That was not even the worst thing I could imagine that would be less painful than this. I could not focus it was so blinding and severe. Somewhere my body was vomiting but I was trapped in my eternal suffrage. The pain tore through the fibers of my body and I begged to the gods for a release into unconsciousness but there was no answer. There was only endless pain. I screamed against my torment with all the power I had.
I wanted death, I wanted release from the misery. It lasted for what felt like days. My voice had died long ago, my suffering extended beyond anything any being should experience. After what I estimated was a week I came back into my body.
I clawed at my face still in agony, I tore my skin and shifted my torso endlessly. I felt a tingle sensation that was sensual, calm and soothing. I promptly passed out.
CHAPTER 13
I was in a horrible nightmare. One in which I was in an endless loop of pain. I broke free of it and awoke. Three beautiful faces looked down on me, Velia, Bella, and Pipi. They were all smiles seeing me awake from my healing. I shifted to sit up and realized I was wearing my set of camouflage armor.
Events caught up to me slowly. Holy seven hells. Lady Tami was good, no... The best. I never suspected her. Not even a little, I had even handed her my own weapon. She was so trusting, her story so compelling. I groaned at my stupidity and sat upright at the edge of the bed.
“She was tortured and then executed along with the count. Apparently, she was the dominatrix of the household. She played herself off as a pro griffin supporter, which could have been true, but none of that mattered. Her lineage is linked to Emperor Salvoni and King Devon. She was the spy sent to watch over Count Winter and control this fine city for the Emperor. She was an expert and played her part perfectly. Her downfall was Carl, I think she really loved him. Her sending him elsewhere was the giveaway. I think she wanted to save him if the attempt to kill you failed. I caught her out of character gaze as she watched him leave. I was putting it together and could see her tense. Then you acted, by pushing me to safety. Which hurt you brute... but I forgive you.” Velia said then leaned down and kissed my forehead. She continued with her update.
“Frank was buried this morning. He lost his family in the war, as in sent them south but never could find them. Marcus said some nice words for him. How he was a good man and a good friend.
“Last night Pipi and Bella were sent for by Dina who had recently returned from a mission. She flew all night and morning to get them here today. You have slept through dinner, breakfast, and were about to miss lunch. I was telling them no way you would keep sleeping if we kept stacking this food by you.” Velia explained.
“The pain, it was so extensive, so vivid. So terrifying. Am I still me?” I asked still grasping at the reality of what had occurred.
It was Bella who got down in front of me and placed a hand on my shoulder. “Listen, husband, there are only a few cases of humans being healed by griffins. It is said to last weeks to months in the subject's mind but in reality, it is only a few hours. A healer named Drifa was there when you came out of your psychosis. He promptly healed you into a mini coma to revert your mind back to normal. If he had not been there you probably would have killed yourself. Do not be upset that he charged you heavily because he passed out and had to be healed himself by healer Nathan.”
I saw food on the end table and Pipi quickly handed me the plate. I thanked her and devoured the food. “Why am I,” I chewed some food “in my armor?” I kept eating. It tasted so good.
“Well, it was to reduce the chances of any further attack killing you. You took a sword through the lung and one into your lower right kidney from the back. If you had been in armor and not court clothes bathing with traitorous nobles you would have been fine. At least in this armor, I doubt Tami would have had the strength to pierce this finely made chainmail.” Velia said.
“So it was all a setup, they played me so well. Are they barricaded in their manors? How are our defenses?”
I watched the three women look to each other in how to explain what happened. Nate was standing watch by the door and spoke up. “If I may my Ladies.” He said. They nodded for him to continue and I had Pipi grab me a second plate, so I could keep eating while he talked.
“They already call last night the 'Massacre of the Black'. The sun was about to set when they triggered their plan into motion, you were supposed to die in the stable. Surprised in a narrow corridor where turning would have been a problem. Only Lady Velia noticing when she did saved you. Well, the griffins were pissed and in a full rage, as was I. Let us not go over the specifics of her torture, but Lady Tami gave up the Viscounts as conspirators. We may never know the truth but their manors were well defended so we think she was correct. Of course, men did not attack the nobility of Malvia, the griffins did. It was a mix of punishment, revenge, and warning. None were spared my lord,” both he and I swallowed at this.
“Define none please?” I asked with a raised eyebrow at the possible implications.
“The good news is the upper part of the city that was not the nobility residents were spared. Places like the bookshop, business district, and other nice areas. When the Viscounts were tortured they gave up the entire nobility. Gryff it was a purge that few nobles survived. The plot was to kill you, capture Velia, and use her to drive off the griffins. Some thought killing you would cause them to leave, others that they could kill the griffins with longbows. The thing is none of them know... knew... of the combat prowess of even a single griffin. A team of them with ranged healing in a setting where they are not restricted in any way is far too tough to kill with simple bows and swords.
“The moon never came out last night. The darkness was complete, and by morning the black streets ran red with blood. The lower section of the city dare not revolt in fear they are next. We told them to stay in the lower city and upper business district. They were warned anyone coming into the nobility area would die. So far it has been quiet. The side news is we looted twenty three manors. While you were getting stabbed last night... too soon... I procured a team of adventurers. The eight of them and the dozen fire mages you hired helped us clean up the loot. We piled all the gold, expensive items, and valuables we could early this morning with the help of the new carts and donkeys I bought. By midday it had been shipped to Fernlan to help pay for the added costs of your refugee griffins.” Nate said with a finality.
I paused looked at him then turned to Pipi. “Is there thirds. Tell me there is more food in this room.”
Nate chuckled but Bella scoffed. “They slaughtered entire families! Children Gryff, the children died, and you want more food.” Bella said losing her composure.
“Wife, calm, please. I would not have ordered the children killed and what the griffins did is nothing compared to the atrocities of the Horde. I am not saying I agree with it, but they are our allies and that is not going to change. Look this city was going to fall. With King Devon making the calls and pulling Winter or Tami's strings this entire city and many like it would have burned in months. Maybe a few years max. The Horde is playing the long game. Trade will halt soon is my guess, as the Horde seizes vital supplies in caravans once thought safe. Doubt will plague the nobility into preserving what they can so they can last the longest while the peasants starve. Look at the fields and the farms. It is clear as day. Malvia is importing food and a lot of it. Someone has been lazy and not preparing for the doomsday scenario the peace accords really are.
“Actually I order you, Lady Bella, first wife of Earl Gryff of Fernlan to immediately get an overview of the cities production numbers and stored goods. Once that is done you are to find out the quota number on the portal that should be in kilograms. Two point two pounds to one kilogram, do the math and tell me which number is greater. Go, now!” I said with authority.
“As my husband commands,” Bella said with a proper bow of respect.
“Nate get
Joey to go with her, and find Dina to fly her, she is the pink tipped white feathered lady griffin. Thanks, Nate.” I said and they left the room.
When they were gone the room settled into silence while I finished the third plate of food.
“That was a bit harsh husband,” Velia said. Pipi knew better and stayed quiet.
“Were the griffins justified in their actions?”
“It does not matter...” She tried to continue.
“Exactly. Enough said. We move forward, thank the gods we are on the same side, and continue the mission. Yesterday you asked what my general goal was that I wanted to achieve. It is to get the griffins enough supplies and training that if the accords break or expire we are ready. Then the griffins will purge this world of the Horde with magic that will make our enemies wish they never came to Vin. That is what I need to have happen for me to feel like I have achieved what I was sent here for. Right here in Malvia, we may have a key to a part of that answer. That fire mage Krix said the vole blood was rumored to produce fireballs beyond imagination. I plan to see that tested by griffins who have an aura so large it makes veteran mages gasp in surprise at the size.
“I was there when Dais was formed, I saw how easily Lirkon added his earth magic to the ogre heart. He did not swoon or stumble after the massive spell but instead smiled. Well griffin smiled, it counts.” I said and handed the empty plate to Pipi. I licked my fingers and was looking for more food but there was no more. “The griffins killed some nobles aligned to the evil Emperor who consorts with the Horde, I do not care. Children were killed, yeah that sucks, and I do not love that fact. This sends a clear message. Do not fuck with the griffins or those they call allies. Or you and those you hold dear will die. End of story. I can get on board with that.”
I got up and stripped getting naked. Pipi and Velia exchanged looks. “My light armor please I have to go into the searing heat, this armor will be shit for that. We can kiss and make up later and I need both of you to calm Bella. I want you to know I would not have killed the children myself, and what is done is done. Please help me suit up and let us move forward. I got a mountain of work to do... get it because we're on a mountain.” The ladies rolled their eyes at me and the serious demeanor dropped.
Nate came back into the room when I had finished suiting up.
“You ready to kill some golems, it will take a mountain of work to make progress to the voles. Unless we fight by torchlight it won't be until tomorrow...”
I paused him bursting out in laughter.
“I just used that pun. Let us stop with the silly wordplay and get to the grind, shall we? Hundreds of dumb rock creatures to slaughter for the rest of the day. Should be fun right.” I said to Nate and exited the room. I felt a stinging slap on my ass.
Velia had her hands behind her back and Pipi was looking guilty. I gave them both a goodbye kiss and heard a 'ladies rule', in the background as we made our way out the manor.
There was a buzz of activity around the manor grounds. I stopped counting the griffins once I got past thirty. There was a lot. Lord Nova slept by the gate with his own griffin guards. Traz waited by the stable where everything started last night.
“You rise, good to see you well. I told you we would sort of protect you. If only you were smart enough to stay in armor while in hostile territory. Or if you were a griffin, well that would make everything better right. No fragile, tiny, weak body and only one aura. Poor human... I tease, we have a lot of griffins here. Some of the roosts from around the realm are stopping here to rest. We actually need a favor. We need food. You see all the rib cages sticking out of these starving griffins. Let us fix that. You got fire mages, your captain Nate has more troops, and you have a lazy patrol of six wargs with riders not far out to the east .”
I wanted to go kill dumb golems but the request to fight some wargs had my interest.
“What nonsense is this silly griffin saying now?” Nate asked.
“You two would get along so well, makes me sad you cannot talk,” I replied.
“We are working on it, he draws in the dirt in images to convey a sentence to me. I can talk and he understands and replies with drawing. It works most of the time. Did he mention he wants to kill some wolves?”
“Yeah, he did. He said some of the griffins are malnourished and need to eat and rest to keep going. It will put our golem killing plans on hold for today but we can start fresh tomorrow. He mentioned that warg patrol is now up to six and not far to the east.” I said to Nate.
“You both do know I am right here ,” Traz said and drew a wolf with a headless orc. That drawing was actually very impressive. It was a big image, probably because of the size of his claw tip.
Nate pointed at the picture. “See perfect, I get it. Take the heads off some warg riders. How do we get them to attack though instead of running for reinforcements? We won't have time to set a surprise ambush so we need to do a baited ambush. Also, I would love to have the horses to fight mounted orcs. Actually, that is it. Not the horses...” Nate began talking fast as he formulated his plan. “We use one of these mules as the bait. We find some blood from some recently slaughtered animal to lure the wargs to us. Then lame a mule and have it hobble toward us. The blood brings them in, the bleating of the mule sets the trap. When they get close we ranged attack and then charge. When it is all done we heal the mule and give it extra food tonight and plenty of rest.” He finished proudly.
Traz bumped me with a paw. “I like the idea. We must hurry for it to work through. Hop on my back so we can get the blood, have Nate get his men assembled here ready to go. Other griffins will help move the troops to the eastern end of the barrier .”
I raced up his side and seated myself in the saddle. I told Nate to hurry his men, and that I would meet him at the eastern gate with the blood and we would bring the mule. Traz took off, grabbed a surprised and angry mule and flew us down to the stables.
If you want to see a man go pale quickly, show up at his place of work and demand a bucket of blood. He did not protest or even say anything, instead he went into the stables. I heard a pig squeal and then go silent. A minute later I had a bucket of blood in hand and got back onto Traz. I was told not to spill any on him a few times. I kept pretending his flying was sloshing the blood onto his back. Mean things were said.
We were the last to arrive at the eastern exit of Malvia. There was no Donnie today. It was Nate, Brad, Kyle, and Marcus that I recognized. Then three men and Krix. They displayed red in their robes or leather outfits. They had a bandoleer of sorts across their waist or diagonal across their chests. Vials were placed into pockets on the extra belt for easy access. Inside the clear containers was the goo and puss that made up the blood of the golems. Krix saw me eyeing the containers and mentioned they were a decent fireball catalyst. The mages had a little in the form of armor and carried short swords that hung from the waist.
The new mercenaries could have blended right into the Frontier Knight's ranks. They talked and mixed with the men I already knew with ease. They were fashioned in the same way. Skirmish armor that was light and allowed them to move quickly. One carried a shield and mace. The other two had short swords and longbows.
“Listen up. We are going to jog as I talk. Nate get someone to pull the mule or team carry it. We need to hurry. We will come back for a cart later.” I said as I crossed the barrier at a light trot carefully balancing the bucket of blood. The men followed me with Brad forcing the mule to keep up by tugging on a rope. The mule, happily kept up as it was without burden. “We need to get a mile east of here and set a trap, preferably find an open clearing and someplace we can hide behind. When the orcs arrive with their mounts we will rain fireballs and arrows on them from cover. The goal is to avoid melee combat and down at least a few. At best the entire group. For the new people, follow what Nate or I tell you to do. Wait for the signal to fire. If you hear me talk
ing to the air, I am not crazy. I am talking with the griffins. Speaking of which I need to check where the enemy is at the moment.”
The pace was easy to keep going and nothing too drastic as a run. We were carving our own path between the thin set of trees and small brush. I saw a few rabbits scurry from underfoot as we progressed nicely.
“I have a visual Gryff, it looks like they picked up the scent of the fresh blood. The wargs are diverting your way now. The riders are trying to fight them to stay on the path but are unable to deter the large wolves. You should stop at the next clearing you find and set up your ambush there. ” Traz informed me.
We kept moving east when I saw a small downhill opening. There were some trees and a few rocks to hide behind. It was not perfect but it would do. I told the men to set up and face the opening. I then grabbed the mule from Brad and dragged it into the clearing. I tied it loosely to a tree so it could free itself with minimal effort. I heard excited yipping not far away and realized I was out of time. I quickly dumped the bucket of blood on the mule. I then thought better of leaving him because we never needed the mule. The blood was enough. Oh well, I sprinted to get behind cover.
I was beside Marcus who had some javelins on his back, the same type I borrowed for the troll fight. I grabbed two as he leaned over the rock with a crossbow at the ready. Some people stuck out a little, and there were no traps to help but we were ready. I had gotten into cover right in time.
The wargs raced between the trees, the scent of blood sending them into a frenzy. The mule heard and then sensed the predators. It went crazy trying to undo the rope from the tree... My knot held. It was supposed to slip not tighten. Awe... The lead warg gave a final burst and leaped onto the defenseless mule. The alpha locked his jaw on the mule's neck and twisted. A resounded snap echoed across the space. The orcs were cheering on their mounts as they tore apart the dead mule.
Gryff The Griffin Rider Page 35
