Dragon Hero II: Bounty of the Blood Witch

by C Woodward

  Chapter 2

  The two men on horseback stared at me while the three henchmen come running in our direction. They appeared to be upper class but the approaching henchmen appeared to be nothing more than common thugs.

  I took out my sword knowing, the three guys running towards me were not going to listen to anything I had to say. I spoke in my distorted voice from under my helmet, “Be gone mortals!” I really don’t know why I said it. Maybe it was the adrenaline pumping or the image of me in the armor. I unexpectedly lunged towards one of the three thugs. The sword sank a few inches into his torso.

  The stricken man stopped in his tracks and dropped his blade with a shriek of pain. The other two were surprised and one made a swing at me that glanced off my helmet. I yanked out my blade and made a quick swing at the other one who was in my view. He parried the blow with his sword. I stepped back since I couldn’t see the other. I looked back and barely missed being hit from a club. The two remaining men on foot both came at me at once.

  I staggered back to parry the first blow. The second one was easy for me to deflect. That was when I noticed that I’ve been fighting with one hand the whole time. I gripped the sword with both hands and charged in for a heavy attack. I focused on the one with the club. He tried to parry but didn’t make it in time.

  My blade slashed down through his body between his right shoulder and his neck. I didn’t aim to cleave all the way through. Blood sprayed me as my blade finished the cycle. The other man lunged with a stab of his own. I released the blade with my left hand and leaned back to avoid the attack. With my right hand, I swing my sword upward and nearly decapitated the man. His head nearly flew back. Blood spew from the wound and the man quickly fell to the ground. The other two had little or no life left in them.

  I stared back at the two men on horseback. I sensed fear in them. I decided to add to that fear by doing a sinister laugh, which must have sounded really freaky because of the helmet. The two men quickly turned their horses and took off. I laughed even more. I watched them ride out of sight and looked at my blood-soaked blade. Quickly I swiped the sword through the air to get off some of the blood. It wasn’t good enough, so I removed the rest with a wipe through of the clothing of one of the dead.

  Talestria’s called out, “What was with all that noise... Oh!” She was half asleep and just saw the three dead men near me. The hidden man popped out from his hiding spot, “Oh, much praise to you, good sir!” He was grinning and clapping as if in amusement. A closer look showed the man to be an elf. He wore fancy white and red clothing and carried his crushed plumed hat with a big white feather. He brushed back his long blonde hair and put on his hat. On his back he had a small pack and a lute. “Oh, where are my manners?” he then bowed and introduced himself, “The name is Kalus Silverleaf!”

  Talestria dipped her head in his direction but couldn’t figure what to say. Kalus turned toward Talestria and bowed. He looked like he might try to kiss her hand, “Now who might this lovely dark elf maiden be?” I see now why he was being chased.

  Talestria giggled which sort of irked me a bit, “My name is Talestria.” Kalus’ face turned white as he quickly stood up and stared at her. I could tell he was dumbfounded.

  He let out a nervous laugh, “Clearly, you jest.” Talestria shook her head.

  I stepped toward them. I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want to sound like a jealous jerk but I wanted to make my presence known.

  Talestria looked at me, “This is my husband, Blake.” She walked over to me and took my arm. Kalus stared at me with his mouth gaped open. There was a moment of silence then followed by a big cheer from Kalus. He practically jumped into the air, “What luck! I actually came across not only the fabled witch but also the one that defeated Xum’gol!”

  I raised a brow, “Um, okay.” I am not used to fame.

  Kalus displayed a broad grin, “I am a famous bard, you know!”

  Talestria whispered to me, “Famous?”

  Kalus stepped forward, “You must allow me to learn your story!”

  I gawked at him, “Our story?” Talestria shrugged, “I guess he is a story teller and wants to get some writing material.”

  Kalus’ face dropped and he lowered his head and arms in shame, “Oh, you have never heard of me!” We swapped conversation for a while. Talestria and I let the guy tag along with us for a while. He didn’t appear to be a threat other than trying once to flirt with Talestria. He seemed to be a bit too timid to try more than once. Now I had someone to take the watch for the rest of the night. He didn’t object, considering I saved his life. I did stay close to Talestria that night. I woke up often to make sure the guy wasn’t up to anything. He spent the whole night in some kind of meditative stance, but who am I to argue?

  Talestria woke up first which woke me up. Kalus was still in his meditating stance. Talestria explained, “Oh, he must have been a healer at one time. Some dedicated healers learned how to recuperate from their fatigue by meditating.”

  I looked back at him, “Interesting, I have never seen anything like that before.” We soon heard Kalus snoring. Talestria rolled her eyes. She kicked him gently. He perked up in surprise, “Ah! Uh! I can explain! Er, oh!” Kalus had obviously fallen asleep while keeping watch. His brain finally woke up, “Oh, good day sir! How are you two this fine morning?”

  Talestria let out a big yawn, “So, Blakey poo, how are we going to get our supplies in Halatross?”

  Kalus brushed the dirt off his clothes, “What is so hard about getting supplies in Halatross?”

  I let out a sigh and explained our circumstances. Kalus was intrigued about the story, “I understand. If you want, I can sneak in and get some supplies for you. Least I can do after you saved me from those ruffians.”

  I looked at Talestria and shrugged. Talestria handed him some coins from her purse, “Here is some money. You can meet us at the north road that leads to Trawlast.” Kalus pocketed the money and took out a tin and a piece of paper stashed in a leather strap holding his lute. The tin contained some coal strips which were used for writing.

  Talestria started giving him a list, which contained some things that weren’t exactly necessary. “Hon, shouldn’t we worry about getting enough food and maybe a bed roll?” I remarked. I put my helmet on just in time to receive a big glare from her. I was glad I had on the helmet so no one saw my look of fear.

  Kalus let out a sigh, “I’ll try to get your provisions as well. I will make haste!”

  Talestria stopped glaring at me and asked Kalus, “Aren’t you afraid of those guys from yesterday?” Kalus smiled, “Oh. That man was a noble and I am an expert at keeping hidden from the likes of him. Besides, he is too fearful to meddle with the likes us.” He grinned and walked off.

  “Be sure to not let anyone know of our whereabouts.” I called as he left and thought, “Gosh, I hope he is trust worthy.” Talestria and I packed up and headed for to the north side of Halatross. It wasn’t a long trip even though we took a detour through the farmlands. We got a few stares but we just acted friendly. I smiled and waved and kept my helmet off. We found the road leading northwest which was pretty barren apart from a few wagons and dwarves.

  We stopped the carriage a fair distance from the gate but close enough to see anyone passing through. I was tired and leaned back in the carriage while we waited. “I sure hope he isn’t just going to run off with the money, or worse.” I muttered.

  Talestria looked at me, “What do you mean ‘or worse’? Do you think he will bring attention to us?” Talestria held her breath and appeared a bit mad, “Oh, he better not compromise us, if that elf so much betrays us… I swear I will turn him into ash.”

  I smiled, “He would be a fool to mess with either of us.” Talestria smiled at me but she felt concerned.

  “Oh now, give me some credit!” Kalus called out. Kalus was sweating under a pack stuffed with provisions. “I hope you don’t mind that I purchased this hefty luggage to lug all this around.” he sa
id while he plopped down the larger pack on the back of the carriage. The pack barely fit there so we tied it to the back of the seats to keep it attached.

  Talestria shoved her head in the backpack. Her voice was muffled while inside, “Oh, this stuff smells lovely!”

  Kalus grinned proudly, “Oh, I found a lovely smelling shampoo for a beautiful lady.”

  Talestria smiled at that while pulling her head out of the bag, “Aw, you’re sweet. Sorry for doubting you.” Kalus grinned, “No fear! This is a dangerous world and one must be careful.” I glared at him, not saying a word. Kalus noticed my big, dark-clad armor and backpedaled. He let out a nervous laugh, “Oh sorry, force of habit! I don’t normally bother anyone’s marriage!”

  Talestria giggled at me, “Oh, being jealous, Blakey poo?”

  I let out a sigh and grabbed the reins of the horse, “We should get going.” We had an interesting ride. Talestria and I felt more secure being on a road where most of the traveling population were dwarves. We stood out like sore thumbs, though. Talestria was in better spirits since she never traveled this way before. The novelty of traveling cheered her up and kept her mind off other things. I was really sleepy but Talestria clung to me most of the day. Kalus took out his lute and started to play some music. It was nice to hear a cheerful song after all the drama we had recently faced.

  By late noon we stopped at a spot near a well with some benches. I laid down on one of the benches. Talestria offered to get water for the horse. Kalus sat on the other bench. “So Blake. Please tell me your story.”

  I covered the glare of the sun with my hand and looked in his direction. Kalus had his implements out ready to write what I might say to him. I began to talk a little about myself and a little about my life before coming to this world.

  When I got to my meeting Falstrid, Wotmire, and Clagmir, Talestria chimed in, “Hey, tell him how you were so shocked when Xum’gol summoned you that you soiled yourself.” I glared at her; she stuck out her tongue at me with a playful smirk.

  Kalus laughed, “You did what?”

  I sighed, “I was in the middle of reliving myself when I was cast into this world.” After explaining and trying to convince Kalus not to put that part in, we continued our journey. Kalus was very intrigued with our story and he took turns interviewing us while walking beside us. Talestria explained a bit of her history and for a moment I her felt sadness as she leaned against me.

  When she got to the part where we first met, I chimed in a bit here and there. Kalus was ecstatic. He wrote all he could fit on his pieces of paper. It is interesting to have our own reporter collecting data of all our events. The guy sort of reminded me of Jerak by being up-beat and excited about his writing material sort of how Jerak gets excited about tackling some quest. Though Jerak wouldn’t try hitting on women. Wait. Well, at least Kalus stopped flirting with Talestria. He seemed much more interested in learning about our tales of adventure. Talestria began talking about saving me from Deshra Thornweave. I let out a sigh, but added nothing since what she was saying was pretty much true.

  Kalus cheered, “This is just great! This has everything! Adventure! Humor! Love! I could write enough songs and stories to last for ages!” The sun was setting behind the mountains, I decide it would be best to find a spot to camp for the night. We saw a group of dwarven traders, but we felt that we would only make them nervous if we hung out with them. Waving as we passed them, we didn’t travel too much further. An hour or so later, we left the road to make camp.

  I went to take care of the horse while Talestria searched for wood. She seemed a bit too cheery. Kalus sat on top of a rock and tuned his lute. Talestria struggled back dragging a big, dead branch. I rushed over to help her and ended up lifting the whole thing. She ran to grab some dry shrubs and twigs. I shrugged and began breaking the branch apart and to make a barrier for the fire. Good thing I had been an eagle scout and learned how to start a fire correctly.

  Talestria was pretty inexperienced with camping but was willing to try. She dropped dry twigs and bits of shrub near me. She watched as I stacked the larger pieces of wood like a teepee, put the bits of dry shrub in the bottom and the twigs on top. I pondered a while, since we don’t exactly have matches. I recalled starting a fire in my old scouting days once without modern tools but, wondered whether Kalus might have a flint and tinder set. Talestria giggled when she heard the crackling fire. Stupid me, I forgot about magic.

  Talestria was trying to cook some dried meat on the fire. Kalus sat to the left of us. He stuck his piece of dried meat on a stick poked it in the fire. All was quiet for a while until I broke the silence, “So Kalus, tell us your story.”

  Kalus looked at us a bit puzzled but began telling his story, “Let’s see. I grew up in Celvanis. I worked in my father’s inn for about thirty years. I spent my youth singing and playing music there. I felt the wanderlust and set out to travel to other cities and towns. I entertained with my songs and stories. Ah, and the women. So many women were charmed with my talent and looks. Although I ran into trouble at times, I always figured my way out of trouble.”

  Talestria laughed, “So, what was your problem in Halatross?” Kalus chuckled, “Oh, sometimes my charm gets the best of me, and I find myself winning over women who might be already taken by another. Mind you I won’t steal a man’s wife. Although there was this one who…” Kalus started talking to himself recalling the story, but Talestria was too tired and hungry to pay attention. She lifted her stick and started munching on her cooked dinner. She shoveled it down and finished with a loud burp. That didn’t faze me but, Kalus was startled and stared at her in shock. I guess he never met a girl who burped in public. Talestria didn’t pay any attention to his shock. I simply finished my food and was ready for a nights’ rest.

  Kalus was doing his meditation thing while Talestria and I snuggled in for the night. I didn’t have my armor on but kept my sword close by, just in case. I hoped Kalus didn’t sleep through anything dangerous, but I wasn’t greatly worried since I’m a fairly light sleeper. I felt we were relatively safe.

  Once in a while we heard horses and wagons from the road which was busy at all hours. I saw a big, south–bound cluster of dwarven traders go by. Talestria was already snoring with her mouth wide in an amusing sort of way. It never ceased to amuse me how she can be so elegant and yet be so crude and childish.

  I stared at the dying fire and began to plan the next few days. By my calculation, we’ll reach the dwarven capital in two days. I’m not fully sure what we’ll do once we get there. I just hope we will be safer and have peace enough to research how Talestria can regain her powers. We must figure a way to stop that crazed assassin. I pondered a bit more then fell victim to slumber.

  I woke up to something biting me. It was Talestria. I nearly cried and laughed. She was being her funny self. “Finally, you woke up!” she whispered.

  Feeling a bit disoriented, I looked where she bit me and asked, “Wait, what is going on?”

  She looked down at me, “Nothing, just morning.” I won’t get into why she bit me, but she can be a bit impetuous, but then so can I. Kalus was chugging down some water from a wineskin and then reached for his lute. He began playing a bright tune. Talestria helped me up. I put on my boots and started packing up. I finally had a decent night’s sleep. I hopped into the carriage and rubbed at a bit of dried drool on my shirt. I assume my wife used me as a pillow at some point. I don’t mind except I fear someday I will drown in her slobber.

  We rode out once more and with Kalus quietly reviewing his notes from our interviews. Talestria had a finger in her nose, “So, you think there will be more friendly stories about me because some of the old tales of me made me appear to be some scary witch.”

  Kalus glanced away from his notes, “Oh, I am sure people will end up adoring you.” He now noticed Talestria’s finger. Kalus quickly turned back to his notes and cleared his throats, “Um, yes, they would improve your image.”

  I watched all this and tr
ied my best to not laugh. Talestria flicked what loot she pillaged from her nose and smiled, “I sure hope there will be a pretty song written about me!” I thought of a song about her picking her nose and the chorus of it would involve burping but I found it hard to resist cracking up loudly so kept my mind elsewhere.

  By noon, we were feeling a bit warm. I unlatched most of my armor for ventilation and placed my helmet on the floor of the carriage in front of us. Kalus didn’t seem like much of a threat. I think he was being honest when he said he didn’t fool with married women. Now that he has seen some of Talestria’s unique habits, he’ll steer away from her for good. He was friendly, but I noticed he carefully watched the fingers she used to pick her nose. This habit doesn’t bother me anymore since I am guilty of cleaning my nose but, I try to use something to wipe it while I try to hide it. More than anything, Kalus seems to be a bit of a neat freak.

  While eating our dried meat and fruit lunch, we chatted about having a real meal. I wondered what kind of food dwarves eat. Kalus wasn’t too excited about going there since the dwarves and the elves have some conflicts.

  I tried calming him by saying, “It should be alright since I am welcome there and have met the king.” Kalus raised a brow, “Oh right, you’ve met King Wotmire. That must have been interesting.” Kalus thought to himself for a moment then asked, “If I may to ask, why are you making a trip to the dwarves?”

  Talestria sighed, “We had an assassin attack us and decided we needed a safe place for a while.” I knew Talestria was distressed thinking about losing most of her magical ability and knew not to share that information.

  Kalus chuckled, “Really? I wouldn’t think anyone would stand a chance against you two. Well, maybe that crazed Blood Witch would try.” He looked at our faces with surprise, “Oh! Her?! I heard she recently attacked the city and stole the book of Scrathelm! Don’t tell me she is after you two?”