Chapter 7
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 Skip, Coal Black, Odhreg, Bob from CO, Michael H, Zustara, Karla, Draco, Charlie G,Jayel, and Aaron from Seattle. Thanks for the kind words and encouragement. Always nice to hear from you all. : )
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 7
The sleep was a very restful one, and what dreams there were either fleeting or pleasant. The presence of Zax in his arms made Zert forget his own losses, and his protectiveness and love for this youth crept even deeper in his heart. The songs of the songbirds greeting the rising sun helped to bring Zert awake, and his stirring caused Zax to come to a semi consciousness of his own. Zert took in the bed and the sounds coming through the window, and he knew immediately that he was in a safe enclosure. He smiled as he felt Zax twist to face him. He cranked open an eye and saw a smiling boy beaming at him. Zax leaned in and kissed Zert lightly on his cheek and giggled. " I gotta get up to pee. You coming to or want to join me freshen up? "
Zert smiled at the youth. " Good morning to you too sunshine. Yeah, I think I will relieve the old bladder as well. Get your robe and we can hit the jacks and some fresh water to wash down. If Ulf and Yokus are still sleeping, we can slap their butts to get them up and ready. Lots to do and supplies to buy. "
Zax was reaching to hand Zert his robe when Zert heard movement from the other bed. A muffled voice called out, half way a moan, " We're awake. You are like a stomping bull with your whisper's Zert. You two go take care of business and Ulf and I will wake up all the way. Now go, your making me regret waking up. "
Zert chuckled at this and shook his head. Pulling the robe around him and tying it off, he and Zax left to hit the outhouse and draw a fresh bucket of water to wash their faces and wet down the grime and sweat from their sleep. Coming down the stairs, they saw just a few patrons as Dason and one servant cooked breakfasts and showed leaving guests off.
Dason looked up and arched an eyebrow, asking if there was anything he could do. Zert just shook his head and with that Dason was back to the pan of eggs he was frying. Zert and Zax came back feeling refreshed and climbed back to the room to dress and to gather the two brothers together. They found the two already washed, from the pan and picture in the room.
" So you are indeed awake. I was sure I was going to have to have Zax blast you from your covers. " Zert smiled as he made his comment.
Ulf , still not fully awake, just grunted, but Yokus just giggled and smiled as he tightened his leathers. Zert and Zax pulled off their robes and began to dress and don their own gear.
As they dressed they all started to talk on what they wanted to accomplish here. Ulf knew the carter and horse breeder in the village and offered to go see if there were any mounts to be had. Yokus offered to look up the storekeeper for fresh clothes and additional food and supplies, including a cooking pot and spices to flavor any fresh food they might find. He also wanted to get some more arrows to add to the ones he already had, along with some stock and feathers for any new ones he might make. Zert would be going to talk with the magistrate and tell all he could to the militia, so that they could be prepared and reports could be sent my courier to Port Nayr and the surrounding countryside.
Zax wanted to come with Zert, but in the end was willing to go with Yokus. He also wanted a chance to talk with the herbalist, who was reported to have some skills with spells, about the items he had from the mage, as well as possibly getting some potions. Zert's minor healing ability was needed and useful, but if some potions could be had, then having some additional healing in an emergency would be a Gods sending.
Soon enough , clothed, armored, and with weapons girded or stashed away, they all trooped down to get their morning meals. Dason nodded to the two brothers and then walked over, his servant now doing the cooking. " What can I get you gents this morn? "
" What specials do you have? " Zert inquired.
" Well I got some fresh tarts Mista made, as well as some mutton and porridge that is fresh. I gots eggs and bread, oats and cinnamon, as well as milk chilled. If you want some of the left overs from last night, I will let you have them at a discount. If you want, I do have some squab that has yet to be cleaned. It will take a while a while, but I can have them ready for you if you like. "
After some consultation., Zert decided on bread, cheese, and a scramble of eggs and mutton. Zax wanted some sharp cheese, bread, honey, and tarts. Ulf decided on porridge and several tarts, and Yokus wanted to decided on leftover chicken, tarts, and cheese. The boys wanted water and milk, and Zert decided to have some warm cider and milk.
Soon the meal was brought to them and Zert paid for the meal with a silver extra for a quantity. Dason was still curt towards Zert, but was friendly with the brothers and Zax. Zert overlooked this, recognizing he would not get much better from the innkeeper. The food was very tasty and filling, and soon enough they all were sliding their chairs back to pat their stomachs and groan from the filling meal. Much better then rations. Zert then gathered them all up back to the room to pass out money to the boys, for their own purchases and whatever goodies they might wish to indulge on.
Zert separated out the monies he had, of his own and the accumulated stash from the three battles. he had never really looked it over and now taking it all in, saw that he had a small fortune in gems and jewels, as well as several platinum, gold and silver. He pushed the gems and jewelry aside for now, feeling they would be used for getting the three boys set up in Port Nayr and easy to carry and utilize for barter or trade.
Doing a quick count, from the bundle from his own pouch and the pouches from his pack, Zert was able to see that he had several hundred gold and silver, as well as a good number of platinum. He handed all the platinum to Ulf , as the horses would be the major purchase, that is if there were any to be had. The gold he gave to Yokus and Zax, and said if any needed more, to meet him back at the tavern for lunch. Ulf nodded and tucked away the platinum, which numbered a little over a 100. Yokus and Zax split the gold and smiled as they left. Zert did a quick look over in the room and them closed and locked it to be on his own way.
Getting directions to the magistrate from Dason, Zert went down the road and took the side path at the proper turnoff. He arrived to a small manor with a stable and barn to one side, a couple of silos on another, and a plot for a garden in the back. He saw some folks working about, and none seemed to have seen him or pay him any attention as he got closer. arriving closer to the door, he saw it open and a large robust woman stepping out with some rugs on one arm, a carpet beater in the other. She startled back when she saw the large warrior in front of her.
" Eh,,, what Can I do for yer you Master? " She seemed wary due to Zert's heritage and the weaponry hanging from his belt and back.
" I am here to see the Magistrate, Master Florin I believe is his name."
" What might be yer own name and what business do you have with his Lordship? " She seemed to have recovered from her wariness enough to bristle at Zert.
" I am Zert of Clan Braggin, and I believe Tavernkeeper Dason has already sent a message about myself and what has brought me to your village. I wanted to consult with his Lordship and coordinate messages that may be sent. Seeing as your Master is also the captain of the militia and all, that is only fitting, no? "
The matron nodded and stepped aside. " Come on in then and I will see if his Lordship is willing to talk with yew. Over their in the parlor and mind you do not mark up my chairs with yer ironmongery. "
Zert nodded and once in the parlor, the chatelaine gave him one more serious look and left him. Zert could hear other muffled voices in the house, some banging pots to the side where he thought the kitchen was, and some chopping wood from the back. He looked around the room, seeing some well made pottery on the shelves, as well as a large painting of a man in well made clothing in a room with be from the manor. The man looked to be in his 50's, in good health and fine features. There was a large hound at his feet and a cat sitting on a table to the side.
Zert was taking in the painting when he heard footsteps behind him. Zert turned to see the man from the painting, dressed in hunting leathers and worn boots stepping into the room. The man had whitish Grey hair, large brown eyes, and a face devoid of any scars or markings. He stood about six feet tall and his frame suggested he weighed an average amount.
The man smiled at Zert. " Greetings Zert of Clan Braggin, I am Magistrate Florin. Matild told me of your arrival and I am glad to have a chance to talk with you. I had some intial messages sent off, but with you here, I can make some much more detailed reports. Can I offer you anything at this time sir? "
Zert shook his head. " No thanks your Lordship. I have just broken my fast and am quite content. That is indeed the reason I came here, so you can have all your men ready should the Orcs or the Gorians press here on their warpath or in pursuit of me and the charges I have. We are in the process of getting mounts and new supplies. I want to move out no later then tomorrow, as I wish arrive to Port Nayr as soon as possible. "
Florin nodded. " Perfectly understandable and lets get to what we need to cover. Let me summon my scribe and with him taking notes, we can concentrate on all that you can share with us, your opinions on numbers, and possible routes they may take. I believe Dason said you had seen a map? Do you still have it ? " When the scribe was summoned, Zert and Florin started to flesh out all that Zert had learned and guessed. The magistrate was an ex soldier and well informed on battle plans and formations. His questions were informative and well placed. After about an hour of in depth talk, they broke. Zert refreshed himself with a tankard of good ale and bid Florin goodbye. Zert wanted to get back to see how well the boys had made out, as well as to enjoy lunch with his charges.
Getting back he saw Zax and Yokus sitting down drinking and talking. They looked up as Zert strode in, Zax's eyes brightening as he gazed at his Hero and Protector. He smiled as he stood up and gave Zert hug. " Hi Zert. You gotta see the stuff we got. " Zert held up a finger to slow Zax down before the boy bubbled over with his words, and gave him a hug back. He smiled at Yokus as he and Zax sat down. " Well I am glad that you seem to have had a successful time at the shops. Have you seen your brother Yokus? "
Yokus shook his head. " We just got here a minute ago ourselves. I stashed the supplies in the room. I found some great stock for making some arrows, as well as a change of clothes for myself and Zax. used but serviceable, as well as a pair of boots to replace the ones that Zax was having to use. Cooking gear and sundries in a packet, as well as a skinning knife to replace the one I had. My old one was ok, but the new one will hold an edge much better. "
Zax stepped in with his own report then. " We then went to see Master Azog, and wow, he sure had some nice stuff. He retired here awhile ago from the city and has a nice selection of magery and potions from his old shop. I wanted to get a spell or two, but his prices were high. He did have 2 potions of curatives that I snapped up, as we can use them. He was also willing to look over the ring and the dagger, but wanted 400 gold for that, and we did not have enough time. That and it would take a full day. Not sure if your willing to wait. " Zax looked at Zert questionably.
Zert shook his head. " No. I want to be on our way today if we can. Good you got the potions, and we can see if we can get your items looked at once we get to Port Nayr. Lets hope that Ulf was able to get some mounts, or at least some mules to haul our gear,. We have the Kazyk Hills to get over before we arrive to the city. "
The door opened then and looking over, they saw Ulf stepping in and closing the door. He smiled to them and went to Dason and made some sort of order. The tavernkeeper nodded and waved his hand for Ulf to sit down. The boy nodded back and stepped on over to where his companions awaited.
" Hello Brother, Zert, Zax. Just ordered some ale and fresh stew and bread. Hope you all don't mind. " He sat down and patted his brother on the shoulder. " So how did you do Yokus? "
" Pretty good. Old Ko had some wonderful black elm stock for me, as well as red tail eagle feathers. I also got some decent camp gear, and some tents. Just in case we get caught in the rain without shelter. How about you? What did you get? "
Ulf smiles and was about to reply when Dason arrived with 4 tankards and a picture of ale. " Stew in a few minutes. Enjoy lads. " Again he seemed to ignore or bypass Zert. Zert sighed, knowing nothing he could do would change this man's mind. "
He turned to Ulf as he poured for all the group and took a sip. " So Ulf, you were about to tell us? " Ulf smiled and sipped his own ale. He put it down and took a breath,
" Well there was not as much as we might have hoped. A caravan a week ago bought replacements for some animals that they had lost in an attack, and the stabler had not a chance to replenish. No horses that would suit us, being drafters, but he had a pair of well built mules that we can use. I was able to get them and tack for a decent price and they are being shoed now. They will be ready by the time we are done here, if you wanted to leave. Oh here, this is what is left. " He handed Zert the pouch with the platinum under the table, so as not to be totally obvious about it. " I also picked up some candies and wine. "
Zert tucked away the pouch, which was still substantial and their stew and honey bread arrived. They all dug into the stew, which was delicious, and went to the room to get all their packs and supplies. Zert did most of the carrying, seeing he was the oldest and strongest. Getting back down, he dropped some of the stuff to the floor to settle the bill with Dason, not tipping any extra. He nodded to one of the servants who had been nice to him and the group made their way to the blacksmith where the mules awaited.
The mules were indeed fine animals, stout and in good health. Freshly combed and shoed, they were already in their pack saddles and tack. Zert and Ulf began the stowing of their gear between the two mules, both mares, making sure the loads were equal on both sides to prevent uneven wear and tear. The loads finished and tied away, the four men repacked their own packs and put them on. Zert asked that Zax and Ulf to care and lead the mules while he and Yokus would be on the watch and lead off. Yokus with his woodlore and outdoor skills, Zert with his battle hardened experience. It was well after noon, but they still had about 3 hours of good daylight to push on.
Setting off on the path that would lead them to the main road into Port Nayr, the were able to make good time. They passed some other farm houses and paths lead off towards other hamlets and villages. A few of the people nodded or greeted them, others ignored the group as they continued their work and chores. Towards the time they were going to look for shelter for the night, they passed a courier heading towards Goshen. He was dressed in the royal colors of green on blue and his cloak was swirled behind him as he rode in a good canter. He ignored Zert's greeting and was soon past them.
" I will assume he might be from the garrison ahead of us. I will hope that the militia and the royal squadrons will help to reinforce the area. It would be a shame to see Goshen fall to the Gorian Orcs and their minions. Dason aside, Master Florin was decent to me, as well as some of the others. My heritage does not easily endear me to strangers I know, and those that can look beyond it I value. "
Zax felt for Zert and the scorn and the ignorance of others. If only they knew the honor and the strength that Zert carried inside him, and the warmth that he had extended to Zax in his hour of need. He stepped a few paces till he was alongside Zert and taking his spear in the hand with the lead, used his now empty right hand to grip Zert's side. " I care for you Zert and any who can not see that are idiots. "
Zert was moved by this and looked down at his young special friend. He saw true tenderness and possibly even love in the boy's eyes. He bent down and kissed Zax on the top of his head. " Thanks my friend. That was kind of you. " He smiled and they continued on.
They were coming to the top of a hill the road had lead them to and turned to look from where they had come from. The farmlands and woods spread out over the plain and valley and the sight caused them to pause and appreciate the glory that Gods had made. Then something caught Zert's eye. Something that made his heart grip up.
There in the far distance, where Goshen might be, was a haze of smoke trails and clouds. Something large had to be the cause for that amount of smoke and Zert feared the worse. The Orcs had chased the group to Goshen, or taken it on their warpath. Whatever the reason, there was no turning back. He only hoped that the militia and the townspeople had been fully prepared and been successful in beating off the attack. If not, the raiders would soon be after the group, and with just four of them, three barely youths, it did not look good. The four of them were long in gazing at the sight of the distant battle, all thinking of the people they had just been with that day. The sun was setting before they turned away, seeking camp and rest. It might be the last they might ever have.
So ends Chapter 7. More to come with new surprises. No promises as to when, but soon enough. Like I have said before, I am committed to the story. Till next time folks.
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 stories 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