We were quiet as we progressed south toward our turn at the creek. Donnie spotted two smelon trees that we passed by. Donnie and I marked trees on the path with a circle and arrow toward the fruit. I was excited to mention these later to the ladies. I would be gone to visit the Duke for at least a day so maybe Donnie could come out here with someone and harvest them.
I heard the creek off to my left and raised a hand to halt us. I pulled them in close to relay a message to them.
“Creek is over here on the left. I am going to check it for predators and a potential ambush. I will also look for a crossing. Remember, I say run. Go north, turn left at the arrows.” I whispered to them both.
They nodded in understanding and I left the trail. The bushes were thin around the pines. The floor dominated by pine straw. That gave me a reminder of something on my to do list. I needed to get the floor of the half shed covered thick with straw. It would help mud from forming on the floor and keep the chill of the earth off those sleeping there.
I took my steps carefully and even looked into the empty treetops. It was quiet and peaceful. The creek was small and I saw no signs of game trails or Horde movement.
I hurried back to Donnie and Jak who were partly hidden. That was good, better than standing dumbly out in the open. I grabbed the cart and forded the creek with no issues. We made a trail through the pines for a good twenty minutes until we entered open fields. Tall oats sporadically swayed with the gentle breeze. They dominated the competing wild weeds and underbrush in the treeless area. You could tell this had been a farmer’s field previously.
“Oat field. See how they beat out most of the weeds. This was a good farm at one point. A bit far for harvesting and out in the open. Not sure we should ever risk coming here to harvest this. Also, see how often these are eaten. It would be better to hunt the prey that eats here.” Donnie said.
Jak and I listened aptly. We knew nothing of farming and I thought Donnie was spot on. You could see multiple game trails through the fields and areas that had been eaten. We walked up the fields and toward a cliff face. As we neared the cliff I halted the group and held another close meeting. I adjusted the cart to park and kneeled beside it. This let the oat fields which were almost five feet high hide us from sight.
“You will know it is me approaching if you hear a 'Hoot'. If you hear me make a 'Cacaw' I am pushing something to you so get ready to ambush it. If you hear 'Run', run for the village. If you hear 'Clear' stand up and come to my voice. Neither of you is trained in fighting yet so unless we can ambush something you will be not be fighting. If you hear fighting without orders stay here and wait to hear from me. If ten minutes goes by and you hear nothing then expect that I am dead or captured and get back to the village. I wish we had better ranged weapons for you both. Crossbow? They exist?” I asked.
They both shrugged uncertain what I was talking about. I didn't want to get into a lengthy talk so I left it for a question to ask in Lakeland.
With our call outs covered I left the two of them hidden and approached the cave. The cliff face was made of a silty clay material. It looked soft and not something I would attempt climbing. I could see trees at the plateau. The cliff stretched for a few miles until the plains blended into it with gentle slopes. The cave entrance opened into a ten feet tall and five feet wide tunnel. It looked man made and judging by the planted fields it probably was. I paused, looked, and listened.
I gave it a few minutes where all I heard was my breathing and the occasional sound of birds. The end of the oats opened into about two hundred feet of exposed low grass to the tunnel entrance. I glanced around for cover to hide behind in case a boar came charging at me and only saw one large rock by the wall. I felt uncomfortable about this open area.
I stayed in the oat fields behind cover just on the edge. I had arrived at an angle and stalked toward the center of the opening. I desired a deeper glimpse inside the cavern before I left the protection of the oats. I also kept glancing up at the top of the cliff to ensure no Horde were gazing down at me from above. I crossed directly in front of the entrance when I noticed something.
A worn trail went through the oat fields and right into the cavern. There was heavy traffic on this path, and very recently, lots of blood. I reached down and felt the blood. It was cool but not cold. I followed the trail of blood with my eyes and looked at how it splattered. It definitely started from the fields and lead into the cavern. I backtracked to Donnie and Jak.
“Hoot,” I said softly every ten feet as I approached. I found them still by the cart, both attentive. Jak with the pike and Donnie with his sword and shield.
“There is a big blood trail leading into the cavern. Something came home wounded, the splatter was distinct. I want you guys closer to the entrance when I go inside. So follow me.”
They nodded and we quietly made our way to the trail with the blood. I had them set up five feet off the trail still in the tall oats. Without saying a word to them I left the cover of the field and jogged toward the cliff wall. I posted up on the right side of the opening and peaked in. The blood was thicker here as if whatever was bleeding had slowed. I took a deep breath, calmed my nerves and went in.
I had my sword and shield only, the greataxe and pike were left at the cart. The sun bore down at an angle that helped me see deeper into the cave. The cave floor was well worn and I looked for prints in the blood but saw none. I paused and listened. It was eerily silent. The tunnel turned with a slight bend to the right. There was only a splash of illumination this far deep.
I was nervous to the point of shaking and unsure what to do if I had to continue in the dark. What I saw around the bend was the best case scenario for me. The massive momma boar laid there dead, her glazed eyes open. A large wood spike had broken off the barricade and was lodged in her gut. I could only assume after my fight with the chieftain things in the clearing had gone wrong. If the mom came back dying then the young boars probably abandoned the area.
I trotted to the cave entrance and said “Clear.” Donnie and Jak stood up, grabbed a side of the cart each and hustled to me. Once they were inside the cave I belted my sword and slung the shield on my back. I grabbed the greataxe off the cart and propped the pike on the cave wall.
“Alright guys, the mom war boar died. It looks like she tried to jump the spiked barricades at the clearing and got mortally wounded. She is dead around the corner. I saw no tracks in any of the blood she dropped all over the floor in here. If I had to guess her younglings fled when she came back hurt. We have no idea when the orcs will follow her trail but I think we are safe for now.” I led the way deeper into the mine and stopped at the massive body.
“That thing is huge, how are we ever going to lift it onto here? And why do you think the orcs won’t come here?” Jak asked as Donnie went to the body and began chopping the tail off.
“The young man gets it. We cut it up and piece it on here. Don't worry I am very strong. I can haul it back, the only issue will be crossing the creek but the three of us should manage it. Oh, and the orcs will be here. I can guarantee it, but not today. I killed their chieftain, so that means decisions fall to the next boss. Deciding who the next boss is takes time. Not only that, if they want to bring the beast back they would need a wagon or a very large amount of orcs. Both probably require them going back to their settlement which Lydia said was much further to the north. They may have a scout posted to keep an eye on the prize but I wouldn't expect more than that.”
I positioned myself so my body's center aligned with the robust neck. I raised my greataxe testing if I had enough room for a full swing. I found there was plenty of room here. I took a long backswing and exerted all my effort into a mighty chop. It dug so deep blood and neck muscle exploded out the sides.
“What!” Donnie yelled.
“The seven hells!” Jak yelled.
The gore from the chop had covered b
oth of them in blood and bits of matter. They were fully soaked in it. I felt bad but couldn't contain it. I burst into fits of laughter. I tried so hard to calm myself. I hoped they would join in on the fun to no avail.
“Sorry still learning my strength here. I promise to do normal swings if you guys are lined up on the sides.”
I got right back to work hoping time would ease their anger. The neck took a dozen swing but finally, the head was free. I didn't place it on the cart in case we were limited on weight by the axle.
“Jak any parts of this thing used in magic?”
“Maybe, I don't know. Never seen one alive or dead before. I didn't believe they existed until today.”
Well, that didn't help. Head stayed to the side.
I moved to the front leg and waved Donnie over. I had him lift the leg so I could easily separate the tendons and get to the shoulder joint. It took a good five swing until I popped the leg out of the socket. Two more swings and it was on the cart. The creature was so massive, even a single leg was in the hundreds of pounds. We went to the back leg and repeated the process. Donnie and I dug into the guts and removed as much weight as we could. We needed to flip it over but the weight was too much. I stood where its head was and butchered down into the top of the rib cage. I was making quick work of it.
A hard swing vertical. Then a horizontal chop. Vertical, then horizontal. Over and over until I had half the body in pieces on the cart. I went to flip the body and found I could comfortably lift it. The three of us removed the parts we had already stacked on the cart so the deck was clear. I had Jak and Donnie brace the cart as I picked up one half of the boar using my thighs. I then pushed half the carcass until it rested on the back end of the cart. Taking the low end of the animal I lifted it up and shoved it onto the deck. It slid solidly onto the platform with some effort.
“Okay, axle looks good. Let’s hurry and load up the rest. We still got a few hours of daylight but let’s not risk it.”
We grabbed the remaining parts and loaded them. The axle seemed to be handling the thousands of pounds so we even added the head. I loaded the greataxe on the side and placed the pike on there too. I adjusted the cart handles from stationary to move and strained with a mighty heave.
“Push from the back to help get it going.”
We propelled the cart with enough combined force and quickly rolled out of the cave. At the rock, the only cover by the cave entrance I noticed movement.
I stopped and hurriedly shifted the cart into park mode. Donnie and Jak were confused at my sudden actions. I didn't have time to explain. I grabbed the pike from the cart and charged the rock. A six foot tall young orc, knowing his position was compromised made a run for it. I had the jump on him though and was much faster. I contemplated throwing the pike but decided against it.
I ran it down until I thrust a spear into its lower back.
The orc collapsed in a heap screaming its foul language at me. Probably telling me how awesome my mom was. I looked it over and confirmed I had severed its spine and paralyzed it. I flipped it over and punched it in the lower side of its face. I dislocated its jaw, and also knocked it out. I pulled my dagger from my belt, pried its jaw low and cut out its tongue. It was gruesome work but I didn't mind. I then broke both arms. On the second arm, it woke up and tried screaming. It swiftly choked on its own blood. I shouldered the young orc and carried him to the cart.
“What the seven hells, is that... Is that orc alive?” Jak asked while Donnie snickered a laugh.
I tossed the orc on the pile face down so he would not choke on its own blood. With no working arms and paralyzed for the waste down it was safe to say it was staying on the pile.
“I was right about a scout. We need to get out of here. Stupid cart. I hate always having to shift the handles. It is added time that may kill us, we need something we can let go of and not worry about tipping. Both of you remind me to add a four wheel hand cart to the list. This thing is getting retired to haul stuff in the fields.
“Oh crap, I forgot the bow it dropped while I chased it. Go fetch it Donnie and then catch up. Got to love it when they panic run. Yes Jak, it is alive. I want to test something.” I said. Jak frowned at me in disapproval.
I rotated the cart from stop to move and with the slight downhill got it going myself. Donnie made it to us fairly quickly and added the bow to the cart. Leaving loot behind was the worst. I still was mad I lost the pikes earlier. The trail was nice and smooth with a gentle downslope making the trip to the creek easy.
We managed to get across the creek, but that part was not easy. I tried to find the most even place while still hurrying. We ended up having to use both Donnie and Jak on the left side to apply counter pressure from the flowing water and sloping terrain. I, of course, had to overpower the mud, pushing water, and use my incredible strength to keep the damn thing level and going. Against the odds we did it. I did notice both Donnie and Jak pause to wash the gore from earlier off after we got across. I took a moment, parked the cart, and did the same thing. It was a bit risky but very refreshing. A deeper clean would still be needed.
The boar trail continued until we saw the arrows pointing left to the village. We turned the cart and finished the last of the trip home. I passed through the sensation of the barrier only to hear a thud shortly thereafter. I kept going and got the cart anchored inside the safe barrier. The half dead orc had caused the thud. I wanted to test the barrier and it seemed I wasn't allowed to take back alive slaves. Not that a quadriplegic orc would make for a good slave.
I went to go kill it when Donnie went over and used his sword in a big curve. The young man severed half the head and then tried to pull the orc into the safe zone. Bump. The swing had not killed the damn orc. I kind of felt bad for it, actually no I didn't. Donnie finished the job with four angry swings and the head was free.
“Filthy orc, that was for Pa,” Donnie said to the corpse.
And so the vicious cycle of war continues.
Jak was disturbed by the whole ordeal. I contemplated if he would join us again. The man mumbled something about a long bath and his office needing him. I let him go since we were safe and he had experienced a lot for one day.
I was going to need a full team to push this cart up the village ramp and then help get it down the western ramp.
I gave Donnie a look to see if he could tell what I wanted. That is how you know you have a great apprentice. They know what you need without asking, and sometimes know what you need before you do. The lad bolted off at a run and instead of making him do all the work I raced him.
There we were, an odd duo. A tall muscle bound man racing a lanky sixteen year old. I slowed my speed to not out pace him. We finished the incline and raced across the village proper. Lily caught sight of us and joined our run flopping in her oversized boots.
“Why... Are... We... Running...” Lily asked between gasps of air.
Instead of answering, I decided to show off. I was an Olympic caliber athlete and in one heck of a good mood. I started to cartwheel beside Donnie who never slowed a step. The lad was determined and my antics were not going to stop him. My cartwheel built up speed as we hit the ramp leading down into the western fields. Big show off this time. I rotated from the cartwheel into a full-twisting layout. Which was a flip with a twist for the landing. Donnie arrived right before I did winning the mock race. Lily huffed and puffed behind us.
“Teach me!!!” She screamed at me. I had a good laugh as she pleaded with me.
“When we get free time sure. Good race Donnie. How about we get some help moving the cart then wash up?”
Micka raced over to Donnie and inspected him. He still had blood all over him. She began doing the overbearing mom thing while he swatted her away. I scooped her up in my arm and tossed her on my shoulder saving him. I then jogged over to Velia who was preparing the fire pit for the evening meal. It
was getting close to that hour before sunset.
“Ugh, you stink. Let me down. I promise to not over mom him.” Micka said. I set her down and she huffed at me.
“Someone is in a good mood. I would give you a kiss but you’re filthy and Micka is right you reek. Did you swim in rotten orc guts?” Velia asked.
“Uhh... Not too far off actually. I got great news. We went to the war boars...” I was knocked flat onto my face suddenly. A coarse massive tongue began licking the blood off me.
“War boar! You got a war boar! Where is it...? Never mind I smell it .”
As quick as I was pinned to the ground and being licked by a massive griffin I was free and in a daze.
“What just happened?” I said all confused.
Velia gave me an arm to steady myself on. “Lydia tackled you from out of the sky. Rapidly swooped down on you. It was actually pretty terrifying to watch. She licked you then stuck her beak in the air to do a deep sniff and was gone.”
I got back to my feet feeling a little dizzy. Damn, that was disorienting. I know I am tough but that was a bit rough.
“So yeah, that good news. The one that has got me so happy. Well, we went after the war boars...” I ducked this time and then tried to hide but there was no cover. The giant shadow that caused me to panic was Lydia landing with the cart. “Easy, that is my favorite cart,” I told her.
“Well, there goes my surprise, Lydia. I present another orc and a fully grown partially chopped up war boar. Discovered freshly dead, well not the orc... His death was unique. None of which would have been possible without Lydia. It will be a mountain of work to preserve it all and make sure nothing goes to waste but for the next month at least no one should go hungry.” I said loud and proudly as I struck a heroic embellished pose.
Gryff The Griffin Rider Page 11
