight, he revealed something that sent an uneasy chill down Yoshihiro’s spine. “Oh, I forgot to say! The last group of Darius’s men had been slaughtered before I arrived. The men were cut open and slashed masterfully, one was still alive . . . barely, but still alive. Before I crushed him, he was kind enough to tell me who had attacked them.”

  “Let me guess, deserters from the lion or the giant’s army?” declared Yoshihiro.

  “Not even close.” Silva leaned into Yoshihiro. “A masterful swordsman with long green hair and glowing gold eyes!”

  Yoshihiro froze. “You lie!”

  “No! I speak the truth. It appears your old friend has returned . . . the famed swordsman Elarion Salareon! I wonder if his dragon is near, his dragon is supposed to be the biggest and most powerful of my kind! I’d like to test my power against him. Anyway, look after Vanya, and I’ll see you both shortly.” Silva took to the sky and flew off into the distance.

  Vanya approached Yoshihiro, she spoke curiously. “What do you think he wants? What’s he doing here? Is he looking for you?

  Yoshihiro remained silent fo
r several seconds, he shook off whatever fears he may have harboured. “Come, let’s go! We have a fair journey ahead.”

  Jadar and Crow oversaw the daily goings on within the settlement, they had been kept busy since the takeover of Cutthroat’s Grasp, they liberated the sex workers from the brothels and slums, welcomed back market traders to the settlement who now no longer had impossible tax rates to pay with the fear of execution if they failed and they looked after the children who were beaten, abused and homeless. The two warriors didn’t do this alone, thousands of War Hogs also helped, they set up camps, distributed food and water and looked after the orphaned children that they found, the work was rewarding, and much needed after the ferocious battle against the Bronze Giant and Raging Lion.

  Crow looked around upon the people of the settlement, people were laughing, playing, singing and dancing and for the first time, the signs were made as clear as crystal at what could be achieved following liberation and Crow began to feel that indeed, the War Hogs could lead the defence against the East.

  Jadar had taken on a new role, Yoshihiro had informed the commanders and his men of his journey west to meet the elven king and queen, he would be back as soon as he could, however he placed Jadar in charge of the War Hogs until his return. This decision was met with great celebration, the men respected her as she fought by their sides on the front line in every battle, the commanders loved her, she had been by their sides at all times and always put the War Hogs before her own needs and she had an important leadership quality, empowerment! Much like Yoshihiro, when she spoke, people listened, when she fought, she was ferocious and she was brave and true, there was nobody better to serve as second in command.

  Crow and Jadar stood together in Slaver’s Square, they were surrounded by former slaves who had been freed, thousands of people, both free slaves and War Hogs awaited Hiroki’s arrival as he was to address them all.

  When the War Hogs first breached the gates and charged the settlement, Hiroki knew where he would lead his troop of men first: he charged them towards Slaver’s Square to free the innocent men, women and children. The slaves looked on during the charge as Hiroki appeared, the brave young swordsman broke off the locks to the cages, freed them of their chains and declared them free people. Following their release, mass piles of chains and cages laid stacked upon each at the back of the square, the iron and metal piles of chains stood as evidence to mass amounts of slavery and macabre lives people had to endure, Hiroki also had Darius’s black marbled throne recently dragged into the centre of Slaver’s Square, he assured everyone he would reveal why shortly!