Nate greeted me as we exited the manor. “My Earl, this is healer Nathan, and fire mage Krix. Nathan, do not let the good Earl hobble. Please heal him, he can surely pay.” Nate said.
“We certainly can,” Velia informed them.
Nathan was a portly old man with grey side hair and a bald crown. Disqualified him from my combat healer category. The man came to us and knelled to look at my ankle, he wrinkled his nose. He gazed at me, then Velia. I guessed he smelt our recent sex. “My lord this is broken. I can heal it for three silvers. Is that okay.”
Velia waved him to get on with and my ankle tingled and then what I thought was a bad sprain mended. I felt the aura flow up to my arm and heal my burn spot. Healers were great, super excited to find a combat healer one day. I shifted weight on it, then added pressure by standing on my left leg. Did a little dance, excellent. I felt much better now. Nathan got paid and left the manor to continue on with his own agenda.
“So Krix, I take it that Nate showed you our haul of lava golems. What did you think and how many torches can be made from one heart.” I asked.
“That you are going to get a lot of fire mages asking you to sell some parts so they can, in turn, spread this out to the four corners of the Empire where supplies are desperately desired. I think you are now a wealthy man if you were not already. Most torches contain anywhere from a quarter to an eighth of a heart. Of course, if you want it to burn brighter do one heart per torch but that is rarely done.” Krix said.
“Surely there must be some other cities harvesting these creatures,” I replied. “They are fairly slow and are dumb when it comes to combat.”
“While that is true, no one has the strength you do. Nate and I tried to lift your club, Malv's club. The two of us could not. It took three lifting the head and one on the shaft end to get it off the ground. You swing it like it is a toy. So, sure they can be killed, with planning and patience. Not in mass slaughter like you did. Nate mentioned you need manpower. I could have a dozen fire mages here working for you for the next week if you paid them fairly in parts. Our deal would be contingent on you not selling for profit outside of King Horus' realm. Nate here said you have a vendor that does the five capitals but is based out of Tent Crossing. All we ask is for the fire parts you sell to flood that market alone. Which is fair because King Horus is building a vast underground city below his capital. If what Nate said is true, it would make your sixty foot deep cavern that spans a few miles look tiny. So you are not the only ones digging deep, as well as wide. You also will not be the only ones desperate for catalyst illuminating dark places. If you agree to our terms I can also throw in a free tip, which you won't read in any book about farming the lava golems.” Krix said in a compelling salesman pitch. The guy had the right stuff and I had to take a step back from instantly agreeing.
“My counteroffer, you get a crew of mages to help secure and bring in the golems I kill. In return, I pay you in golem parts of fair market value at the going rate for daily services of a standard mage. I only sell in King Horus' realm. I agree to all those points, my ask is that two of you fly out to Fernlan once your trading is complete and help the city for a month. Who the two are you can decide. If I have no work for you, you are free to go. It is not a big counter but it does serve my people which I am all about.” I said and stuck out my hand. He accepted and we shook.
“Now for my tip. Do you know what a vole is?” Krix asked and I shook my head no. “It is a tiny all black rodent that lives between the caves of the lava fields and the lava itself. They are rumored to eat the bulbs the lava golems drop to reproduce. They are small about six inches long and three inches high. These little rodents have a heart that is near three times the normal size a creature should have. That is the best lighting catalyst for use of fire mages. The blood that pumps through the vole is said to be the ultimate catalyst for fireball spells. I have never seen that, so I cannot attest to it. Early in the war, we had a large battle under the earth in the Farmout mines. A fire mage pulled out a vole heart and illuminated the entire battlefield. For us humans, it was one of the few clean victories I experienced. That heart produced a brightness near ten times greater than any torch I have seen since.”
Well, that was a wonderful bit of information. We definitely need a few of those if we could find them, the problem would be getting that deep into the golem territory that we could find the Voles.
“Nate, how about we prepare for tomorrow and call this haul a good win for today. Let Krix get his volunteers together while we get some more carts. First thing tomorrow morning we will proceed to the lava grounds and harvest all day. Or at least until I cannot swing Smasha anymore. I will do some reconnaissance of the area with Traz while you do that and see if we can spot some voles. Velia would you like to fly with us?” I offered.
Krix and Nate took off to get the preparations for tomorrow started. Velia agreed to fly with me and we got ourselves onto Traz's back in his saddle.
“How long do you think we will stay?” Velia asked as we did a gentle take off. “I like having you all to myself, I am worried that the nobility will revolt here soon. If you add in all their guards combined it could be a bloody fight if they try to free the Count. Tami mentioned a few could be reasoned with if something were to befall the Count. A quick succession of a neutral noble would benefit us. I know I am not a high born woman who has years of dealing with nobility like Bella or Tami, but I feel to keep the peace you should make a deal.”
I watched the fields pass under us. There was the scent of freshly turned dirt in the air. The breeze pulled on my hair I had been meaning to get cut.
“We will stay here until we can make a thousand torches. We got eleven hearts today, the dimmest version is eighty eight. I will want them to be brighter unless they serve a small space in size like a storage room. So a few hundred probably at each fraction. Then the largest amount at half, which is assuming we cannot find some nice vole hearts. That would change everything and make torches for primarily inside buildings and overhangs. Ugh, the heat, we are crossing into an area where the golems live. Nice and slow Traz please.”
The silence we held was broken as a few golems roared at us. I wish I had a picture of what these voles looked like. Their basic description was minimal at best. A big mouse that was the same black as the ground. This was going to be a long afternoon. A few minutes passed and none of us spotted the tiny rodent yet.
“What is your goal Gryff? I do not mean today but in general. You came to Vin and helped the first people you saw recover from starving. That swept you into events that lead to where you are right now. But I wonder what happens after you finish building out Dais.” Velia asked as we continued to search.
“Finish Dais, then rebuild Xiq and Straddleback outpost to serve our needs. I really need to rename that outpost. After that, I do not know. It could I find myself content and have a bunch of babies and work on keeping my people well cared for. I will tell you this much I do not want anything bigger, or grander in responsibility. If King Horus becomes Emperor and offers me a promotion I will decline. I actually only ever accepted being a Knight and was made into an Earl.”
As we got closer to the flowing lava Traz took us higher to avoid the extra heat. I already felt myself starting to sweat again. I hoped to get to try a bathhouse tonight, never had a chance to go to one. I was curious about what they were like. I was lost in thought of a bunch of naked people and relaxing water when Traz jerked down and to the right.
“Woah, what do you see?” I asked looking at the general area Traz was focused on.
“There. In between the rocks in the shadows. You can see the voles. That is why we have been missing them. They can easily see me and are hiding in the shadows. I am surprised the little creatures have better eyesight than me .” Traz told me.
I squinted, turned my head, and leaned forward. Nothing worked, I could not see the little buggers.
Velia realized something was going on but also could not find anything. Traz certainly did though. He flew us lower and further away at a fast speed that caused my eyes to have issues keeping up. I hunted the shadows unable to locate any prey. We made it about halfway across the blacktop area when he double backed to the lava.
“Alright, I got it. I can see them now. They are only in proximity to the lava, I think the golems need the heat for their reproductive sacks. They hide behind any contour they can find and use almost a camouflage to hide. I would wager it is a blending technique more than something were their skin fades into the background. Looks like they can see any shadow above them and stay hidden until big stuff moves away. Probably how they avoid the golems.” Traz said.
“Okay, they are hard to see but you can pick them out. As long as you are our guide on the day we get this far in we should be good to find them. The key is we are what... almost a thousand golems between this spot and the campsite. It will take days to get this far in. I wonder if there is a way we can cut down on the amount we have to fight to be able to farm here. Even if we lead them away I would have to guess they would eventually roam back. Hmm.” I said in thought.
Velia gave it consideration as did Traz. We threw some ideas at each other when Traz asked something vital. Malvia was on the eastern side of the mountain. We had been taking the south exit of the barrier and then looping around to the south side of the mountain. The quickest way to the lava flow was up the cliffs on the eastern face, and then walking the short distance to the south side. Before we got any further into debating if it would work we decided to see how far the barrier extended into the mountainside.
We glided back to Malvia nice and slow waiting to feel the tingle. The cliff drop off was a few hundred feet away when we felt the tingle. I watched as the black rocky terrain transitioned into regular dirt and sparse trees from within the barrier. There was ample space to set up a base camp here and kill golems easily. This was huge news for us. We had to assume no one had used this place for farming golems because it required a griffin or lots of mountains to climb. It would make the griffins have a lot more work in ferrying people up and down. Yet, if we planned it right we could use gravity to lower platforms with the heavy body parts and the griffins or humans could lift the empty platforms back up to the surface. I would need to consult with Lord Nova and Nate, but I think we found our solution to getting to the voles quicker.
The strategy would be to fly up top onto the shelf plateau. Kill a few hundred golems and dismember them at the campsite which was inside the barrier. Eventually, we would get to where the voles lived and harvest them with the help of the griffins for eyesight. It would cut down on the hour and a half walk time to the old starting point. We could achieve so much more this way in less time. The bonus was if the wargs did catch wind of us they would have to ride through a bunch of golems to get us. If they did reach some of us, we could quickly retreat to the barrier. I was liking the idea and told Traz to give himself a raise. The reply was not tactful.
∞∞∞
I soaked comfortably in a steamy bathhouse. It was thoroughly relaxing and I sighed in bliss. There were three other nobles with me who were all men. Somehow I had pictured a bunch of boobs and booty in the bathhouse. Instead, I got saggy balls and wrinkles. I can't win them all, and I simply closed my eyes as I soaked.
The three noblemen were all viscounts. One step below Count Winter. They had instantly agreed to the meeting that Lady Tami had set up for me. There was muttering among the nobles who had learned the truth of the matter that something must be done to help Count Winter. The issue was brought to me as something I could not avoid if I wished for less fighting. Some deal would have to be brokered. The problem was I had no authority to make any deals here. King Devon ruled this area, and being an Earl meant I deserved respect, not power to make nobility decisions.
“Viscounts, come on, let us stop dancing around the topic. While I enjoy your platitudes and company I need to get to the point.” I said after I tired of their endless side chatter. “Count Winter is done. No amount of bribes or attacks to free him will save him. To be honest I did not behead him right away but I should have this morning. The wives who cherish him and guards who want to protect him are without means to help him. Let us agree the moment I get back tonight Malvia will need a new count. My offer is simple, keep the peace until I am gone. Then nominate one of your own to replace him. Seven hells, I do not even care if you swear to King Devon the moment I am gone. I am going to keep killing these golems and indirectly give a huge boon to the economy here. Take the win, one of you bribe the others to be the next count and let me go about my business in peace.” I said to the three of them.
Viscount Tally was the first to speak. “The Count owes us considerable coin. His treasury should be full. If you were to give us half of the treasury we could keep the peace until you leave. Gold greases all hands and makes all the rules, or so I am told.”
That was it, we shook on it and I told them they could follow me directly from here to check the treasury themselves for its status. To ensure I did not empty it before they could get a tally. We enjoyed our baths and when it was time to leave the three men summoned servants to fetch some men and wagons. That was how I bought the peace of Malvia if they crossed me I would slaughter their families but I knew they would not.
∞∞∞
Lady Tami came to my side as the last of the wagons were loaded for the Viscounts. She did not complain at me giving away her gold. When it came time to kill the count she said, “Let me do it.” The women of Vin were ruthless, hard, and downright scary to me at times.
I took my sword off my belt and handed it to her. She grabbed the blade, looked it over then got a feel for the weight.
“My father taught me how to use a sword, today with be the first time I take a life though. Count Winter would tie me down and fuck my ass until it bled. He would cackle in laughter as I would cry out in pain. He got off on it. I was his wife though, sold into a marriage to help my siblings. That was at the start of the war. As things got worse so did he. Eventually, he got a new wife to torture when I found the strength to no longer cry for him. This will not be hard for me to do. Carl! Come here,” She said and we paused outside the stables waiting for Carl to arrive. “Alright dear, you have been my bed warmer for over a year now. Do not blush, of course, the Earl knows. We are going to go with him when he leaves here. We will move to Fernlan. You will protect me the widow of an assignation that was successful on my husband.”
Carl instantly launched himself by Tami looking for the assassin. The young man was sweet. Dumb, but adorable. I think she was planning on inviting him to see her murder her husband.
“Oh, dear Carl. They got away a while ago. I need you to go pack your things and move them into the Count's chambers. We will be staying there until we leave. Now be a blessing and run along. Make sure you get everything you need for the long move and get supplies if you think we will need them.” Lady Tami said and Carl was gone.
“I get it, he is easy on the eyes and loyal to a fault. I do not think he is into you for the money, only for you. It was the right call to send him away. Shall we,” I said and underhand pointed to the stable. Velia approached before we could enter.
“Oh interrogation, may I join?” Velia asked. I slid my finger across my throat indicating what was about to happen. She then took note of my sword in Tami's hand.
There was a shift in tension at that exact moment. Something flashed between Tami and Velia's eyes. Suddenly guards that had been disarmed were closer than before with hands on weapon hilts. A griffin was on guard with Frank but besides those two it was only Velia and me, and I was unarmed. I wanted to let it all come together but instead, I let my instincts take over.
I shoved Velia hard toward the manor. My own sword slid into my rib cage and punctured out my back as Tami did not hesitate. I grabbed the hilt not letting
her yank the blade out as I fell to a knee and screamed out in rage. Specks of blood sprayed as I roared in anger.
I crossed my forearm down hard onto her hand still holding my sword that stuck out my back. She refused to let go and I shattered her wrist. I gurgled blood as I tried to breathe. Guards that had been friendly pounced on me. I stumbled toward the griffin feeling a blade enter my lower back. Another blade raced for my face but I was saved as a paw with talons sliced through the air. Armor was shredded as men tried to hold their guts in. I saw Frank try to join the fight but a man exited the stables and slid a dagger across his throat. Velia was running away as more griffins pounced into the battle.
I was bleeding heavily and unable to breathe cleanly due to the blood from my punctured lung. I managed to feebly draw my dagger and face Frank's killer. I threw my dagger weakly at the man and he got his arm up to deflect the throw. He gave me a savage grin of victory and charged me. He was almost to me when the biggest griffin I knew landed on him. Lord Nova killed him on impact but still ripped the man's head off.
I saw the griffins had protected me. I went to lay down when Lord Nova placed a paw on my shoulder.
“I can heal you but it will feel most unpleasant. As if your atoms were being torn into a trillion pieces for hours and then slow knitting back together. Nod if you agree and pull the blade out of your lung quickly. ” Lord Nova said.
I nodded and then jerked the sword out of my chest. I feel forward but did not hit the ground as Lord Nova supported my weight with his paw.
My torment began like no pain ever before. Every time a human had healed me the tingle was sensual and awkward. Almost pleasing in a perverse way. This was the exact opposite. Within moments I would have traded being flayed alive and my toenails slowly pried off.
Gryff The Griffin Rider Page 34
