Chapter 5
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 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.
Special thanks to Coal Black, Skip, Charlie G, Michael H, and the good man from the Mountains, Bob in CO. Thanks my friends for the emails and the friendship. You keep me smiling and wanting to write. : )
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 5
The sound of the horns stirred Dirdir and Zert, old habits and instincts rising to the fore. Zert quickly made sure that Zax had his spear and pack and pulled him closer. " Lad, stay close to the other boys. I will help to ward off these damn shit eaters. Use your skills and spells if you have any, and keep your spear handy. If you know how to use a bow, pick off targets as you can. "
As Zert was talking to Zax, Dirdir was collecting his sons and came back inside quickly. " Ok Lads, go to the point and stay close. If I fall, use the back way and head to cave to hold up. Then do what you can for the other. I loves ya, so may the gods watch over you. " Dirdir gripped his heavy crossbow and cocked it and loaded a black bolt into the groove.
Tarton took the other crossbow and a quiver of bolts, while Ulf took his spear and Yokus his horn bow and leather quiver of homemade arrows. Zax wanted to argue with Zert about leaving him, but the warrior's look of anticipation and the calls of the horns of the orcs deterred him. His eyes wet with near tears he fled to follow the other boys out the back and atop the barn. There they would have avenues to fire their weapons and keep raiders from reaching them. Tarton grabbed 2 more quivers of bolts and Yokus slung another quiver for himself.
Zert looked to Dirdir as the boys left. " Best you go with them Dirdir. I will go off to the side and draw as many of these fricken Orcs off. Take as many as I can and allow you to escape. "
Dirdir cut Zert off . " Shut up man. We take them on together. I gots a bit of backup with me bow, and the lads are good enough to pick off leaders and spellcasters. We might be farmers, but I got my experience in the border flashes and taking on bandits and raiders. Your good I am sure., but you can not take on a whole band by yourself. Just shut and soldier, soldier. Vorn would box your ears if you tried to act that way in the Company. "
Zert accepted the rebuke with a simple nod and then left to get under cover of shed. He slung his shield and got his bow strung and readied. He was looking from where he expected the orcs to come from. He could hear faint voices in the distance, as the horns stopped blowing. His hand was steady as old habits allowed him to focus on the one thing, killing these Orcs and keeping Zax safe. Mages, shamans, and leaders were a priority and then mop up the rest, He wondered how many would be in this war band.
Dirdir was kneeling down with his crossbow at his shoulder. He too was steady, and his eyes were unfocused, waiting to get any movement to loose his own weapon. No more words were exchanged as they awaited the battle coming their way.
The boys made to the hayloft and took up position at two windows on the side where Tarton pointed. Tarton took the right with Ulf to back him up, as Yokus and Zax went to the second. The extra quivers were propped in easy reach. The two spearmen would help to load, point out targets and if any Orcs came close enough, to jab down and push away any climbers or ladders. Once positioned and ready, it was not long before the Orcs came into view.
The first Orc appearing stepped from the trees and charged the house, sword raised hi. Dirdir stayed in position and with a nod, motioned to Zert to take the shot. Zert took immediate action and his arrow sunk into the Orc's chest, dropping him in a squeal of pain that quickly ended. That seemed to signal more of the Orc's and suddenly they poured from the trees on the far side. more then 6 were in a bunch, with a few more pairs separated from them. Yokus and Tarton released their shots, with Tarton taking out an Orcish raider and Yokus maiming another in the leg. Zert shot and missed a leader who was still not free of the woods. A branch got in the way and caused the arrow to skip off higher into the branches.
It was then that Dirdir finally made his shot, centering it at the group. The black bolt flew true and stuck into the large Urok pushing his compatriots. A flash of blinding light exploded from the bolt and was followed by a roaring sound that deafened everyone in the battle. As the light quickly passed, the pressure of the sound caused several of the Orcs to fall. Where the bolt had been was a small blacked area filled with the torn remains of the 6 Orcs and some smoke rising from the grass.
Zert was stunned by what had happened. A Thunder Bolt !! That was what Dirdir had just used and by the Gods, it was a powerful magic. Rare indeed, but very deadly. He had seen them used before, but never at so close a battle. As quickly as he could shake his stun, he shot another arrow at the Urok, this time sinking his arrow into the Orc's eye and killing it instantly.
The boys were not as quick to get back into the action, but went to continue their rain of missiles while the Orcs were still down from the thunder clap. Between the for bowman, they killed 2 more orcs and wounded 3 before the warband was back into the fray and charged Zert and Dirdir. 7 Orcs were in the charge and another 3 were using their own bows to shoot at the youths up in the barn.
Zert quickly dropped his bow and had his sword and shield up. He stepped forward to meet the charging raiders and allow Dirdir to more time to ready himself. Zert thrust his sword at the first Orc to reach him, cutting deep. He spun to the side, to release his weapon and use the falling body to ward his flank He blocked two attackers with his shield and then cut across his body with a back stroke. This slash completely gutted the attacker and his intestines spilling out made his companion slip and drop his weapon.
Dirdir was about to pull his ax when he saw a weaving hand to his right. A Spellcaster! Forgetting about the Orcs in front of him, he sighted his crossbow and released a second thunder bolt. It again hit home and the explosion and thunder obliterated the mage and his two bodyguards. It also shook up the Orcish missileers and two of their shots went wild. The other flew into the barn where a screech of pain ensued.
As Dirdir made his killing shot, two Orcs got past Zert and slashed at the old farmer. He flung up his crossbow and blocked one attack, but the other slashed under and got the farmer in chest. He grunted as pain flared in his body and he dropped his crossbow to attempt to step away from his attackers and get his ax out.
Zert weaved in his battle with three Orcs, taking two cuts that did not pierce his mail, but still caused him pain and kept him from rescuing Dirdir. He slashed and cut and killed his three attackers. It was too late though, as even as he turned to help Dirdir, the same Orc that had hit the old mercenary the first time bashed him with his foot and swept his ax. Poor Dirdir could not stop this blow and his head was nearly bashed in from the stroke.
Zert roared in anger and quilt for not helping the farmer. He charged the two remaining orcs and killed one with a jab to the heart, The other danced away and lunged forward with his jagged saber. This thrust got Zert deep in his shield arm and Zert felt blood start to flow from the wound. He tuned out the pain as quickly as he was trained and with a roundhouse cut, sliced the Orc in twain. The dead Orc's blood drenched Zert, blinding him for a moment.
While Zert and Dirdir were battling for their lives, the boys and the Orcish Missileers were exchanging fire. The one shot that had zoomed in after the second thunder bolt exploded had got Ulf in his left arm. The middle boy dropped his spear as the pain got to him, and blood started to spurt from the wound. Zax quickly moved to help Ulf and he applied pressure as his trainers had instructed him. and as he had seen from watching the family surgeon work on the staff of the Manor.
Tarton and Yokus at first wanted to get to their brother, but the hail of arrows from the Orcs kept them occupied. Several shots were exchanged and 2 of the orcs were wounded or killed, but the other one, more savvy and protected , kept up his shots. The last one of these was fired as Zert killed the last of his Orcs. It slipped true into the opening where it struck Tarton in the chest. The boy did not even make a sound as he dropped his crossbow and fell to the ground. Yokus cried out hearing his oldest brother fall and fired his last shot from his current quiver. The Orc seemed to have gotten careless, as he stepped from his cover to fire again. Yokus's arrow landed deep into the Orc's groin and the Orc let out a piercing scream of agony. It tried in vain to staunch the blood pouring from his wound, but was silenced by yet another arrow from the remaining bowman from the barn.
Zert was about to head to the barn when more orcs came from the woods, led by a large Urok. Two of them had lit torches and charging the barn. Zert screamed in rage. " Damn your black souls assholes. Take on me and I will vanquish you. " and he charged himself, hoping to intercept the Orcs.
His wound slowed him and the torches were flung into the barn before he could get to the Orcs. Their triumph was short lived, as Zert cut, slashed, and thrust. He killed 4 orcs, including the two torchmen, but took another blow to his shield arm. The cut caused him to have to drop his shield and put the bleeding limb behind him. The Urok peeled back his canines in glee and was moving to cut Zert down when an arrow fired from Yokus appeared from his mouth, The arrow had gone from the back of his skull and the point burst forth from the tongue. Needless to say, this leader would never again taunt a dying enemy.
The last orc went to flee, but Zert gutted him before he could and the battle came to an end. Fire was spreading in the barn and Zert sheathed his sword to get the boys out before they were over come from the flames or smoke. He rushed in and saw Zax and Yokus supporting Ulf down a ladder. Smoke was starting to pour from the hayloft, and flames were darting back and forth. The mule and two cows were bellowing and screaming in fear and pain, and the heavy smell of the burnt wood and hay was almost too much for the boys to handle. Zert got there and with his good arm, lifted Ulf from the younger boys and pulled all of them outside.
He lay Ulf on the ground and was about to get back in to help Tarton when Zax coughed enough to talk. " No don't Zert. He,,,, he's dead. Please, just save Ulf, I bandaged his arm as best as I could, but its still bleeding. Please. .... save him and keep him alive. " Tears were pouring from the young lordling, who had once again been a witness to death, this time from another boy he had just had a meal with.
Zert nodded and blanking out his own pain, called on his Goddess to grant him healing. He felt the warmth flow from his hand and fingers and Ulf's wound closed up right away and some color came back to his face. Yokus, not allowing the sight of his brother bleeding to death to overcome him. He had his bow drawn and was looking about for his Father and any other Orcs that might be about.
Once he had healed Ulf, Zert cast another spell for healing on himself and his maimed arm was made well enough that he could use it. The barn continued to burn and flames leaped onto the house, getting it ablaze as well. Once Zert and Ulf were healed, Zert gathered up the three boys.
" We can not stay here, as the smoke from the fire will draw other Orcs here. We need to get all the supplies and gear we can salvage and make tracks. Ulf, Yokus, I am really sorry to have to tell you this, but your Da is dead. He fell killing off that mage, and probably saved us all from its spells. I wish we could bury him as he deserves, but we just do not have time to do so. I need your help to find some shelter to hold up for the day and avoid Orcs "
Yokus finally could not take anymore and started to cry and wail. Ulf took his younger brother into his arms and just held him as he cried. tears poured from his own eyes, but he did not loose it.
Zert patted the two on the back, but left Zax to watch over them as he made a quick survey of the Orcs to make sure they were all dead and to gather their valuables and anything noteworthy. The money and gems he tucked away without counting, but reaching the blasted body of the mage stopped in dread. He was not sure what he would find there, but mages were always nasty to have to face.
The mage had an ornate dagger and a ring that had survived the explosion.The spellbook was showing from the ruined remains of the pack of the spellcaster, unharmed. Its dark leather was imprinted with the same rune of a black hand that Zert had seen on the message from Blood Ax. He carefully took the tome from the Mage's pack and into his own.
The Black Hand Mages seemed to be allied with Gore Traskin and the Lord of Goria. Zert still did not know anything of them, but this knowledge was sure to be valuable when he made his report with in Port Nayr. For now , he would have to let Zax try to use the spellbook and wait on the rest.
Looking then at the bodies of the two bodyguards, his heart almost clenched from the sight before him.The faces had been fused to the helms, and their weapons were shattered by the thunder bolt, but what remained of their shields was enough to show what they were, Hell Hounds! Traskin's men were here, now! Not good, not good at all. " Damn their filthy hides. Most Holy Lady, guide me in the coming days. Lend aid to your servant to battle these dogs of Voidius. "
He then made his way back to the cluster of youths. While he had been gone, Zax had kneeled down to hug Yokus and aid Ulf in calming and consoling his brother. The younger of the two brothers finally stopped wailing and was now just whimpering. Ulf pulled him closer and hugged him deep, then released his brother.
Yokus's thoughts raced through his mind. He had lost his Da, the man who had watched over them since their Ma had died from fever 7 years previously, and his oldest brother, who had aided their Dad when he was out in the fields. All he had left now was Ulf. Their home was destroyed. All that they had, gone. What would they do now? Where would they go now?
Zert's voice brought him back to the here and now. " Ok lads, we need to make tracks. We got a break from your Dad when he got his second strike at the mage. He was a baddie alright, one of a group I think aiding these scum of Orcs. His two guards if they had lived may have been my undoing, so I am pleased to say your Dad gots two bootlickers to serve him in the afterlife. "
" We can get some more weapons and replenish your quivers from the missileers, but then we need to start walking. Shame that the mule and the oxen died, but might be the best, as we can go places they might not have been. If we can get some shelter, we can wait out the rest of the day and replenish our bodies and my spells. I know your still hurting from your wounds and your loss boys, but I am here. If you wish, you can join me and Zax. I can get you at least to Port Nayr and will give you gold and gems as your share here. You all earned it, and I am not one to keeps more then I am warranted. "
Ulf looked first to his brother and not getting any nays from Yokus, turned and gazed back at Zert. " Aye, that is fair enough Master Zert, and I am very beholden to you for helping us and saving my life. I did not see all you did for my Da. but I know you tried your best to keep.. keep him alive. He died saving us all, and I will always honor him for what he did. Thank you sir, for aiding us. Yokus and I will be honored if you will have us. Yokus is much better with woodcraft then I, and can hunt. I am more able to trap and fish, as well as farm. I also have some book learning that my Ma taught me. We will not hinder you sir. "
Yokus just nodded, his grief to much for him to say anything. His eyes were now dry, but he could not bring himself to say anything. Ulf continued with his words. " We know of a cave hat my Da and Tarton made ready for us, if we should be over run or driven off. It has some supplies, We can replenish there and have some dried jerked venison and dried fruits and nuts to eat. It is now far, and I will guide us. "
He hugged Yokus again and handed his brother off to Zax. The four went to Dirdir's remains, Yokus and Zax stopped away while Zert and Ulf decided what to do. Ulf looked at Zert with a plea. " Please, take him with us. We can make a cairn for him in the cave,. I do not want him left here for the Orc's to feast on. "
Zert's heart was clenched with the words and though he thought it would be better to keep his hands free, he could not gain-say the lad. Ulf took his Father's crossbow and case of bolts, in which remained 1 more thunderbolt, as well as his pouch and ax. He quickly kissed the unblooded check, tears running again down his face, and then stepped away. Zert took the tunic off one of the orcs and wrapped in around Dirdir's head, to hold it together, and then picked up body. His muscles strained some, and his wounded left arm cried out in agony from the exertion. He let the pain flow through him and steadied the body on his shoulder, He could let his right hand go free to use his sword if need be, but for now used both to hold the remains of the man he had briefly befriended. Only of the Company dead. So many had died in the last days, and Zert as sure Dirdir would not be the last.
In file the 4 walked off, leaving the farm. Zax was still gripping Yokus on his waist, helping to comfort and steady the teen. Zax felt guilty that he found this contact exciting and sexual. He was attracted to Yokus, even as he had been with Zert. He tried, really tried to drive this passion from his mind, but was not able. He just hoped he did not make Yokus realize what he was thinking, for surely the teen would be disgusted by his thoughts.
It took them about an hour of cautious strides and back tracking to hide their and movements. Finally Ulf brought them to the side of a hill covered with brush and clusters of brambles. He motioned for Zert to hold in place, and looking about for something, finally caught up a piece of rope. He pulled it and a disguised cloth with brambles adhered to it lifted to the side, revealing an opening to a cave. He went to the entrance and pulled something from his Father's pouch. A piece of steel was brought forth, a soft glowing light shining forth. Zert nodded at this. Glow steel, while not rare, could be expensive, , It held the enchantment for many a year, and saved on having to light a torch for the humans to be able to see.
Ulf guided them down the opening, taking time to pull another rope on this side to pull the cloth back over the opening, hiding their resting place. This done, they made their way down the corridor to where it opened up, showing a cave about 30 feet across and 20 deep. Crates were aligned on the walls, as well as a covered cool box. A small pool connected to one side of the cave, and Ulf made his way there. He pulled on a braided chain and hauled out a waterproof chest. " We keep some food in here along with some perishables. Zax, take Yokus over against the right, You will find some pallets and blankets to rest on. Just hold him Zax, till I can take over. "
Zax nodded and complied, while Ulf continued to get food together. Zert took the time to slowly place Dirdir's body against the wall opposite from where Zax and Yokus were, and stretched his shoulders and arms when he had done so. The four ate a cold meal, not wishing to light a fire that might reveal smoke from their pursuers. The light from the glow steel allowed them to see, and once they had eaten, They all laid down to rest and wait out the day.
Zax went to go cuddle again with Zert, his fears coming again and just wanting to be held. Zert gathered up the lad and held him to his chest, as they faced the brothers. Yokus was leaning his back against Ulf's body, his brother's arms encircling him in an embrace that really helped to calm him. Thus in position. They talked. Zax started to tell them all about his own life.
" Well Zert did not say before, but... I am not just a high
class fop who he rescued. My father is the cousin of the Baron of New Leir and I was raised in court and at the castle of my Ancestor Grandfather, Zargon. I was being taught the ways of magery from my other cousin Vicores, who was one of my bodyguards, My dad was busy a lot with duties with the Baron and the Council, on which he sat. My mom had died given me life, and so I never knew her. My ancestor, Zargon helped to raise me, but he was old in years, if not appearance, and so secluded himself in his tower. "
" I do not know much of his early years, before he led our people, the Amani into this land. I did hear that he had been a great ruler in another world, an Emperor and a great fighter. In fact his title was Zargon the Bold. But he and his brothers were driven from Aman during a great upheaval and revolution. Vicore, the Archmage of the Empire, cast a spell that opened a gate through which my people made their way to this world. There he helped to found the new Barony, named after the Capitol of the old Empire. He had been imbued by some artifact to not age or age slowly, and retired as Baron in time. Now he but remains Lord of Greendragon Castle, not dealing much with the rest of the clan "
" I missed my dad and hoped at times he would step down from the Council, but he was needed, and loved his position. I did have friends to play with, a couple of younger cousins as well as friends of the family and their children. Though high born, I was not coddled, and I helped the servants and folks of the estate. I was not afraid to get my hands dirty and did not have any cares if the boy I played with was a noble or a servant's child. Vicores watched me and kept me from too much mischief, but allowed me some free time to make my own trouble. "
" I loved my Dad, and he was willing to spend time with me when he was free, playing games and taking me fishing or on rides. When I became 9, he thought it might do me some good to apprentice with a friend of his, Master Burble the trader. I had already enjoyed playing with numbers, as well as my apprentice spells, and agreed with this plan. I was also excited to be able to go to Port Nayr, as I had never been there. Just a few times to New Leir when I went with my father to the Baron's Manor. "
" I never made it though, and I am alone from those I traveled with. I saw Vicores save me with his own body. Zert saved me again.... he saved.." Zax could not go on and threw his head into Zert's mailed chest as new tears came to him. Zert held the lad, comforting him with soft words and stroking his back. The tears of Zax caused Ulf and Yokus to cry as well, from their own loss, and they held one another as they fell asleep in their mutual grief.
Zert stayed awake, holding the now sleeping Zax. So much sorry in the world, and he did not see an end to it. War had come again to the North, and young Zax was in the middle of it. The war had also gripped the lives of Yokus and Ulf, and these two handsome lads were another responsibility of Zert's. He was tasked to keep them alive and hopefully find a friend to take them in, or purchase them an apprenticeship. " Eventually even Zert rested and slept.
Yokus came awake feeling something against his back. His brother was semi awake and was stroking Yokus, his manhood rubbing against his back. Yokus found himself aroused as well. It was not a sudden thing for the two, as they had slept together several times and enjoyed their moments of passion. Seldom did they meet others or make it to Market in Goshen. Yokus did not even think of Zert or Zax as he turned slightly to kiss and stroke his brother. They allowed the pent up emotions to take them into bliss as they kissed and touched one another through their clothes.
Zert was awake and looked on with a smile. Let the boys have their fun. For all he knew, they might all be dead tomorrow. He was looking on, pleased that the two brothers were starting to get heavy, when he felt a hand touch his own rampant erection. Zax touched him tentively and not receiving any objections, stroked Zert more. Zert thought he should stop this, but the sight of the two brothers, days of not having any relief, and his growing affection for young Zax allowed him to give in. He took Zax up closer and leaning up, kissed Zax deeply. A sigh arose from young Zax and he moaned in pleasure. He had found a new lover.
Ok here ends Chapter 5. Yes, I finally got to some " fun " for those that had complained or asked for it. : )
Thanks for all the emails and comments folks. I very much appreciate every last one and I gladly reply. Keep them coming and I will keep writing. 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.
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