Date: Mon, 10 Jun 2002 16:16:22 -0700 (PDT)
From: c z <cezmail1@yahoo.com>
Subject: Battered Barbarian- Chapter 8

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 Skip, Coal Black, Odhreg, Bob from CO,
Bobby, Michael H, Zustara, Karla, Draco, Charlie G, Jayel,
Kyle Aarons, and  Aaron from Seattle.  Thanks for the kind
words and encouragement. Always nice to hear from you all.
: )

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 8

Yokus, still fearful from what they had seen in the
distance, led the group to the side off the road. He found
them an old traveler camp site. Zert would have preferred a
more fortified location, or even better, inside the walls
of an armed encampment, but it was not to be. They were
still at least a day away from Port Nayr and the roaming
bands were hot on their heels.

Zert thought it best that they not light a fire, and to
keep the glow steel muffled until absolutely necessary. Zax
sat down next to his now extended bedroll and pulled out
the ring and dagger. Even though he had no idea what they
might do, he wanted to be as prepared as he could. Ulf set
about making up a cold meal of rations and some food that
he had picked up back in Goshen. Yokus used the remaining
daylight to set up some trip wires for a warning, as well
as some snares for any animals that might wander by. Zert
used the time to deal with the mules and make sure they
were fully picketed and fed. He then took out his sword and
sharpened and cleaned it.

Zax was meditating as Zert slowly stroked his sword with
his sharpening stone. His mind wandered onto the presence
of the ring. He tried to focus on it, taking in any new
thoughts or feelings that might be with him. Try as he
might, nothing showed up. He gave up on the ring, hoping
whatever enchantment might be about it would show itself
when needed. The dagger then drew his attention. Picking it
up he was startled to feel a tingle coming from it. Barely
felt, almost a fleeting touch, but still a sensation. He
put his full power of thought on the dagger and was able to
feel it move, ever so slightly towards the direction of
Goshen.  That was it and the tingle stopped. He put the
dagger away in his belt and let his mind relax. He was not
sure what it meant, but he felt it was a sign.

Ulf called them top dinner and Yokus returned at the sound
of his brother's voice. He flashed a quick smile at his
sibling and sat down next to Ulf. " Thanks brother. After
that hike, I could eat a boar. "

Ulf chuckled a little. " Your always hungry Yo, and you
HAVE eaten a boar, or at least a good portion of one
before. " Yokus laughed at the memory of the feast they had
when he reached his return from his search of manhood with
his mentor, now dead. Jirt had been a great teacher and
helped Yokus to get a grasp on woodlore and hunting. It had
been Jirt who had captured and killed the boar they ate
that day.

The meal was soon over and they used up some of their water
to do a quick wash and cleanup. Zert then called them
together. " It's going to be a short night for all of us. I
think it best we do two on two watches. If your all
willing, Zax and I will go first, then you two. Best we
stay and watch with the other we are closest to and who we
best know. Keep your eyes and ears peeled. Yokus and Ulf,
wake us at any sign of the enemy or anyone coming up the
road. We are in the open , but with the heights , we can
have a good view in the distance. Lie down now you two. Get
what sleep you can. I will wake you with the rising of
Frotonu. "

The two lads nodded and got into their bedrolls, that were
next to one another. Zax strained to see with the light
gone, but the moon had not risen so only the starlight was
there for him to see.  Zert lay his shield next to the tree
he was sitting against and had his bow strung. He handed
Zax his spear, as well as the spare crossbow he had picked
up at Dirdir's farm. The lad would not be able to load it
again, but at least he had the crossbow for a distance
shot.

Zax wanted to talk, but Zert hushed him. " We need to watch
and listen lad. In the morn we can talk if you like. Now we
have the need to be wary. Stay awake and alert. Your life
and mine depend on it. "

Zax was shamed by his feelings of anger at Zert's rebuke,
but he saw the wisdom. He sat away from Zert so both could
listen in the half circle they faced out to. His spells
were on his mind, ready to be called if needed. The
crossbow, not very familiar, was his arms to be used, The
Glowsteel was at hands reach to be uncovered. Its light
would allow him to see any close in enemy, though they
would see their encampment as well.

The first hours of their watch passed without much strain,
but then shortly after the rise of Frotonu, Zert was
alerted to a sound. A quick snap and a jingle of something
made him stand quickly with an arrow loaded to his bow.
Then he knew what it was and relaxed some. One of Yokus's
snares had been tripped. By what he was not sure, but if
nothing happened, then in the morning they would have some
fresh meat.

Zax was very sleepy as Zert quietly awakened the two
brothers to relieve the watch. They awoke and after a
stretch and rubbing of their eyes, they nodded quietly at
the change of the guard and took their own assigned
positions. Zert gathered Zax into his arms, gave him a
quick kiss and lay down with his young charge. Soon enough
he joined Zax in slumber.

He was startled with a shake  and saw Ulf nudging him with
his crossbow. His ax, formerly Dirdir's, was low on his
belt. Zert looked about and listened. He thought he could
hear something in the distance, but could not tell what it
was. Zert lifted Zax to his feet and the two of them
gathered their senses. " Ok, what's going on Ulf? " Zert
noticed it was close to dawn, the sun just glistening on
the Eastern horizon. Frotonu, the Star of Mu-n-Mari had
shifted to nearly overhead now.

" Movement on the road, coming towards us. I think their up
from the road from Port Nayr. Horsemen I think. Yokus is
out near the road on watch. " Ulf licked his lips, hoping
it was not the enemy who may have come up and encircled
them.

Zert nodded as he took in the report. " Ok, Ulf. You and
Zax stay here and get cover. Keep your bows and weapons
handy. Get ready to take out any enemies that show up or if
Yokus or I are attacked. Zax, pay attention to Ulf and obey
him. I will be back as soon as I can, but I want to get a
sight of what is coming uphill. Now go lads. "

Zert donned his sword belt and took up his shield and bow.
He hunched down and stepped to where Ulf said his brother
was. Zax and Ulf shifted themselves to a small rise where
Ulf had been standing watch, and lay down prone with their
crossbows loaded and aimed out. Zax prayed that Zert would
be safe.

Zert came upon Yokus soon and rested his shield against a
trunk of a tree. He looked at the young teen, eyes raised.
" You learn or hear anything new lad? "

Yokus shook his head slightly, his eyes still focused on
where the noise had come from. " Nay, but it was for sure
horses, at least 2 or 3 of them. Some jingling of reins as
well. I could not make out the voices, or if they spoke in
any particular tongue.  They have gotten closer though. "
The young man gripped his hornbow and had an arrow of his
own readied.

They listened and soon Zert was able to hear some horses.
more now, approaching the area where the group was camped.
He strained to see through the waning night to get some
look what and who was approaching, but too many trees and
brush blocked the site, He was about to shirt his place
when a voice called out. " Freeze. None of you move or you
die. In the name of King Ryinn, surrender for judgment. "
The call had come from behind Zert, and in fact, above
them. It was a woman's voice, and with an Elvish lilt to
it. A call of a hill cat cried out twice, pause, and then
once more, and was answered with two quick trills of a
meadowlark. Zert and the boys had been spied and caught
unaware and now the riders knew of this.

Zert made no moves and with a muffled oath, told Yokus and
the two crossbowmen to drop their weapons. If the watcher
spoke true, then the people approaching were allied or in
the service with the Port Nayr forces.  He replied once he
had dropped his bow. " I am Zert of Clan Braggin, late of
the Golden Company. I mean no harm to your King and would
aid you if you might allow. Who are you and who comes? "

" Stay still and quiet Half Orc. The Captain will decide if
you are an enemy or not. I care not either way. For now, if
you wish to live, make no sudden moves. " The woman spoke
Trade pretty well, though her Elvish heritage was very
noticeable. Zert resigned himself and hoped that Zax and
Ulf had listened to him. Yokus was apologizing for letting
the spy get them and not hearing her or her companions.
Zert replied. " Do not fret lad. If they are Nayrians, then
we have allies against the Orcs or Gorians headed our way,
and we can get news as well. Just hope this Captain will
hear me out and not order me killed out of spite. Just stay
calm and if something happens, get Zax away. "

Zert was not as calm as he sounded, but he had to be brave
and face this. He said a quick prayer to Rawndalla to watch
over him and his young charges. Then he saw riders climbing
up the road and his heart was lightened by what he saw. A
standard of the Royal Borderers was held by one of the
front men. The Borderers were a small but elite force. A
combination of skirmishers, light calvary, and all around
bad news for anyone that would be an enemy of the Kingdom.
He saw a small but husky human in a dulled breast plate
next to the standard bearer. Looked like about 20-30
riders, though 3 horses were without riders.

The leader, the Captain as the Elf had said, held up a
hand. Some signals, with no talking was exchanged between
him and his soldiers and soon the force had split up and
branched out. Some of the people, most humans, but
including a Dwarf and 2 Elves, rode off, but a couple
dismounted and stayed near the Captain. The standard holder
was one of these.

The Captain stood only about 5 feet tall, but his thick
torso and shoulders showed that he was now pushover. He had
a spiked mace in his belt and a bow was in his left hand.
He had a small coifed helm but his heavy beard flowed out
the open face and the mail gorget. His dark eyes stared at
Zert's size and obvious heritage. " Who might you be and
what are you doing out here at this time? Remember, your
answers will be weighed with the truth for lies and if I
catch you in one, you die. Easy as that. "

Zert swallowed and caught his breath, Then he replied as
calmly as he could. " I am Zert, Zert of Clan Braggin and
of late of the Golden Company, based out of your city. I am
now the warder of three lads, one whom I have an oath sworn
onto my blade to Rawndalla to protect, and two others.
Brothers whose family died in an Orc attack a day outside
of Goshen. My charge is Zax Greendragon and the brothers
are Ulf and Yokus Dirdirson. We are no enemies of the
Broken Hand, Goria, or the servants of the Black Hand. "

The Captain took in Zert's large build and demeanor, but
his words quickly got his full attention. " How do you know
of these names? "

Zert nodded in understanding. Possibly only a spy might
know of the Black Hand was in league with Orcs. " I and
young Zax found information on his captors, as well as a
mage of the Black Hand. I know that Hell Hounds have acted
as bodyguards for the Mage, as well as their leader is
personally involved with the invasion. if you will allow, I
can show you what I have found, including a map and a
letter , written in Orcish, to the Hell Hound Captain.  I
am an enemy to the Orcs and the Gorians. I am a servant and
priest of Rawndalla and I give my personal oath my Holy
Lady that I mean neither you, your land, your king, or your
people harm unless I am attacked first. I helped to make a
report to Magistrate Florin of Goshen. "

" Now might I know your name and how you came to be here
Captain? "

The muscular man nodded as he thought over all that Zert
had shared. " Aye, that you can. I am Captain Juris
Hokkanar and these men are the Stalker Company of the Royal
Borderers. I was sent by courier to reinforce Goshen and
put myself under the orders of Lord Florin. Another
detachment of my men is following. I know of you Zert of
Clan Braggin, though not the details. I guess I missed the
courier, or a copy of your report to Master Florin, but you
confirm your name so stand easy. " He made some more hand
motions and those of his soldiers who were still about
relaxed their weapons. Zert finally saw some movement in
the trees, though still could not see the Elf that had
called out to them earlier.

Juris continued. " Now show me what you have. You and your
charges may take up your weapons again and I give you peace
Priest Zert. " Zert nodded and picked up his bow and rested
next to his shield. Yokus gathered his own bow and stepped
away from Juris and the other Borderers to see how his
brother was doing. Zert started to show al that he had and
the two were going over the map and the letter. Zert
informed him of what they had seen at dusk and his belief
that Goshen had fallen. This news did not please Juris.

Yokus saw Zax and Ulf with their weapons in hand, talking
with an Elvish woman, who looked about 20 summers. She was
quite pretty in a dark haired elvish way, though many
patterns of paints and foliage his her full beauty. Yokus
was infatuated, but Ulf was near lost in her beauty. Zax
stood interested, but his own heart was for another. " This
is Shadowfox, and she is a treeskimmer. " Zax introduced, "
and this is Ulf's brother, Yokus. "
Yokus was impressed, as treeskimmers, also known as limb
walkers, were a small elite of the Elves who could
literally skim the trees, walking from bough to bough, tree
to tree in the deeps. Almost always light of build, they
could stride near silently for leagues and catch their
quarry. Such was the way that Shadowfox had been able to
come upon Zert and the others and detain them.

Shadowfox nodded, her hand still gripping the recurve
shortbow she was a mistress of, and looked at the young
woodsman. Her voice spoke clearly with its accent. " It
looks like we shall not have to kill you. How come it to be
that you would ally with a Half Orc, priest or no priest? "


Zax bristled at this. " Zert is my protector Shadowfox, and
I will not have you insulting him. He may be a Half Orc,
but he is honorable, loyal, and has saved all our lives. He
is my sworn guardian and a Hero for all to know. "

Shadowfox smiled at the ways of this child and ignored his
rebuke. Seeing anger and wariness from Yokus and Ulf, she
decided to pass that matter for now. " So where do you four
intend to go, if the Captain allows? "

" Port Nayr for a start, and then back to New Leir for
myself and Zert at least. " Zax still showed his
willingness to confront the Elf. " I have business there. "
No word had been said of Zax's full ties and ancestry. Ulf
and Yokus took the time to rest a hand on each others
shoulders, but Ulf was still captivated  by Shadowfox's
attraction.

She ignored the two brothers, other then to nod, then
looked back to this bristly young human. " I see. Well as
long as you do not mean harm to the Deep, or to my King, I
will let the Captain decide. I am his scout and if you
should turn to be a traitor, I will skewer you with no
after thought Zax. "

Her attitude set Zax back and he held his tongue, though he
was more then willing to defend his Hero and protector. He
decided he would watch her and if she tried to make a move
against Zert, he would do all he could to kill or
neutralize her. No one was going to get his Love.

The three lads moved off from the Elf to check on the
mules, and Zert and the Captain finished their conference.
Juris's mouth was tight with all that he now knew. This
situation was not good, but with his company, and the
following detachment of calvary, he was not in a weak
position. " Zert, I have no command or authority to delay
you, but I would be gratified if you would hold up  at
least for a day or two. My own healer is in the following
detachment, and I would request your skills until he can
arrive. I will lend you and the boys horses when we the new
troops arrive, and will give you a pass and a letter of
safe passage and introduction. The enemy is about my land,
and I would ask all soldiers and warriors to lend their
blade. "

The soldiers were making a camp during the time while Zert
and Juris talked, resting there mounts and themselves. The
boys could tell that many were tired, having been riding
for most of the night. Another Elf, this one a male, was
looking over some parchment and mumbling to himself. This
intrigued Zax and he started to wander over, wondering what
the Elf might be up to.

Zert looked at Zax and his heart was torn. he had his
obligation to see Zax, Ulf, and Yokus to safety, yet his
own upbringing and training said to stay and see the fight
through, It would also help to check or put a stop to the
chasers and end their threat to the surrounding farms and
hamlets. He looked at Juris waited a moment more. " Let me
check with Zax and the boys. If they wish to stay, I will
join you, but as much as I would gladly be with you, my
first duty is to them Captain Juris. That is the best I can
do. "

Juris nodded to this and turned away, giving orders for his
men to picket the mounts, set up guards and lay out scouts.
He called Shadowfox over and in a low tone instructed her
on something. She looked about, scowling when she saw Zert,
but obeyed her commander and left on her mission.

Zert walked over to Zax, who was slowly getting closer to
the Elf. Zax was able to now see that the book was a tomb
of spells, making this man some kind of mage, though he
wore reinforced leather and carried a sword and bow. He was
waiting for a moment to speak with the Mage when Zert got
his attention. He left the Elf and joined his Love, who
pulled him to where Ulf and Yokus were with the mules.

Getting them in a circle, Zert began. " Lads, Captain Juris
would like me to join him till at least his other soldiers
can join him, as he has no healer at this time. It is also
possible that the raiders will be after us and following
our trail. I told the Captain that the decision was up to
you three. My obligation is to you and I will listen and
obey what you wish. "

Zax looked at Zert, ignoring the silent exchange between
the brothers. " I say stay Zert, and kill those scum. They
may well have laid waste to Goshen and Dirdir's farm. I
want to kill them and make them suffer. I am tired of
running from them all the time. Please, stay and lets
finish them off. "

Zert nodded as he listened to the youth, and then looked to
Yokus and Ulf. " What say you two? " Ulf nodded to Yokus
who spoke for both of them. " We agree Zert and we want a
chance for revenge and justice for Da and our brother.
There is finally some here to aid us and we can lend our
own bows and skills. I would also like a chance to talk
with Shadowfox, as I have never seen or talked to a tree
skimmer. " Ulf nodded, though his own thoughts were more on
the Elf's appearance then her skills.

" Then it is decided. We stay and fight. Ulf, you take the
Myrta and Yitta and join them with the picket line. Get
extra quivers lads and stay in the middle of camp until I
come get you and find out where the Captain wants us. Yokus
and Zax, stay together and maybe help keep an eye on the
Elf over there. He might need backup or assistance. Zax, do
not press him now. Later you may have a chance to chat with
that mage. I will be back soon, so hold on. Listen for any
calls. "

The boys nodded and split up, lf taking the mules and the
other two going back to where Zax had been while watching
the mage. Zert strode to Juris, who was finishing up
something with his second, a human of normal height with a
well made two handed sword on his back. The second nodded
as Zert got closer and stepped away, his business with the
Captain done. Juris noticed this and turned to talk with
Zert.

" You have a decision then Zert? "

" Aye that I do. The lads and I will stay. Yokus is a good
woodsman and bowman, Ulf is talented with animals and his
crossbow, and young Zax is an apprentice mage. I thought he
might work with your own wizard and allow them to combine
their spells on the enemy. I am decent with a bow, but my
forte is sword and shield. I will also lend all the healing
as I can. May Rawndalla aid us and have Durgon visit our
foes and not us. "

Juris allowed a small grin to show and nodded. " Tis good
to hear Corporal Zert. I would sign you up, but I know you
are not free at this time to enlist. Having you at our side
is welcome. The Golden Company was a good outfit, and I am
sorry to hear that Vorn and the others fell. May the
Gathered watch over them in the Heavens. For now, stay
about till my scouts report back. "

Zert acknowledged the request and stepped away to join Zax
and Yokus. The Elf finally finished his study of his book
and seemed to only then to see the youth and his
companions. He looked at Zax and took notice of the ring.
He stood up and stepped closer to Zax, ignoring Yokus and
Zert, who just arrived.

" I am Xiat, and you have mageblood in you. I can sense it,
and the ring shows this. Who was your master young one? "

Zax swallowed as he heard this from the Elf. " I am Zax,
son of Talin. I was trained by my kinsman, Vicores. What do
you mean the ring showed you? Do you know what it is? "

Xiat smiled at Zax's confusion. " The ring has an aura I
can sense, and it says that you have skills in the magical
arts. Now that you name your teacher, I know you have a
very promising future Lord Zax. Yes, I know who you are
now, having once been a companion to your kinsman. How is
he now?

Zax looked down and his voice grew very quiet. " He's dead.
He and all the others died trying to protect me. " A tear
rolled down his face.

Xiat frowned and was silent for a moment. " I am sorry Lord
Zax, for Vicores was a skilled mage and a friend. I shall
remember him with honor. He was a good man and he shall be
missed, not only by you, but others of the brotherhood. "
He looked and took in Zert, who was holding Zax's shoulders
now, comforting his charge and love. No scorn or hatred
showed on this Elf's face.

" Greetings to you Zert and friend of Zax. I am glad that
the Captain will have you with us. You are a warrior of
good skill, I am sure, and you young one, hold your bow
with skill. What can I do for you while we await the
Captain. "

Zax begun to ask Xiat more about the ring, and showed the
Elf the dagger as well. Yokus nodded to Xiat and left to
join his brother, who was looking about to see when
Shadowfox might come back. Zert stepped away as Zax
recovered from his sadness and just looked on as the two
mages went on about the items and other topics of wizardly
arts.

Xiat looked over the two items and made a quick brush with
his mind and hands to learn what he could. It took about 10
minutes before he relayed his answers to Zax. " The ring I
called an affinity ring helps to enhance a mage's skills,
and is also bonded to another. Usually the two rings are
used between  a Master and an apprentice, two agents, or
what not, Alone they increase a mage's spells, and used in
together, they help to join the two mages powers. They can
also be used for limited communication. I do not know if
this ring is still part of two or now a stand alone. But
try to pay attention to any signals it might give you Zax.
You are in no danger even if it is still a bonded ring, but
it might prove useful if it is. "

" Now the dagger, I can tell only a little. It is enchanted
with a sharpness to it, but there is another power to it
that I could not decipher. Have you sensed anything about
it? "

Zax recalled the way it had seemed to point to Goshen last
night and said this to Xiat, Zert was startled and worried
about this and at Zax not letting him know at the time, but
would not say anything in front of Xiat. Xiat thought about
what Zax told him, but still had no idea. " It may have
sensed something or someone back the village or something
along that line, or it may have some other power yet to be
found out. It would take a Master Wizard to tell you
exactly without trial and practice, but try to see if it
will tell you more. Take it in hand and let your mind
concentrate on the dagger. "

Zax did so and poured his mind in what Xiat had said to do.
At first nothing was happening, but then the tingle started
up again, more severe. It fact, as he pointed the dagger
towards Goshen and the road they had walked on, it got
almost painful. He involuntarily yelped and opened his
eyes. Zert was there immediately to check on his lover, but
Xiat beat him. The Elf pried the dagger from Zax's hand. "
What did you see or feel Zax? "

Zax looked confused and then talked about the sensations.
Xiat continued after listening to it all. " I think we best
warn the Captain. Something very seriously is wrong here."
They were about to talk with Juris, but then there was no
need. Calls starting to come in and all the soldiers were
quickly on the alert. Xiat turned to Zert and the boys. "
Never mind, They're here. Get to cover, they will be here
soon. "

Zert nodded and pulled Zax with him. Yokus and Ulf went to
a small stand of rocks near where the mules were and loaded
their weapons. Zert and Zax got behind the tree that Zert
had been using during the night for his watch. Juris was
calling out some orders and getting his men into position.
A runner came in and made a report. Orcs and humans, close
to 100, were an hour away, and they had some being with
them. A small giant or an Ogre seemed to be at the rear of
this movement of enemies. A couple of possible spellcasters
were with the group. Juris was not happy, as half of his
men were still not with him, and he had only one mage and
one priest as support besides his men. He hoped that they
might hold out, but it looked like company might have to do
some hit and run attacks, and give up the high ground on
the road. Zert gave prayers to Rawndalla for aid and
looking after the Borderers and his charges.

20 minutes after the initial report, good news came in. The
rest of the company, along with a squadron of light calvary
arrived from Port Nayr, evening out the odds. They had
another mage, as well as Father Galron, a priest of
Priadon, Lord of the Gathered. With these reinforcements,
Juris and the sergeant in charge of the Calvary started to
make plans for a combined attack. They would hold the high
ground against the enemy, using their bows and javelins, as
well as spells from the spellcasters, to whittle down the
enemy, Then when the Orcs charges, to fade back and have
the calvary sweep on the flank. Juris hoped that this could
take out a good portion of their foes before they moved in
for hand to hand combat.

Positioning the men, pulling the horses and mules to a new
fall back position ate up the remaining time. Xiat,
Fenwick, the other mage, and Father Galron prepared their
spells. Zert and Zax stayed out of this planning session,
each of their spell casting skills being minor in relation
to the others. Zert stroked the handle of Nimlas, waiting
for the time when he would draw her and move in against the
hated enemy.

Horns were heard when the outer scouts were sighted and
fought off. Three escaped but one fell to an arrow. They
had killed two of the enemy, but this force was strong,
well equipped and the leaders of the Orc and human company
kept their men in strict discipline. Juris cursed at this,
and knew many of his men would not see the next day. He was
about to signal his men to begin shooting their arrows when
something happened that he was not prepared for. A dark
cloud appeared overhead, blocking out the sunlight, causing
shadows to show. Then a reddish streak came from the cloud.
Xiat and Fenwick tried to dispel it, but before they might
a mighty clash of thunder came from the cloud and with it
drops of a yellowish substance fell. Wherever it hit, it
ate away at trees, weapons and men. Acid and a strong one,
was in those drops and caused fear to spread in the
company. Xiat was able to dispel it before it could do more
damage, but enough had been done. 4 men killed and 7
wounded.

The fear had been done and a mighty cheer rose from the
Orcs. Horns were sounded and a yell of rage came from the
enemy as they charged ahead. The Borderers and the calvary
let loose with their missiles, aided by fireballs from Xiat
and Fenwick. Father Galron called on Priadon to lend
courage and strength to the soldiers and this helped to
combat the fear the men had been feeling. Orcs died as the
arrows and spells did their work, but there were many more
to take their place. Everyone took just enough time to get
a target and loose before reloading.

Zert skewered one Urok subchief with his arrow, aided by
Zax's shot. Ulf and Yokus worked together as well, helping
to kill a pair of humans who overran a soldier. They kept
up their fire as the combat turned into melee. Zax
swallowed bile as the fear of close order combat came at
him. The yells and screams of pain and death in the air
almost made him run, but Zert's presence stopped this. he
concentrated on a clump of enemy and cast his first slumber
spell, downing 5 of them. He quickly cast another at a pair
of Urok's about to get past a defender Borderer and go
after Ulf. The spell worked on one, and Ulf's ax and
Yokus's long dagger took out the other.

Zert was using sword and shield to keep the enemy away from
harming Zax. He sliced and cut at any who came close. The
disorder brought on by the use of spell and counter spell,
ended whatever plan Juris and his men may have used. Xiat
and Fenwick dies under a rush of Orcs, but had been able to
kill two enemy mages and their attending guards before
dying. Father Galron healed Juris from a head wound that
would have killed a lesser man, and got three more wounded
men to safety before a pike took him in the side. Screams
were all about and smell of blood , intestines, and
released bowels filled the battle scene.

It looked like the soldiers might be successful when the
whole situation turned on them. The enemy pulled back but
then a sound unlike any most had heard was filling the air.
A combination of a dog's howl and a troll's roar. Zert knew
that sound. Trolldogs. He was about to pull Zax away to
flee when he felt a flare of energy about him and he was
frozen in place. Held by spell, unable to move or breath.
Helpless for the first enemy to skewer him.

Zax sensed something bad had happened to Zert, but before
he might try anything, a loud deep bass voice came from the
battlefield. " Get the boy! kill everyone else, but GET
that boy. if you kill him, Voidius save you, for I will
not. At all costs, he must be taken alive. "

Zax could not help himself. That voice, which he knew all
to well, caused him to soil himself badly. Blood Ax. He was
here and wanted Zax!! Zax stood there frozen in fear, as
helpless as Zert as the enemy prepared a final attack.

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

So ends Chapter 8. More to come with new surprises. No
promises as to when, but soon enough. Like I have said
before, I am committed to the story.  Till next time folks.


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 stories I drew a little inspiration from.
Really helped to boost my ego. I thank you folks.

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