Date: Mon, 20 May 2002 09:46:09 -0700 (PDT)
From: c z <cezmail1@yahoo.com>
Subject: Battered Barbarian- Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Disclaimer- Standard Nifty and I will just add, if you
don't want to read it or can get busted if caught, don't.
Easy enough done and I am not responsible if you screw up.
The story is mine, and I am going to insist on its
copyright. So hereby Battered Barbarian and his Boy is now
copyrighted  ( C ) by cezmail, my pseudonym on the net. Ask
permission to post it elsewhere and I will most likely
grant it, but doing so without is a violation of my
copyright. Thanks for understanding.

This is all complete fiction. NONE of it is true. It has
elements of fantasy violence ( explicit at times ),
relations between a boy and a man, and sexual themes. If
this is illegal for you to read or not to your tastes,
DON'T READ! Otherwise, please look on down and if you have
an opinion, let me know. I am more then willing to listen
and reply.

This is a new turn of events for me, my first all complete
fiction. It is based on a roleplaying character of mine,
and with that, I move ahead with this new story.

Thanks for all those who liked the first chapters.You  made
me feel I was able to convey this well and have fun while I
was at it. I appreciate all the kind folks who have come
across my story and read it. Thanks for all the emails and
support. I am still with it and will hope to keep writing
when I can. May not always write as often, but I am still
here folks.

Special thanks to Coal Black, Skip, Charlie G, Michael H,
and the good man from the Mountains, Bob in CO. Thanks my
friends for the emails and the friendship. You keep me
smiling and wanting to write.  : )

To all others, as before, feel free to email me with any
comments. I gladly answer any and all. You can email me at
cezmail1@yahoo.com,


Chapter 5

The sound of the horns stirred Dirdir and Zert, old habits
and instincts rising to the fore. Zert quickly made sure
that Zax had his spear and pack and pulled him closer. "
Lad, stay close to the other boys. I will help to ward off
these damn shit eaters. Use your skills and spells if you
have any, and keep your spear handy. If you know how to use
a bow, pick off targets as you can. "

As Zert was talking to Zax, Dirdir was collecting his sons
and came back inside quickly. " Ok Lads,  go to the point
and stay close. If I fall, use the back way and head to
cave to hold up. Then do what you can for the other. I
loves ya, so may the gods watch over you. " Dirdir gripped
his heavy crossbow and cocked it and loaded a black bolt
into the groove.

Tarton took the other crossbow and a quiver of bolts, while
Ulf took his spear and Yokus his horn bow and leather
quiver of homemade arrows. Zax wanted to argue with Zert
about leaving him, but the warrior's look of anticipation
and the calls of the horns of the orcs deterred him. His
eyes wet with near tears he fled to follow the other boys
out the back and atop the barn. There they would have
avenues to fire their weapons and keep raiders from
reaching them. Tarton grabbed 2 more quivers of bolts and
Yokus slung another quiver for himself.

Zert looked to Dirdir as the boys left. " Best you go with
them Dirdir. I will go off to the side and draw as many of
these fricken Orcs off. Take as many as I can and allow you
to escape. "

Dirdir cut Zert off . " Shut up man. We take them on
together. I gots a bit of backup with me bow, and the lads
are good enough to pick off leaders and spellcasters. We
might be farmers, but I got my experience in the border
flashes and taking on bandits and raiders.  Your good I am
sure., but you can not take on a whole band by yourself.
Just shut and soldier, soldier. Vorn would box your ears if
you tried to act that way in the Company. "

Zert accepted the rebuke with a simple nod and then left to
get under cover of shed. He slung his shield and got his
bow strung and readied. He was looking from where he
expected the orcs to come from. He could hear faint voices
in the distance, as the horns stopped blowing. His hand was
steady as old habits allowed him to focus on the one thing,
killing these Orcs and keeping Zax safe. Mages, shamans,
and leaders were a priority and then mop up the rest, He
wondered how many would be in this war band.

Dirdir was kneeling down with his crossbow at his shoulder.
He too was steady, and his eyes were unfocused, waiting to
get any movement to loose his own weapon. No more words
were exchanged as they awaited the battle coming their way.


The boys made to the hayloft and took up position at two
windows on the side where Tarton pointed. Tarton took the
right with Ulf to back him up, as Yokus and Zax went to the
second. The extra quivers were propped in easy reach. The
two spearmen would help to load, point out targets and if
any Orcs came close enough, to jab down and push away any
climbers or ladders. Once positioned and ready, it was not
long before the Orcs came into view.

The first Orc appearing stepped from the trees and charged
the house, sword raised hi. Dirdir stayed in position and
with a nod,  motioned to Zert to take the shot. Zert took
immediate action and his arrow sunk into the Orc's chest,
dropping him in a squeal  of pain that quickly ended. That
seemed to signal more of the Orc's and suddenly they poured
from the trees on the far side. more then 6 were in a
bunch, with a few more pairs separated from them. Yokus and
Tarton released their shots, with Tarton taking out an
Orcish raider and Yokus maiming another in the leg. Zert
shot and missed a leader who was still not free of the
woods. A branch got in the way and caused the arrow to skip
off higher into the branches.

It was then that Dirdir finally made his shot, centering it
at the group. The black bolt flew true and stuck into the
large Urok pushing his compatriots. A flash of blinding
light exploded from the bolt and was followed by a roaring
sound that deafened everyone in the battle. As the light
quickly passed, the pressure of the sound caused several of
the Orcs to fall. Where the bolt had been was a small
blacked area filled with the torn remains of the 6 Orcs and
some smoke rising from the grass.

Zert was stunned by what had happened. A Thunder Bolt !!
That was what Dirdir had just used and by the Gods, it was
a powerful magic. Rare indeed, but very deadly. He had seen
them used before, but never at so close a battle. As
quickly as he could shake his stun, he shot another arrow
at the Urok, this time sinking his arrow into the Orc's eye
and killing it instantly.

The boys were not as quick to get back into the action, but
went to continue their rain of missiles while the Orcs were
still down from the thunder clap. Between the for bowman,
they killed 2 more orcs and wounded 3 before the warband
was back into the fray and charged Zert and Dirdir. 7 Orcs
were in the charge and another 3  were using their own bows
to shoot at the youths up in the barn.

Zert quickly dropped his bow and had his sword and shield
up. He stepped forward to meet the charging raiders and
allow Dirdir to more time to ready himself. Zert thrust his
sword at the first Orc to reach him, cutting deep. He spun
to the side, to release his weapon and use the falling body
to ward his flank He blocked two attackers with his shield
and then cut across his body with a back stroke. This slash
completely gutted the attacker and his intestines spilling
out made his companion slip and drop his weapon.

Dirdir was about to pull his ax when he saw a weaving hand
to his right. A Spellcaster! Forgetting about the Orcs in
front of him, he sighted his crossbow and released a second
thunder bolt. It again hit home and the explosion and
thunder obliterated the mage and his two bodyguards. It
also shook up the Orcish missileers and two of their shots
went wild. The other flew into the barn where a screech of
pain ensued.

As Dirdir made his killing shot, two Orcs got past Zert and
slashed at the old farmer. He flung up his crossbow and
blocked one attack, but the other slashed under and got the
farmer in chest. He grunted as pain flared in his body and
he dropped his crossbow to attempt to step away from his
attackers and get his ax out.

Zert weaved in his battle with three Orcs, taking two cuts
that did not pierce his mail, but still caused him pain and
kept him from rescuing Dirdir. He slashed and cut and
killed his three attackers. It was too late though, as even
as he turned to help Dirdir, the same Orc that had hit the
old mercenary the first time bashed him with his foot and
swept his ax. Poor Dirdir could not stop this blow and his
head was nearly bashed in from the stroke.

Zert roared in anger and quilt for not helping the farmer.
He charged the two remaining orcs and killed one with a jab
to the heart, The other danced away and lunged forward with
his jagged saber. This thrust got Zert deep in his shield
arm and Zert felt blood start to flow from the wound. He
tuned out the pain as quickly as he was trained and with a
roundhouse cut, sliced the Orc in twain. The dead Orc's
blood drenched Zert, blinding him for a moment.

While Zert and Dirdir were battling for their lives,  the
boys and the Orcish Missileers were exchanging fire. The
one shot that had zoomed in after the second thunder bolt
exploded had got Ulf in his left arm. The middle boy
dropped his spear as the pain got to him, and blood started
to spurt from the wound. Zax quickly moved to help Ulf and
he applied pressure as his trainers had instructed him. and
as he had seen from watching the family surgeon work on the
staff of the Manor.

Tarton and Yokus at first wanted to get to their brother,
but the hail of arrows from the Orcs kept them occupied.
Several shots were exchanged and 2 of the orcs were wounded
or killed, but the other one, more savvy and protected ,
kept up his shots. The last one of these was fired as Zert
killed the last of his Orcs. It slipped true into the
opening where it struck Tarton in the chest. The boy did
not even make a sound as he dropped his crossbow and fell
to the ground. Yokus cried out hearing his oldest brother
fall and fired his last shot from his current quiver. The
Orc seemed to have gotten careless, as he stepped from his
cover to fire again. Yokus's arrow landed deep into the
Orc's groin and the Orc let out a piercing scream of agony.
It tried in vain to staunch the blood pouring from his
wound, but was silenced by yet another arrow from the
remaining bowman from the barn.

Zert was about to head to the barn when more orcs came from
the woods, led by a large Urok. Two of them had lit torches
and charging the barn. Zert screamed in rage. " Damn your
black souls assholes. Take on me and I will vanquish you. "
and he charged himself, hoping to intercept the Orcs.

His wound slowed him and the torches were flung into the
barn before he could get to the Orcs. Their triumph was
short lived, as Zert cut, slashed, and thrust. He killed 4
orcs, including the two torchmen, but took another blow to
his shield arm. The cut caused him to have to drop his
shield and put the bleeding limb behind him. The Urok
peeled back his canines in glee and was moving to cut Zert
down when an arrow fired from Yokus appeared from his
mouth, The arrow had gone from the back of his skull and
the point burst forth from the tongue. Needless to say,
this leader would never again taunt a dying enemy.

The last orc went to flee, but Zert gutted him before he
could and the battle came to an end. Fire was spreading in
the barn and Zert sheathed his sword to get the boys out
before they were over come from the flames or smoke. He
rushed in and saw Zax and Yokus supporting Ulf down a
ladder. Smoke was starting to pour from the hayloft, and
flames were darting back and forth. The mule and two cows
were bellowing and screaming in fear and pain, and the
heavy smell of the burnt wood and hay was almost too much
for the boys to handle. Zert got there and with his good
arm, lifted Ulf from the younger boys and pulled all of
them outside.

He lay Ulf on the ground and was about to get back in to
help Tarton when Zax coughed enough to talk. " No don't
Zert. He,,,, he's dead. Please, just save Ulf, I bandaged
his arm as best as I could, but its still bleeding. Please.
.... save him and keep him alive. " Tears were pouring from
the young lordling, who had once again been a witness to
death, this time from another boy he had just had a meal
with.

Zert nodded and blanking out his own pain, called on his
Goddess to grant him healing. He felt the warmth flow from
his hand and fingers and Ulf's wound closed up right away
and some color came back to his face. Yokus, not allowing
the sight of his brother bleeding to death to overcome him.
He had his bow drawn and was looking about for his Father
and any other Orcs that might be about.

Once he had healed Ulf, Zert cast another spell for healing
on himself and his maimed arm was made well enough that he
could use it. The barn continued to burn and flames leaped
onto the house, getting it ablaze as well. Once Zert and
Ulf were healed, Zert gathered up the three boys.

" We can not stay here, as the smoke from the fire will
draw other Orcs here. We need to get all the supplies and
gear we can salvage and make tracks. Ulf, Yokus, I am
really sorry to have to tell you this, but your Da is dead.
He fell killing off that mage, and probably saved us all
from its spells. I wish we could bury him as he deserves,
but we just do not have time
to do so. I need your help to find some shelter to hold up
for the day and avoid Orcs "

Yokus finally could not take anymore and started to cry and
wail. Ulf took his younger brother into his arms and just
held him as he cried. tears poured from his own eyes, but
he did not loose it.

Zert patted the two on the back, but left Zax to watch over
them as he made a quick survey of the Orcs to make sure
they were all dead and to gather their valuables and
anything noteworthy. The money and gems he tucked away
without counting, but reaching the blasted body of the mage
stopped in dread. He was not sure what he would find there,
but mages were always nasty to  have to face.

The mage had an ornate dagger and a ring that had survived
the explosion.The  spellbook   was showing from the ruined
remains of the pack of the spellcaster, unharmed. Its dark
leather was imprinted with the same rune of a black hand
that Zert had seen on the message from Blood Ax. He
carefully took the tome from the Mage's pack and into his
own.

The Black Hand Mages seemed to be allied with Gore Traskin
and the Lord of Goria. Zert still did not know anything of
them, but this knowledge was sure to be valuable when he
made his report with in Port Nayr. For now , he would have
to let Zax try to use the spellbook  and wait on the rest.

Looking then at the bodies of the two bodyguards, his heart
almost clenched from the sight before him.The faces had
been fused to the helms, and their weapons were shattered
by the thunder bolt, but what remained  of their shields
was enough to show what they were, Hell Hounds! Traskin's
men were here, now! Not good, not good at all. " Damn their
filthy hides. Most Holy Lady, guide me in the coming days.
Lend aid to your servant to battle these dogs of Voidius. "

He then made his way back to the cluster of youths. While
he had been gone, Zax had kneeled down to hug Yokus and aid
Ulf in calming and consoling his brother. The younger of
the two brothers finally stopped wailing and was now just
whimpering. Ulf pulled him closer and hugged him deep, then
released his brother.

Yokus's thoughts raced through his mind. He had lost his
Da, the man who had watched over them since their Ma had
died from fever 7 years previously, and his oldest brother,
who had aided their Dad when he was out in the fields. All
he had left now was Ulf. Their home was destroyed. All that
they had, gone. What would they do now? Where would they go
now?

Zert's voice brought him back to the here and now. " Ok
lads, we need to make tracks. We got a break from your Dad
when he got his second strike at the mage. He was a baddie
alright, one of a group I think aiding these scum of Orcs.
His two guards if they had lived may have been my undoing,
so I am pleased to say your Dad gots two bootlickers to
serve him in the afterlife. "

" We can get some more weapons and replenish your quivers
from the missileers, but then we need to start walking.
Shame that the mule and the oxen died, but might be the
best, as we can go places they might not have been. If we
can get some shelter, we can wait out the rest of the day
and replenish our bodies and my spells. I know your still
hurting from your wounds and your loss boys, but I  am
here. If you wish, you can join me and Zax. I can get you
at least to Port Nayr and will give you gold and gems as
your share here. You all earned it, and I am not one to
keeps more then I am warranted. "

Ulf looked first to his brother and not getting any nays
from Yokus, turned and gazed back at Zert. " Aye, that is
fair enough Master Zert, and I am very beholden to you for
helping us and saving  my life. I did not see all you did
for my Da. but I know you tried your best to keep.. keep
him alive. He died saving us all, and I will always honor
him for what he did. Thank you sir, for aiding us. Yokus
and I will be honored if you will have us. Yokus is much
better with woodcraft then I, and can hunt. I am more able
to trap and fish, as well as farm. I also have some book
learning that my Ma taught me. We will not hinder you sir.
"

Yokus just nodded, his grief to much for him to say
anything. His eyes were now dry, but he could not bring
himself to say anything. Ulf continued with his words. " We
know of a cave hat my Da and Tarton made ready for us, if
we should be over run or driven off. It has some supplies,
We can replenish there and have some dried jerked venison
and dried fruits and nuts to eat. It is now far, and I will
guide us. "

He hugged Yokus again and handed his brother off to Zax.
The four went to Dirdir's remains, Yokus and Zax stopped
away while Zert and Ulf decided what to do. Ulf looked at
Zert with a plea. " Please, take him with us. We can make a
cairn for him in the cave,. I do not want him left here for
the Orc's to feast on. "

Zert's heart was clenched with the words and though he
thought it would be better to keep his hands free, he could
not gain-say the lad. Ulf took his Father's crossbow and
case of bolts, in which remained 1 more thunderbolt, as
well as his pouch and ax. He quickly kissed the unblooded
check, tears running again down his face, and then stepped
away. Zert took the tunic off one of the orcs and wrapped
in around Dirdir's head, to hold it together, and then
picked up body. His muscles strained some, and his wounded
left arm cried out in agony from the exertion. He let the
pain flow through him and steadied the body on his
shoulder, He could let his right hand go free to use his
sword if need be, but for now used both to hold the remains
of the man he had briefly befriended. Only of the Company
dead. So many had died in the last days, and Zert as sure
Dirdir would not be the last.

In file the 4 walked off, leaving the farm. Zax was still
gripping Yokus on his waist, helping to comfort and steady
the teen. Zax felt guilty that he found this contact
exciting and sexual. He was attracted to Yokus, even as he
had been with Zert. He tried, really tried to drive this
passion from his mind, but was not able. He just hoped he
did not make Yokus realize what he was thinking, for surely
the teen would be disgusted by his thoughts.

It took them about an hour of cautious strides and back
tracking to hide their and movements. Finally Ulf brought
them to the side of a hill covered with brush and clusters
of brambles. He motioned for Zert to hold in place, and
looking about for something, finally caught up a piece of
rope. He pulled it and a disguised cloth with brambles
adhered to it lifted to the side, revealing an opening to a
cave. He went to the entrance and pulled something from his
Father's pouch. A piece of steel was brought forth, a soft
glowing light shining forth. Zert nodded at this. Glow
steel, while not rare, could be expensive, , It held the
enchantment for many a year, and saved on having to light a
torch for the humans to be able to see.

Ulf guided them down the opening, taking time to pull
another rope on this side to pull the cloth back over the
opening, hiding their resting place. This done, they made
their way down the corridor to where it opened up, showing
a cave about 30 feet across and 20 deep. Crates were
aligned on the walls, as well as a covered cool box. A
small pool connected to one side of the cave, and Ulf made
his way there. He pulled on a braided chain and hauled out
a waterproof chest. " We keep some food in here along with
some perishables. Zax, take Yokus over against the right,
You will find some pallets and blankets to rest on. Just
hold him Zax, till I can take over. "

Zax nodded and complied, while Ulf continued to get food
together. Zert took the time to slowly place Dirdir's body
against the wall opposite from where Zax and Yokus were,
and stretched his shoulders and arms when he had done so.
The four ate a cold meal, not wishing to light a fire that
might reveal smoke from their pursuers. The light from the
glow steel allowed them to see, and once they had eaten,
They all laid down to rest and wait out the day.

Zax went to go cuddle again with Zert, his fears coming
again and just wanting to be held. Zert gathered up the lad
and held him to his chest, as they faced the brothers.
Yokus was leaning his back against Ulf's body, his
brother's arms encircling him in an embrace that really
helped to calm him. Thus in position. They talked. Zax
started to tell them all about his own life.

" Well Zert did not say before, but... I am not just a high
 class fop who he rescued. My father is the cousin  of the
Baron of New Leir and I was raised in court and at the
castle of my Ancestor Grandfather, Zargon. I was being
taught the ways of magery from my other cousin Vicores, who
was one of my bodyguards, My dad was busy a lot with duties
with the Baron and the Council, on which he sat. My mom had
died given me life, and so I never knew her. My ancestor,
Zargon helped to raise me, but he was old in years, if not
appearance, and so secluded himself in his tower. "

" I do not know much of his early years, before he led our
people, the Amani into this land. I did hear that he had
been a great ruler in another world, an Emperor and a great
fighter. In fact his title was Zargon the Bold. But he and
his brothers were driven from Aman during a great upheaval
and revolution. Vicore, the Archmage of the Empire, cast a
spell that opened a gate through which my people made their
way to this world. There he helped to found the new Barony,
named after the Capitol of the old Empire. He had been
imbued by some artifact to not age or age slowly, and
retired as Baron in time. Now he but remains Lord of
Greendragon Castle, not dealing much with the rest of the
clan "

" I missed my dad and hoped at times he would step down
from the Council, but he was needed, and loved his
position. I did have friends to play with, a couple of
younger cousins as well as friends of the family and their
children. Though high born, I was not coddled, and I helped
the servants and folks of the estate. I was not afraid to
get my hands dirty and did not have any cares if the boy I
played with was a noble or a servant's child. Vicores
watched me and kept me from too  much mischief, but allowed
me some free time to make my own trouble. "

" I loved my Dad, and he was willing to spend time with me
when he was free, playing games and taking me fishing or on
rides. When I became 9, he thought it might do me some good
to apprentice with a friend of his, Master Burble the
trader. I had already enjoyed playing with numbers, as well
as my apprentice spells, and agreed with this plan. I was
also excited to be able to go to Port Nayr, as I had never
been there. Just a few times to New Leir when I went with
my father to the Baron's Manor. "

" I never made it though, and I am alone from those I
traveled with. I saw Vicores save me with his own body.
Zert saved me again.... he saved.." Zax could not go on and
threw his head into Zert's mailed chest as new tears came
to him. Zert held the lad, comforting him with soft words
and stroking his back. The tears of Zax caused Ulf and
Yokus to cry as well, from their own loss, and they held
one another as they fell asleep in their mutual grief.

Zert stayed awake, holding the now sleeping Zax. So much
sorry in the world, and he did not see an end to it. War
had come again to the North, and young Zax was in the
middle of it. The war had also gripped the lives of Yokus
and Ulf, and these two handsome lads were another
responsibility of Zert's. He was tasked to keep them alive
and hopefully find a friend to take them in, or purchase
them an apprenticeship. " Eventually even Zert rested and
slept.

Yokus came awake feeling something against his back. His
brother was semi awake and was stroking Yokus, his manhood
rubbing against his back. Yokus found himself aroused as
well. It was not a sudden thing for the two, as they had
slept together several times and enjoyed their moments of
passion. Seldom did they meet others or make it to Market
in Goshen. Yokus did not even think of Zert or Zax as he
turned slightly to kiss and stroke his brother. They
allowed the pent up emotions to take them into bliss as
they kissed and touched one another through their clothes.

Zert was awake and looked on with a smile. Let the boys
have their fun. For all he knew, they might all be dead
tomorrow. He was looking on, pleased that the two brothers
were starting to get heavy, when he felt a hand touch his
own rampant erection. Zax touched him tentively and not
receiving any objections, stroked Zert more. Zert thought
he should stop this, but the sight of the two brothers,
days of not having any relief, and his growing affection
for young Zax allowed him to give in. He took Zax up closer
and leaning up, kissed Zax deeply. A sigh arose from young
Zax and he moaned in pleasure. He had found a new lover.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Ok here ends Chapter 5. Yes, I finally got to some " fun "
for those that had complained or asked for it. : )

Thanks for all the emails and comments folks. I very much
appreciate every last one and I gladly reply. Keep them
coming and I will keep writing. I
will say here and now I am committed to the story. Had some
replies from other authors whose stores I drew a little
inspiration from. Really helped to boost my ego.

Check out my other story- Monterey Delights at
/nifty/gay/young-friends/monterey-delights/

Praise me, flame me, or just tell me where I may improve or
screwed up. I am more then willing to reply and we can see
what the future holds. Email me at cezmail1@yahoo.com.

Thanks

Charlie