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, Bobby, Michael H, Zustara, Karla, Draco, Charlie G, Jayel, Kyle Aarons, 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 8
Yokus, still fearful from what they had seen in the distance, led the group to the side off the road. He found them an old traveler camp site. Zert would have preferred a more fortified location, or even better, inside the walls of an armed encampment, but it was not to be. They were still at least a day away from Port Nayr and the roaming bands were hot on their heels.
Zert thought it best that they not light a fire, and to keep the glow steel muffled until absolutely necessary. Zax sat down next to his now extended bedroll and pulled out the ring and dagger. Even though he had no idea what they might do, he wanted to be as prepared as he could. Ulf set about making up a cold meal of rations and some food that he had picked up back in Goshen. Yokus used the remaining daylight to set up some trip wires for a warning, as well as some snares for any animals that might wander by. Zert used the time to deal with the mules and make sure they were fully picketed and fed. He then took out his sword and sharpened and cleaned it.
Zax was meditating as Zert slowly stroked his sword with his sharpening stone. His mind wandered onto the presence of the ring. He tried to focus on it, taking in any new thoughts or feelings that might be with him. Try as he might, nothing showed up. He gave up on the ring, hoping whatever enchantment might be about it would show itself when needed. The dagger then drew his attention. Picking it up he was startled to feel a tingle coming from it. Barely felt, almost a fleeting touch, but still a sensation. He put his full power of thought on the dagger and was able to feel it move, ever so slightly towards the direction of Goshen. That was it and the tingle stopped. He put the dagger away in his belt and let his mind relax. He was not sure what it meant, but he felt it was a sign.
Ulf called them top dinner and Yokus returned at the sound of his brother's voice. He flashed a quick smile at his sibling and sat down next to Ulf. " Thanks brother. After that hike, I could eat a boar. "
Ulf chuckled a little. " Your always hungry Yo, and you HAVE eaten a boar, or at least a good portion of one before. " Yokus laughed at the memory of the feast they had when he reached his return from his search of manhood with his mentor, now dead. Jirt had been a great teacher and helped Yokus to get a grasp on woodlore and hunting. It had been Jirt who had captured and killed the boar they ate that day.
The meal was soon over and they used up some of their water to do a quick wash and cleanup. Zert then called them together. " It's going to be a short night for all of us. I think it best we do two on two watches. If your all willing, Zax and I will go first, then you two. Best we stay and watch with the other we are closest to and who we best know. Keep your eyes and ears peeled. Yokus and Ulf, wake us at any sign of the enemy or anyone coming up the road. We are in the open , but with the heights , we can have a good view in the distance. Lie down now you two. Get what sleep you can. I will wake you with the rising of Frotonu. "
The two lads nodded and got into their bedrolls, that were next to one another. Zax strained to see with the light gone, but the moon had not risen so only the starlight was there for him to see. Zert lay his shield next to the tree he was sitting against and had his bow strung. He handed Zax his spear, as well as the spare crossbow he had picked up at Dirdir's farm. The lad would not be able to load it again, but at least he had the crossbow for a distance shot.
Zax wanted to talk, but Zert hushed him. " We need to watch and listen lad. In the morn we can talk if you like. Now we have the need to be wary. Stay awake and alert. Your life and mine depend on it. "
Zax was shamed by his feelings of anger at Zert's rebuke, but he saw the wisdom. He sat away from Zert so both could listen in the half circle they faced out to. His spells were on his mind, ready to be called if needed. The crossbow, not very familiar, was his arms to be used, The Glowsteel was at hands reach to be uncovered. Its light would allow him to see any close in enemy, though they would see their encampment as well.
The first hours of their watch passed without much strain, but then shortly after the rise of Frotonu, Zert was alerted to a sound. A quick snap and a jingle of something made him stand quickly with an arrow loaded to his bow. Then he knew what it was and relaxed some. One of Yokus's snares had been tripped. By what he was not sure, but if nothing happened, then in the morning they would have some fresh meat.
Zax was very sleepy as Zert quietly awakened the two brothers to relieve the watch. They awoke and after a stretch and rubbing of their eyes, they nodded quietly at the change of the guard and took their own assigned positions. Zert gathered Zax into his arms, gave him a quick kiss and lay down with his young charge. Soon enough he joined Zax in slumber.
He was startled with a shake and saw Ulf nudging him with his crossbow. His ax, formerly Dirdir's, was low on his belt. Zert looked about and listened. He thought he could hear something in the distance, but could not tell what it was. Zert lifted Zax to his feet and the two of them gathered their senses. " Ok, what's going on Ulf? " Zert noticed it was close to dawn, the sun just glistening on the Eastern horizon. Frotonu, the Star of Mu-n-Mari had shifted to nearly overhead now.
" Movement on the road, coming towards us. I think their up from the road from Port Nayr. Horsemen I think. Yokus is out near the road on watch. " Ulf licked his lips, hoping it was not the enemy who may have come up and encircled them.
Zert nodded as he took in the report. " Ok, Ulf. You and Zax stay here and get cover. Keep your bows and weapons handy. Get ready to take out any enemies that show up or if Yokus or I are attacked. Zax, pay attention to Ulf and obey him. I will be back as soon as I can, but I want to get a sight of what is coming uphill. Now go lads. "
Zert donned his sword belt and took up his shield and bow. He hunched down and stepped to where Ulf said his brother was. Zax and Ulf shifted themselves to a small rise where Ulf had been standing watch, and lay down prone with their crossbows loaded and aimed out. Zax prayed that Zert would be safe.
Zert came upon Yokus soon and rested his shield against a trunk of a tree. He looked at the young teen, eyes raised. " You learn or hear anything new lad? "
Yokus shook his head slightly, his eyes still focused on where the noise had come from. " Nay, but it was for sure horses, at least 2 or 3 of them. Some jingling of reins as well. I could not make out the voices, or if they spoke in any particular tongue. They have gotten closer though. " The young man gripped his hornbow and had an arrow of his own readied.
They listened and soon Zert was able to hear some horses. more now, approaching the area where the group was camped. He strained to see through the waning night to get some look what and who was approaching, but too many trees and brush blocked the site, He was about to shirt his place when a voice called out. " Freeze. None of you move or you die. In the name of King Ryinn, surrender for judgment. " The call had come from behind Zert, and in fact, above them. It was a woman's voice, and with an Elvish lilt to it. A call of a hill cat cried out twice, pause, and then once more, and was answered with two quick trills of a meadowlark. Zert and the boys had been spied and caught unaware and now the riders knew of this.
Zert made no moves and with a muffled oath, told Yokus and the two crossbowmen to drop their weapons. If the watcher spoke true, then the people approaching were allied or in the service with the Port Nayr forces. He replied once he had dropped his bow. " I am Zert of Clan Braggin, late of the Golden Company. I mean no harm to your King and would aid you if you might allow. Who are you and who comes? "
" Stay still and quiet Half Orc. The Captain will decide if you are an enemy or not. I care not either way. For now, if you wish to live, make no sudden moves. " The woman spoke Trade pretty well, though her Elvish heritage was very noticeable. Zert resigned himself and hoped that Zax and Ulf had listened to him. Yokus was apologizing for letting the spy get them and not hearing her or her companions. Zert replied. " Do not fret lad. If they are Nayrians, then we have allies against the Orcs or Gorians headed our way, and we can get news as well. Just hope this Captain will hear me out and not order me killed out of spite. Just stay calm and if something happens, get Zax away. "
Zert was not as calm as he sounded, but he had to be brave and face this. He said a quick prayer to Rawndalla to watch over him and his young charges. Then he saw riders climbing up the road and his heart was lightened by what he saw. A standard of the Royal Borderers was held by one of the front men. The Borderers were a small but elite force. A combination of skirmishers, light calvary, and all around bad news for anyone that would be an enemy of the Kingdom. He saw a small but husky human in a dulled breast plate next to the standard bearer. Looked like about 20-30 riders, though 3 horses were without riders.
The leader, the Captain as the Elf had said, held up a hand. Some signals, with no talking was exchanged between him and his soldiers and soon the force had split up and branched out. Some of the people, most humans, but including a Dwarf and 2 Elves, rode off, but a couple dismounted and stayed near the Captain. The standard holder was one of these.
The Captain stood only about 5 feet tall, but his thick torso and shoulders showed that he was now pushover. He had a spiked mace in his belt and a bow was in his left hand. He had a small coifed helm but his heavy beard flowed out the open face and the mail gorget. His dark eyes stared at Zert's size and obvious heritage. " Who might you be and what are you doing out here at this time? Remember, your answers will be weighed with the truth for lies and if I catch you in one, you die. Easy as that. "
Zert swallowed and caught his breath, Then he replied as calmly as he could. " I am Zert, Zert of Clan Braggin and of late of the Golden Company, based out of your city. I am now the warder of three lads, one whom I have an oath sworn onto my blade to Rawndalla to protect, and two others. Brothers whose family died in an Orc attack a day outside of Goshen. My charge is Zax Greendragon and the brothers are Ulf and Yokus Dirdirson. We are no enemies of the Broken Hand, Goria, or the servants of the Black Hand. "
The Captain took in Zert's large build and demeanor, but his words quickly got his full attention. " How do you know of these names? "
Zert nodded in understanding. Possibly only a spy might know of the Black Hand was in league with Orcs. " I and young Zax found information on his captors, as well as a mage of the Black Hand. I know that Hell Hounds have acted as bodyguards for the Mage, as well as their leader is personally involved with the invasion. if you will allow, I can show you what I have found, including a map and a letter , written in Orcish, to the Hell Hound Captain. I am an enemy to the Orcs and the Gorians. I am a servant and priest of Rawndalla and I give my personal oath my Holy Lady that I mean neither you, your land, your king, or your people harm unless I am attacked first. I helped to make a report to Magistrate Florin of Goshen. "
" Now might I know your name and how you came to be here Captain? "
The muscular man nodded as he thought over all that Zert had shared. " Aye, that you can. I am Captain Juris Hokkanar and these men are the Stalker Company of the Royal Borderers. I was sent by courier to reinforce Goshen and put myself under the orders of Lord Florin. Another detachment of my men is following. I know of you Zert of Clan Braggin, though not the details. I guess I missed the courier, or a copy of your report to Master Florin, but you confirm your name so stand easy. " He made some more hand motions and those of his soldiers who were still about relaxed their weapons. Zert finally saw some movement in the trees, though still could not see the Elf that had called out to them earlier.
Juris continued. " Now show me what you have. You and your charges may take up your weapons again and I give you peace Priest Zert. " Zert nodded and picked up his bow and rested next to his shield. Yokus gathered his own bow and stepped away from Juris and the other Borderers to see how his brother was doing. Zert started to show al that he had and the two were going over the map and the letter. Zert informed him of what they had seen at dusk and his belief that Goshen had fallen. This news did not please Juris.
Yokus saw Zax and Ulf with their weapons in hand, talking with an Elvish woman, who looked about 20 summers. She was quite pretty in a dark haired elvish way, though many patterns of paints and foliage his her full beauty. Yokus was infatuated, but Ulf was near lost in her beauty. Zax stood interested, but his own heart was for another. " This is Shadowfox, and she is a treeskimmer. " Zax introduced, " and this is Ulf's brother, Yokus. " Yokus was impressed, as treeskimmers, also known as limb walkers, were a small elite of the Elves who could literally skim the trees, walking from bough to bough, tree to tree in the deeps. Almost always light of build, they could stride near silently for leagues and catch their quarry. Such was the way that Shadowfox had been able to come upon Zert and the others and detain them.
Shadowfox nodded, her hand still gripping the recurve shortbow she was a mistress of, and looked at the young woodsman. Her voice spoke clearly with its accent. " It looks like we shall not have to kill you. How come it to be that you would ally with a Half Orc, priest or no priest? "
Zax bristled at this. " Zert is my protector Shadowfox, and I will not have you insulting him. He may be a Half Orc, but he is honorable, loyal, and has saved all our lives. He is my sworn guardian and a Hero for all to know. "
Shadowfox smiled at the ways of this child and ignored his rebuke. Seeing anger and wariness from Yokus and Ulf, she decided to pass that matter for now. " So where do you four intend to go, if the Captain allows? "
" Port Nayr for a start, and then back to New Leir for myself and Zert at least. " Zax still showed his willingness to confront the Elf. " I have business there. " No word had been said of Zax's full ties and ancestry. Ulf and Yokus took the time to rest a hand on each others shoulders, but Ulf was still captivated by Shadowfox's attraction.
She ignored the two brothers, other then to nod, then looked back to this bristly young human. " I see. Well as long as you do not mean harm to the Deep, or to my King, I will let the Captain decide. I am his scout and if you should turn to be a traitor, I will skewer you with no after thought Zax. "
Her attitude set Zax back and he held his tongue, though he was more then willing to defend his Hero and protector. He decided he would watch her and if she tried to make a move against Zert, he would do all he could to kill or neutralize her. No one was going to get his Love.
The three lads moved off from the Elf to check on the mules, and Zert and the Captain finished their conference. Juris's mouth was tight with all that he now knew. This situation was not good, but with his company, and the following detachment of calvary, he was not in a weak position. " Zert, I have no command or authority to delay you, but I would be gratified if you would hold up at least for a day or two. My own healer is in the following detachment, and I would request your skills until he can arrive. I will lend you and the boys horses when we the new troops arrive, and will give you a pass and a letter of safe passage and introduction. The enemy is about my land, and I would ask all soldiers and warriors to lend their blade. "
The soldiers were making a camp during the time while Zert and Juris talked, resting there mounts and themselves. The boys could tell that many were tired, having been riding for most of the night. Another Elf, this one a male, was looking over some parchment and mumbling to himself. This intrigued Zax and he started to wander over, wondering what the Elf might be up to.
Zert looked at Zax and his heart was torn. he had his obligation to see Zax, Ulf, and Yokus to safety, yet his own upbringing and training said to stay and see the fight through, It would also help to check or put a stop to the chasers and end their threat to the surrounding farms and hamlets. He looked at Juris waited a moment more. " Let me check with Zax and the boys. If they wish to stay, I will join you, but as much as I would gladly be with you, my first duty is to them Captain Juris. That is the best I can do. "
Juris nodded to this and turned away, giving orders for his men to picket the mounts, set up guards and lay out scouts. He called Shadowfox over and in a low tone instructed her on something. She looked about, scowling when she saw Zert, but obeyed her commander and left on her mission.
Zert walked over to Zax, who was slowly getting closer to the Elf. Zax was able to now see that the book was a tomb of spells, making this man some kind of mage, though he wore reinforced leather and carried a sword and bow. He was waiting for a moment to speak with the Mage when Zert got his attention. He left the Elf and joined his Love, who pulled him to where Ulf and Yokus were with the mules.
Getting them in a circle, Zert began. " Lads, Captain Juris would like me to join him till at least his other soldiers can join him, as he has no healer at this time. It is also possible that the raiders will be after us and following our trail. I told the Captain that the decision was up to you three. My obligation is to you and I will listen and obey what you wish. "
Zax looked at Zert, ignoring the silent exchange between the brothers. " I say stay Zert, and kill those scum. They may well have laid waste to Goshen and Dirdir's farm. I want to kill them and make them suffer. I am tired of running from them all the time. Please, stay and lets finish them off. "
Zert nodded as he listened to the youth, and then looked to Yokus and Ulf. " What say you two? " Ulf nodded to Yokus who spoke for both of them. " We agree Zert and we want a chance for revenge and justice for Da and our brother. There is finally some here to aid us and we can lend our own bows and skills. I would also like a chance to talk with Shadowfox, as I have never seen or talked to a tree skimmer. " Ulf nodded, though his own thoughts were more on the Elf's appearance then her skills.
" Then it is decided. We stay and fight. Ulf, you take the Myrta and Yitta and join them with the picket line. Get extra quivers lads and stay in the middle of camp until I come get you and find out where the Captain wants us. Yokus and Zax, stay together and maybe help keep an eye on the Elf over there. He might need backup or assistance. Zax, do not press him now. Later you may have a chance to chat with that mage. I will be back soon, so hold on. Listen for any calls. "
The boys nodded and split up, lf taking the mules and the other two going back to where Zax had been while watching the mage. Zert strode to Juris, who was finishing up something with his second, a human of normal height with a well made two handed sword on his back. The second nodded as Zert got closer and stepped away, his business with the Captain done. Juris noticed this and turned to talk with Zert.
" You have a decision then Zert? "
" Aye that I do. The lads and I will stay. Yokus is a good woodsman and bowman, Ulf is talented with animals and his crossbow, and young Zax is an apprentice mage. I thought he might work with your own wizard and allow them to combine their spells on the enemy. I am decent with a bow, but my forte is sword and shield. I will also lend all the healing as I can. May Rawndalla aid us and have Durgon visit our foes and not us. "
Juris allowed a small grin to show and nodded. " Tis good to hear Corporal Zert. I would sign you up, but I know you are not free at this time to enlist. Having you at our side is welcome. The Golden Company was a good outfit, and I am sorry to hear that Vorn and the others fell. May the Gathered watch over them in the Heavens. For now, stay about till my scouts report back. "
Zert acknowledged the request and stepped away to join Zax and Yokus. The Elf finally finished his study of his book and seemed to only then to see the youth and his companions. He looked at Zax and took notice of the ring. He stood up and stepped closer to Zax, ignoring Yokus and Zert, who just arrived.
" I am Xiat, and you have mageblood in you. I can sense it, and the ring shows this. Who was your master young one? "
Zax swallowed as he heard this from the Elf. " I am Zax, son of Talin. I was trained by my kinsman, Vicores. What do you mean the ring showed you? Do you know what it is? "
Xiat smiled at Zax's confusion. " The ring has an aura I can sense, and it says that you have skills in the magical arts. Now that you name your teacher, I know you have a very promising future Lord Zax. Yes, I know who you are now, having once been a companion to your kinsman. How is he now?
Zax looked down and his voice grew very quiet. " He's dead. He and all the others died trying to protect me. " A tear rolled down his face.
Xiat frowned and was silent for a moment. " I am sorry Lord Zax, for Vicores was a skilled mage and a friend. I shall remember him with honor. He was a good man and he shall be missed, not only by you, but others of the brotherhood. " He looked and took in Zert, who was holding Zax's shoulders now, comforting his charge and love. No scorn or hatred showed on this Elf's face.
" Greetings to you Zert and friend of Zax. I am glad that the Captain will have you with us. You are a warrior of good skill, I am sure, and you young one, hold your bow with skill. What can I do for you while we await the Captain. "
Zax begun to ask Xiat more about the ring, and showed the Elf the dagger as well. Yokus nodded to Xiat and left to join his brother, who was looking about to see when Shadowfox might come back. Zert stepped away as Zax recovered from his sadness and just looked on as the two mages went on about the items and other topics of wizardly arts.
Xiat looked over the two items and made a quick brush with his mind and hands to learn what he could. It took about 10 minutes before he relayed his answers to Zax. " The ring I called an affinity ring helps to enhance a mage's skills, and is also bonded to another. Usually the two rings are used between a Master and an apprentice, two agents, or what not, Alone they increase a mage's spells, and used in together, they help to join the two mages powers. They can also be used for limited communication. I do not know if this ring is still part of two or now a stand alone. But try to pay attention to any signals it might give you Zax. You are in no danger even if it is still a bonded ring, but it might prove useful if it is. "
" Now the dagger, I can tell only a little. It is enchanted with a sharpness to it, but there is another power to it that I could not decipher. Have you sensed anything about it? "
Zax recalled the way it had seemed to point to Goshen last night and said this to Xiat, Zert was startled and worried about this and at Zax not letting him know at the time, but would not say anything in front of Xiat. Xiat thought about what Zax told him, but still had no idea. " It may have sensed something or someone back the village or something along that line, or it may have some other power yet to be found out. It would take a Master Wizard to tell you exactly without trial and practice, but try to see if it will tell you more. Take it in hand and let your mind concentrate on the dagger. "
Zax did so and poured his mind in what Xiat had said to do. At first nothing was happening, but then the tingle started up again, more severe. It fact, as he pointed the dagger towards Goshen and the road they had walked on, it got almost painful. He involuntarily yelped and opened his eyes. Zert was there immediately to check on his lover, but Xiat beat him. The Elf pried the dagger from Zax's hand. " What did you see or feel Zax? "
Zax looked confused and then talked about the sensations. Xiat continued after listening to it all. " I think we best warn the Captain. Something very seriously is wrong here." They were about to talk with Juris, but then there was no need. Calls starting to come in and all the soldiers were quickly on the alert. Xiat turned to Zert and the boys. " Never mind, They're here. Get to cover, they will be here soon. "
Zert nodded and pulled Zax with him. Yokus and Ulf went to a small stand of rocks near where the mules were and loaded their weapons. Zert and Zax got behind the tree that Zert had been using during the night for his watch. Juris was calling out some orders and getting his men into position. A runner came in and made a report. Orcs and humans, close to 100, were an hour away, and they had some being with them. A small giant or an Ogre seemed to be at the rear of this movement of enemies. A couple of possible spellcasters were with the group. Juris was not happy, as half of his men were still not with him, and he had only one mage and one priest as support besides his men. He hoped that they might hold out, but it looked like company might have to do some hit and run attacks, and give up the high ground on the road. Zert gave prayers to Rawndalla for aid and looking after the Borderers and his charges.
20 minutes after the initial report, good news came in. The rest of the company, along with a squadron of light calvary arrived from Port Nayr, evening out the odds. They had another mage, as well as Father Galron, a priest of Priadon, Lord of the Gathered. With these reinforcements, Juris and the sergeant in charge of the Calvary started to make plans for a combined attack. They would hold the high ground against the enemy, using their bows and javelins, as well as spells from the spellcasters, to whittle down the enemy, Then when the Orcs charges, to fade back and have the calvary sweep on the flank. Juris hoped that this could take out a good portion of their foes before they moved in for hand to hand combat.
Positioning the men, pulling the horses and mules to a new fall back position ate up the remaining time. Xiat, Fenwick, the other mage, and Father Galron prepared their spells. Zert and Zax stayed out of this planning session, each of their spell casting skills being minor in relation to the others. Zert stroked the handle of Nimlas, waiting for the time when he would draw her and move in against the hated enemy.
Horns were heard when the outer scouts were sighted and fought off. Three escaped but one fell to an arrow. They had killed two of the enemy, but this force was strong, well equipped and the leaders of the Orc and human company kept their men in strict discipline. Juris cursed at this, and knew many of his men would not see the next day. He was about to signal his men to begin shooting their arrows when something happened that he was not prepared for. A dark cloud appeared overhead, blocking out the sunlight, causing shadows to show. Then a reddish streak came from the cloud. Xiat and Fenwick tried to dispel it, but before they might a mighty clash of thunder came from the cloud and with it drops of a yellowish substance fell. Wherever it hit, it ate away at trees, weapons and men. Acid and a strong one, was in those drops and caused fear to spread in the company. Xiat was able to dispel it before it could do more damage, but enough had been done. 4 men killed and 7 wounded.
The fear had been done and a mighty cheer rose from the Orcs. Horns were sounded and a yell of rage came from the enemy as they charged ahead. The Borderers and the calvary let loose with their missiles, aided by fireballs from Xiat and Fenwick. Father Galron called on Priadon to lend courage and strength to the soldiers and this helped to combat the fear the men had been feeling. Orcs died as the arrows and spells did their work, but there were many more to take their place. Everyone took just enough time to get a target and loose before reloading.
Zert skewered one Urok subchief with his arrow, aided by Zax's shot. Ulf and Yokus worked together as well, helping to kill a pair of humans who overran a soldier. They kept up their fire as the combat turned into melee. Zax swallowed bile as the fear of close order combat came at him. The yells and screams of pain and death in the air almost made him run, but Zert's presence stopped this. he concentrated on a clump of enemy and cast his first slumber spell, downing 5 of them. He quickly cast another at a pair of Urok's about to get past a defender Borderer and go after Ulf. The spell worked on one, and Ulf's ax and Yokus's long dagger took out the other.
Zert was using sword and shield to keep the enemy away from harming Zax. He sliced and cut at any who came close. The disorder brought on by the use of spell and counter spell, ended whatever plan Juris and his men may have used. Xiat and Fenwick dies under a rush of Orcs, but had been able to kill two enemy mages and their attending guards before dying. Father Galron healed Juris from a head wound that would have killed a lesser man, and got three more wounded men to safety before a pike took him in the side. Screams were all about and smell of blood , intestines, and released bowels filled the battle scene.
It looked like the soldiers might be successful when the whole situation turned on them. The enemy pulled back but then a sound unlike any most had heard was filling the air. A combination of a dog's howl and a troll's roar. Zert knew that sound. Trolldogs. He was about to pull Zax away to flee when he felt a flare of energy about him and he was frozen in place. Held by spell, unable to move or breath. Helpless for the first enemy to skewer him.
Zax sensed something bad had happened to Zert, but before he might try anything, a loud deep bass voice came from the battlefield. " Get the boy! kill everyone else, but GET that boy. if you kill him, Voidius save you, for I will not. At all costs, he must be taken alive. "
Zax could not help himself. That voice, which he knew all to well, caused him to soil himself badly. Blood Ax. He was here and wanted Zax!! Zax stood there frozen in fear, as helpless as Zert as the enemy prepared a final attack.
So ends Chapter 8. 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. I thank you folks.
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