Disclaimer- Standard Nifty and I will just add, if you don't want to read it or can get busted if caught, don't. Easy enough done and I am not responsible if you screw up. The story is mine, and I am going to insist on its copyright. So hereby Battered Barbarian and his Boy is now copyrighted ( C ) by cezmail, my pseudonym on the net. Ask permission to post it elsewhere and I will most likely grant it, but doing so without is a violation of my copyright. Thanks for understanding.
This is all complete fiction. NONE of it is true. It has elements of fantasy violence ( explicit at times ), relations between a boy and a man, and sexual themes. If this is illegal for you to read or not to your tastes, DON'T READ! Otherwise, please look on down and if you have an opinion, let me know. I am more then willing to listen and reply.
This is a new turn of events for me, my first all complete fiction. It is based on a roleplaying character of mine, and with that, I move ahead with this new story.
Thanks for all those who liked the first and second chapters.You made me feel I was able to convey this well and have fun while I was at it. I appreciate all the kind folks who have come across my story and read it. Thanks for all the emails and support. I am still with it and will hope to keep writing when I can. May not always write as often, but I am still here folks.
Dedication- I would like to pass along a special hello and thanks to Adam_Ant for your emails and dedication to keeping up with new chapters. Know your down at the moment my friend and will hope all the support I and the others in the board have helped some.
To all others, as before, feel free to email me with any comments. I gladly answer any and all. You can email me at cezmail1@yahoo.com,
Chapter 3
Zax flashed Zert small smile and stepped away to get his gear. His body now strengthened from the prayer that Zert had infused on him moved more limber and even lithe. Getting his pack on his shoulders and strapping on the belt with his pouches and knife he only had to take up the spear to continue on. Once done, he gave Zert a glimpse and they were both off for the day's journey.
Zert led the way, all of his senses trying to search out any ambushes or enemy that could endanger them. No words were spoken, as both the Half Orc and the Human strode on making as much time and distance as they could. They kept their minds clear of all what awaited them at the end of the sojourn. For now, just getting through the day was enough.
The morning went by quickly and with brief rests about every hour, they were not too tired. Zert felt his stomach rumble and his brain crying for some rest from his lack of a full nights rest, he found them a spot to take their mid day meal and stretch out. It was a sheltered pool with trees in three sides and some ripples that signified fish. Zert had no fishing gear on him, so quickly dismissed getting some fresh meals from the water. Zax dropped his back as Zert signaled the break and sat down, his preteen muscles crying out for rest and relief.
They pulled some ration packs, not trying to light a fire, and refreshed their waterskins after they drained them to refresh their thirst. Zert then saw that Zax was still moving slowly, and thinking quickly what he might be able to do, spoke up. " Lad, I see you moving gingerly there. Nows if you wish, I can rub your body down to make you feel better, but if so, you will need to strip off your tunic and drawers. I can massage out the aches, but you have to try to contain any moans as I rub you down. You game for that young Zax? "
Zax, used to massages from servants and his own bodyguard nodded. " I would like that much Hero Zert. "
Before Zax could even start to strip, Zert reached out with his scarred and callused hand. " Nay lad, put a stop to that now. I am but Zert, former corporal and now free mercenary, I am no Hero, though I much honored you think so. I be a servant of Holy Rawndalla, dedicated to her service as well as my blade. Call me Zert and we can be in good graces. I am not one from the bard's trolling tongue or some mate from the tales of wonder. "
Zax heard this, but was unmoved. He smiled a small grin." I still feel you are a True Hero Zert, but I will not gain say you. In my heart you have earned that title, but I will respect your wishes. Your are worthy of more, but I will wait for my Father or Lord Cousin to bestow your rewards. " He then pulled off his tunic and unlaced his breeches, laying them on his pack. He lay down on the soft grass and being among the shadows of the trees, closed his eyes.
Zert saw that though the bruises on Zax's body had faded, the rest of his skin was not marked severely. The body of the youth had not had to face the hard work or endure the lash as Zert had. Seem to speek of his noble and well to do birth and clan. The frame of the boy was slender, but with muscles attached to show he was no weakling. The lad had kept up with Zert's pace on the two days they had been together, and though sore now, seemed to show he would be right behind him for the end of the journey.
Zert saw the beauty in Zax, and even could admit he found it attractive, but he was the boy's rescuer and he steeled himself to keep this professional. He had accepted a job, a verbal contract, and he was not about to abuse the circumstances. He knelt down and begun to move his hands, as softly as he could to get the kinks and aches from the young one's body. He applied pressure at the base of the shoulders and back, and then lightly stroked up the spine. Shivers shook Zax and the young lordling bit his lips not to groan too much. After about 20 minutes with the meals settled, Zert stopped and leaned back.
He stretched out his arms and rotated them and then tapped Zax on the head. " Ok Lad, were done. Get yourself together so we can press on. If the Gods grace us, we might be close to a hamlet or a farm to get a hot meal and shelter for the night,. If not, well we look for as best a camp as we can. "
Zax nodded and dressed quickly, but smiled as he did so. " Thanks Corporal Zert, you really worked me good there. I feel much better. Maybe I can return the favor tonight, if you wish?" The last was said shyly, but Zax kept his eyes on Zert's.
Zert nodded. " Mayhap you can. I will see what the night brings but till then we move on. "
They walked on and after about 2 hours while taking a small rest, a sound came out. It was a distant horn call, one that set Zert on edge. Orc horns, a war call at that. He quickly looked to try to place where the sound came, and as a return blow of another horn, he felt it was to the north. The two horns had sounded faint, so no immediate battle was seen. It did remind Zert of what was out there and who awaited them if they were caught. He was ready for battle, but with Zax in his charge, he would have to skirt confrontations as much as possible. Gods he wished he had a squad of men to back him up and be able to face off a patrol.
They waited a bit more, top see if any more calls were sounded, but as no more blows of the horns were heard, they continued on. The orcs would be on the move and woe any isolated farms encountering an Orc Patrol. They would only end up a fresh meal if out numbered and if captured, even worse. Orcs on the warpath would leave little of worth, and would despoil anything they could not use or take.The Broken Hand was among the worst of the northern tribes.
Zert and Zax moved even more cautiously, trying to be as stealth as a hulking warrior could be. They came across no farms or even cart paths, but close to dusk Zax made out a pleasant surprise. Seeing something Zert had missed, he grunted to signal Zert.
Zert turned and Zax pointed to a shadow against the near hill on the right. He motioned with his captured spear. " There Zert. " He said softly. Zert peered and still cold not make out what the boy was seeing.
Zax chuckled and motioned again. " There, in the shadow. There is a cave. Maybe we can make use of it, if it is empty. "
Zert paused, weighing the chances of finding it to be safe, but the night promised to be could, and it would be nice to be sheltered from the wind and chill." Ok lad, we can approach closer. When I tell you to wait, you WAIT. I will explore it myself, to ward off any enemies or game. Promise me you will stay until I call you. I can not easily watch you and be on the lookout for danger. Will you do as I say? "
Zax did not like this, but he was beholden to this strange man. " Aye, I shall. Hurry as much as you can Zert. I want nice fire and bed. "
Zert patted the boy on the head and gripped his sword and shield. He moved slowly to the cave, looking at the entrance for any movements. As he got even closer, he peered even closer to the top and sides, looking for traps or ambushes, but saw nothing. Brush had helped to add to the shadows, and they were the cause of why Zert had not seen the cave at first. Getting to its opening, he looked at the ground and dirt for any recent tracks. Some small creatures, but nothing like a bear, lynx or worse showed itself there. Still on edge, he walked in, his eyes flickered slightly as the lens dropped into place so he could see into the darkness.
The cave was about 7 feet tall and close to 5 across. Zert bowed his head a little to make sure it would clear the ceiling. The cave was of natural stone, never seemingly worked and went in about 5 feet before opening up more Getting clear of the entrance, Zert made out that the opening inclined down slightly and the cave proper was a rough half moon. It was about 8 yards across and 5 deep. Another smaller opening revealed an alcove with some dead brush and a nest of grass. It did not seem to have the smell of any recent animals or humanoids. Zert stepped a little closer to the nest sword out and on the ready.
As he got close enough, Zert could make out that the grass was woven in a manner to make it a good nest. but it was old and parts were now unraveling. Someone or something had made this thing, but They were either long gone or not doing any upkeep. Zert saw to the side then a pile of dried dung, and by the look of it, possibly bear. He examined the nest and saw many wilted and brittle feathers, long and dark. His skin shivered as he thought what had made this place and the depositor of the dung. Owlbear!!
Zert had fought those ferocious beasts before and still had a scar where one of the creatures had raked his leg. He could possibly have handled one, but he was happy to pass that battle by. He finished the rest of the scout and saw some old bones and even a collection of rotted cloth. He could not tell who the bones may have belonged to, but the cloth looked like something a peasant might use.
Nothing or worth or value was among these piles and with the examination done, Zert walked back outside. Looking to where Zax was hidden, he motioned with his hand. summoning the boy to come on in. Soon Zax arrived and he gave Zert a warm smile. " Sp we have shelter Master Zert? "
" Yas, that we do lad. An old cave of an owlbear, but long gone from what I can tell. Good thing to, or we might have ended up food to the beast. Drop your pack here and help me gather some wood for a fire. You will not be able to see into the darkness of the deeper part of the cave, and you will get no light from the moon in these shadows. I do not want to use a torch here, so a fire will have to do. "
Zax nodded and putting his pack down and resting the spear on the side of the cave went to gather fallen wood. Zert first got some stones to make a fire ring and then joined him. Both of them got three armfuls and with Zax waiting at the entrance, Zert put some of the wood into the ring and got out his tinderbox. It took a few tries but soon enough he had a fire going.
The two of them laid out their bedrolls and Zert heated up some food. Refreshed with a hot meal and water, Zax lay down and looked at Zert. " Will you tell me your beginnings? Where do you come from and what brought you to this place? "
Zert sitting so he could watch the entrance, but still give Zax a look in the eyes sighed a little and stretched out his legs. " It is a long story I will try to keep brief. As you can see, I am a Half Orc. My Mother was Alaina of Clan Braggin, and she was captured as she and an escort traveled on a mission of trade to a neighboring city. My Mother and her kin come from the March of Mazdac, and Clan Braggin are among the best warriors and merchants of the Margrave. "
" Well my mother and a few females that lived through the attack were enslaved and taken in chains to Goria. There she was made to give pleasure to any and all that were shown to her. Among them was the man who was to be my father, curse his name and soul. His name was Bandark, the chief of Master Husk's guards. He raped my mother viciously and it was only by the grace of Rawndalla, who my mother was a priestess of, that she lived. The end result was I was born months later. My mother kept we warded from potential eaters, and saw to it that I was accepted by the slave master. "
"My life for my first few years not that harsh, but at the age of 8 I was taken to begin training as a pit fighter. Fighting for the pleasure of my enslaver and to please his guests. I had a good teacher, a friend of my Mother and a man with a good heart. Calium saw to it I had the best of training he could give me. Combined with what teachings my mother had been able to install in me of Rawndalla and her ways, I was able to stay alive and not too badly damaged. "
" It was rough lad, and I suffered from many a beating and whipping. I was pitted against smaller beasts and captured kobolds and goblins. Sometimes to the death, sometimes not. All where I got my scars as you can see. "
" At the age of 13 I was inflicted with a strange plague that ran through the slave quarters, I and my mother lived, but poor Calium and nearly 25 out of a 100 never recovered and died. Husk was away in the service of Kalen Dahl and when he returned he was furious his castellan had not called in the healers sooner. Even a blooded fighter such as myself had to turn away and shudder what was done to that man. It is enough to say he died tortured and mindless from the torture. Bandark was made the right hand man of Husk now and I vowed in time to kill that bastard. He may have given me life from the rape of my mother, but he was a vicious beast with a black heart, He and his orcish contingent of guards were an example that I would erase from the good Earth. "
"That is why I am sensitive to being called an orc. I am as human in my heart and soul Zax. I am sworn to kill every last orc I can, to put a stop of their evil ways. I swore this by Rawndalla and I will not be forsaking that vow. "
" The next 3 years saw me fighting even more battles and I came close to death more then once. Then I got a chance while putting on a show during a high dinner for Husk's new guests. A rival attacked during the dinner and during the confusion, I downed the hobgoblin I was fighting against and joined in the fray. I saw Bandark trying to lead his master away, but he was held up by the attackers. I came upon him from the rear and with no warning or mercy, as he deserved none, I split his worthless head in twain, though I shattered my blade in it. Husk screamed and ducked away, but I chased after him. The attackers left me alone to go after others, not realizing at the time that Husk was their prime target. "
" Going through many a passage-way and door, I finally caught up to Husk as he was about to escape out a bolt hole. He turned as I broke through the door that he had hoped to stop me and pulled his sword. All I had was a dagger and a length of chain I had gathered up during the chase. In short, after taking some deep cuts, I was able to wrap the chain around the sword and pull it from the fricker slaver's hand and gutted him with my dagger. "
" With Husk dead and fires breaking out from the attack, I saw a chance for freedom and escape. I took Husk's money and jewelry, as well as his sword. That sword is now the one I wield, Nimlas is her name.I do not know her maker, but she is a strong blade and has served me well. I then went to find my mother and free as many of the slaved as I might. I had to fight off some other guards and even some of the attackers, but I finally made it to where my mother's quarters were. "
" That was the saddest experience for me, for in the room, flames starting to spread to the ceiling was the body of my mother. One of the attackers had broken her and raped her, but she had somehow been able to grasp a sconce of a torch and brain him.He died still in my mother, and she seemingly died at the same time. With tears in my eyes lad, I tried to get her free. But a new wave of attackers stopped me and during the battle I was carried away,. I broke from the fighting, but the fires were enough now that I had no hope to get to my mother. "
" So I ran away, crying, and in time I made my way out of Husk's old lands and into your own land. I signed up with the Golden Company, then in service with a Chessentan trader and I served with my fellow mercenaries and under Captain Vorn for the next 5 years till the company was destroyed in battle with the Broken Hand. I killed a clan chief, but was severely wounded. I woke up to see that I seemed to be the sole survivor of the Company, though some were unaccounted for. I do not know if they live or not, but as I journeyed to Port Nayr, I rescued you. Now that brings me to the end of my tale."
Zax eyes were wide from the telling of Zert's past, and his eyes had watered hearing the terrible ordeal that Zert had to face, So unlike his own upbringing. He was not a pampered parasite of a noble, but he had never had to face even a tenth of what his rescuer had.
" Thanks for telling me Zert. I promise, I will never call you an Orc again and I am ...sniffle... Thanks for rescuing me and being here. " Tears now ran down the face of Zax and Zert quickly grabbed the boy to him. Zax now gave in to his pent-up fears and the memories of his own capture and wailed into the breast of his friend. Zert just held him, rocking him slightly and rubbing his back. In time the shuddering ended and the sounds of the crying stopped. Zert pulled back a little and saw that Zax had fallen asleep. The boy had cried himself into slumber.
Zert laid him down and rubbing his head softly put the blankets over the sleeping lad. " Your welcome my little Lordling. Dream sweetly , for I will protect you. Durgon and Rawndalla watch over your dreams, and keep away the fears. " He then took a gamble and gave Zax a gentle kiss to his head. " I will be here when you wake Young Zax. "
Zert stayed sitting there till the fire died.
Ok here is the end of Chapter 3. Had some nice comments from fans. Keep them coming and I will see if this is to continue. I will say here and now I am committed to the story. had some replies from other authors whose stores I drew a little inspiration from. Really helped to boost my ego. I am also proud to say that am now officially calling myself an author. : )
Check out my other story- Monterey Delights at /nifty/gay/young-friends/monterey-delights/
Praise me, flame me, or just tell me where I may improve or screwed up. I am more then willing to reply and we can see what the future holds. Email me at cezmail1@yahoo.com.
Thanks
Charlie