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

by Jr H. Lee Morgan

  “Hell yeah I am!” his eyes changed direction. “Meeka, why didn’t you tell me about these competitions?”

  Meeka smiled widely in a cocky way. “I didn’t want to miss your expression if you knew beforehand. Was I right or was I right, My Love?”

  Brooke laughed, wiping a jovial tear away. “So worth keeping it secret, Meeka Love. Cage Love, it is so hard to truly surprise you. These competitions, as I’m told, is all that keep these days of the celebration from as you say, being bored out of your mind.”

  Tiffa added “And the lumber competitions help keep our hearths going all winter long. We make it fun since felling frozen trees are nearly impossible.”

  “Then why don’t you shave off the bark from bases of tree?” he asked.

  Because of his and Daku’s presence, many were quiet so they could listen.

  “Why would we do that?” The matron healer inquired.

  “If in the summer you scrape off all the bark it will allow all the sap to flow out. By the time winter comes, most of the water will be gone from the tree, making it much easier to chop down, even in the height of winter. It’s an old trick one of my friends back home did since his family lived with six constant months of winter every year.”

  “I’ve been a woodsman all my life and I’ve never heard of such methods.” Cage turned to see a large man with a thick beard speaking to him. Cage found it hard not to laugh, but restrained himself for the man easily embodied the very definition of a lumberjack, even down to the axe strapped to his back.

  “Try it if you do not believe me.” Cage responded. “I’ve already shaved a few back home. It won’t hurt you to try and if it doesn’t work to your satisfaction you can boast a mage didn’t know he was talking about.”

  The woodsman grinned and thumped his own chest. “That I’ll do, Mage. Sorry for interrupting you.”

  “Nonsense!” Cage laughed. “You just made up my mind. I’ve never been in a log splitting competition before. Want to have a go?”

  The man drew his axe. “Never thought I see the day a mage would do actual physical labor or have the gall to challenge me. Name’s Otis and I ask you not to cheat like the stories told of mages.” Hearing the woodsman’s name didn’t make it any easier for Cage not to bust out laughing at his initial observation.

  “I’m Cage and you won’t need to worry. I’ll only resort to magic if I’m attacked by another mage or if there is no other way of survival.” Cage interlocked his fingers and popped a few tense joints while whispering a keyword that snapped his robe into comfortable fitting pants. Cage pulled his arms through his sleeves and tied the sleeves around his waist.

  “Why are your arms black?” Otis asked.

  “Magic from a man who wanted me to have arms and feet stronger than metal. I can catch a sword barehanded and not worry about being cut.”

  “Wouldn’t mind having that myself. The millers too would greatly want the same for many lose fingers grinding up harvests. Can I speak to this mage and get…”

  Cage shook his head. “Sorry Otis, he died a long time ago. And I haven’t a clue as to how he made my armguards or boots.”

  “Pity.” The woodsman laid the axe across his shoulders. “Come, let us see who’s better, Cage the mage.”

  Cage shook his head at the lame pun and followed him over to the more open north end of town where the splitting took place. They stood fifth in line, bringing quite a crowd where news spread of the competition between Otis and the mage who survived Meeka’s curse. Many of the Utala came to witness as well. Cage watched techniques of men chopping as fast as they could without chopping off their own feet. They cut a wedge on the side of the wood while standing atop and before reaching the center they spin around and work the other side till the center breaks and the cord of wood splits. When the first two finished a team of men picked up the larger chips and tossed them in barrels before kicking the pieces over into a large pile. On the left side laid stacks of cords of wood five feet high and over a hundred long.

  Fifteen minutes lapsed before Cage and Otis were next. Cage was handed an axe while the woodman preferred his own. The edge was keen, but not overly so and the length was adequate. The two stepped solidly on the set logs and Daku approached. “On your mark!”

  “You can speak!” Otis exclaimed. “I didn’t know you could!”

  “Yes, I can speak. Are you going to stare at me all day or are you going to chop trees for fun?” The griffin asked not unkindly. In answer, Otis cleared his throat in embarrassment before firmly lifting the axe over his head like Cage did. “Get ready…” Daku looked at both men to see them entirely focused on the task and waiting for the signal. The griffin shot a wing straight up while commanding “Begin!”

  Axes fell down with great force and were up again, following lines etched with charcoal in the pine bark. Cage’s greater height actually was a disadvantage, even with all his training. He powered each chop, but as he reached the proper depth and turned, he stole a glance at Otis who had already turned and pumped his great muscles with more efficiency than the mage. Cheering rose an octave as the two fought harder and harder. It was impossible to tell one screaming voice from another. Sweat poured off both shirtless men along with slivers of wood.

  “And we have a winner! Otis!” Daku’s voice roared over all others. Cage was in the middle of arching his back when the call came and stumbled. The roundness of the log rolled out from beneath and fell hard on his back, eliciting a crowd wide laugh at his expense. Cage’s chest rose and fell rapidly from exertion as a shadow cast over him in the form of the woodsman.

  “Well played, Mage. Maybe you should have used a little magic to stand a chance.” Otis said and offered a hand.

  Cage took the offering and was helped to his feet. “But then where would be the fun? I can slice through the log in a second otherwise.”

  “You jest.” The man chuckled. To prove a point, Cage conjured his trusty black sword with the ultimate sharpness and approached the log. With a single swing of his arm the blade slid through with no resistance. Then with a surface as smooth as glass the end three inches fell to the ground as the blade vanished. “I stand corrected.” Otis let out a deep belly laugh and clapped a hand on Cage’s shoulder. “I’m still going to boast I best you this day.”

  “Go right ahead. You earned it. I’m going to go try that log toss thing.”

  “You mean the Caber Toss? You’ve never tried that before either?”

  “Nope.” He popped the p.

  “Then I challenge you this time. Come friend, I’ll show you how it’s done!”

  While waiting on the other challenge Cage and Daku watched as some of the townspeople challenged the Utala who gladly used the opportunity to further relations. Soon he found Zatal with one of the other men doing the log splitting and when it was over he was surprised to see Meeka and Brooke challenging each other. Cage didn’t get to see who won, but it looked clear Meeka was in the lead.

  Otis explained the Caber Toss by example. The log was quite heavy and difficult to control, requiring a firm grip, strength and accuracy. Cage made a successful flip, but the accuracy was beyond pitiful. Otis and several others fell down laughing hysterically. Truth be told, Cage wasn’t even holding back.

  Everyone was impressed when Daku asked for a Caber. His talons dug into the one he was given and with a single mighty thrust, tossed the long and heavy piece of wood like the best Kote had to offer. The griffin strutted proudly.

  It wasn’t any prettier at the horseshoe toss. Cage hit the horizontal bar with every toss, but he managed only a single successful loop while Otis ringed two with every average third toss.

  But that all changed when it came to knife throwing. Rena complained when she and Sean tried it and came over when he was trying horseshoes, making that place the next target. When he and Otis came to it and were ready, the husband and wife workers handed the two of them three knives. It became clear with a single flick of the handle. “You’re right.” He tol
d the kids. To the adults he said “These knives are all unbalanced. Otis, let me see yours.” The man passed his over “These are too.” and took them back after the test. “If this isn’t some trick, you’ll allow me to correct the balance.”

  “But my grandfather made those knives.” The wife said “There is nothing wrong with them.”

  “Really?” Looking down at his daughter he said “Rena, throw both your and your brother’s knives at the target.” Rena instantly drew her little knife and threw it within a half inch of the bulls eye, the blade stuck. Sean handed his over and she threw it almost center, also blade first. “Now do it again with these.” She tossed all three in quick succession. Only one landed and held at an awkward angle, the others bounced, but the one that did stick was way off the mark. “If my seven year old daughter can tell something is wrong, so should you. Will you let me fix the balance so it doesn’t look like this game is rigged?”

  Silently the husband returned the kids their knives and returned the three. With a nod Cage balanced the knife over three fingers and others watched as the wooden handle became longer as the center hilt shrunk. It took several moments, but when he found the center of mass balanced properly, he handed it to Sean who had been training with some of the boys to down birds or fish with a blade. Sean hit the red center while Cage fixed the other two, allowing Sean to do as his sister had and each toss was right. Otis didn’t say a word, just handed his over while the man and woman watched in embarrassment. Otis then got his three and grouped his all within three inches from the center.

  When Cage got his turn he held two blades in his right hand and one in the left. He flung his arms in quick succession, silencing everyone who watched. In under a second Cage flung two knives side by side, in the center ten paces away. The third and final shot hit dead center, squeezing directly between the two so tightly nothing had a chance to vibrate.

  “If I didn’t believe you were honest I’d swear you just used magic.” Otis commented.

  “Then the blades wouldn’t have spun end over end. If I had, the knives would have shot straight like fired from a bow. Care to see?”

  “No, I believe you are that good. I knew you were more versed in weapons and fighting back when you cut the log. Only master swordsmen can move with such precision. I’m just surprised is all… especially that you’ve never entered a log splitting or Caber contest.”

  “Dad, I’m getting hungry.” Sean said.

  “Me too, Bud.” Cage turned back to the lumberjack. “You’re welcome to come. I grew bananas for this event if you want some.”

  Otis pat his stomach. “Already had two myself. I got them before we met. Thank you greatly, Cage. We never get bananas this far down. They were good, just as when I had my first and only as a lad, for my coming of age celebration. I’ll likely see you tomorrow. Next time I’ll bring my family.”

  “They aren’t here?”

  “No, we live on Kote’s outskirts. It is a half a day’s journey from here.”

  Cage quickly understood the underlying reason quite clearly. He put a hand in his pocket and whispered “One gold coin.” to pull it out. “Here, this should cover cost for Big Tim’s inn above the tavern or Lakr’s down the way.”

  Otis shook his head and pushed the rare gold away. “No, keep it. We’ll make do.”

  Cage smirked wryly. “Otis, you do realize arguing with a mage is rather pointless? I could slip it in your bowels and you’ll find it in the most expensive shit of your life or I could adhere it to your forehead indefinitely.” Otis’s expression downturned. “I can always make more money with my skills. Take it for all the fun and excitement you’ve shown me or for your family to sleep in a dry bed. Take your pick. Either way you are going to take it.”

  “Then for my family.” Otis decided and took the gold, something that would easily take a half year’s labors to make. “Would you have really done that?”

  “Nah!”Cage laughed and pat the man’s back. “Probably would’ve slide it in your pocket without you knowing. By the time you would have figured it out you’d be home and have no excuse other than to take it. Go and bring some banana’s home while you’re at it. I’ve already decided that since bananas are so rare in these parts and aren’t difficult for me to rear, nearly every trade my people have with yours will have some.”

  “I thank you for your generosity.”

  “It’s rare anyone can kick my ass half as well as you did today. Be ready for a rematch.”

  Otis grinned as widely a Cage, feeling a good rivalry bloom. “Farewell.”

  “Alright kids, let’s go get something to eat.” Cage said as the man parted ways.

  “I’m done for today.” Daku said. “I’ll go to Cillian’s and catch a few mice. Maybe even torment Sassy a bit.” Daku expanded his great wings, forcing some to back away. With a powerful leap and drop of the wings, the griffin took flight, giving the city a true look at magnificence and awe.

  Because of his departure Brooke, Meeka and Tiffa came over. Cillian wasn’t far behind. Cage explained the reason he’d left and where they were heading so Cillian said “Good, while we go eat I can bring you the agreed upon money for all the wondrous food.”

  “So who won?” Cage asked his women.

  Meeka gladly explained. “I beat Brooke at the log cutting and Caber Toss, using kinds for women, but she beat me with archery, racing and horseshoes.”

  Brooke smiled to her lovers before down at the children “Have you been enjoying yourselves?”

  Sean and Rena gladly told just how much fun they’ve been having.

  By the mayoral, whitewashed building Cillian walked inside and upstairs while the rest moved over to the food stands which gave out free food, nearly all came from Cage’s personal crops. Behind the counter of large woven bowls filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat were five working to feed the masses. Behind them were several large bags that had been brought for trade. It clearly wasn’t every bag, but then again, it wouldn’t be good to give everything away all in a day. One thing Cage did notice is that the free bananas and other rare fruits he took for granted were being given away faster than he estimated. Meeka had clearly been underestimating just how badly some foods were taken for granted.

  Sitting on one of the many benches, eating a hearty meal and listening to the band play in the slowly darkening day Cillian exited with a bag of coins and gave them to Cage who pocketed the lot. They all ate, listening to the children regaling their stories again and again, trying to outdo the other.

  As the hours passed Cage sat on another bench with Meeka and Brooke sitting to either side with their heads on his shoulder, lightly sleeping. He watched as the tribe became more and more comfortable with these other people. Hands weren’t always on weapons and the families became more sociable. He knew from body language that certain questions arose that made the Utala more defensive for they were bound by tribal law not to answer certain topics. More than once he was approached by a tribal brother or sister for questions asked by others they didn’t know if it should be answered. Mostly it was a clear no.

  Torches were lit all along the road as the music became calming and a breeze clearly spoke that the seasons were changing. Cage relaxed as he had an arm around either slumbering woman, enjoying how good they felt.

  But it wasn’t to last.

  The seven elders approached with a group of tired children, Rena and Sean included. Cage gently shook his shoulders, waking the slumbering beauties. The two yawned nearly in unison to look around and realize how late it had gotten. “We miss anything?” Meeka rubbed an eye.

  “Nothing of interest. It looks like we are about to leave and turn in for the night.” He answered.

  Brooke stood and stretched as more of the Utala broke off conversations when they noticed the elders and most children gather. The priestess nodded to Metak’s unspoken question and gave a quick series of whistles. No Utala disregarded the call to leave. Horses were whistled for and the un-tethered steeds see
med to magically appear from all over. Each trained horse found their owner while they checked their packs. Most children were dead tired and needed help climbing.

  “Heading out?” Came Cillian’s voice.

  Brooke turned and gave a nod. “Yes, we will be leaving for tonight.”

  “Alright. There are few hours left till I can call an end to tonight. I shall see you all later. Today went much better than I expected. The worst injury was Elder Metak’s… Well, you know the way to my home.”

  “Today was wonderful.” Brooke admitted as she mounted a horse and helped Meeka up.

  Cage led the way northward, walking and listening to his friends speaking of all the fun they had. Most of the children were already asleep before even passing the last building. Only about two or three didn’t fully enjoy themselves. Since it had gotten too dark to walk properly several got permission to carry torches. Cage even supplemented a few floating orbs so none stumbled.

  When they were a good mile from Kote Cage walked alongside the horse carrying his sexy mates. “Meeka, have you decided to sing for the celebration yet?” She shyly shrugged with uncertainty. “Well I think you should.”

  “Why? I’m not good singing in front of crowds”

  “You’ve sung in front of all of us.” Brooke pointedly meant the tribe.

  She glanced behind her shoulder. “Yes, but at the time it really didn’t feel like it was really me singing. I was really stressed, especially being naked in front of you and everyone else… I slowly became comfortable around everyone, but the people in town… I don’t know how well to explain. They don’t know I can sing. Because of my bracelet they aren’t as afraid of me as they used to be…”

  “But you have the most beautiful singing voice, Meeka Love. I want everyone to hear you and be jealous that Cage and I have you all to ourselves. You should sing, we all love your voice.”

  “I don’t know.” She looked down and away.

  “Would you do it if you knew you weren’t alone?” Cage asked.