I stared deep into the eyes of my opponent, the rage evident for all of those circling around the fighting camp. Five meters from him and the light from the shining torches could be seen reflected in the sweat falling down his jaw and also covered his expanding and contracting exposed chest.

From the looks of his breathing, rapid and deep, he's running out of gas. Dusk was falling quickly, the sun positioned right behind me. Right, it's been a long fight, not the most pleasurable for me neither since my right arm is burning with pain as well as my lungs. Let's put an end to this, shall we?

Charging yet again, “mother fucker!” He screamed between howls, incensed. I don’t blame him, to be honest. It’s the fourteenth minute of fight and no blood has been shed by either party. Not for the lack of trying, though. The lunatic was charging at me without stopping for the full length of it.

However, these ceaseless charges were paying its toll despite his evident better-prepared shape. Sidestepping his big swing motions and doing a good shield job blocking the less dangerous ones. For each blow avoided, he would get more tired, both physically and psychologically. So would I, but way slower. I'm not swinging around a hundred pound sword like a stick for the last quarter of an hour, right?

Keeping myself safe from his swings, somehow, was not hard but not easy either. Still, my problem remains unsolved, how can I breach the difference in range from our weapons and win this shit before getting tired or worse, committing a mistake? His sword gave him at least one meter of advantage in reach, plus his large size.

I take the initiative just to be greeted by his heavy horizontal blows. Stay in the defensive and every strike is a struggle to fence off, furthermore for each attack unleashed the following one is always stronger, it's like he's building momentum with each swing. There were few options if every attempt to retaliate was met with failure. Not a good circumstance to be in.

He was a strong man, that was undeniable, two heads taller than me and packed with muscles. But, a pity, his mind works in a different rhythm, a slower one no less. Slow like a turtle if you permit such comparison.

As he charged in my direction, his big sword in the ready to cleave me in half. Getting my shield and sword stance ready, just like boss engraved in my mind after countless hits to my shoulder, hand, neck, head... You get the feeling, right? anywhere she can hit me for my incautious and clumsy stance.

It's time my elaborated plan is set in motion.

A short moment before he started the downward swing, which could be seen coming from miles. His contracting muscles apparent in his sculpted body. I kicked the carefully gathered sand over my foot toward his eyes.

This, of course, wouldn't stop a bull in full charge, neither would it stop the troglodyte. But, the plan wasn't to stop him, it's only that there's no way I'm winning this with brawls.  I had to rely over underhanded methods. The moment the sand left my foot, I sidestepped to his left, lifting the shield close to my body. Not even having the time to make sure the thrown sand had hit the intended target. His sword glanced at my shield forcing me, by its weight and velocity, to position my stance milliseconds before expected.

There are numerous ways to beat him with the brain, though. Not that the one I used was an honored one nor the best one, still, it's better than the alternative.

Should have calculated the momentum interference from the blow, not that being where I wanted to be before the predetermined time would put me in a predicament, but the now probably broken arm is a big problem, though. As the sword slid across my shield in the floor's direction, I stepped forward, gritting my teeth, and stabbed him with my short sword, giving a winning guttural roar... of pain when it finally met the hot flesh of his abdomen claiming the first blood of the fight, as well as the last blood.

Finally, the breath I was holding was released along with the shout. The sword dipped in his gut. Blood flowing out of the small cut carved on his belly. He fell down leaving my sword behind when the strength from his legs vanished and his hand lost grip of the sword stuck on the ground and was functioning as a support.

Holy shit, he stuck it to the ground.

“Sigh” if he hadn't tried to charge me like a blind ox while obfuscated by the setting sun, he would've seen my feet moving right before he swung that barbaric sword mindlessly and acted accordingly, as he had done before countless times. I thought, staring at the sand-covered face of my fallen opponent and drying the sweat over my forehead with a napkin kept in my pocket after my sword was sheathed.

Emotions are the downfall of humans. I thought while pocketing the napkin.

To my luck, cause my shield arm definitely is broken. There is no arm tough enough to go unharmed throughout the monstrous hits from the big fella down here. When I get to my tent I'll have Liz tend to it.

You big but you ain't two, Mate! Right, Liz? There will be a day she will react to my jokes or any of my thoughts whatsoever, I hope. Without her, my loss would be as sure as the rise and fall of the sun.

She played the important role of cushion between shield and skin, minor healings and replenishment of stamina. The outcome would be quite different from the one right now without the alleviated impacts and invigorated energy. With me being the one wasted on the ground right now. A crushed arm and a cleaved body. Not a good ending.

I honestly don't know why the boss lady sent a rookie over to deal with this mess. It's way above my pay grade. The boss should be the one representing the village, from all the duels we've  held together I've never won against her. Not even close. But who knows what she is thinking.

Guess my work here is done for now. I thought while my group shouted from joy. The losers? who cares? Just kidding, they would eventually be our teammates too, must be nice with them. That being said, they were miserable, to say the least. This was all that could be figured out of their indignant face and dark reticence. How come a rookie won against their champion?

"Old man! what have you said about yesterday not interfering with my understanding of 'future past events'?" Nevere said stressing the end with a comical imitation of Hank.

I tried speaking up for Hank. She’s not the only one lost in here and I'm the only one listening to Hank along with her, however, I've heard last night’s story. So, technically he's not wrong when he said it wouldn't jeopardize the story, indeed did not jeopardize it. But the lack of sense from him did, you just don't start a narrative right in the middle of battle, what were you expecting?

"Patience, child. This is the first time I'm narrating a story like this. Let me have some fun." Hank calmly requested of her. And continued without giving her the chance to interrupt again.

Yeah, I'm definitely begging the shit out of Hank for this pen, look at this gorgeous multicolored shade ink.

"That's the broken hand? It's more like a small bruise. Look at the size, Hank, it isn't one inch and you thought it is broken?." Boss Lady said looking with derision at the arm that once was holding the shield, a little purple spot on it.

I confess, there was a little overreaction on my account, but come on. It's the first time confronting someone in a fight with such a big gap in range, I've never been hit so hard in my life. Even when mom would get mad and beat the crap out of me wouldn't hurt so much. I seriously don't know what she thought when appointing me to represent the village.

"Come on, it was hurting so bad. Everyone in the same situation would think it was broken." I retorted in the defensive mode to her blatantly mockery. Such an easy picking for her, how come I end up in those kinds of uncomfortable situations.

"hahahahaha" she gave a small laugh and said: "I know right. The world is filled by the brave." little prick, we've come to know each other for a couple of years and she treats me like that. "How did things go with Blake?" I asked, gladly shifting the subject.

"Thanks to your victory, it went smoothly. By the way, good job with the duel, lad. Blinding the opponent with sand isn't an honorable thing to do but what the hell, right? I was sure you would emerge victorious even without underhanded means." with the thumbs up, she said to me. "As for Blake, he said he'd honor the deal, acknowledging our group as the leader and everything. But I'm afraid this won't be the last time our leadership is questioned. Especially now that we can pressure the others and gather more followers... so, you must keep your body in good shape and hold the leadership of our alliance when they issue a duel as challenge to the spot. " she said in a concerned voice. " as for direct confrontation, you must avoid it at all cost, but if it comes to it, you shall not show mercy!" She said resolutely.

The plan to join forces with the nearby settlements isn't going well. Most leaders don't even come out of their tent to greet us when we go seek their support. And those who welcome us, don't hold us in high regard.

The prospects of our alliance ain't bearing fruits for a myriad of reasons. Two most notable are:

We live in a small village that doesn't even have three hundred heads. Which means we don't have enough men to form a front big enough to give a fight to the orcs, neither pressure the other chiefs to hear us and create a new one. So, most of the time when we come in with the offer for an alliance, we're met with ridicule and mockery. Thus, the lack of men to our cause for the last year of search.

When we can get through this painful interlude of scorn, we have to explain the importance of the agricultural land we're losing to the orcs and that the distance, although big, isn't insurmountable.

After the demons had vanished, the orc tribes started to prosper and grow exponentially since the constant war among themselves isn't enough to keep their numbers down, implicating the need for a shitload of food.

Fucking demons, how can they simply disappear and leave this dire situation for us to take care. They were the one who kept the orcs at bay and controlled the orc's demographics. But now, haha, there's no one capable of stopping them.

There's no mountain range nor any physical barrier preventing them from coming down here. Just a big plain with great soil for cultivation. The agricultural technology they have is way too old and inefficient and they lack the brains, just like the mate I almost killed earlier, to enhance their tools and techniques, thus the need for bigger fertile soil. Of course, their belligerent society promotes those incursions.

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So, to the south, they come. With blood in their eyes and weapons at their hands in search for land and glory.

Explaining shortly: we're fucked

The other day a group of orcs attacked a town near ours. Three people were killed before their warriors could arrive and fight the beasts. The strife went on till the orcs were obliterated, not without putting up a fight, though. Yielding five more fallen by their barbaric armaments.

It's amazing how the other leaders are blind to the threat that the orcs coming from the north represent. I know there are countless villages, towns and a few cities between us. But these numbers are diminishing as they advance inside our territories killing our people.

Maybe those further from the northern human frontier won't see the orcs invading this area so soon, but their sons and grandsons sure will have to deal with it if nothing is done to fortify the north. And by the looks of it, there will be no arrangements ready for now neither when the time of need comes for us.

Then it will be too late, we must move now!

The only bargaining offer we have for now is the chief knowledge. The aggregation of all previous chiefs lifework in the field of sword art knowledge in view of the village protection. After long years of development as they fended the village against wild beasts, and soon to be orcs, the chief popularized the method to all who desire to help with the protection of our home.

Now we sought more man to command and educate. Like me, who started to learn the arts from the lady boss when we met in the woods near mom's and dad's house and taught me in her spare time every now and then. Don't know what she saw inside me to go through all the pain to train a single youth in her tight schedule, but I'm happy she did it. The work in the field isn't my thing, you know? I'm more of the adventurous kind.

Maybe she has a secret crush on me. Right, Liz? I persevere in my futile attempts.

However, the merger of forces with Canute will give us a stronger voice when we court the villages next door. And that's a game changer, as the recruitment pace should increase now, given our bigger contingent. No more ridicule when we set foot on their homes like before, a woman as a leader and a dozen ragged pawns.

No, not anymore. Now we have three dozens ragged pawns.

I know the numbers don't sound as impressive as it truly is, but we live in an era where twenty well armed and trained warriors are a force to be reckoned with.

As for almost forty with some worn out clothes and precarious weapon still can barely count as a strong group.

I hope.

"Guess my long monologue on how we'll end up in a bad situation if we don't band up together opened his eyes." Boss said in a cheerful mood. More like your cleavage showing those big perky boobs opened his eyes, though. But I digress.

Blake was a man from Canute's slums. He was a notorious there, famed for his hiding and assassinating skills. The former chief of Canute, Roland, could attest to it in his grave if he was alive, of course. Murdered balls deep inside whores while the wife sleeps at his big house.

Pitiful, but somehow ironic. As the ladies in his bed were not the only ones fucked in town. Figuratively speaking, of course. He was making the town's life very difficult with the exorbitant taxes and lack of morals. This disregard for the people’s well being culminated in his death.

The adulterous ruler, both romantically and politically, being killed via shady means. A befitting end to a well-known occurrence through the human realm.

Now to the funny piece, Blake was hired to kill Roland by Rupert, one of the merchants he was colluding within the town, intending to claim the lordship of the town. But, destiny laughs at human plans.

After killing Roland, Blake had a brilliant idea: Rupert's plan was a good one and what did he do? Proceeded to kill Roland and stole his plan. After claiming lordship of the town he started a land reform, everybody has land to cultivate. Guess who didn't like this?

Yep, the landowners. But, anticipating the revolt from them he did a preemptive attack. Killing all possible threats. Ruthless I know, but we live in a ruthless world, all is fair. Especially if you're being fucked up in the ass by some greedy motherfuckers.

And I'm not defending myself here just because I won the duel by the use of underhand means.

Nop, not at all.

Now the town is in a precarious situation. They lack protection and organization. But Blake is doing a good job there, as his superb foresight was shown when he accepted to band together with a bunch of beggars. I give five years for him to stabilize the situation and promote growth to the town.

"Right, and what'll you do with the new members from Canute?" I inquired her with a tired voice. It was a hard fight.

Sighting "I don't know yet. Blake can't leave the administration of Canute yet, I'll need to appoint a commander for them" lucky me, I don't have to deal with that bullshit. "Don't you want to do it?" she asked looking at me.

Fuck me. "No?" I tried, but things don't go your way when dealing with the devil. I mean, Boss. "Come on Hank, you already proved yourself to them, it'll be easy to gain their confidence if the one commanding them is trustworthy."

Yeah, they'll love me. Won the duel using underhanded means and must be the younger of the troupe. They sure will relish in their feet like a horse after a mare in heat when they know that a beardless lad who almost killed their best man will boss em around. Great.

"It would be wise if someone with more experience leads them. You know, I'm seventeen, they won't like a pipsqueak leading them." I said with a glimmer of hope in my eyes.

All of it for nothing. "I think you'll make a great leader, and you'll need experience as I intend to make you my second in command when this snowball gets bigger." It keeps getting worse. Listen to what you're talking, listen carefully and you'll see where you're wrong.

But my fate is sealed. I just need to accept it. After a long and slow sight, I said "I guess this been in your head for a long time now." and after a short pause I complemented "I'll accept the offer." I said begrudgingly. Should have said: Whatever, what can I do? "Hey, there's a small lake near town that has beautiful lilies, wanna go there?" I invited her in hopes of appreciating the view with her.

"I'm extremely tired now, and tomorrow morning I'll need to talk to Blake again, besides I already went there and it isn't that exciting. Let's go to sleep, you'll need to be up early too and presentable. Your new squad won't be pleased if their new cap goes there with bloodstained clothes and a broken arm." she said the last sentence while closing the tent flap. Her delightful laughter fading in the night. I can't even get mad at her.

Fuck I'm tired. Yet she wants to increase my workload. Oh life, what have I done to you? And this sticky leather armor and outfit? Damn it all, I'll sleep naked.

"Okay guys, we'll be forming a new squadron and we came to the conclusion that Henry here should be the leader." Blake said in a strict voice at the front wooden gate of Canute. "You must remember him from yesterday as he was the adversary's champion. As prearranged, you must obey his orders while I take care of the town. Are we clear?" he was greeted by a round of "Yes, sir."

Blake, this fella, must be a good leader. Look how obedient they are, maybe my time in here won't be so bad if they put to hearth all his orders.

By my side boss lady questioned, "Why are you scratching yourself so much?". Those fucking bugs, they bit the shit out of me last night. " I slept naked yesterday, and the insects had a little party in my bed, Hank's blood being the main attraction of the night."

She looked at me with a funny face, or was it a look of pity? "Hey, it wasn't my fault. The uniform and the leather armor were all soaked in blood and I didn't have the strength to change to a new set of clothes after the fight.". And I didn't know this would happen. Live and learn, as the saying goes "Right, and you decided to sleep naked while camping? I might regret my decision of making you my second in charge. Now pay attention and don't screw things over, your turn to speak is coming soon". Only now you think of these. The one who is having a second thoughts is me now.

Wait, "My what?" just when my indignant what was pronounced "Now Hank, give a little speech to cheer up the crew." Blake said.

"Hello, I'm Hank. It'll be an honor to lead you guys. What you think of spending the day in a tavern downtown so we can get know each other better? Tomorrow we'll do the task given to us, today we shall party to our heart contents." I'm impressed with myself sometimes, look the wide grin on their faces. Hank, the Supreme squad leader.

"Fuck yeah. Boss is paying the ale!" someone amidst shouted, and they all started to jump and scream like little kids after knowing that their parents are going to take'em to a pastry. Look, I knew it would be easy peasy lemon squeezy. Buzz is the way to friendship.

Wait, I'm overlooking something of paramount importance here.

Oh boy, I fucked up good this time. Hope this promotion comes with a rise in income. Fuck me and my big mouth. Should have just said to make camp here and sing some songs as we chit chat around a bonfire before we go doing tasks the Lady boss has in mind planned for us. Now bankruptcy is, literally, a few meters from me in the form of a shit ton of ale. How in the bloody hell am I supposed to pay beer for twenty robust and probably alcoholic dudes?

"That was better than I expected after yesterday, to be honest. That sand attack had the boys here kinda mad" Blake said in surprise about my idiocy. " You think so? All thanks to your leadership, I just gave a little push here." Just as I was thinking up of a way to pay for this mess that didn't involve weeks of dishwashing, Boss lady stretched her hands with a satchel. Which was picked up as fast as possible and the coins counted in no time.

Nice, 3 silvers should be barely enough to cover for the tavern expenses, thanks boss angel! I thought off in worship.

"This will be your first monthly payment as squad leader number two. Use it wisely" she said with a large grin. Sadistic devil. How come I fell for your graces and believed you would help me out of this. I'll be doomed before my forties if I stay by your side.

Oh, life and its paradoxes.

Wish Liz could speak back to me. I'm sure she can understand me, always shimmering when talked to. Should take her to the lake, think she would be happy to be together with the other lilies. The first time I went there when mom and dad brought us to Canute, at the end of the month of the cave incident, to buy some spice and beverage. I left them with the chores and went to take a look at the lake they had talked to me about.

While admiring the lilies at the lake a shimmering light appeared in my visual range, approaching till she rested over my head. Since then she's been following me around and helping me where she can whenever possible. At the start, she didn't show her magical powers, only when the lady boss started to hang out with me the usefulness of her magic came to my attention and relief. Otherwise, I probably would be dead at the hands of Boss Lady and her hearthless training. Till then she would only accompany me, a lovely and cheerful little fella.

Besides her looks, a little sprout of water-lily but as a blue ethereal existence that can float around me as she wishes, and magical properties, I'm totally ignorant of her origins. But she never went far from me and is always hiding in my clothes when there's someone at sight. Reserved lovely thing. When I thought that she shimmered in glee again, bouncing around in the air. You see? she can understand my thoughts.

Wanna go to the lake tonight after we indulge the new crew? I thought, looking at my chest. The place where she most often rests. A rush of warmth could be felt over my skin. So, to the lake, we go tonight. I sent my intentions to her, and the warmth spread through my chest.

Glad I could make her happy too.

"Old man. What cave are you talking about 'cave incident'?" Nevere barged in. This time more reserved, probably following Hank suggestion of having patience.

"Oh, an easy to correct mistakes, lass. Got trapped in a cave at the age of fifteen. Mom and Dad were super concerned." Hank said impassively.

I won't sell Hank here.

"Why Jake didn't show uncertainty in his face when you mentioned it?" She continued with the inquires. Well, guess Hank is screwed now.

"Hmm" he hummed slowly. " Sometimes, as you get old, you start to forget some things. You know?".

“I don't, look at me at the peak of my beauty and power. Anyway, what about the elemental, how did it start to follow you out of nowhere? And where’s she now, I’ve never seen her around you in all those years.” Nevere asked again. As for claiming that her wisdom and beauty are at the peak ain't a smart move. There's an explanation for it. When you say you reached the peak means that you achieved the maximum potential you can reach in a certain area, in this case: beauty and power, which means from here onward is all downhill.

“Easy there, lass. There's plenty of time till the story unveil those mysteries by itself. I myself took centuries to uncover them. You're young and have time to wait a little more.”

"But h-" she started again. "Rush, kid. Let me continue the story." turning to look at me, Hank questioned, "By the way, Jake, how are you doing with the pen?".

"Everything is fine, Hank. the ink that comes out of it is superb. It's as you have said, live and learn." the situation here is different but still.

"Ok. If you get tired, give me heads up and we'll take a rest."

"Sure, Hank." but why would I need to rest if I'm only writing under this magnificent tree, sitting on a Taylormade chair and table, with this most satisfying pen. This is the dream.