Laugh of Destruction (Book 3 of the Death Incarnate Saga)

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  He first handed the wooden jar of what was called toothpaste and Jom smelled it. “It clearly has mint.” He then lightly dabbed a finger in the thick paste to taste when he was told to do so. “So what is its purpose?” Cage held up a finger, took back the small jar, put the cap on and handed the toothbrush. “By the gods!” he exclaimed when he squeezed the wood. He didn’t drop it as Rena had. Cage thought back, but he held it like it was a snake.

  “Don’t be afraid, Jom. Those bristles on the end spin quickly. What you do is dab just a bit into this paste as so.” He took the brush and showed the proper way and handed it back. “All of my tribe use this at least once a day. Squeeze it and brush your teeth. It will not only clean them, but also give you fresh minty breath and the most important part, it will help to keep what teeth you have far longer than doing nothing or digging with a pick. The green tops are mint and the orange is well… orange flavored. Go ahead and clean all your teeth. It will foam up so use a little water to rinse and spit it out.” To further sell the idea he added “And when you are done, you will thank me for your wife will want to kiss you all the time.”

  The man wasn’t sure, but Cage had shown respect and patience with him. Something Jom admired, but he’d never tell a soul. The chandler gripped the handle and did as instructed. He found it an odd sensation, but when nothing bad happened he went to another tooth and felt the foam he had been warned about. He fought the instinct to swallow and when he finished he cupped a handful of water from the lake to wash it out. He felt with a finger astonished to no longer feel the fuzziness, only hard and smooth teeth. “Is this how my teeth are supposed to feel?” He got a nod in answer. “How many do you have?”

  “Exactly two hundred toothbrushes, two hundred mint and similar orange paste. I will give you that one and the paste for free, but the price is nonnegotiable I’m going to sell them far below what I paid for the main material.” He didn’t say crystal or it would violate the council’s agreement. “I’m selling each toothbrush for seven copper and you will resell them for no more than a single silver. First orders get a free jar to accompany the brush. The jars, sold separately, will be sold for no more than nine copper while I want four for each tube.”

  “That is too much.” He said.

  Cage gave a level look. “You know damn well magical items, even the mundane, go for no less than a gold.” The man swallowed dryly, hoping to pull one over on the mage who he expected to be just as ignorant as he was the first time they met. “This is just a test, one the magical council is eager to see if it works. I expect there to be a demand, especially if people want to keep their teeth longer and healthier and finally kiss those they love without bad breath. If you work on it, I expect you can sell every one of them by the end of the Fall Harvest. How would you be interested in a bet?”

  “I’m listening?” Jom smirked, willing enough to listen at least.

  “Accept my price. In four more days, when the harvest is over and one toothbrush remains I’ll pay you ten gold on the spot. The paste isn’t part of it.” Jom’s brow rose. “And just so we are clear, this is about your honor as a good salesman. If you deceive me by hiding one when the agreed time comes, I’ll use magic so you speak only the truth. If you lie I promise to give your severed hand to Daku.”

  The griffin in question licked his beak and made Jom pale some. The man said “Agreed, Mage. In five days we will find the winner.” His eyes looked calculatingly over not only the toothbrushes, but also at the trinkets and well made weapons. Eventually he said “I’m being honest here, but even for half of these I don’t have the ability to pay outright. But here is what I’ll do… I can outright pay the price for the toothbrushes and toothpaste and about an extra eleven gold for all the bows and half those fancy spears… but the others and the trinkets I’ll trade outright from my shop’s supplies. What is it you require?”

  Elder Metak answered “We mostly require metal and leather, or clothes good enough for winter.”

  A slow smile appeared on the owner’s face. “Then you’re in luck. I just bought two hundred sheets of uncut leather. But that, should you choose to trade for the lot, will be the price along with the remainder of the promised money. Metal and clothes you’ll have to buy from Vok’s, our smith, or Mille’s next to my shop.”

  Elder Metak stood to say “We must discuss your offer.” and walked towards an empty piece of land with his mates and the towering chieftain. Jom watched the calm discussion though he couldn’t hear. Several minutes passed before the group of eight returned. The elder nodded “We accept the trade.”

  “Good, we will go to my shop first to fulfill the transaction.” Jom said.

  Soon the remaining bags were loaded in the last cart and the driver knew right were to go.

  Lastly the boats were looked over. The exotic design and system tantalized the fishermen to start a bidding war for each boat. They knew that the covered arms could easily hold a man or heaps of fish. Out of fifteen bidding men, the top six each got a well designed boat that is also seaworthy if needed.

  “That’s it everyone!” Cage shouted. “Let’s go do what we came here for! Have the time of your lives!”

  There came a cheer, but mostly it came from those who waited all morning. Cage smiled when he saw Cillian lift Sean up to sit on his shoulders. Not wanting to be left out, Rena came running and got her wish to be carried just like her brother. As the warlock moved over to his family Cage said “Cillian, that went better than either of us expected. It took only just over an hour.”

  “Surprised me too. I think it has to do with how defensive your people are. The honor and words oddly put me at ease. I can trust those who are direct. Even if they told me I was going to die, I’d feel honored enough that they wouldn’t sneak up and slit my throat.” The mayor replied.

  “Why do you think Meeka and I fit right in?” That got Cillian laughing. “Besides, they are loyal, even after death. If you have them as a friend that is. Even from birth the children are taught to be this way.”

  “I’m still more impressed by how articulate Rena is. She speaks more like an adult than most I know.” Cage didn’t need to see Rena to know she was giving a toothy grin.

  Cage began to walk with Cillian while their three women were having a deep conversation of their own. “I noticed that too. My people do not talk down to kids unless there is good reason. Rest of the time they are direct and articulate, taught to be so as soon as they begin to speak. Besides, my kids are special and are growing each day. Sean’s actually chosen a hard path. He decided he wants to not only be a warrior and hunter, but also a healer. He spends hours alongside Meeka, learning.” Cage reached up and tickled Rena’s side through the seam of her small shirt. “and this little rascal might be small, but she learns and practices all day long. She’s the top of all children when it comes to reading and writing while sixth in combat.”

  “Combat? She’s so young.”

  Rena answered. “Dad teaches the whole tribe. Mother told me why children need to fight. What if she died and stupid men come for me? I would need to save myself. If I do not fight, I will be taken or killed myself.”

  “Wise council, young lady.” Cillian said, personally admitting that he could see such things happening. Still, teaching a child how to kill didn’t sit right with him.

  The large group soon headed for Kote and the Fall Harvest with great expectations.

  Chapter 10

  Arriving at the heart of Kote was rather memorable. Cage had wondered how the Fall Harvest would change his view of the town from its usual old western feel mixed with medieval appeal to be let down slightly. Sometimes he had to remind himself that these people do not have the means or the knowledge to really dress up the town for a true celebration. What had changed were unlit torches which lined either side of the wide dirt road. There were vendors outside and between buildings, selling food and all manner of objects. A wooden platform had been erected in the center of town, around the quaint water well. Several
tent-like shelters were spread throughout for shade. Some even had chairs for people to rest.

  The largest difference is that nearly all the locals were in town, wearing their finest clothes. Women wore colorful, flattering dresses, had their hair done and displayed humble jewelry around their wrists, neck and ears. Men had either groomed their beards or shaved cleanly. Many slicked their hair or brushed it in handsome ways. Nearly all the men wore either knives or swords. The distinguishing difference between these blade wielding men is that only the home guard wore gloves with Kote’s brand burned into the leather. Brushed and cleaned horses were either ridden or stalled in one of the dozen stables behind the buildings. Even from a distance, Cage saw there were more than the four hundred or so who live here and he suspected these additions were either family coming down or merchants seeking to make a few extra coins.

  Townspeople began pointing to the south, noticing the large group coming ever closer. Beside him, Cage noticed Daku smiling, likely overhearing whispers and conversations that no human naturally could. Cage figured they would have similar reactions that first greeted them earlier by the lake. After all, it wasn’t everyday they got to see not only the last living griffin, but also the might of just over two hundred Utala.

  Cillian looked up at his grandson. “Alright, Sean, time to get off.” The boy soon stood on his own two legs. Rena also climbed down her dad’s back, using his robe to drop down safely. The mayor turned to the large group. “Men, go set up the food over by the stage. Utala, enjoy yourselves while I tell my people what you wished to be said. Cage, after you finish business with Jom, come by my office to claim the coins for all the food.” With that, he took Tiffa’s hand and they walked to the curious crowd, calling for everyone to meet at the center of town for an important announcement.

  Cage gained his people’s attention as three loaded carts of food followed the mayor. “Go and get accustomed to the town. Enjoy yourselves. Talk to different people. I know most of you are afraid, but in reality they will be more afraid of you.” Ren seconded the words and said it is so. “I’ll finish the trade and come back as soon as possible. If you have questions, feel free to ask. And remember the festival will last no more than five hours after nightfall. When those torches start to go out we’ll all meet at the north end of town and go to Cillian’s. I’ve already sent our tents and all the supplies there so it’ll be ready when we arrive.”

  Then the bulk of Utala spread out as planned to visit their new neighbors. They stayed in large family groups, going in different directions and began to mingle. Brooke and Meeka held hands while Sean and Rena did the same to not get separated. Meeka led the way, showing the best places she’d known for her twenty one years of life here.

  Just Metak accompanied Cage to Jom’s business to finalize the trade. Cage enjoyed the elder’s expression as he’d never seen so many supplies not only for travelers, but for day to day necessities. Jom let the two browse as he stepped in the back room to retrieve the agreed coins, which caused him to drop by half its contents. He then sat the gold, silver and a few coppers on the table and began trips to throw the fresh leather from the tannery out. As he did this, Metak approached the table to select one of the skins to find it to be larger than himself. “Cage, this leather is very well made. The trade is worthwhile. We can make proper clothes with these. They have been stretched and softened to perfection. Our people will do much better now. My worry for our people is gone.”

  “Personally, I think such assumptions lead to vulnerability which tends to find a way to bite you in the ass.” Metak seem to enjoy the imagery of those words. Cage gave a quick glance around. “So do you see anything we might need?”

  “I saw wax candles and those things called lanterns that could be useful. And those coils of rope would be great when we are ready to depart.”

  Jom huffed as he sat the last of the stack down. He blinked when he found Cage and the spear carrying elder bringing two dozen oil filled lamps and two crates of candles. “Three silver.” He quickly said while wiping sweat from his brow. When Cage gave a nod, the chandler withdrew the cost from the coin bag beside the leather. “Anything else needs doing or are we settled for now?”

  “For now.” Metak answered. Jom smiled.

  “Then you both better step back.” Cage explained and the two men complied. Cage had to draw from his gems for the earlier teleportation was by far the largest and draining single use of magic he’d done in a long time. Fortified, Cage looked at all the supplies on the table and let the flow of energy leave him to mold a spell which surrounded the supplies in an inky light. As it was consumed fully, a faint pop later and the gear disappeared.

  Jom’s jaw dropped at seeing magic up close. He came forward and swiped his hand through air where leather and crates once sat. “What did you do?”

  Cage grabbed the coin bag and handed it to the elder. To Jom, the mage said “You don’t really think I’d tell my secrets to just anyone do you? I’ve got an image to uphold.” Cage grinned. “An air of mystery keeps things interesting don’t you think, Jom?”

  “I guess so.” The man didn’t seem confident in answer.

  “Come on, Metak, let’s go enjoy ourselves.”

  They left the shop, allowing Jom to get his newest acquisitions out and ready to be sold. The elder and warlock spotted a small group waiting outside the store, already hearing about the new goods and wanting to get a first look or be the first to buy. Cage noticed a few memorable faces of locals who parted once they recognized him. The elder chuckled when they passed and watched the groups file into the store eagerly. “Seems the temperamental man won’t get a moment to rest.”

  Cage nodded in full agreement. Daku moved out from behind two buildings and drew more attention. “Cillian is almost done speaking to the flock.” Daku pointed and Cage looked to the center where the people crowded to listen.

  The mayor stood upon the ten foot tall circular stage with six elders, Brooke and Meeka by his side. Even from a distance of a hundred yards the three noticed he was more eloquent in the warning of the Utala, using less graphic words, but still getting the point across. The three held still, watching the crowd’s reaction closely. Many of the Utala stood together, but the more confident warriors stood among the populous. The townspeople gave wary glances to the mostly revealing people, but weren’t unkind. Cillian stopped the speech when Meeka whispered in his ear. He then spoke about the alliance the Utala would bring to fight when danger should ever come. Only then did the people of Kote breathe a sigh of relief in unison. The speech ended a minute later with Cillian saying “And let this be the official beginning of the Fall Harvest and welcome our neighbors! Eat! Drink! And enjoy!” Cillian’s words were met with cheer from the citizens and Utala.

  “I must go tell my mates how well the trade went.” Metak said and walked off.

  Daku and Cage held still in the center of the road, content for a few minutes to simply watch as the Utala spread apart in family units. Few residents had the nerve to approach the warrior tribe alone, but in small groups they began to tensely socialize. The quickest to make friends were all the young children. Some tribal warriors wished to see the swords and knives the men of Kote carried and Cage smiled as the ice had finally been broken. The Utala found handshaking an odd custom, but they were quick to adapt without feeling they would dishonor themselves by not compromising on another’s territory. Cage also chuckled when he spotted Jada in a green dress that brushed around her knees and the woman who wanted to trade wore the strap and bottoms. He didn’t know when it happened, but those two traded and became fast acquaintances. As Cillian and the others walked down the platform’s steps they watched as a band ascended and brought with them and assortment of woodwind, drums and guitarlike instruments. When they began to play an exciting tune the people became more animated. Some Utala families found willing guides to show them all there is to see. He watched as he had given every adult who came, two silver to use and pay for the treats, exotic food�
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  Cage and Daku looked down when they saw Sean running towards them with a bright smile. “Dad! Daku! They have games!”

  The boy stopped to catch his breath. “Where? I haven’t seen any games.”

  His brown eyes twinkled as he looked up and took his dad’s hand. “I’ll show you! Come on! Rena and some of the others are already waiting in line.”

  Cage was dragged around the bulky crowd with Daku purring playfully and following, gaining many curious eyes. Past the platform, Cage found where he had missed seeing several games of skill and fun. There were knife throwing competitions, foot races, one that looked like a variation of horseshoes, but instead of ringing a vertical pole you had to hook a horizontal bar and see how many spins the shoe could make before falling. It presented a great challenge and made Cage grin. There weren’t any prizes or cost to play. The only prize would be pride in one’s self. There were thumps of chopping and he found a wood splitting competition. Next to it in the open area were men running with tall logs who when reaching a line of rope, stopped and flipped the large lumber end over end to see who could reach the furthest. There were even javelin tosses.

  Sean could see his dad’s mounting excitement. A bright grin, darting black eyes and jerking motions couldn’t be disguised from the unexpectedness. Even Daku had a very similar expression. “See what I mean, Dad.”

  “Sweet!” Cage said. “I don’t know where to begin. I want to try them all!”

  Three lilting laughs drew their attention towards Meeka, Brooke and Tiffa. Tiffa asked “Surprised?”