The Red Lands 1

by ForestRage

  He circled to the front of the reclining bodies and amused faces as he bowed and sent greetings. Out of the corner of his eyes he noticed the upturned lips on the masters, and the sneers plastered on the faces of their servants.

  "H..Ha..Have mercy my l-l-lords, t-this lowly o-o-one greets-s these great ones."

  Chu stuttered as he used the crudest of language to salute these individuals. He understood from the previous interactions that these men had the same status as young master Gofart. Chu stuttered and trembled like a commoner in the presence of a King.

  "Hahaha, good greeting, I was hoping that these brothers might have made you wet your pants but it seems you emptied them before."

  Young Master Gofart sneered and laughed.

  "Master Gofart, since when did you start introducing the common riffraff to us. Picking them up is easy by throwing out a handful of coppers. I swear I can find even better specimens."

  Tochus drawled.

  "Tochus, not all of us want someone like Daffodil fawning over us all the time. By the way, I hope you have recovered from the pounding Commander Fredijak gave you last night. You were still walking bent this morning when I last saw you."

  The young master named Prickus interjected.

  "Damn you Prickus! I told you not to mention my private affairs in public. You see me running my mouth on you and Rufang holding your orgies with those reluctant wives!"

  "Hey, don't sour our sweetest moments Tochus, At least me and Prickus did not have to get our family to bail us out like Young Master Gofart. Only that idiot would try to forcefully bed the City lord's daughter."

  Young Master Rufang interjected.

  Chu remained silent with his head bowed. With the uproar taking place before him, he was at a loss to stand still or slink away. His sixth sense told him attracting too much attention from these young masters would spell trouble.

  These types had a habit of venting their anger to satisfy their egos.

  Luckily servant Daffodil came to the rescue at this critical juncture.

  "My Lord the wine is here. The Trading Post has guaranteed it is the best they have at the moment."

  Hearing the squeaking voice emanating from the tough and muscular man caused Chu to skuttle to the side. He always lived with the belief that everyone was entitled to their own opinions and lifestyles, but this large, strapping man frightened him.

  Chu sincerely prayed the guy had been blessed with that voice from birth.

  In the presence of the wine, the young masters indulge themselves in merrymaking and soon forgot about Chu. While he carefully made his way into the servant circle while keeping an eye on Mr Daffodil, the boisterous shouts and laughter pervaded the field.

  This small cut of the grasslands became soaked in alcohol and chatter like an open air fish market.

  Chu kept himself hidden behind the servants to avoid becoming a target. Glancing around he witnessed how these people squandered their hard-earned money after risking their lives.

  In the partial darkness, the seductive moanings mixed with triumphant shouts leaked out. It seemed like Madame Cocotte would be earning some coins the hard way tonight.

  'So much for the threat of a wolf demon.'

  He was thinking those thoughts when some soldiers wearing the Military uniform materialized from the darkness. They walked along the edge of the darkness and melded into it once again.

  'Seems like Commander Fredijak was not so stupid after all. This was the best bait for a hunter like the wolf demon. Everyone here was like a piece of fresh meat waiting to be plucked.'

  As the night wore on, Chu gathered some intel from the boasting of those young masters. He constantly kept himself hidden from their eyes as they chatted loudly. These characters seemed to be priming themselves up for a fight.

  He did not want to be caught in the crossfire when it happened.

  Chu was in the middle of thinking how to slink away and provide a suitable excuse when a loud slurring voice cut across their group.

  "Well, well s-seams like you young nobles feel your h-h-home in the city. Hey w-w-why don't you whelps leave this bed for the big boys to p-p-play."

  Chu rolled his eyes.

  'Oh my lord, every planet had its fair share of idiots. Was this guy itching for a beating?'

  Chapter 43

  How to have fun

  Chu stood silently in the background, hidden among the servants of these Masters. As a twelve-year-old boy it was easy to remain shrouded among these grown men.

  The drunken contender wobbled to a few feet from the oversized bed. He swaggered towards them shaking a wine bottle in one hand. The flickering flames fell on this roughshod man who appeared to be in the prime of his life.

  His fitted leather armor was held together by neat stitches and well placed rivets, that stood out from the average adventurer. The vibe he was releasing was like a person who was flaunting a wealth he didn't have. At least that's inkling he gave Chu.

  "Hey, you guys deaf? I s-s-said scram from on top of t-there!"

  The four young men continued their conversation after glancing at the fellow with a look of disdain. This riled up the drunken man as he stumbled forward while snarling. A servant finally stepped towards the aggravated man.

  "Wait Haring!"

  The servant stopped and stepped back as Young Master Rufang raised his hands.

  "Master Gofart here, has just made a bet that I cannot refuse. It would be rude of me not to take free money from someone belonging to the top three merchant clans of Frost City."

  "Haha, young Master Rufang is too generous. It would be amazing if your skills can progress as quickly as your boasting."

  The drunken man stared as these people ignored him like dust. What he failed to realize was that most of the surrounding groups were not only disregarding the ruckus he stirred but were slowly drifting away.

  Having successful killed a wolf, he was keen on making a name for himself among these mercenary groups. What better way than to topple a dainty noble. Unfortunately for him, he had never ventured into Frost City.

  With a quick movement young master Rufang had already left the deck and was standing at the front. His servant quickly walked over and handed him his sword.

  "Dammit Haring! This is the normal military sword. Didn't I say I wanted to flaunt the one that Captain Worthsan traded me for his wife? Imbecile!"

  Chu looked on as Rufang kicked out at the half kneeling Haring, sending him toppling on the side. Rufang straightened himself and turned towards his counterparts on the deck.

  "I was going to display that sword I got from the Garrison Captain of the East gate in Karst. I know you didn't believe me when I told you about how fast I moved in that little town."

  Rufang boasted about his conquest while sneering at his challenger. From the time this man provoked them, the young masters carried out their conversations among themselves. An uncouth commoner did not deserve their noble words.

  Young Master Rufang glanced down at the savage before him.

  "I will fight with one hand behind my back. How bout that Master Gofart? One strike for the left hand as agreed."

  "Hahaha let’s see some sport then."

  Rufang stepped towards the man while emitting a wave of blood lust. The drunken man stepped back and dropped his wine bottle while reaching for his sword. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. He had expected these type of rich kids to hide behind their servants.

  "Come you whelp."

  Rufang seemed to have been waiting for the guy to compose himself. On the shout, he executed the Military sword technique of Frost City. The man didn't have time to even block when his screams echoed out.

  The man was on his knees grasping his left stump and hollering. His sword and his left hand from the wrist was now lying on the ground. Master Rufang wiped his sword on Haring's clothes and returned the sword.

  "Well, it seems like I've won the bet. Remember to pay up Master Gofart."

  "Hahaha, you ta
lk like it was a real challenge. Very well I will get my servants to scour the village for a few beauties."

  "No no no. I want a prime pure slave from your Clan. Not one from the town but one destined for the city market. I want one of those from a fallen noble clan, I love breaking that resistance before they fall into despair."

  "Fine, fine! You make it sound like I will cheat you."

  Master Gofart grumbled like a sore loser. Glancing around his eyes fell on the screaming man. He was evidently displeased that this commoner couldn't even last one round after all his previous taunts.

  "Spade, get this riffraff out of my sight. Cripple his legs and place him near the fire. Let him witness you roasting his lost hand in the fire. There are people out here who think we are pushovers."

  Young master Gofart stood up as he raised his voice on the last sentence. He cast an eyeball at the surrounding groups while lumbering down on the furs. These little men needed reeling in since they dared to challenge the nobility.

  "Daffodil more wine. Prickus, I am in the mood to bed a woman tonight. Get your men to find a suitable one, younger the better. Let's be merry tonight!"

  The night progressed as the young masters continued their merrymaking and drinking. The servants soon had the pleasure of entertaining the noble drunkards, as they staged mock duels using themselves as horses.

  Young Master Gofart spotted during the show.

  "You should thank me for tonight, since you have been baptised in the glory of true power. Who do you think is more powerful, me or Rufang.?"

  Chu glanced at Rufang squinting at the side like a venomous snake. Those bloodshot eyes displaying his drunken state wasn't helping. Chu faced Gofart who had a slight sneer on the edge of his mouth. He was no idiot to figure out this word trap they set.

  Choosing one to incur the wrath of the other.

  Such asses...

  "M-m-master Gofart must surely be j-j-jesting. C-c-can an a-a-ant compare two Snow Bears? When you hav-ve both returned to t-t-the h-heavens this one will long continue to w-w-worship your k-k-kindness."

  "Hahaha. A smooth talker, and a bootlicker as well to know your place. Sit on the side, this young master will throw you a bone."

  Chu sat among the rest of the servants not participating in the acts at the moment. When those eyes above stopped glancing at him, he shuffled away from sight. Hiding among the whispering servants he picked up on useful information.

  Frost City was a place under the control of the Military and the Mage Tower. Its existence was both a boon and a curse for those of noble standing.

  Under normal circumstances all well off clans and families had their own training skills. It was like Martial arts on earth, there were countless variations under those two words. Families in possession of a Martial skill scroll guarded them with their lives. These were ranked simply as Normal, Earth etc.

  “Haring has gone searching for a woman to please his young master.”

  “Hehe, young master Rufang has always displayed his unrelenting libido. He bagged that Captain’s wife in Karst and left her unconscious the morning we left.”

  “I don’t doubt that story, the young master is infamous in Frost City. Don’t forget he has also reached the level of Apprentice in his Military skill. That is an amazing accomplishment for an Earth ranked sword technique.”

  Nobles and High ranking Clans and Houses are not drafted into the Military for mandatory service. However the benefits of sending those family members who have some skill is enormous.

  In exchange for a couple of years service, members are taught the martial skills of the Military. These children are sent at a young age and trained until their late twenties. They then leave the Military to become the backbone of their Clans.

  If that was not enough, the enticement of having a talisman activated member would make any family bleed their coffers. A person who successfully activates a Talisman is called a Sersen.

  “I hear that the young master of Clan Bridgeroak activated a lifestone.”

  “Yes, the rumors seem true. He is the only person in the last two years to gain success. Nothing less from one of the six powerhouses of the Capital.”

  The larger and well-known clans send their young members to Frost City along with an entourage. Most of them have small mansions located in the city. This support group has one goal, provide their skilled youngsters with training with a chance to gain a lifestone.

  The curse of Frost City is that it restricts these young masters. If it wasn't for the enticement of the Military skills and the information provided by the Mage Tower, these large clans would not have bothered to join the Military. Instead of frolicking in the capital, these young masters had to be content in Frost City.

  Frost City was thus home to a relatively large number of Sersen. According to these well-informed masters, most of them came from low-level lifestones.

  Chu could only imagine the deep currents that flowed in the famous city with these types of characters swimming around. The ones who called it home would definitely have some firm foothold to stand on.

  "Hey Tochus, what is old man Fredijak planning to do. My scouts are busy in the forest and I still haven't found anything."

  "Young master Gofart, we all know that if you found something we would be the last to know. Why do you ask? Are you now jealous of my relationship with the Commander?"

  It seemed that the Commander remained content in waiting for the Demon wolf to take his bait. These young masters hungered for the prize and started turning restless. Prickus leaned in close and overheard them.

  He glanced at Rufang who egged on a show while guzzling down a drink.

  "Hey, you guys were always slow on the uptake. Two days ago me and Rufang have been baiting that demon in the forest. Sooner or later it is going to be ours."

  Prickus was obviously drunk as he vomited out his secrets. His present state could barely whisper, helping Chu who pricked up his ears at the side.

  "R-remember the demon headed into the forest in the n-north right? Well me and Rufang was out behind some scouts with the Team when I-I had a brilliant idea. Why not set a bait?”

  Prickus grinned as he narrowed his eyes.

  “We grabbed an old man from the slums, hung him alive from a tree and made a cut on his leg. We left him under a small fire to ward off the chill. This evening the scouts said wolves had passed by, but the man had died. Peasants are so useless.”

  Gofart nodded, impressed by their actions.

  "Well if you and Rufang are handling the northwest, then I will take the west with Tochus. I was already planning to head out tomorrow behind the Military with a Hound."

  "Fine, but if you find any leads you have to share. It is better for all of us to pool our strengths together to attack. After we kill it then we can decide who takes it before the Military intervenes. The Commander has already chosen five Captains to receive a chance.”

  Chu couldn't believe his ears. The term shallow waters run deep was applicable to the Military and those within. The ruthless plans made by these young masters were frightening to anyone, especially to those from the slums. Being hauled off as bait was not a delightful way to spend your last days.

  If these people remained in the village any longer, then the slums would become deserted. Only heaven knows when they might cast their eyes towards the village.

  These people had overstated their welcome. It was time for them to leave.

  Chapter 44

  Helping each other

  Chu woke up with bloodshot eyes early the next day.

  The young masters displayed no shred of decency and responsibility in having a twelve year old child accompany them for an entire night. Twice he tried to escape, but the servants ratted him out.

  Haring had returned late after midnight, dragging a disheveled blond haired girl. A man bruised and battered stumbled after them, begging and crying for his wife’s release. Chu could only clench his weak hands and close his eyes as Haring flung the girl o
nto the bed.

  “What the hell are you doing here you fools? Do you intend to shame the Military by displaying your vulgar actions? Don’t you know the meaning of the words discrete?”

  As the four wolves lapped their lips and gazed at the defenceless prey cast among the furs, a question laced with authority pounded them.

  “Ah, Captain Hull, what are you doing back here? Weren't you supposed to be down south?”

  “I just arrived this evening to report to the Commander. Stop this shameful nonsense and find your asses into bed. Wag your tails back your houses, if you can’t serve the Military.”

  Captain Hull scoffed as he shooed them away. Under the admiration of everyone present the red bearded old man waited with a small team of blood soaked soldiers as the group scattered.

  The husband gripped his wife and offered a kowtow to the old man before dragging away the sobbing girl. Chu slunk away as it was also way past his curfew. It seemed that not all men of power behaved like asses.

  Chu kept out of sight as young master Gofart and his entourage cursed their way into the compound. On stumbling his way home through the darkness, he met a worried looking Ming wide awake.

  Like the drunken and useless husband, confronted by his patient housewife, a squabble broke out. Chu spent some time explaining his situation before being allowed to sleep. He had no idea when Ming woke and left on the errand to his parent’s house.

  They now stood rubbing their hands at the entrance to the compound. The morning sun progressed, shining brightly but failed to penetrate the cold winter air. Except for light it did nothing for warmth.

  "Can you do it?"

  "I think so Chu. But I don't think I am as good as you. I even spent an hour soaking in a herb bath this morning. Clod made me run over to the neighbors naked to get dressed. This robe is even sprinkled with herbs, I smell like a seasoned piece of meat!"

  "Trust me, you will be very, very happy that Clod took such a good care of you."

  While they were chatting Master Gofart and his entourage made their appearance. All of them were decked in warm looking furs. The morning sun reflected of the metal breastplate that was partially exposed. A stark difference from the cheap cloth cloaks they both wore.