“Jak any parts of this thing used in magic?”
“Maybe, I don't know. Never seen one alive or dead before. I didn't believe they existed until today.”
Well, that didn't help. Head stayed to the side.
I moved to the front leg and waved Donnie over. I had him lift the leg so I could easily separate the tendons and get to the shoulder joint. It took a good five swing until I popped the leg out of the socket. Two more swings and it was on the cart. The creature was so massive, even a single leg was in the hundreds of pounds. We went to the back leg and repeated the process. Donnie and I dug into the guts and removed as much weight as we could. We needed to flip it over but the weight was too much. I stood where its head was and butchered down into the top of the rib cage. I was making quick work of it.
A hard swing vertical. Then a horizontal chop. Vertical, then horizontal. Over and over until I had half the body in pieces on the cart. I went to flip the body and found I could comfortably lift it. The three of us removed the parts we had already stacked on the cart so the deck was clear. I had Jak and Donnie brace the cart as I picked up one half of the boar using my thighs. I then pushed half the carcass until it rested on the back end of the cart. Taking the low end of the animal I lifted it up and shoved it onto the deck. It slid solidly onto the platform with some effort.
“Okay, axle looks good. Let’s hurry and load up the rest. We still got a few hours of daylight but let’s not risk it.”
We grabbed the remaining parts and loaded them. The axle seemed to be handling the thousands of pounds so we even added the head. I loaded the greataxe on the side and placed the pike on there too. I adjusted the cart handles from stationary to move and strained with a mighty heave.
“Push from the back to help get it going.”
We propelled the cart with enough combined force and quickly rolled out of the cave. At the rock, the only cover by the cave entrance I noticed movement.
I stopped and hurriedly shifted the cart into park mode. Donnie and Jak were confused at my sudden actions. I didn't have time to explain. I grabbed the pike from the cart and charged the rock. A six foot tall young orc, knowing his position was compromised made a run for it. I had the jump on him though and was much faster. I contemplated throwing the pike but decided against it.
I ran it down until I thrust a spear into its lower back.
The orc collapsed in a heap screaming its foul language at me. Probably telling me how awesome my mom was. I looked it over and confirmed I had severed its spine and paralyzed it. I flipped it over and punched it in the lower side of its face. I dislocated its jaw, and also knocked it out. I pulled my dagger from my belt, pried its jaw low and cut out its tongue. It was gruesome work but I didn't mind. I then broke both arms. On the second arm, it woke up and tried screaming. It swiftly choked on its own blood. I shouldered the young orc and carried him to the cart.
“What the seven hells, is that... Is that orc alive?” Jak asked while Donnie snickered a laugh.
I tossed the orc on the pile face down so he would not choke on its own blood. With no working arms and paralyzed from the waste down it was safe to say it was staying on the pile.
“I was right about a scout. We need to get out of here. Stupid cart. I hate always having to shift the handles. It is added time that may kill us, we need something we can let go of and not worry about tipping. Both of you remind me to add a four wheel hand cart to the list. This thing is getting retired to haul stuff in the fields.
“Oh crap, I forgot the bow it dropped while I chased it. Donnie, go fetch it and then catch up. Got to love it when they panic run. Yes Jak, it is alive. I want to test something.” I said. Jak frowned at me in disapproval.
I rotated the cart from stop to move and with the slight downhill got it going myself. Donnie made it to us fairly quickly and added the bow to the cart. Leaving loot behind was the worst. I still was mad I lost the pikes earlier. The trail was nice and smooth with a gentle downslope making the trip to the creek easy.
We managed to get across the creek, but that part was not easy. I tried to find the most even place while still hurrying. We ended up having to use both Donnie and Jak on the left side to apply counter pressure from the flowing water and sloping terrain. I, of course, had to overpower the mud, pushing water, and use my incredible strength to keep the damn thing level and going. Against the odds we did it. I did notice both Donnie and Jak pause to wash the gore from earlier off after we got across. I took a moment, parked the cart, and did the same thing. It was a bit risky but very refreshing. A deeper clean would still be needed.
The boar trail continued until we saw the arrows pointing left to the village. We turned the cart and finished the last of the trip home. I passed through the sensation of the barrier only to hear a thud shortly thereafter. I kept going and got the cart anchored inside the safe barrier. The half dead orc had caused the thud. I wanted to test the barrier and it seemed I wasn't allowed to take back live slaves. Not that a quadriplegic orc would make for a good slave.
I went to go kill it when Donnie went over and used his sword in a big curve. The young man severed half the head and then tried to pull the orc into the safe zone. Bump. The swing had not killed the damn orc. I kind of felt bad for it, actually no I didn't. Donnie finished the job with four angry swings and the head was free.
“Filthy orc, that was for Pa,” Donnie said to the corpse.
And so the vicious cycle of war continues.
Jak was disturbed by the whole ordeal. I contemplated if he would join us again. The man mumbled something about a long bath and his office needing him. I let him go since we were safe and he had experienced a lot for one day.
I was going to need a full team to push this cart up the village ramp and then help get it down the western ramp.
I gave Donnie a look to see if he could tell what I wanted. That is how you know you have a great apprentice. They know what you need without asking, and sometimes know what you need before you do. The lad bolted off at a run and instead of making him do all the work I raced him.
There we were, an odd duo. A tall muscle bound man racing a lanky sixteen year old. I slowed my speed to not out pace him. We finished the incline and raced across the village proper. Lily caught sight of us and joined our run flopping in her oversized boots.
“Why... Are... We... Running...” Lily asked between gasps of air.
Instead of answering, I decided to show off. I was an Olympic caliber athlete and in one heck of a good mood. I started to cartwheel beside Donnie who never slowed a step. The lad was determined and my antics were not going to stop him. My cartwheel built up speed as we hit the ramp leading down into the western fields. Big show off this time. I rotated from the cartwheel into a full-twisting layout. Which was a flip with a twist for the landing. Donnie arrived right before I did winning the mock race. Lily huffed and puffed behind us.
“Teach me!!!” She screamed at me. I had a good laugh as she pleaded with me.
“When we get free time sure. Good race Donnie. How about we get some help moving the cart then wash up?”
Micka raced over to Donnie and inspected him. He still had blood all over him. She began doing the overbearing mom thing while he swatted her away. I scooped her up in my arm and tossed her on my shoulder saving him. I then jogged over to Velia who was preparing the fire pit for the evening meal. It was getting close to that hour before sunset.
“Ugh, you stink. Let me down. I promise to not over mom him.” Micka said. I set her down and she huffed at me.
“Someone is in a good mood. I would give you a kiss but you’re filthy and Micka is right you reek. Did you swim in rotten orc guts?” Velia asked.
“Uhh... Not too far off actually. I got great news. We went to the war boars...” I was knocked flat onto my face suddenly. A coarse massive tongue began licking the blood off me.
“War boar! You got a war boar! Where is it...? Never mind I smell it.”
As quick as I was pinned to the ground and being licked by a massive griffin I was free and in a daze.
“What just happened?” I said all confused.
Velia gave me an arm to steady myself on. “Lydia tackled you from out of the sky. Rapidly swooped down on you. It was actually pretty terrifying to watch. She licked you then stuck her beak in the air to do a deep sniff and was gone.”
I got back to my feet feeling a little dizzy. Damn, that was disorienting. I know I am tough but that was a bit rough.
“So yeah, that good news. The one that has got me so happy. Well, we went after the war boars...” I ducked this time and then tried to hide but there was no cover. The giant shadow that caused me to panic was Lydia landing with the cart. “Easy, that is my favorite cart,” I told her.
“Well, there goes my surprise, Lydia. I present another orc and a fully grown partially chopped up war boar. Discovered freshly dead, well not the orc... His death was unique. None of which would have been possible without Lydia. It will be a mountain of work to preserve it all and make sure nothing goes to waste but for the next month at least no one should go hungry.” I said loud and proudly as I struck a heroic embellished pose.
The entire village had trickled in to congregate on the western fields. There was cheering and gasps of awe at the piled meat. The good mood was contagious and converted those who normally were somber. As people went to thank me I excused myself from the situation and grabbed Donnie.
“Let’s go clean up so people who want to thank us don't have to hold their noses as they do so. Go grab some soap out of the supplies from Cern and meet me at the creek. Lyna!” I shouted. Donnie took off. I walked away from the group and toward the creek.
“Yes Sir Gryff, how may I help you?” She peeled herself out of the crowd and made her way over to me.
“I need to bathe, where did you set the fish trap so I can do so in the current behind it?” I asked her.
“I will most certainly help you bathe.” She said in a loud sultry voice. I was going to fight her on it, then gave in. My ace in the hole... maybe not the best analogy... Was making his way from the supplies.
“I will help too!” Pipi shouted.
“Me also!” Micka rejoiced.
I saw Velia roll her eyes as she gave out orders to the villagers for the feast tonight.
“Not you Micka sorry. Nothing against you, just Donnie is coming also because he stinks more than I do. I may have soaked him in boar blood and gore on accident. Send someone appropriate to clean him though please.” I said.
“Ha, my boy is barely sixteen. I will clean him myself since there is no fun to be had with this bath. As if he needs a woman caring for him that is not his mother.” She said defiantly.
I pulled her close to me so Donnie couldn't hear. Lyna and Pipi leaned in to listen. Of course, they would. “He killed his first orc today. If you insist on cleaning him it may knock him back down a peg which is your right as a mother, please consider allowing someone else is all I ask. I promise no funny business will happen while I am there.”
All three women mutter an “oh”. Donnie knew we were talking about him and stood a few feet away waiting for the conversation to end. Poor Micka, her eyes formed tears and she gave me a nod. There was sadness but joy as well. Her boy was becoming a man, and she had to let go.
“I forgot Donnie, I need to help Velia, and I will send over one of the girls your age to help get that mess out of your hair. Maybe, Mina, she seems smitten by you and probably would volunteer.”
With that said she broke off from our group and we continued to the creek. The water here was moving much faster than yesterday. I tossed my armor off and stripped naked quickly. I knew the water was only a few feet deep but I did a cannonball anyway. Donnie got naked before the ladies and dunked himself in. Lyna's red hair was a tangled mess and when she got naked I got to see her full form from the front. She had small breasts with big nipples and her red pubic hair hid her lady lips. I felt sad when I saw her hip and rib bones. Yet I was glad to see her belly was swollen from the sudden increase in food. She was all smiles as she gave me a lustful gaze with her bright blue eyes. Lyna did a strut as she made her way into the water. Pipi gave her butt cheek a light slap.
I expected Donnie to be shy around the naked woman but he handed her one of the two soap bars without any hint of lust or being nervous. If I had to guess it was because he thought of her as a mom figure.
Pipi wasn't as seductive as Lyna was. She got naked fast and raced into the water. This time I did see Donnie give extra attention. I shrugged, Pipi was gorgeous, one of the few women with nice breasts while still skinny, and the hottest woman I knew. It was only natural for Donnie to be interested. With that said the situation was still awkward and I wanted it to be over. I dunked my head under the water and used my nails to dig the dirt out of my hair. When I stood the ladies worked the soap into my sweat, blood, and gore covered body.
They had moved onto my hair when a girl of around fifteen reached the creek edge and undressed. She got into the water and went to Donnie. They said a shy awkward hi to each other than she started cleaning his hair with the soap. Wait... Didn't he say a girl named Mina said he snored earlier today?
“No funny business you two,” I warned them not even wanting to think about the subject. I whispered to Pipi and Lyna. “Let’s hurry this up before I get in trouble with Micka, I see the way they are looking at each other.”
We got nice and freshly clean. The ladies asked for a wash of their backs, which I did. Then I took my kilt and scrubbed it as good as could. Same with my boots. When everything was done, it was dinner time. I pulled my kilt on then helped the ladies out of the water who each proceeded to plant a kiss on my cheek for being a gentleman. Donnie and Mina finished up and giggled away toward the fire pit. When they were gone I was tempted to get back in the water and play with the girls. Then my stomach rumbled when it caught wind of the cooking boar. Even the lustful ladies ditched the sex idea and pulled me toward the food.
“Hold up Gryff, we need to talk. Sorry Lyna, you already got your turn.”
Lyna frowned and then left the two of us alone.
“I need you to listen for a minute. Velia, Micka, and I have come to a... understanding. Yes, understanding works here. Lyna did many things we could not do to keep our group fed. Over the years we all became indebted to her for her... sacrifices.” Pipi said choosing her words carefully.
I think I had an idea where this conversation was leading. I listened attentively and gathered pine straw. Pipi did so as well and continued to talk.
“She collected in on her favors and forced us to test you at the well. Now she is hanging off your side, yet still plans to try to visit Jak tonight in case you do not choose her. The agreement between Velia, Micka, and I is that we would indeed be interested in attaching ourselves to you. Yet, Lyna will not be our sister wife. We recommend when you see the Duke you ask to resettle some refugees. Lyna will be one of them.
“Did you know the Duke has nine wives? Nine, and he is only a Duke. I cannot fathom how many wives you will end up.” Pipi said with a serious tone.
“Only a Duke? And why would I have more? I crave the soft touch of a woman but marriage has never been something I considered. I am only...” I almost said eighteen but I caught myself. “Twenty eight.”
“You Sir Gryff, can speak to griffins and have the purple aura. Both are things told in stories about men long since dead. You will be sought out often. As much as the Emperor, is my guess. Please know Velia has sent me to tell you this, and I think it is the right decision. She will be our matriarch for your triangle of your Fernlan wives. Assuming you accept all three of us. The rest of the village single ladies have been notified and should give you space now. Well, besides Lyna. Unless you get her moved, it will become a problem. If you haven't noticed Velia is very much in charge.”
“I have noticed. I will be honest Pipi, I have a feeli
ng everything you are telling me is vital. I am just really, really, hungry.” I said to her as my stomach grumbled loudly. “How about you tell me about yourself as we walk toward the food.”
She smiled brightly and I found my eyes shift from her face to her firm bust outlined perfectly by her wet shirt. A small wave of her hand by her face returned my gaze. “Men! Well, let me start with I was born south of Lakeland in a different mighty river city. Swiftstone which is ruled by Duke Alkin is a majestic city surrounded by swift waters that encase it in a mighty river moat. The whole outer wall is made of white marble stone from a quarry not far away. I grew up there until I was fifteen. As with most other women, my father decided it was time to marry me off. I got lucky that my father was a knight in Duke Aklin's army. He knew other young knights and by that winter I was married to Sir Watt. My dead husband was a good man. I gave him a son, little Vern, the four year old who follows me around.
“Two years ago the Duke called his banner men to arms as the war turned south. Both figuratively and literally. We were losing cities and territory rapidly and panic caused even the most cautious of nobles to send forth their troops. Vern and I followed behind the army with the camp supporters. He forbid me from going further north than here in Fernlan. Many a camp follower who did go past Fernlan never returned. Including my Sir Watt.” Pipi said with sadness.
We were close to the fire now and cooking food. I saw others wave us forward but Pipi tugged on my arm holding me back. She had set her bundle of pine straw down and I did the same.
“I like to take walks and talk. I enjoy nice jewelry and kind words. I always wanted to be a candle maker and enjoy fishing. I want more children, at least three more, and I will never stray if we do couple. I can accept that you are a man of import and will represent your family... our family... with prestige, class, and honor. I can also work on Vern to ensure he listens and minds you. Assuming you treat us fairly.”
Gryff Boxset Page 12
